Wine Skool'd

Prohibition sucked! There was a reason for it but damn did we take it a bit far and damn did it wreck the wine industry, especially in California. In this next Cali series installment I get in to all this craziness.

In Part two of my chat with Buyer/Partner of Ruffian in NYC, Alexis Percival we dive into industry equality, her women's tasting group and how that came into fruition (it's amazing), how natural wine as a term hovers over the industry and the people who are giving the term it's pros and cons. I feel like this convo is hella important as we move into a new wine era.

This is part one of a two part interview with Alexis Percival, Partner/Beverage Director, of Ruffian, one of the best wine bars in New York City (imho) that didn't start out as a "natural" wine bar but are dabbling in it accidentally. We talk about everything natural wine and how it is being perceived in the industry as well as with consumers. We covered so much ground that I am splitting it up into two digestible episodes. Part II we talk more natural wine, industry equality and Alexis's awesome approach to a wine tasting group she started. This is a great snapshot of where we are right with this undefined trend.

In part III our story continues as our boy George C. Yount makes his way to The Napa Valley and, along with a supporting cast, ignites the California wine region.

Part two of my California Wine series where two characters moving west to find their fortunes in the new California territory. It's a weaving tale of trappers and immigrants and wine...and Los Angeles...sort of.

GET READY! This is part one of a series I am dedicating to all things California wine. How it all began and where it is today. How did the grapevine initially make it to California? How did this all begin? Check it. 

Wine made from hybrid grapes have been the laughing stock of the wine world for years but now it seems there is a new idea to get these wines onto the market. Will they taste good? I break down what a hybrid is and freak out a little bit.   Earlier Episodes to add context: Ep 18: The History of Wine in the United States: 'Murica Ep 72: Halloween Edition: Phylloxera The Destroyer Ep 85: Thomas Jefferson's Wine Geekery Ep 86: The Red Flesh Mafia Ep 87: Attack of the Wine Clones

It's the last episode of 2018! I talk about Wine Skool'D in 2019 and react to some wine trends for the new year I've been reading. I talk about Wine Skool'D in 2019 and react to some wine trends for the new year I've been reading. I talk about Wine Skool'D in 2019 and react to some wine trends for the new year I've been reading. 

I go on a bit of a rant here. Jan is back with another question that got me going! Is Robert Parker still relevant? Let's discuss.

Sometimes white wines in the winter are better than they are in spring and summer. WHAT?! Yeah it's cool. Check it.

I answer an email question about what the hell this pH thing is. It is pretty important and kind of confusing. Let's break it down.

It warms your insides and smells like the holidays. Where did this magical concoction come from? Here is how mulled wine became your fave for winter.

Wine is often the last thought when planning Turkey Day and we run crazy buying last minute bottles. Try this trick and you cannot go wrong

Tara Empson is taking the reins at Empson & Co. one of the pioneers in Italian wine importing. We had some wine, told some stories, talked about her new roll, carrying out her family's legacy and how she's leading her parents' vision in to the future.

The wine known as Bull's Blood has a cool story. Check the legend of this Hungarian wine steeped in legend.

Chianti. You've heard of it. You've sipped it. You love it. But want to know what it's all about? It's Damn complicated! I'm gonna break this region down into its more digestible parts so you can win at Chianti.

What is vegan wine? Does it really exist? And what needs to happen to make it so? Let's get into it.

Wine bottles are so familiar to us but how did they get to be the shape and the size they are today? And why? Check it.

Ever had a Kalimotxo? It's also spelled Calimocho or Kalimocho but its a fun wine mixed drink that is all is gaining in popularity here in the US and has been a staple of Spain's drinking culture since before Coca-Cola was invented. The story of its name is the best!

Part III wraps it all up with the South Island of New Zealand. Four regions two of which we see here in the states one of which is truly exciting and a future that looks bright.