Wine Director Direct

08/18/2026

08/11/2026

🍷 D’Cata Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley

A beautiful expression of Cabernet from Atlas Peak, one of Napa Valley’s elevated mountain AVAs. The higher elevations, volcanic soils, abundant sunshine and cooler nighttime temperatures help Cabernet retain freshness and acidity while developing concentrated, ripe fruit.

In the glass, this is fruit-forward and generous, showing ripe blackberry, black cherry and cassis, with touches of dark plum, spice and subtle oak. The palate has well-balanced tannins and refreshing acidity, giving structure without overwhelming the fruit.

The finish is long, smooth and very favorable, with the dark fruit and gentle spice lingering nicely.

A great example of how Atlas Peak combines Napa ripeness with mountain structure and freshness. Photo by Yvette

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08/11/2026

🍷 Drinking a piece of Oregon wine history.

In 1965, David Lett arrived in Oregon with 3,000 vine cuttings and a belief that the cool Willamette Valley could produce great Pinot Noir. He planted the valley’s first Pinot Noir vines and founded The Eyrie Vineyards—helping lay the foundation for what would become one of the world’s great Pinot Noir regions.

Eyrie’s 1975 Pinot Noir would later gain international recognition alongside top Burgundy, proving that Oregon Pinot Noir belonged on the world stage.

More than a bottle of Pinot Noir—this is part of the story of how the Willamette Valley began. 🍷🇺🇸
Photo by Yvette

08/01/2026

2020 Pintia | Toro DO 🇪🇸🍷

Tonight’s pairing: 2020 Pintia with 5J Jamón Ibérico de Bellota and garlic-sautéed shrimp JC & JOANNA’S WINE HOUSE
Pintia, from the legendary Tempos Vega Sicilia, showcases the modern face of Toro, powerful yet remarkably polished. The 2020 vintage produced concentrated, beautifully balanced fruit, with layers of blackberry, black plum, cocoa, violets, and graphite framed by firm, refined tannins and impressive freshness.

The richness of 5J Jamón and the savory sweetness of the shrimp perfectly complement Pintia’s depth and structure, making this a pairing worthy of one of Spain’s finest reds. Photo by Yvette

¡Salud! 🍷🇪🇸

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07/11/2026

Some pairings just make perfect sense.

Tonight’s lineup featured a beautifully baked calzone followed by an indulgent tres leches dessert, both paired with the 2020 Storybook Mountain Vineyards Napa Estate Zinfandel from the Mayacamas Range.

The wine’s vibrant blackberry, raspberry, baking spice, black pepper, and fresh acidity complemented the savory richness of the calzone, while its ripe fruit and subtle spice carried effortlessly into the creamy sweetness of the tres leches. A reminder that great Zinfandel isn’t just for barbecue—it can be remarkably versatile at the table.

From the first bite to the last spoonful, this was a pairing worth remembering.

🍷 2020 Storybook Mountain Vineyards Napa Estate Zinfandel
🍕 Calzone
🍰 Tres Leches
Photo by

07/03/2026

A privilege to visit the legendary Château Angélus in Saint-Émilion—one of Bordeaux’s most iconic estates and a benchmark for world-class Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Walking the vineyards and cellars offers a deeper appreciation for the countless decisions that shape every vintage, from the unique limestone terroir to meticulous vineyard management and precision winemaking. Experiences like these are a reminder that truly great wine is the product of both place and people.

Grateful for the warm hospitality and the opportunity to learn from one of the great names in Bordeaux.

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06/20/2026

🍷⛏️🇫🇷 Beneath the vineyards of Saint-Émilion lies a hidden world that helped shape one of the world’s great wine regions.

Our visit to Château de Roques offered more than just exceptional Bordeaux—it provided a fascinating look into the historic limestone quarries that run beneath the region. For centuries, these underground quarries supplied the stone used to build Saint-Émilion’s churches, monuments, and châteaux. Today, that same limestone forms the foundation of the terroir, contributing to the drainage, water regulation, and minerality that make these wines so distinctive.

Standing among the vines while knowing that miles of ancient galleries lie below is a powerful reminder that great wine is not only influenced by climate and people, but by centuries of geology and history.

A memorable stop in Saint-Émilion and another example of why understanding terroir means looking both above and below the surface.

🍇🍷⛏️ WineEducation Terroir Limestone WineAnatomy FrenchWine GrandCru RightBankBordeaux WineryVisit SommelierLife DrinkBetterWine

05/10/2026

Even the kitty’s of Château Pavie know greatness when they see it 🍷🐱

Caught this distinguished member of the Maple Cat family admiring two legendary bottles from Saint Émilion. Apparently refined taste isn’t limited to sommeliers… some cats also prefer Premier Grand Cru Classé elegance.

Velvet paws, regal attitude, and a clear appreciation for the depth, power, and sophistication that make Château Pavie so unforgettable.

Saint Émilion magic is universal. 🍇🇫🇷✨

05/08/2026

A magical day at Château de Chenonceau — where history, architecture, and wine all come together in the heart of the Loire Valley. 🍷🏰

Known as the “Ladies’ Château,” Chenonceau stretches gracefully across the River Cher and is one of the most iconic estates in France. Beyond the breathtaking Renaissance architecture and gardens, the property is also home to vineyards producing wines from both the Touraine AOC and the more specific Touraine Chenonceaux AOC.

The Touraine Chenonceaux appellation, located along the Cher River, is known for producing particularly refined expressions of Sauvignon Blanc and elegant reds based largely on Cabernet Franc. The region’s limestone and silex-rich soils, combined with the Loire Valley’s cool climate, help create wines with vibrant acidity, freshness, aromatic precision, and beautiful minerality.

Today’s tasting highlighted exactly why this area is so special — crisp and energetic whites, beautifully balanced reds, and wines that reflect both the terroir and the incredible history surrounding the château itself.

An unforgettable experience blending French history, architecture, and the timeless beauty of Loire Valley wine. 🇫🇷✨🍇

05/06/2026

Exploring the cutting edge of viticulture in Baden 🇩🇪

At Weingut Heitlinger & Burg Ravensburg, tradition meets innovation in one of Germany’s most forward-thinking estates. On their steep, dramatic slopes, tractors are often impractical—and that’s where technology steps in.

These biodynamic vineyards are now being treated with precision spray drones, allowing growers to apply natural preparations like chamomile, nettle, and horsetail teas with remarkable accuracy. The result? Healthier vines, protected soils, and a level of vineyard care that would be impossible with heavy machinery.

What makes this truly compelling is not just the tech—but the philosophy behind it. By eliminating soil compaction and working even in wet or dangerous conditions, drones help preserve the integrity of these historic terroirs while enhancing sustainability.

This is precision viticulture at its finest—where innovation isn’t replacing tradition, it’s elevating it.

From the glass, expect purity, energy, and a sense of place that reflects both Baden’s warm climate and its steep, mineral-driven sites—now farmed with 21st-century precision.

The future of wine is already here… and it’s flying.

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