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Foxen Vineyard & Winery: A Visit to Santa Maria’s Iconic “Shack”
Nestled in the serene beauty of Santa Barbara County, Foxen Vineyard & Winery has become a beloved destination for wine enthusiasts seeking a genuine taste of the Santa Maria Valley. Our visit, which was part of our Sideways 20th Anniversary tour with Rex Pickett, centered on the Foxen 7200 Tasting Room, affectionately referred to as "The Shack," which was the one that Rex often visited before writing his novel and which is also featured in the movie.
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Momoyama: A Hidden Gem for Omakase Lovers
Momoyama in Fountain Valley is an upscale, elegant sushi establishment that delivers a truly top-tier omakase experience. With no flashy signage and tucked away in a strip mall, it’s a hidden gem worth discovering. The expert craftsmanship of Head Chef Edy and his team makes every bite a masterpiece....
A Deep Dive into the 2021 Domaine de Durban Kermit Lynch Vaucluse Rouge
Kermit Lynch comes through again. The 2021 Domaine de Durban Kermit Lynch Vaucluse Rouge offers an excellent opportunity to explore the vibrant wines of Southern Rhône. Crafted by the Leydier family at Domaine de Durban, this red blend exemplifies the region's potential for producing expressive, approachable, and terroir-driven wines at an amazing price. With its intricate blend of Grenache, Syrah, Merlot, and Marselan, this vintage represents not only skilled winemaking but also a thoughtful nod to the rich soils and traditions of its origin.
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This Week Uncorked
February 10, 2025 – California Wineries Sound the Alarm on Immigration Policy
The California wine industry braces for potential labor shortages amid immigration policy shifts, while young consumers show untapped wine interest. Explore wine fridge pricing, service red flags, and Honrama Cellars’ inspiring legacy. Plus, savor Michelin-starred Rebel Omakase’s unforgettable 20+ course experience—though corkage is off the table....
February 3, 2025 – The Wine Tariff Battle Begins
The latest wine industry updates highlight key debates and trends, from tariff discussions to shifting consumer habits. While U.S. winemakers push for fairer competition against low-cost imports, wine lovers can expect great deals in the coming years as sales trends shift and new winemakers rise to prominence....
January 27, 2025 – The Legal Battle Brewing Over Alcohol & Cancer
From a winery caught rebranding Franzia to a biotech breakthrough using chestnut blossoms as a sulfite substitute, the wine world is full of surprises. Add in cross-border grape collaborations, legal challenges over alcohol and cancer, and a spotlight on Halter Ranch Vineyard, and there’s plenty to pour over this week! ...
Corkage
Wine
A Deep Dive into the 2021 Domaine de Durban Kermit Lynch Vaucluse Rouge
Kermit Lynch comes through again. The 2021 Domaine de Durban Kermit Lynch Vaucluse Rouge offers an excellent opportunity to explore the vibrant wines of Southern Rhône. Crafted by the Leydier family at Domaine de Durban, this red blend exemplifies the region's potential for producing expressive, approachable, and terroir-driven wines at an amazing price. With its intricate blend of Grenache, Syrah, Merlot, and Marselan, this vintage represents not only skilled winemaking but also a thoughtful nod to the rich soils and traditions of its origin.
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2019 Honrama Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2019 Honrama Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a robust and expressive example of Napa Valley winemaking. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a layered and harmonious tasting experience, showcasing a deep garnet color, pronounced aromas, and bold flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and mocha, balanced with firm tannins and a long finish.
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2018 Joseph Phelps Vineyards Insignia
The 2018 Joseph Phelps Vineyards Insignia is a quintessential expression of Napa Valley, blending a rich history of winemaking with a meticulous approach to crafting luxury wines. Revered by critics and collectors alike, this wine is a beacon of consistency and sophistication. With a formidable 98 points from the Cork and Journey Panel and a glowing 4.6 rating on Vivino, it firmly asserts its position among the finest blends in the world....
Wineries
Foxen Vineyard & Winery: A Visit to Santa Maria’s Iconic “Shack”
Nestled in the serene beauty of Santa Barbara County, Foxen Vineyard & Winery has become a beloved destination for wine enthusiasts seeking a genuine taste of the Santa Maria Valley. Our visit, which was part of our Sideways 20th Anniversary tour with Rex Pickett, centered on the Foxen 7200 Tasting Room, affectionately referred to as "The Shack," which was the one that Rex often visited before writing his novel and which is also featured in the movie.
...
Coursey Graves Estate Winery
Nestled in the serene foothills of Bennett Valley in Sonoma County, Coursey Graves Estate Winery marries meticulous winemaking with an exceptional sense of place. From its storied history to its thoughtfully designed property and world-class wines, this estate exemplifies the artistry of California winemaking. With stunning views, carefully crafted Bordeaux and Rhône-style wines, and a philosophy rooted in sustainable farming, Coursey Graves delivers a comprehensive wine experience that is both personal and refined. Below, we explore the winery’s history, winemaker, property, tasting options, and more, offering a closer look at what makes Coursey Graves an essential stop for wine enthusiasts.
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Honrama Cellars: A Heartfelt Tribute to Generations of Dedication
Honrama Cellars is more than just a winery; it’s a deeply personal story of love, perseverance, and honoring family legacy. Founded in 2008 by Miriam and Juan Puentes, the winery pays homage to Miriam’s father, Honorio Ramirez Mata. A lifelong vineyard worker and Cellar Master at the renowned Caymus Vineyards, Honorio dreamed of one day owning a winery himself. Though he passed away in 1998, Miriam carried his dream forward with unwavering determination.
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Restaurants
Momoyama: A Hidden Gem for Omakase Lovers
Momoyama in Fountain Valley is an upscale, elegant sushi establishment that delivers a truly top-tier omakase experience. With no flashy signage and tucked away in a strip mall, it’s a hidden gem worth discovering. The expert craftsmanship of Head Chef Edy and his team makes every bite a masterpiece....
Michael’s Gourmet Room: A Timeless Culinary Experience
Nestled within the bustling South Point Hotel and Casino, Michael’s Gourmet Room offers an unparalleled dining experience steeped in elegance and tradition. For over 40 years, this iconic steakhouse has been a symbol of fine dining in Las Vegas, beloved by visitors and locals alike. ...
Guides
Uncork the Perfect Gift: A Guide for Wine Lovers
Finding the ideal gift for a wine lover is as satisfying as pouring the perfect glass of red. From elegant glassware and innovative accessories to immersive tasting experiences, our curated Wine Lovers Gift Guide will inspire you to toast to the perfect present this season....
