Princely Wines at Pauper Prices
Getting More than You Pay For
By: David Jones

California has been witnessing the effects of an unprecedented hyper-planting of vineyards in the 1990’s. Parallel production increases are occurring globally. Consequently, our own abundant juice is being challenged by market-seeking product from as far away as the South of France, Spain, Italy, South Africa, Argentina, Chile and Australia.

Working this glut of raw material is an increasingly large and highly educated pool of viticulturalists and enologists. Under-priced juice vinted by talented professionals has led to some surprisingly good wine being sold below intrinsic value.

As a judge for many major competitions, I have been witnessing a growing percentage of Gold Metal winning wines costing $10 or less. This is even more notable in light of the diminution of the value of our dollar internationally. Concomitantly, today’s price-sensitive consumers, tired of paying more for their wine than their dinner, are seeking affordable quality. Read the rest of this entry »

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California, Tuolmne: Going with the Flow
By Teresa Rodriguez Williamson

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California, Tuolmne: Going with the Flow

By Teresa Rodriguez Williamson

I met Laurence at the Fillmore Jazz Festival. He has a river rafting expedition company and invited me on an upcoming tour. I took him up on his offer and joined his white water rafting adventure down the Tuolomne River in California. He named his company Bio Bio (pronounced Bee-o Bee-o) after the cherished river in Chile. Most of his tours are in exotic locations such as Chile, Patagonia, Peru, Africa, and Siberia. During the summer, he spends time at home, in Northern California.  He invited me to join him and a few of his friends on a quick trip down the Tuolumne. I had never been white water rafting before, so I was a bit nervous because I assumed the other guests were great rafters and I would be the one to end up in the river. Fortunately, I was wrong. Everyone on the trip was new to the sport and we were all in the trusting care of Laurence and his lovely girlfriend Nicole. After a hair-raising ride down to the river, we had a chance to get to know each other. Our group included Laurence and Nicole – the guides, Inca their fearless puppy, Buck – our hero supply-boat driver, York from Los Angeles, Carolyn from San Francisco, Kate from Chicago, and me. For a few days, I was blessed with the opportunity meet new and wonderful people and learn to trust them while on the river. Their smiles, willingness to dare, and the deep cooperation between us was inspiring. For me, this trip was more than a leisurely ride down a pretty river. It was an opportunity to trust others, move beyond my fears, and live in the present.  Read the rest of this entry »

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Organic Wine Company
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Dear Friends:

We are thrilled by the attention instigated by the Oscar nominations for the movie SIDEWAYS and the increased interest in wine it has generated. The documentary MONDOVINO is also garnering positive reviews. It is heart warming to see that the world of wine, with all the passion and the culture that permeate it is finally given the attention it deserves by Hollywood.

Like it or not, the sulfite issue continues to be a subject a contention. I’ve included an interesting article for you to read (I so completely agree with it!).

And in the meantime, a small farmer is about to shake the USDA and the organic industry! Read on…

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Wineries We Love

La Crema Philosophy/ Winemaker Bio

La Crema was founded in 1979 and quickly established itself as a pioneer for intensely flavored Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the cool Sonoma Coast. Continuing this tradition, La Crema pursues the ultimate expression of the Russian River Valley, Carneros and Anderson Valley by handcrafting wines of distinct flavor which achieve elegance and balance.

Our winemaker Melissa Stackhouse joined La Crema in 2001 and brings with her a passion for Burgundian style Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Melissa earned a degree in Viticulture and Enology from the University of California at Davis. Having worked at several esteemed wineries in Sonoma County and Australia, Melissa developed her interest and expertise in Pinot Noir. At La Crema, Melissa and her winemaking team strive to express pure flavors of the Sonoma Coast. Read the rest of this entry »

Wine Works reviews several thousand wines a year in search of value, regardless of price.  The first time we encountered the wines of Fire Station Red (Carignan, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Zinfandel) we were enthused to find such content and polish in the $15 to $20 price range.

Firefighter and proprietor of Sonoma Coast Vineyards John Drady and veteran winemaker Anthony Austin have joined forces to produce the Fire Station Red line of wines as a salute to volunteer firefighting.  Read the rest of this entry »

Passover Wines

Kosher Needn’t Mean Sweet and Simple
By: David Jones 

Kosher wine has played a ceremonial role in Jewish culture for centuries, whether at the Friday night Sabbath service or on holidays such as Passover.  With Passover nearly upon us (April 23 to May 1), this would seem a perfect opportunity to report on the improved quality of kosher wines available in our marketplace.

Passover is an eight-day observance commemorating the freedom and exodus of enslaved Hebrews (Israelites) from Egypt during the reign of Pharaoh Ramsey II.  The oldest and most important festival in Judaism, Passover has evolved into a time of family gatherings and lavish meals called Seders at which stories of Moses and the Exodus are relived through the reading of the Haggadah. Read the rest of this entry »