Wine

Wedding Wines

2009-07-02T18:42:50Z

By Courtney Cochran

As every bride-to-be knows, a wedding is about much more than just the ceremony - it's also about the many special occasions (Dress shopping! Shower! Bachelorette!) leading up to "the big event."

What's more, every oeno-inclined bride-to-be also knows that each and every one of these occasions is destined to be still more memorable when paired with the perfect glass of wine.

In this spirit, read on for our complete list of wine suggestions for weddings - as well for all of the associated fêtes that come before happily ever after. ]]> The Proposal
For many couples, the day they become engaged goes down as one of the most memorable of the entire "getting hitched" process. It also qualifies as one of those rare moments in life when Champagne - and good Champagne, at that - is practically a requirement. So once the question's been popped, pop the cork on a classic sparkler like Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque ($150) (yes, the one with the gorgeous art nouveau flowers on the bottle), or reach for an excellent multi-vintage like Gosset ($30) for a more value-oriented pour.

The Engagement
Fêting your engagement with family and friends calls for wines with fresh and crowd-pleasing flavors that reflect the optimism felt by all. To wit, Sauvignon Blanc from warmer climes (think Napa, Lake County) offers plenty of layered flavors without too much mouth-puckering acidity (Spanish Albariño is a good choice for this reason, too). When it comes to a red, consider a cool-climate charmer without too much oak influence; Cru-level Beaujolais from France works well here, as does tank-aged Tempranillo from California or its native Spain.

The Dress
The first major wedding "event" many a bride tackles after the engagement, bridal dress shopping is often a group affair, with mothers, maids of honor and - for some brides - a veritable entourage of attendants and friends along to lend input and share in the fun. To mark this decidedly celebratory affair, brides may wish to uncork something rich and a little decadent for their gang, either during or après-shopping; we like good-quality oaked Chardonnay for the occasion (think Puligny-Montrachet, Napa or Santa Rita Hills), or - surprise, surprise - bubbles.

The Shower
Bridal showers are famous for bringing together a variety of guests - from close family to cousins, friends and even business acquaintances - and with them a variety of palates. This is why serving several wines in a variety of styles (think white, rosé and red) is a good idea at a shower - and also provides an opportunity to serve more adventurous styles than you may at the wedding. Wines you might consider include floral, exotic Marsanne (white), rosé of Grenache/Garnacha and elegant, light-bodied Cabernet Franc (red).

The Bachelorette
Something racy in the vino department is definitely in order for this night that's long been the symbolic "end" of a bride-to-be's singleness. As such, look for statement wines that pack lots of visual and flavor impact; we like red bubblies such as sparkling Shiraz (dry) and Brachetto d'Acqui (sweet, Italy) for maximum drama. For something still more exotic, try a medium sweet rose-hued sparkler from southeastern France's Bugey Cerdon - a rare treat that pairs perfectly with chocolate-dipped strawberries. Lingerie and sexy games optional. ;)

The Rehearsal
Typically held the night before the wedding, the rehearsal dinner is a decidedly special event - but should never outshine the following night when it comes to pomp and circumstance. As a result, wines should settle nicely into the background here (the better to make way for speeches, after all): As for whites, look to familiar favorites such as Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay or a good dry Riesling (think Mendocino, New York or Washington State); for reds, look to reliable classics like good quality Merlot, a Bordeaux blend or a supple Pinot Noir.

The Cocktail
Following the ceremony (congratulations, dashing Mr. & Mrs.!), your guests will be looking to celebrate with a glass of something refreshing and elegant. Generally, having at least one white wine and one red wine available is a good idea, and offering sparkling wine or Champagne as well is a nice touch.
Choose wines you genuinely like and that are likely to hold broad appeal; for off-the-beaten path options with lots of appeal, try domestic Pinot Grig/io (white), Italian or domestic Barbera (red) and Grenache from France, Spain or California.

