Steve Matthiasson dreamt of farming his entire life. He became an obsessed gardener and cook while studying philosophy in college. In 1994, while back in grad school for horticulture after three years as a bike messenger/wannabe farmer, he found a job in vineyards and orchards working for a small sustainable agriculture consulting firm. In 1999 he co-authored the California manual on sustainable vineyard practices. In 2002 he started consulting on vineyard practices in Napa. He still loves the challenge of solving vineyard problems for others, but since 2003 the primary focus has been on his own family farming and winemaking. Steve is a life-long student of the craft of viticulture.
I don’t know Texas very well. Having only visited three cities, I feel that I have barely scratched the surface. However, I can say, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I love Texas.
In its 21st year, Premiere Napa Valley is a trade-only futures auction that attracts hundreds of wine retailers from around the world. 217 lots were sold, 172 live, plus 45 e-auction. The day’s total take was $4.2 million, benefiting Napa Vintners, a non-profit association that promotes environmental awareness and Napa Valley wines. It counts 525 members in its ranks, several of which are coveted “cult” wineries.
The Inn at Newport Ranch is much more than a place, it's a revelation.
Unlike other beverages, wine has transformative powers. It is chameleonic, often changing the ordinary into an extraordinary.
In this week's Tuesdays with Tastemakers, Chef Dustin Valette of his namesake restaurant talks about why he became a chef, his family, and more!
Gregarious, with an infinite sense of humor, José is as well-known for his warm, radiant spirit and infectious laughter as for his gastronomic prowess. He is one of the most beloved culinary figures of our time.
Occasionally, my wine goblet runneths over. Starting with two Sonoma tasting events, then attending the Sonoma County Barrel Auction—all culminating with a La Paulée dinner, one could not have envisioned a better wine weekend.
Dario De Conti was raised on his family’s farm in Veneto, Italy, where he funded his winemaking studies by making pizza at the local pizzeria.