Grapevine

On numerous occasions I’ve discussed the symbiotic relationship of wine and the external environment with which it interacts. The French term “terroir” encapsulates the natural influences of climate, soil, sun exposure and elevation on the final wine produced and released

What makes one wine unique and distinct from another? I’m frequently asked this question. Aside from the obvious considerations such as different grape varieties and different countries/regions of origin, there is no empirical answer or immutable consensus. When considering wine,

In a number of previous columns, we’ve explored the numerous elements of consuming wine at its peak – the moment when it reaches the top of the bell curve and expresses its best characteristics. The columns focused on these categories:

Over the years, my wife and family have always endeavored to set aside Friday night as an element in our lives that was consistent from week to week. It was the night to sit back, de-stress and enjoy time together

The natural and scientific components of winemaking are similar to the production of numerous other products. These products share the core processes and procedures of winemaking, but deviate at some point in their unique lifecycles. Examples abound. Coffee, cheese, bread,

In my last two columns, I focused on the similarities of the life cycle of wine to select agricultural products, from raw ingredients to finished product. I compared each step in the growing, harvesting and production of wine to similar

The natural and scientific components of winemaking are similar to the production of numerous other products. These products share the core processes and procedures of winemaking, but digress at some point in their unique lifecycles. The end results bear the

There are numerous parallels to winemaking in the natural world, as humankind has endeavored to extend winemaking techniques to other agricultural harvests. The end results bear the imprint of the winemaking process but are distinct unto themselves. Cheese, bread, yogurt,

The year is 1868. The United States is emerging from the trauma of the Civil War, the Indian Wars are escalating across the American West and the Transcontinental Railroad is nearing completion. Certainly, this tumultuous period is a pivotal turning