The Dinner
For ease of planning (and who couldn't use a little of this when it comes to a wedding?!), you may choose to pour your cocktail wines at dinner, too.
Regardless, serving two wines - a white and red - that complement the meal you're serving is a must. Some all-time favorites with notable food affinities with which you may not be familiar include Sangiovese (as in Chianti Classico), Tempranillo (think Spain's Rioja) and Côtes du Rhone reds from France. For whites, see elsewhere in this piece: your options are numerous (and duly noted)!

The Toast
For many newlyweds the most momentous part of the reception, the toast is a symbolic tribute to the union you've just made official. And while some couples insist on pouring the finest sparkling wine they can afford, others are comfortable toasting with less fancy stuff. Depending on your budget and thoughts on the matter, select accordingly; for a detailed rundown on the many options in sparkling wine available from France to California, click here. From Cristal to Cava, you're sure to find something that suits. Cheers to that!

Honeymoon
Now that the pressure leading up to the big day has passed, it's your time to unwind, relax and - most importantly - have fun! This is why a honeymoon calls for playful, romantic wines in which you might not otherwise indulge - think pink bubblies, sweet Rieslings and other dessert wines (this is no time for diets!), Port and fortified wines (decadent? absolutely!), exotic whites and soulful reds. After all, this is the beginning of happily ever after - a moment meant to sipped, savored and treasured forever. A moment for wonderful wines, if ever there was.

Wine Country Personality: Chris Pisani - Winemaker

2009-06-23T20:21:10Z

What do you get when you mix Brooklyn attitude with Napa style? The answer is some great tasting wine. Chris Pisani, Winemaker for ZD Wines, is a rare combination of east coast street smart and California cool. Growing up in a big Italian family, Chris learned to appreciate the very things that make Napa so memorable: great food, wine and company. This real-world education made him a perfect fit at ZD Wines where family is the cornerstone of the winery's values, and great wine and food fall close behind.

During his formative years, Chris studied chemistry in college while spending time with his now-wife, Ina, whose father happened to make wines out of their house in Newburgh, New York. Chris watched, learned, experimented and soon he was hooked. The seed was planted and before long, Chris and Ina were moving to California for a taste of life in the wine country.]]>
Robert deLeuze, CEO/Winemaster for ZD Wines, was attending a job fair at UC Davis to potentially meet his next Assistant Winemaker and Chris was eager for the opportunity. They met, talked, had an instant rapport and soon Chris was joining the ZD team. When asked what made Chris stand out amid all of the other hungry soon-to-be winemakers, Robert deLeuze stated that, "Chris is an articulate, well-educated, charming man with an infectious passion for his work. He brings a wealth of knowledge to ZD, making wines (which can often be intimidating) accessible and fun."

Beginning in 1996 as an enologist, Chris quickly took on the role of Assistant Winemaker in 1998, working closely with Robert to understand the tradition and techniques that make up the ZD style. Three years later, Chris was in for another surprise when Robert deLeuze announced that after fifteen years as Winemaker he was stepping back from his role to spend more time on the management of the winery. Chris, in turn, would take over as Winemaker.

Five short years after joining the winery, Chris was responsible for producing ZD's signature-style well balanced, fruit-driven Chardonnays; intense, flavorful Pinot Noirs; and opulent, rich Cabernet Sauvignons. "It is important to maintain the commitment to quality that makes ZD Wines so unique," claims Chris. "As a family owned and operated business it is rare to see that level of commitment and I feel such a sense of pride knowing that the wines we produce are crafted from the best possible grapes, with an attention to winemaking that comes from ZD's 40 years of history and experience. When creating a wine, we create it with the customer in mind, with our fans in mind, not the critics. By enjoying our wines, they are sharing in our history, in our heart, and in the passion that we put forth every day. It's why we do what we do."

After thirteen years, ZD Wines is still thrilled to have Chris on board, helping to produce the wines that have garnered recognition in the spirit that drives our time-honored traditions.

To learn more about Chris and ZD's winemaking process, schedule a private tour and tasting with him for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Tours: By Appointment Only. CLICK HERE to learn more.

