April 2013 – THE GRAPE BELT

It’s Always Time To Visit Robert Sinskey Vineyards

I stopped in last week at one of my favorite Napa tasting rooms, Robert Sinskey Vineyards. Since moving to California almost seventeen years ago, I’ve come to know many fine wineries in Napa and Sonoma. Sinskey was the first, and remains a favorite. A review of my time there can be found at the American Winery […]

by Tom Riley

Let’s Go Shopping — A Griller’s Dozen

Everybody’s heard of a baker’s dozen, right? Well, with summer on its way, and many folks already working the backyard grill, here are some reds that will partner nicely with whatever it is you’ve got cooking. Think of them as a griller’s dozen. $19 2010 Dry Creek Heritage Zinfandel (Sonoma County; abv 13.5%) A big […]

by Tom Riley

Let’s Go Shopping — Pacific Northwest Reds Under $20

Got your grill fired up yet? Write up your wine shopping list for the weekend? If you need some fresh ideas, here are some great value reds from the pages of several major wine publications. Happy hunting! $11 2009 Thorny Rose Red Blend (Columbia Valley; abv 14%) This bright red leads with scents of bitter […]

by Tom Riley

Take A Look At Larkmead

Last week I drove up to the northern end of the Napa Valley, just south of Calistoga, and paid a visit to the folks at Larkmead. A review of my time there can be found at the American Winery Guide’s website. Enjoy!

by Tom Riley

Let’s Go Shopping — Pacific Northwest Whites Under $20

Once you’ve read these notes, go out and pick up a few bottles. Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Earn your explorers’ badge. Then, stop by the newstand and grab one of these publications, and take your education to a whole new level. Trust me, these few dollars will be the best education money […]

by Tom Riley

Wednesday’s Weekly Wine List

Every Wednesday in this space I’ll share wines, $20 and under, that have been reviewed in various sectors of the wine press, often grouped around a particular theme. I’ve chosen $20 as the cut-off point because, based on casual conversations with friends and family, along with what I know from working retail, there’s no reason […]

by Tom Riley

There’s A New Guide In Town

I recently signed on to provide reviews of wineries in Northern California for the American Winery Guide. This site aims to do for the entire nation what I was hoping to do for wineries east of San Francisco, before that app idea died due to lack of interest on the part of said wineries. Anyway, […]