Following the Sturm und Drang of the 2008 vintage (spring frosts, drought, heat spikes in the summer and epic wildfires, not to mention a minuscule crop), growers and winemakers on California’s north coast were overjoyed to close the book on the year. Their hopes for relief from the 2009 vintage have mostly been realized, especially on the quality front. A mostly moderate growing season went smoothly, aside from some late summer heat spikes, which are pretty routine here anyway. A cool spell set in at the beginning of September that allowed for extended harvesting well into October, ensuring an abundance of complex, energetic wines that should drink well both young and old. READ MORE »
I just returned from a visit to some of Chile’s hottest (figuratively) and coolest (literally) wine-growing regions and also had the chance to quickly check in on the food and wine scene in the capital city, Santiago. Since my first trip to Chile, in 2007, fine-dining and wine options have grown exponentially, thanks no doubt to a lively economy and a rapidly emerging middle and upper class. This is great news for gourmands looking for something more than a spot with a traditional vibe. The most exciting restaurants serve a modern take on traditional South American cuisine, using Chile’s remarkable range of produce and seafood to great advantage; they also offer an impressive selection of wines from the country’s best producers to go with it, and aside from the upper-end icon wines, prices are extremely reasonable. READ MORE »
Paso Robles has been attracting a growing number of wine tourists in recent years but still retains much of its rustic appeal and casual air, especially compared to Napa Valley, and, lately, Sonoma. There are still plenty of low-key, unpretentious motels with serviceable rooms at prices that seem downright cheap, but there are also more luxurious digs available now, at rates that ceased to exist in the Napa Valley a decade ago. Even more encouraging, at least for food-loving winos, is the upsurge of top-notch restaurants in the area, some of them turning out food at a level you’d expect to find up in Yountville or St. Helena, and in equally striking settings. READ MORE »
Most of my meals during my tasting tours of California are (happily) taken at the nearest In-N-Out Burger, but I make a point to indulge in the luxury of a few “real” restaurants too. Most winos who have made a pilgrimage or three to California’s wine regions will agree that the culinary standard has been raised dramatically over the last decade and that there are now a number of truly excellent, even world-class restaurants in Napa and Sonoma. But Paso Robles has flown under the radar of many trophy-seeking wine and food fanatics—at least until recently. Villa Creek, owned by JoAnn and Cris Cherry, who are also the proprietors of Villa Creek Cellars, was one of the first restaurants in the area to attract serious foodie attention when it opened in 1998. And the wine list has been a strong part of its allure. READ MORE »
