Always the Bridesmaid

Marsanne, the ignored little sister of the Rhône whites, has good bones.

beautiful I’ve been to, the picnic area is heaven. http://www.rideauvineyard.com/ I also had a great time at Beckmen Vineyards. Their syrahs typically have high alcohol content...the last time I went there they were just...

, Arcadian, ABC, Beckmen, Brander, Calera, Claiborne & Churchill, Clos Mimi, Costa de Oro, Falcone Family Vineyards, Fiddlehead, Foley, Gainey, Garretson, Herman Story, Hitching Post, Holus Bolus, Jaffurs, Justin, Kunin,...

A quick look at BevMo’s website... - Qupe Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard '06 (750 ML) Regular Price: $27.99 ClubBev: $22.99 - Beckmen Vineyards Syrah (750 ML) Price: $21.99 - Torbreck Shiraz Woodcutters '07 (750 ML) Price: $19

Ojai, Beckmen, Melville in Santa Barbara. From Paso Robles, Hug, L’Aventure, Linne Calodo and Terry Hoage seems promising, but I don’t have a lot of experience with his wines. Bridlewood is now owned by Gallo and they...

. Then, on the way back, you can take Santa Rosa Road back toward Buellton and hit Lafond, Sanford and Mosby. Or, you could take the Hwy 154 out of Santa Barbara, and head right into Los Olivos – some good ones there would be...

I must recommend the skate: roasted perfectly and served over maple-tinged sweet potatoes served with kale. To me, this is the perfect execution of “comfort food.” If you appreciate wine, try either a glass or bottle...

My boyfriend and I are going to Santa Barbara for the weekend and of course would love to spend a day doing some wine tasting. I really don’t know much about wine or wine tasting, but we were hoping we could tour some...

, but I have a fax copy. If you’ve had a nice bottle at Sumile that’s under $50, please advice. Otherwise, what do you think of Beckmen vineyards Santa Ynes Valley Marsanne 01 or Chalone monterey Pinot Blanc 01? ALso...

, Koehler, Curtis, Bedford Thompson, Rusack, Lafond, Foley, Bab, Melville, Brander, Bridlewood, Roblar, Beckmen, Lincourt, Rideau, Artiste, Kalyra, Gainey, Sunstone There were many more, but these caught my eye for some reason

Thanks for the tip. I found a three year old article from the SFChron that mentioned their 03 El Dorado Syrah and the 03 Naylor Vineyard ED Petit Sirah as being outstanding ($25 ea, at that time). Do you have any other recos for...

I went on a recent trip. I was with my mom and sister, who are total lightweights, but we did hit a few tastign rooms. I really enjoyed the tasting rooms at Foxen and Beckmen. Also, a number of wineries have their their tasting...

'll make a batch of crawfish etouffee. Second Choice: Sushi at Sake Ya, Samurai or Takas. It is all good. Third Choice: Tapa the World. We could bring our own wine, and get something off the list. I’m dying to open a bottle of...

Sanford – Great pinot noir. Lafond – New, on same road as Sanford, liked the Lafond Vineyard syrah. Beckmen - Tasty Rhone Rangers and sauvignon blanc. Andrew Murray – More good RRs, a bit pricey. Koehler –...

might also consider driving “the loop”. Start out on Hwy 246 going towards Lompoc. People like Melville; next door is Bab which is worth a stop. Contact Clos Pepe a few weeks in advance and see if you can arrange a...