Tag Archives: California

Three Splits from the Cellar

Posted on April 13, 2025 by thewineraconteur

While my Bride and I were in recovery mode, believe it or not, we were not in the mood to drink wine. We did, but not in our usual way, and we certainly were not going to restaurants. Not a … Continue reading →

Posted in Dining, Wine | Tagged Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Carmel Valley, Chateau Jacques Blanc, Cuvee du Maitre, Duckhorn Vineyards, France, Galante Vineyards, Howell Mountain, Merlot, Napa Valley, Red Rose Hill Vineyard, Saint -Emilion Grand Cru | Leave a comment

Fine Wine Source Club – March 2025

Posted on March 23, 2025 by thewineraconteur

It felt so good to get out in the real world as pneumonia really beat me up. It was seven weeks before I really attempted to join the world again, and did it feel good. My first stop was at … Continue reading →

Posted in Wine | Tagged Cabernet Sauvignon, Calaveras County, California, Chardonnay, Forlorn Hope, Il Colle, Italy, Muscat, Queen of the Sierra, Rorick Heritage Vineyards, Veneto IGT, Verdelho, White Wine | Leave a comment

The Fine Wine Source Club – February 2025

Posted on February 17, 2025 by thewineraconteur

Over the years, my Bride and I have joined several local wine clubs and we now just maintain our membership at The Fine Wine Source in Livonia, Michigan and for thirty dollars a month, it is well worth the investment, … Continue reading →

Posted in Wine | Tagged Barbaresco, Barbera, Bastardo, Calaveras County, California, Deugnano dei Barbi, Forlorn Hope, Italy, Mondeuse, Montepulciano, Queen of the Sierra, Rorick Heritage Vineyards, Sangiovese, Sierra Foothills, Tempranillo, Trousseau, Umbria Rosso IGT, Villa Barbi, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

A Taste of Monterey – Winter 2025

Posted on February 11, 2025 by thewineraconteur

By happenstance, back in 2003, my Bride and I were on holidays at having lunch at the famed Sardine Factory and in the Cannery Row district, that was written about by John Steinbeck. We walked into “A Taste of Monterey” … Continue reading →

Posted in Wine | Tagged Arroyo Seco, California, Chardonnay, Folktale Winery and Vineyards, KW Ranch & Highlands, Monterey, Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, Scratch, Shale Canyon, Sparkling Rose, Tempranillo | Leave a comment

A Casual Dinner with Our Son’s Family

Posted on February 2, 2025 by thewineraconteur

One of the unique things, is that our son and his family have moved back from Las Vegas and my Bride is trying to get them into the social whirl. I enjoy it immensely, because I don’t have to factor … Continue reading →

Posted in Dining, Wine | Tagged California, Cline Family Cellars, Condado de Haza, Crianza, Familia Fernandez, North Coast, Ribera Del Duero, Seven Ranchlands, Tempranillo, Viognier | Leave a comment

New Year’s Eve 2024

Posted on January 30, 2025 by thewineraconteur

We had a very quiet New Year’s Eve celebration, as the weather was terrible, and we live on the opposite side of the city from everyone else. So, we had just a small gathering and my Bride was still a … Continue reading →

Posted in Dining, Wine | Tagged Ambonnay, Bouzy, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cain Cuvee, Cain Vineyard and Winery, California, Champagne Andre Clouet, Chardonnay, Dunning Vineyards, Malbec, Merlot, Montagne de Reims, Napa Valley, Paso Robles, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Rose Champagne, Spiritum, Spring Mountain District, The Benchland, Willow Creek District | Leave a comment

Christmas Dinner 2024

Posted on January 27, 2025 by thewineraconteur

I don’t know how it is in your family structure, but certain families have certain holidays booked, basically for life. Which is great, as it makes sense and much easier to make plans. One of my cousins has had a … Continue reading →

Posted in Dining, Wine | Tagged Azienda Agricola Otella, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Cinsault, Clos du Clocher, Cotes de Provence, Domaine Houchart, France, Grenache Noir, Heritiers Bourotte-Audy, Highlands 41, Italy, Lugano DOC, Merlot, Otella, Paso Robles, Pomerol, Syrah, Tibouren, Vignobles Famille Quiot | Leave a comment

Planning Another Christmas Dinner

Posted on January 24, 2025 by thewineraconteur

Some dinners are easier to plan than others. We have friends that are not wine drinkers like we are, and we have to create menus that will work for all concerned. My Bride had a friend and her husband come … Continue reading →

Posted in Dining, Wine | Tagged Auslese, Berg Rottland, Bestheim, California, Cave Vinicoe e Kietzenheim-Kaysersberg, Cremant D'Alsace, Dopff au Moulin Estate, France, Germany, J Vineyards, Monterey County, Pinot Auxerrois, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Rudesheimer, Santa Barbara County, Sonoma County, The Furst, Weingut Carl Ehrhard | Leave a comment

Fine Wine Source Club – January 2025

Posted on January 21, 2025 by thewineraconteur

I figure that I will break up the current narrative to mention that I have stopped at my local wine shop The Fine Wine Source in Livonia, Michigan to pick up the monthly club offerings. The club selections as well … Continue reading →

Posted in Wine | Tagged Azienta Agricola Lombardo, Bella Union, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Confino, Italy, Malbec, Merlot, Napa Valley, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Prugnolo Gentile, Sangiovese, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley, Sta. Rita Hills, The Paring, Toscana IGT | Leave a comment

Christmas with The Wine Raconteur Jr. 2024 Part Two

Posted on January 18, 2025 by thewineraconteur

While my Bride was getting the main course prepared, she also had made her Caesar Salad, and vegetables. The main course of the meal, she started preparing the night before, as she was making two different types of Ribs in … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Barolo, Bodegas Manzanos, California, Cascine Rivette e Marena, Familia Fernandez de Manzanos, Grenache, Italy, Korbin Kameron, Manzanos Red Wine, Marchesi Villadoria, Moon Mountain District AVA, Moonridge Vineyards, Nebbiolo, Piedmont, Rioja, Rioja Alta, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Serralunga, Sonoma County, Sweet Isla, Tempranillo, Vino Tinto | 2 Comments