Springtime in Napa!

It's finally here! Springtime in Napa. The mustard is in in full bloom and the weather is getting better and better. I gave myself some time off the other day to take a trip up valley and do a bit of "research". I visited Cosentino, Cakebread and Hall wineries.

At Cosentino, Jeff poured some fantastic red "Meritage" blends (rhymes with "heritage" people) a fantastic Oakville Cabernet, and finished off with some super fruity and full Zinfandels from Lodi and Mendocino.

Cakebread is a very friendly place with a nice tour and super hosts. Being partial to the reds I enjoyed the "Red Room" mostly, but the tour is also well worth it. A real Napa experience!

I love Hall wines! The entire selection of the Hall Napa Valley Collection was excellent. I especially liked the Katheryn Hall Cab. The service was great (of course it was mid-week and I was the only person there) and the tasting room is really cool.

I intend to do much more "research" in the coming months. I hope to see everyone enjoying the Spring and Summer in Napa.

I love this industry!

Why not a box?

I've been thinking a long time about what to say next, but one thing has come up over and over again. And that is, why not distribute your wine in (dare I say it?) a box?

There, I've said it. I hear the sound of the angry mob, armed with pitchforks and torches, coming to break down my door.

Okay, let me refine that question a little more. Why not launch a by-the-glass program that features an environmentally conscious way of getting your wine to your customer that will not only reduce carbon emissions, but also save a bundle in shipping costs. Not to mention that the wine will last longer in airtight bags, thus saving even more from literally getting poured down the drain. How many bars or restaurants show their customers the bottle their glass of wine comes from?

I'd love to hear some reasons why wine cannot be distributed in boxes for by-the-glass programs. Anybody?

Thanks!