#617-Alive in Livermore

Located between San Jose and Stockton, the Livermore Valley is often overlooked in the California wine scene, till you taste the wines, of course.   Here, we’ll visit two of the longtime wineries, Concannon and Wente.   At Concannon, we’ll hear of the history, passion, and pride from founder Jim Concannon.   Concannon produced the first Petite Syrah way back in the 60’s, and it still crafts one of the best around.   At Wente, they’ve got their fingers in a lot of wine pots.   I’ll share their story and their vision for the future.   Later, I’ll head up to Napa for a visit to one of California’s most famous wineries-Beringer-for a food and wine pairing lesson.   Great wine and great food-now you can’t beat that!

Additional information can be found at the following websites:
www.concannonvineyard.com, www.wentevineyards.com, www.murriettaswell.com, www.tamasestates.com, www.beringer.com

#618 Northern California Gems

Put on your travelling shoes because we’ve got some ground to cover.   I’ll start at the fabulous Meadowood Resort in Napa, which does perhaps the best job in the valley with wine and food.   In St. Helena, I’ll cook it up at the Martini House Restaurant and showcase their impressive wine selection.
Then, it’s up to Mendocino County for a peak inside the workings of Mendocino Brewing Company, the guys who created California’s first brewpub and who still turn out great beers like Red Tail Ale.
After, it’s down the 101 and over the Golden Gate Bridge for visits to a couple of great San Francisco restaurants and a tour of the incredible Ferry Terminal Marketplace!

Additional information can be found at the following websites:
www.meadowood.com, www.kuleto.com/martini.htm, www.mendobrew.com, www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com, www.piperade.com, www.shanghai1930.com

#619-Both Sides of the Andes

It’s risky growing grapes in the foothills of the Andes in Argentina’s Mendoza region, and no winery knows that better than Dona Paula.   They lost their first two crops to hail storms, and have since protected the vineyards in a very unique way.   I’ll show you how and sample some of my favorite wines in the entire country!   At San Telmo, I get the honor of participating in an authentic Argentine barbecue and chat with a man who’s been doing them all of his life.   Back over the Andes in Chile, meantime, I’ll visit Veramonte and learn why Chile’s Casablanca Valley produces some of the best Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay around.

Additional information can be found at the following websites:
www.vineyardbrands.com, www.palmbayimports.com, www.veramonte.com

#620-Sonoma Sparklers

Mendocino’s Anderson Valley isn’t the only great place in California to grow grapes for sparkling wine.   J winery has faith in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley, and after a food and wine tasting here, I’ve got the faith too.   At Domaine Carneros, the fruit comes from grapes grown in the Carneros region next to San Pablo Bay.   I’ve always loved their sparklers.   Turning my attention to Chardonnay, it just doesn’t get any better than the offerings at Sonoma Cutrer-the true Rolls Royce of Chardonnay producers.
Finally, it’s the outstanding wines at Rodney Strong Vineyards, and the always-solid efforts of winemaker Rick Sayre.   It’s four great wineries crafting one great show!