VIDEO: The Vintage Trap

David Goodwin from our San Francisco store argues that we shouldn’t dismiss a whole vintage based on early reviews: “We automatically say a vintage is worthless which is one of the greatest travesties in the industry.”

- Posted by David Goodwin, San Francisco


Oregon Pre-Harvest 2011

Just days before the beginning of the 2011 harvest, I had the opportunity to visit the Willamette Valley and to learn more about the region’s vineyards and winemakers.  This video shares some of the people and places I encountered on my week long journey.

– Nolen LeDuc,  C.S., The Wine Club Santa Clara

A Moment with Winemaker Ken Wright

Ken Wright is synonymous with high-quality, single vineyard Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Since 1986 his focus has been to showcase the various micro-climates and soil types located throughout the region, while continuously improving the standards of Pinot Noir in the valley. During a recent trade tasting in San Francisco, Ken shared a bit about himself, while touching on topics such as soil types, quality control and even a bit of history. We were lucky enough to get it on video.

His newly released 2010′s all express the “terroir” of each vineyard site with a stunning sense of purity, complexity and balance. Don’t hesitate to grab what you can of Ken’s wines each year, as his production is very limited and many of his single vineyard wines often sell out quickly. Click here to see our selection of Ken’s wines.

- Nolen LeDuc, C.S., Santa Clara

VIDEO: Winemaker Mark Vlossak of St. Innocent Winery

Oregon 2011 – Part 1:  An interview with winemaker Mark Vlossak of St. Innocent Winery

During my recent visit to the Willamette Valley this past October, I had a chance to talk with Mark Vlossak, proprietor and winemaker of St. Innocent Winery, in the Eola-Amity Hills of Oregon.  My hour long conversation was very personal, insightful, and informative, and was a highlight of my week in the valley.  I truly appreciated him taking the time to share his perspective on winemaking and viticulture in the Willamette Valley.  His wines are as unique, balanced, detailed, thoughtful and refined, as the brief, impromptu words he shares on video.  I highly recommend following the wines of Mark Vlossak and St. Innocent Winery. He is a true winemaker, crafting wines with integrity, purity and attention to detail.

Click here to see St. Innocent Wines

-Posted by Nolen LeDuc, Santa Clara

 

Cabernet Tasting 2 with Jeff “the Cab Man”

Jeff “the Cab Man” Winfery from our Santa Ana store tastes through three SMOKIN’ Cabernets:

2008 Alpha Omega II

2008 Guarachi

2007 Hestan

 

Mike Grgich at The Wine Club

We were honored to have legendary winemaker Mike Grgich of Grgich Hills Estate at The Wine Club SF last Saturday for a tasting.  Watch this video to hear him talk about his wines and his extraordinary career.

Click here to see Grgich Hills wines.

Video: Wine for the American Dream

In this video our staffer, Wino Woman, interviews winemaking legend Mike Grgich about his incredible life story and how he helped put Napa on the map.  He arrived to the US in 1958 with a dream to one day own his own winery.  Today he owns a premier winery in Napa called Grgich Hills Estate.  Along the way he proved that world-class wine could be made in America.  In 1976 in a famous tasting in Paris, the American Chardonnay that he made for Chateau Montelena beat out the very best French white Burgundies.

Click here to see Grgich Hills wines.

 

Spanish Wine Video

Michael Reynolds, our SF Store Manager, talks about his trip to Spanish wine regions and describes the grapes used and winemaking techniques.  He also tells potentially the best wine joke ever.

Click here to see our Spanish wine selection.

 

 

 

Video about Phelps Wines

Trey Blankenship from Joseph Phelps Vineyards tastes through three of their wines at The Wine Club in San Francisco, including the newly released 2008 Insignia.

Click here to see Phelps wines.

Liquid Gold

Want to drink liquid gold? Our staffer, Wino Woman, recommends a special Sauternes to make you happy:

2005 Chateau La Tour Blanche