ZD Wines
8383 Silverado Trail
Rutherford, CA 94558
info@zdwines.com
www.zdwines.com

Burn, Baby, Burn: Best Wines for BBQ

2009-06-22T17:31:22Z

A Sommelier Sheds Light on the Best Wines for BBQ
by Courtney Cochran

Firing, roasting, and grilling are decidedly du rigueur during the summer months, but finding wines that work well with this tricky fare can be a challenge. Just as shining a spotlight on an actor onstage brings her features into focus for an audience, these cooking methods serve to concentrate the flavors of whatever's being cooked, necessitating a wine with both strength and personality to stand up to the food.

Read on for the low-down on some of the more common characteristics of flame-cooked fare and how to track down the perfect wines to pair with these traits. ]]> Cooking Method
When pairing wines with foods that have been cooked over flames, it's important to consider the nature of the cooking method:

Grilling introduces flavors of char to a dish since it involves direct contact between the food and a grill.

      Recommended wines
      Oaked Chardonnay (grilled fish) - Bordeaux reds, especially from appellations Pauillac
      and St. Estêphe(grilled meats) - Fumé Blanc (grilled vegetables)

Roasting, on the other hand, does not introduce these flavors since there's no contact between the food and grill; dishes that have been roasted, instead, tend to have strong savory flavors thanks to the protracted nature of the cooking method.

      Recommended wines
      Southern French reds, especially from appellations Côtes-du-Rhône Villages and
      Châteauneuf du Pape (roasted meats including pork and chicken) - Syrah, especially
      from France's Côte-Rôtie and Australia's Barossa (roasted meats).

Firing, finally, introduces flavors to food often described as "blackened" as a result of the direct contact between flame and food.

      Recommended wines
      Pinot Gris, especially from France's Alsace (blackened fish and light meats) - Petite
      Sirah, especially from California's Amador County (fired dark meats)

Sauce Stats
Another key consideration when pairing wines with flame-cooked fare is the kind of sauce (if any) that's been used in preparing the dish:

BBQ sauce is notoriously sweet, a result of the generous amount of sugar added to most commercial blends. This sweetness should be matched by a fruity sweetness in your wine (wines that are overly tannic or lacking in fresh fruit flavors will taste unappetizingly dry by comparison).

      Recommended wines
      Fruity California Zinfandel, especially from Lodi, Chilean Merlot, and South African or
      Australian Shiraz (barbecued meats, including chicken and pork)

Pepper and herbs abound in "rubs" that are often applied to meat before it hits the grill. These translate directly to flavors found in the finished dish, and as such should be considered in your wine selection. Wines with peppery or herbal nuances work swimmingly in these instances; those without these notes are at risk of tasting overly fruity and one-dimensional.

      Recommended wines:
      Italian reds including Barbera and Brunello, Southern French reds and rosés, and
      mature Spanish reds from Rioja and Navarra (light and dark meats)

Fruit salsas and glazes are some of the trickiest accompaniments to wine. Often intensely sweet in nature, these require wines that are both fruity and low in tannin, since the latter tastes terrifically dry with sweet foods.

      Recommended wines:
      Riesling, especially Kabinett-level versions from Germany (light meats, fish, and
      chicken) - Gewurztraminer (fish and chicken) - French Beaujolais, made from the fruity,
      low-tannin Gamay grape (dark meats)

Wine Jobs 2.0

2009-06-19T13:19:39Z

By Courtney Cochran

Used to be, all you had to do when applying for a job was submit a resume and show up for the interview. Not any more. In today's era of Web 2.0 (see Facebook , TwitterTasteLive , Wine 2.0 , et al), you've also got to prove you can create a one-(wo)man social media empire more or less out of thin air - and do so in the course of a one-minute online video that you (with your stealth online video producing prowess) produce, natch. If all this has you yearning for days when job searching only required a new suit and a few angst-inducing, in-person (read: private) interviews, you're not alone. You may, however, be missing the boat.]]> Goode Jobs Don't Come Easy Anymore
Missing the boat, that is, if you're applying for one of the new Social Media Specialist positions being offered by some of the more adventurous wine companies, such as Sonoma's Murphy Goode . In a move widely upheld as one of the most effective PR moves in the wine biz in recent years, the winery has captured the attention of media outlets as far away as London and India with its "A Really Goode Job" search, which requires applicants to submit a one-minute video of themselves explaining why they're the best fit for the winery's newly created "Wine Country Lifestyle Correspondent" job. And though the "dream job" concept isn't exactly novel - it's been done before in Australia - it IS absolutely effective: at press time more than 1,300 Videos had been uploaded and countless blog pages and Twitter accounts launched - all of which increase awareness for the family-run operation.

