Aaron and Tim went to Muscardini Cellars in Kenwood, Sonoma County. They are producing some very exciting Italian inspired wines. They had a great cool climate Pinot Grigio with plenty of acidity. The rosato di Sangiovese was bright, fruity with a really cool citrus zest character, and a slight peppery finish. They had a selection of reds that were really fun expressions of Italian style while still showcasing Sonoma fruit. They offered 3 single vineyard Sangiovese, they have

Sonoma is cooler than Napa. Yep, I said it. The climate is more moderate, and the people are super chill. You are far more apt to have a Sonoma producer discuss their favorite varietal paired with their favorite strain of weed. Sonoma feels less commercial than Napa also, more organic style, farmers that have grown into wine production, even if it has been generations in the making. Chardonnay is the principle grape in the region, but many reds are produced here also. The red

Napa Valley is an American Viticultural Area in the larger North Coast AVA of California. Napa Valley also contains several sub-appellations of premier quality for grape growing. It is certainly one of the most pedigreed areas of wine production in the United States. Grapes have been produced in Napa since the 1830's and the first winery was opened in the 1860's. Today there are over 400 wineries in Napa County. The valley itself is long, narrow and runs from the San Pablo Ba

Carignan is a grape varietal from the Rhone Valley in France, not as well known as Grenache or Syrah, it is usually a lesser ratio of the blends with Mourvedre and Cinsault. The grape is produced as a single varietal wine in some places, but usually more in the new world, especially California and Washington and in parts of Spain where it is often called Mazuelo or Cariñena. In spain, I always find it to show a profound spicy element that integrates with the fruit to allow fo