Justin Smith, Saxum’s proprietor and wildly successful winemaker, is, first and foremost, a family man. This comes across in so many ways. For instance, his dad’s mother’s maiden name is Stone. This inspired…
Quick recap. Sam Johnson (purveyor of big cats and craft beer) has found the perfect place for his unique venture, “Growlers – Felines & Ale.” There you can find jaguars dripping blood while…
Ripped from the headlines: “FBI says Russian hackers responsible for cyberattack on fuel pipeline” — ABC News, May 11, 2021; “A Russian group claimed responsibility for pipeline ransomware attack” — MSNBC, May 10, 2021;…
As some of you may remember, I’ve written three times about Epoch Winery and its esteemed winemaker, Jordan Fiorentini. So, once more into the breach. In August 2020, my wife,…
So, you’ve sold two of your wine labels for a reported $40 million at a wizened old age of 37. Next? Enjoy life, raise your kids, travel? If you’re Dave Phinney, the answer is…
This is the story of how a rancher became one of the preeminent wine merchants in California. Clyde Beffa (pronounced Bef faw) owes his wine celebrity to Playboy magazine. While on his honeymoon in 1971,…
So, continuing my conversation with Sam Johnson (purveyor of big cats and craft beer) about the lease he desperately wants to sign. After all, he’s solved location and price. What else is…
Growing up in the wine capital of the world — St. Louis — Anthony Yount realized at a young age that he wanted to make wine his life because, “It’s a great way to…
Sam Johnson’s unique combination of big cats and craft brewery ale had grown considerably from its debut out in the hinterlands of the Antelope Valley. Now, Sam wanted something better located…
COVID-19 sucks, big time! I sorely miss dining indoors, hugging my friends, going wine tasting, and just generally being normal. I try to quell my anxiety by remembering what life used to be…
Yes, it’s been a while. This whole pandemic has significantly impacted wine tourism while having minimal effect on the wine industry otherwise. This column is about the last interview I had at a wine event almost…
For those employers dreading Nov. 4 (the day after the election) for whatever reason, let me assure you that there are more challenges facing you come 2021. Here are some…
Ah, Sea Smoke, that most evocative of winery names. It conjures up images of ocean breezes, coastal morning dew, and the fires for toasting the barrels. And, it has a…
Ah, before the days and ravages of COVID-19. Back when you could gather hundreds or even thousands of folks (WITHOUT MASKS!! — can you believe it?), standing than 6 feet…
So, if you wanted to learn more about pinot noir, or, if you thought you knew all about California pinot, but you failed to experience The World Of Pinot Noir…
Quandary: After 35 years of marriage, what to do on Valentine’s Day? Fortunately, Salt Creek Grille comes through! Terry and I decided to hold our own little wine tasting while…
If you missed Epoch’s spectacular wine tasting at Salt Creek Grille, then you missed an epic event. Fabulous wine, delicious food and strong community support for an important local resource…
THE TEST – DOES BORDEAUX AGE GRACEFULLY? I’ve told you before how much I respect the operation at K & L Wines, the retailer from the Bay Area that opened…
Following up on my last column about the Wine Advocate’s Matter of Taste held in Napa, let’s talk about some of the amazing wines poured. The Debate Winery offered three…
In the employment law field, everyone’s talking about Assembly Bill 5, the new law that’s supposed to address all the confusion about who is and who isn’t an independent contractor.…
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