California: Articles on California Wine & Wine Regions

Since grade school we’ve all heard the fatigued proverb, “It’s better to give than to receive.” Most of us wouldn’t argue with that, at least not publicly. Privately however, well, who doesn’t want free stuff? In truth, the wine industry is a magnanimous group, routinely called upon to provide free juice for charity auctions, public and private tastings, festivals and most anyplace where wine is poured and people want to imbibe at little or no cost. These three west coast wineries showcase the dedication of making wine, making changes, one bottle, and one person at a time.

Sonoma is the sister valley to California’s Napa Valley wine region and offers some amazing wine delights in its own right.

IntoWine.com asked a panel of wine experts for their recommendation for the best Napa Chardonnay (for the money):

When I think of Chardonnay, there is a wide spectrum of flavors and aromas that spring to mind. Really great Chardonnay has a richness about it, an underlying minerality, an elevated aroma of all things creamy, and a lush fruity profile. When grown in a warm climate with cool nights, in a region like Napa, the Chardonnay grape can reveal it’s true potential for distinction. One wine that comes to mind is Sbragia’s "Gamble Ranch" Chardonnay. Layered with ripe pear, butter-cream, honeycomb, roasted nuts, and melon, this wine’s individuality is like a train arriving at the station – one car after the other loaded with personality. The grapes for this wine are sourced from a single vineyard in Yountville. The diverse number of Chardonnay clones used for the blend contribute to a broad palate and focused intensity. A long initial fermentation in oak, full malolactic conversion, and frequent lees stirring combine to make a singularly unique Chardonnay in all of Napa. At about $30, this is a great wine to get your hands on – and enjoy. - Ben Spencer is a diploma student with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and an IntoWine Featured Writer.

Whether you know him from Saturday Night Live, the Blues Brothers, Ghostbusters or the myriad films in which he has appeared, Dan Aykroyd’s DNA is found throughout the blueprint of pop culture.  Now, three decades after exploding onto the scene as an SNL cast member, he has turned his attention to winemaking with the launch of Dan Aykroyd Wines.  IntoWine recently caught up with Dan to learn more about his wine venture. 

What first got you into wine?
I really got interested in wine when I started working on Saturday Night Live.  Up to that point my level of sophistication was mostly drinking Mateus Rose to impress various young ladies on dates or back at their place, if I was lucky.  However Steve Cropper the legendary blues musician who played in the Blues Brothers band and on the show took me under his wing and taught me a lot about wine.  He was the one who introduced me to Grand Cru Bordeaux and Burgundy and the wonderful big reds of California.  While he’s the one who got me started it was really my friend Issac Tigrett who was one of the founders of the House of Blues who gave me my graduate course in fine wine. 

Enjoy these little fun facts about our beloved Napa Valley next time you are wine tasting, at a dinner party or playing Trivial Pursuit.

1) Napa Valley hosts an annual Mustard Festival from January to March, celebrating the " food, wine, art and rich, unique agricultural bounty of the Napa Valley". For some great tips on pairing wine with mustard, check out this article – Courtney gives some great advice.