Oh, and there is an upside to all this effort: the applicant selected gets to live rent-free in Sonoma for six months at a salary of $10,000 a month ; the only catch is he or she's gotta create that social media empire single-handedly at the same time. For the right Mr. or Ms. Wine 2.0, that may not be such a stretch.

Pinot.com

2009-06-16T18:51:17Z

If you love Pinot (and all it's variations), then Pinot.com is the site for you.

Discover the "sensuality" of Pinot Noir . . .

Plan to attend upcoming Pinot wine events around the country....

Pair some of your favorite dishes with Pinot...

Read recommendations on what Pinots to buy and drink...

Remember...there can "Pinot" no others!

www.pinot.com

Italian Wine

2009-06-02T21:54:56Z

By Courtney Cochran

Italian wines have long been some of the best buys in imported wine, and even with the dollar's relatively weak position vis à vis the Euro they continue to offer terrific value to domestic shoppers. To get a jump on the trend, read on for a list of some of my top picks in Italian vino, conveniently arranged by region. For purchasing information, visit wine-searcher.com. Salute!

Piedmont
The gorgeously fog-draped vineyards of northwestern Italy's Piedmont turn out some of the world's most sought-after reds, particularly those crafted from the expressive Nebbiolo grape. Named for the nebbia (fog) so common in the region, the grape reaches its finest expressions in reds from Barolo and Barbaresco, though better value can be found in versions from lesser-known sub-regions. To wit, the 2007 Elio Grasso "Gavarini" DOC Nebbiolo d'Alba ($25) enchants with much of Barolo's power and finesse, for a fraction of the price.
]]> Veneto
Northeastern Italy is home to more than just the famously water-encircled city of Venice: It's also ground zero for some of the finest sparkling wine bargains in the world. Made by the Charmat method of bubbly production - which uses pressurized tanks to create fizz - Veneto sparklers like the NV Bellussi Prosecco di Valdobbiadene ($13) make the perfect wine vehicles for the likes of picnics, tailgates, and other festive outdoor affairs. Watch for subtle sweetness, crisp acidity and approachable flavors of pear, flowers and a hint of citrus.

Montalcino
The hills surrounding the postcard-perfect village of Montalcino give way to the highly coveted Sangiovese-based reds of the Brunello di Montalcino appellation. And while these wines - which I like to call "the Ferraris of Tuscany" - can be pricey, producer La Fortuna offers an outstanding price-to-value punch in the form of its 2003 La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino ($40). Italian wine lovers will delight in the wine's beguiling aromas of musky red fruits, leather and smoke followed by suave notes of plum, tobacco and leather on the palate.

Trentino-Alto Adige
The mountainous Trentino-Alto Adige near the Swiss border in northern Italy is nearly as famous for its mineral-driven white wines as for its outstanding outdoor sporting options. There, the 100-year-old Cantina San Paolo produces distinctive white wines that are among the best in the country; don't miss 2007 San Paolo Pinot Bianco Alto Adige Exclusiv Plötzner ($25), a full-bodied romp of a white wine redolent with aromas of tropical fruits backed by laser-like acidity and a finely etched lemon finish. A food wine par excellence.

Chianti Classico
Chianti DOCG - a vast appellation in Tuscany that produces an astounding amount of wine - can be inconsistent stuff, but the more highly regulated Chianti Classico DOCG designation is almost always a sure-fire bet when it comes to tracking down stellar quality in Italian red wine. To that end, the 2005 Rocca di Montegrossi Chianti Classico ($26) ably combines the Sangiovese grape's trademark black cherry flavors with nuanced notes of lilac and mineral. Awarded 2 Glasses by the prestigeous Gambero Rosso review, it's pretty near a sure bet.

