Mountfair Vineyards, 2009 Engagement, Merlot, Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, Petit Verdot blend from Virginia. Less than 13% alcohol. Less than two years in oak. Has a “twang” to it, but it finishes nicely. $25, Fritz Repich is the winemaker, came from the high tech industry. Wine is a passion. Really like the way it feels [...]

The drive up the mountain can be harrowing, so allow plenty of time. The reception at the winery can be no less than frigid if you have not done your homework and made a reservation confirmed by email well in advance of your arrival. Cain is not a winery on the “party bus” tour of Napa.

I recently got an email from Vernon Kindred, one of the two winemakers at Fallbrook Winery. They had just bottled some of their 2008 vintages and he was anxious to have me try them. I stopped by yesterday, visited with Vernon and owner Ira Gourvitz and tasted four new wines. There are some tasty treats [...]
">New Face On A Temecula Wine Country Landmark
“If you’d told me a year ago that I’d be in Southern California as a winery owner I would have told you you were crazy!” Filsinger Winery was one of the first wineries in the Temecula Valley. William Doc Filsinger produced wines on the De Portola Wine Trail for nearly 30 years. Recently, Doc sold [...]
">Briar Rose Rocks The Counter ClubThere’s one trait I have noticed that is shared by every good winemaker I have met – passion. Les exudes it. He is proud of his wines and describes them not only in glowing terms, but explained what goes into making each one in a way that could be easily understood by both novices and wine connoisseurs alike.