While many have heard about the wildflowers in the Carrizzo Plain National Monument, fewer people know just a few miles up toward the Los Padres Forest and Ojai, is an up and coming wine and olive growing region — and one that is already at risk from a water grab that is disrupting the hydrologic cycle in the area for farmers and residents.
Home to Condor’s Hope, a largely dry farmed and agro-ecological project as well as Sagebrush Annie Winery and Quail Springs permaculture farm, the area is threatened by carrots grown at farms by Bolthouse, Grimmway, and a Harvard investment group’s venture into wine grapes which is sucking the area dry. Continue reading →
Late September Sirmione at sunset on a drizzly day in Lombardy, Italy during WMC 2022; the remains of a Roman Villa built 2000 years ago: the so-called Grottoes of Catullus, the biggest villa in northern Italy and the town are a must visit should you go to Lombardy.
Lugana, Franciacorta, Oltrepo’ Pavese, Valtellina, Lambrusco, Chiaretto– these are just a few of the many wines from Lombardy, located in the northern part of Italy, and home to Milan, the second largest city in Italy after Rome. Archaeological research shows fossilized records from the third millennium which indicate ancient tribes cultivated grapes there. Bronze Age fossils from the region show Vinifera, the Latin name for the family of grapes we make wine with today.
In Lombardy, home to numerous castles like Sirmione’s Rocca Scaliger Castle and 90 UNESCO cultural sites, grapes grow in steep hillsides in the Alps in Valtellina, around the glacier lakes, and in the hills. On fertile flat plains along the Po, rice abounds.
Located between Piedmonte to the the west, Trento to the east, and Veneto to the southeast, Lombardy has several key appellations you should get to know like Valtellina’s Nebbiolo.
Valtellina’s Nebbiolo during harvest early October 2022; one side of the valley is in complete shade for months of the year!
In December, I’m hosting the Italian FWT group who will introduce you to a few of them! This year, we’ve worked our way up from Sicily and for the final month of the year, we’re in Lombardy! You’re invited to join us on our journey with an article of your own– Continue reading →
Did you know that grape growing and wine making in Mexico has a 400 year long history? While I visited the Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California a few times over 20 years ago, I really knew very little until I went to Baja last year to attend the 43° World Congress of Vine and Wine (OIV). The event coincided with Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, typically held today Nov. 1 but also on Nov 2 and on into the weekend. Continue reading →
When you think Malbec, you likely think Argentina. And when you think Argentina, you think Malbec. After all, Malbec is the flagship wine of Argentina, and the Malbec of Argentina is a shining example of what this grape can do in the new world. But there’s more to the wines of Argentina Continue reading →
Today, Friday October 27, marks the 14th annual global Champagne Day with events around the world in person (Champagne Day website listing events here) and on social media with the hashtag #ChampagneDay– and you’re invited!
Many consider Champagne the ultimate sparking wine for celebrations, and with harvest pretty much over in the northern hemisphere, there’s plenty to toast! We’d like to raise a glass of Champagne Tarlant “Zero” Brut Nature to honor the women of wine — in Champagne and elsewhere– and recognize Continue reading →
If you, like me, like to carry-on with Carignan, for Carignan Day held on the final Thursday of October, consider Domaine Bomary “Absolutely” Carignan! paired with a tomato Tian for a vegetarian celebration! Not familiar with this ancient grape? You may know the Spanish version, Carinena, best known from Aragon where the grape likely originated. And you may be surprised to find out that not long ago it was the most planted grape in California, and in 1988, the most planted grape in France! But with its prolific nature, it was popular: when it’s hot and happy, it can produce grapes like crazy.
wine predator.............. gwendolyn alley 