Campania
Encompassing a jaw-dropping stretch of coastline south of Rome (yes, I'm talking about the Amalfi Coast), Campania is a region that has long been lauded for its wine and cuisine. And, thanks to a recent upswell of interest and investment in the area's wines, we're now seeing more and more delicious examples on store shelves stateside. To wit, the 2006 Terre del Vulcano Fiano di Avellino ($16) is a full-bodied white that packs unusually powerful aromatics of hazelnuts alongside food-friendly structure and a long rich finish. Si, grazie!

Puglia
Italy's largest wine producing region by volume, sunny southern Puglia is turning heads with its rapidly improving wines. Fueled by energy and capital from local entrepreneurs and outside investors alike, the best Pugliese wines make the most of the region's abundant sunshine and mineral-rich soils. To wit, Tormaresca's Boca di Lupo ($38), a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) and the hearty Aglianico, offers deeply saturated flavors alongside well-integrated oak in an international style reminiscent of California's flavorful full-bodied reds.

Marches
The rolling calcerous hills that surround the stylish coastal city of Ancona on Italy's Adriatic coast produce some of the country's most sought-after whites. For a song, the 2006 Fattoria Laila Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi ($11) delivers complexity alongside refreshment in a way unique to Italian whites; watch for layered aromas and flavors of flowers, pear, vanilla and almonds before a satisfyingly long crisp finish. In all, it's an appealingly balanced white that's perfect for pairing with the likes of poultry, vegetables and - of course - seafood.

Sicily
The wonderfully deep-hued Nero d'Avola grape - native to southern Sicily - is the basis of the rightly affordable 2007 La Segreta Rosso IGT Sicilia ($12) from Planeta. The refreshing red - raised entirely sans oak in stainless steel - also encompasses a unique blend of international varieties including Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc that together lend the full-bodied red an appealing degree of polish, roundness and approachability rarely seen in wines of its price. Often compared to spicy New World Syrah, it's an ideal wine for casual fare like pizzas.

Emilia-Romagna
This province in north-central Italy is known for growing some of the country's most eccentric wines, and certainly Lambrusco is nothing if not eccentric! A dry, fizzy red wine made to drink within the year it's created, Lambrusco is best served cold along with a plate of meats like those made so well in nearby Bologna. Try Barbolini's non-vintage "boutique" Lambrusco ($13) for a fun, fizzy ride - not to be taken too seriously, but absolutely mean to be enjoyed.

Beviamo!

The Vulgarization of Rosé, and Other Things the French Fear

2009-05-25T13:35:55Z

By Courtney Cochran

Chère Rosé, you mean the world to me. You are so pure, your flavors so balanced (More approachable than red! More filling than white!) I find myself fantasizing about you night and day. Often I picture myself, feet up at the end of a long day, meditating on your pale pink robe, pausing to savor a sip so lush it takes my breath away.

O Rosé! You are so refreshing, you are so lively, you are the perfect companion to a slice of pâté or nutty frommage comté.

I love you just as you are - never change, Rosé!

Signed,

Your Biggest (AKA most loyal, ahem) French Fan

]]> Mon Dieu! Rosé At Risk
You don't have to be a die-hard rosé fan to know there's something enchanting about the appealing style of wine that's neither white nor red. And while much has been made over the years about pink wines' romantic appeal, pitch-perfect summer coloring and remarkable flexibility in food pairing, little fuss has generally been raised about the way in which it's made.

Until now, that is.

With the EU on the brink of approving a controversial proposal that will allow European table wine producers to make rosé from a blend of red and white wine - in effect relaxing traditionally strict regulations that deemed rosé could only be made from red grapes, and by a process known as saignée (which means, effectively, to bleed color off of the skins of said red grapes) - scores of vintners in staunchly traditional France are raising cries of disapproval.

To Bleed or Not to Bleed, That Is the Question
Of course, the French are famous for doing things just so and declaring anything that flies in the face of so-called tradition a scandal (you may recall McDonald's bombings , crusades against fake luxury goods production and the like among the canon of French protest movements). And producers may very well have a quality-control argument on their side, given that lifting restrictions on rosé production could result in significant amounts of sub-par rosé appearing on the market - which would no doubt erode the reputation of good-quality French rosé to a certain extent.

But with competition from New World rosé regions such as the US and Australia (two nations that permit blending in rosé production) on the up, rosé's biggest French fans may face a losing battle. At the end of the day, we live in a global marketplace - one where goods from around the world are widely available and often compete head-to-head on store shelves - and France's loosening of restrictions will allow its rosé vintners to compete on a level playing with rosés of all stripes. The way I see it, should French vintners choose to use the "short-cut" blending method of rosé production, so be it; and should they elect to persevere in making traditional rosés from the saignée method, so much the better for the stalwart producers who do.

The bottom line is that everyone can win with these changes. Just don't bother trying to console Rosé's Number One Fan - he's probably preoccupied plotting how to blow up the folks behind the new proposal.

Wine Cocktails for your Summer Barbecue

2009-05-21T17:10:40Z

One of the biggest BBQ weekends is upon us. Folks around the country will be pulling out their grills and barbecuing up a storm - ribs, chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers - you name it, it's on the grill. What's a little barbecue without a couple of beers and of course wine! There are scores of white wines to serve chilled as a fresh, cool respite from the heat or of course the ever popular pairing of Zinfandel later on in the evening.

But why not try some wine cocktails this year:

Bellini

Bellini cocktail

Other wine cocktail recipes:

Pinot Grigio Wine Cocktail
Get the recipe & watch the video on how to make!

Champagne Punch
Breezy summer drink recipe by Martha Stewart.

Sangria
What would summer be without a little sangria! Find the basic recipe and several variations like "Peach & Orange Sangria, Citrus Sangria, etc."

Wine Tasting Etiquette

2009-05-21T15:00:04Z

Apparently there is a certain etiquette to wine tasting. If so, I should enroll some of my friends who seem to think it is impolite to not drink all the wine offered and after two wineries are tipsy. Then, of course there is always the one guy in the group who wants to showcase that he just read wine basics 101 online. Hint: No one cares. Let us enjoy the wine in peace or at least hear from the expert behind the wine tasting counter.

Columnist Nathaniel Bauer knows who you are and he has compiled together 10 etiquette tips for wine tasting.

Some you might know, others may be new, either way, it's always good to review! Read full article here.

Ruby Hill Winery - a Gem of a Winery

2009-05-20T21:53:02Z

By The Sipping Savant

Ruby Hill ... it really is a gem! My first visit to this winery was when I attended a great event next door at Casa Real in November last year. Since I had arrived early I wandered next door into the Tasting Room. Wow!

Not only did I get to learn about some great new wines at very reasonable prices ($12 to $30 a bottle), meet some down to earth "Tasting Coaches", I also did a large amount of my holiday shopping too! ]]>
My second visit, in March was just as joyful. I tried some new releases and benefitted from some more 'retail therapy' with their great merchandise finds. Hope my third trip will be for one of their Friday evening events. Fridays, Debbie, the Tasting Room Manager hires local musicians to "pair" with the great wine, food and casual 'bling' crowd that gathers. Many of their guests are members of a Gem Society, but all are welcome!

Ruby Hill Winery, 400 Vineyard Ave. Pleasanton., (925) 931-WINE (9463)

Wine Country Personality: Eva Bertran

2009-05-18T13:31:59Z

Like Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, Executive Vice President Eva Bertran is a dynamic blend of Spanish style, California charisma and Sonoma Carneros sparkling wine expertise. Part of the original team who helped to launch Gloria Ferrer, Bertran left her native Spain--where her own family was in the wine business--and settled in Sonoma 20 years ago. Since 1986, she has passionately promoted Gloria Ferrer wines, expertly leading diverse aspects of the business as enthusiastically as if it were her own family winery.

"There's a real Spanish sense of family here," explains Bertran of Gloria Ferrer's close-knit, collaborative team. "We pride ourselves on taking care of our employees." It's a tradition that began more than a century ago at Freixenet, which proudly employs people who are the third and even fourth generation of the same family to work for the sparkling wine house.

]]> Bertran, who joined Gloria Ferrer upon receiving her master's in international management from Spain's top business school, ESADE University, has played an important role in fostering this Catalonian company culture from every facet of the business. Over the years, she has worked in roles ranging from director of finance to head of Gloria Ferrer's wine education program.

Today, as executive vice president, Bertran remains deeply committed to her wine educator role. "Many people find wine and food pairing intimidating, and they are even less sure of what to serve with sparkling wine," observes Bertran. In response, Gloria Ferrer has developed an eye-opening palate tasting seminar that focuses on sparkling wine's compatibility with a broad array of foods from salty to fatty to spicy.

Bertran travels the world as an international brand ambassador for Gloria Ferrer, leading sparkling wine and food pairings for consumers, trade and media. Her 20-minute crash course in sparkling wine and its versatility with food is profoundly persuasive. "The response is the same every time," she observes. "People always say, 'I had no idea sparkling wine went with all these foods!' It's exciting to show them that sparkling wine is much more than a celebration beverage--it is something to enjoy every day."

Bertran is equally involved in her local wine community. A past-president of the Sonoma County Vintners, she remains an active member in the association, while also working closely with the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers, the Carneros Wine Alliance and the Wine Institute.

For many years, Bertran has been blissfully at home in Sonoma County, where her life, work and family are nurtured by the vitality of northern California wine country. Since 1990, she has shared this passion with husband David Brown, Gloria Ferrer's vice president of marketing and advertising. "After 20 years, the wine industry continues to fascinate me," says Bertran. "The business is forever changing and I'm always learning something new about winegrowing, the vineyards and the land. I can't wait to see what the next 20 years at Gloria Ferrer will bring."

At Home with Eva Bertran

Bertran complements her love of food and wine with her zeal for skiing, biking and swimming. Having studied with the famous Catalan Chef Montserrat Segui, she enjoys preparing traditional Catalan dishes inspired by her grandmother, Teresa. Bertran lives in Sonoma with her husband, David, and their sons, Paul and Jack.

Cool, Refreshing White Wines for Summer

2009-05-15T17:05:49Z

It's not officially summer, but it's starting to warm up across the country. Which can only mean one thing - break out the tank tops, shorts, BBQ grills, a couple of beers and of course some wine to relax with in the backyard.

Gary from WineLibrary TV has some excellent suggestions for chill, crisp, white wines.

Days of Wine and Mutts

2009-05-12T13:10:31Z

These wineries not only tolerate dogs-they warmly welcome them

By Andrea Stutzman

As seen in Napa Sonoma Magazine

Even dogs need a break from the monotony of the workweek. Instead of leaving your dog at home when you hit the wineries, why not bring her along? Many destinations have their own dogs and welcome your well-behaved pooches. Here are a few that are especially dog friendly.

CLICK HERE - To Order your personal copy of Napa Sonoma Magazine

Additional Dog Friendly Articles:

Dog Friendly Wineries in Napa Valley

Kunde: Wag-Worthy Winery

Pet-Friendly Lodging in Wine Country

Ruff Hotels

Wine Country Itinerary: Anderson Valley

2009-05-11T17:15:14Z

By Courtney Cochran

Bucolic Anderson Valley is fast taking off as one of the nation's most buzz-worthy wine regions, but you wouldn't know it to wind among the valley's verdant vineyards, gently rolling hills and towering redwoods on twisting Highway 128. Situated some 75 miles north of San Francisco, the valley - home to show-stopping Pinot Noir and palate-quenching whites - exudes a peaceful serenity that seems diametrically opposed to its escalating notoriety. To see for yourself what all the (low-key) buzz is about, follow this itinerary for a rewarding day of wining and dining among the vines - Mendocino style. ]]> Stop 1: Scharffenberger Cellars
There's no better way to wake up your palate - as well as your party - than by making your first stop a sparkling house. And with its gracious period architecture and ebullient gardens, the tasting room at sparkling powerhouse Scharffenberger Cellars welcomes as much with its charm as with the promise of award-winning sparklers on hand for sipping inside. Bonus: Tasting fees at this Anderson Valley stalwart are rightly reasonable, and a rotating display of artists' works makes for eye candy to go along with your sips.
Tasting Room: 8501 Highway 128, Philo, CA 94566. Open daily 11am-5pm.
(tel) (707) 895-2957
Tasting Fee: $3

Lunch: Picnic Makes Perfect
Picturesque Anderson Valley doesn't afford much in the way of dining options, but that's hardly a problem given the propensity for area tasting rooms to offer picnic amenities. To wit, plan on an early afternoon picnic lunch at your second stop, Husch Vineyards, where the friendly tasting room staff will gladly set you and your group up for an alfresco meal powered by provisions you've picked up along the way. Score sandwiches at nearby Anderson Valley Market in Boonville (707-895-3019), which makes them to-order, or find another spot that suits your tastes. Tip: most wineries require you to consume wine purchased on-premise when picnicking, which means you'll need to spring for a bottle from the spot's tasting room if you plan to sip during your meal.

Stop 2: Husch Vineyards
The oldest winery in the Anderson Valley, Husch beckons with its cozy, country-quaint tasting room, value-priced wines and complimentary pours. Once you've sampled the likes of the spot's popular whites (think crisp Sauvignon Blanc, elegant Chardonnay and aromatic Gewürtraminer) and at least a dash of Husch's soulful Pinot Noir, head outside for an alfresco lunch under grape arbors overlooking the valley's wow-worthy rolling hills.
Tasting Room: 4400 Highway 128, Philo, CA 95466. Open daily 10am-5pm (winter), 10am-6pm (summer). (tel) (800) 55-HUSCH
Tasting Fee: Free; includes 6 complimentary tastes

Stop 3: Handley Cellars
Just a stone's throw across 128 brings you and your group to your next stop. With a broad selection of white, rosé and after-dinner sippers custom tailored to pair with international fare, Handley Cellars offers an array of adventurous sips that complement the tasting room's eclectic collection of Oaxacan, Balinese and African folk art. Call ahead to arrange a "Culinary Adventure" pairing - part of a program inspired by the spot's folk art that matches wine with foods from around the globe.
Tasting Room: 3151 Hwy. 128, Philo, CA 95466. Open daily 10am-5pm (winter), 10am-6pm (summer). (tel) (707) 895-3876
Tasting Fee: Free; includes 8 complimentary tastes

Passport to Sonoma Valley - May 16th & 17th

2009-05-08T16:19:48Z

Explore Sonoma Valley with a passport to over 50 wineries showcasing the very best of their current wine releases, library wines, and special bottlings! The event is next weekend May 16th & 17th from 11am to 4 p.m. and promises to be two fun-filled days of wine tasting festivities including food pairings and entertainment.

Your passport includes a commemorative wine glass, unlimited wine tastings at participating wineries, discounts on wine purchases, and entry to some of Sonoma Valley's wineries normally not open to the public. Additionally, for the first time, participating wineries are partnering with their growers and pouring their best wines in the vineyards where the grapes are sourced giving Passport holders the ultimate grape to glass tasting experience.

On the day of the event or if you wait to buy tickets, check in at one of the four designated "start" locations - Viansa Winery & Marketplace, Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery, Valley of the Moon Winery and Ledson Winery & Vineyards.

Don't miss out on this wine tasting event, buy your tickets online today!

What: Passport to Sonoma Valley

When: Saturday, May 16th and Sunday, May 17th

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day

*Price: $55 Weekend Passport/$65 at the Door
            $50 One Day Passport/$60 at the Door
            $10 Designated Driver
            *Save $5 off ticket prices if you have a Visa Signature Card.

BUY TICKETS ONLINE