May
2020

Caymus Vineyards Files Federal Lawsuit Against Governor Newsom Alleging Discriminatory Treatment of Napa County Wineries in Reopening Plan

categories: Uncategorized

The following is a formal press release from Caymus Vineyards

Allowing wineries that serve food to open – while keeping closed wineries that offer wine tastings but no food – is arbitrary, contrary to public health, and violates U.S. and California Constitutions

Rutherford, Calif.—Caymus Vineyards announced today its filing of a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against Governor Gavin Newsom and California State Public Health Officer Sonia Angell alleging discriminatory treatment in the state’s reopening plan for non-essential businesses. The reopening plan’s continued closure of wineries that don’t serve food violates the Equal Protection, Due Process, and Takings Clauses of both the U.S. and California Constitutions. The lawsuit asks the court to allow Caymus Vineyards—and by extension all Napa County wineries—to reopen wine tastings, as Napa County has determined that it meets the state’s Phase 2 guidelines of Stage 2.

(more…)


May
2020

This Week’s Latest Wine Headlines: May 17—22

categories: News, Wine

Good Saturday morning! Here are some of the latest wine-related news (including a piece by yours truly) and blog posts I’ve been reading this week. A little overview of what you can find: For those of you who are feeling a little wander-lusty, it seems that Italy plans to reopen its borders starting in June. But how welcome will the U.S. be? This report from Japan Today gives Americans a realistic perspective on what relationships between Asia and Europe mean for potential travel. And if you think that’s a bummer for those who travel for leisure, check out what it means for traveling winemaker Nick Goldschmidt.

Of course we can always travel vicariously via wine—but your wine bottles out of the E.U. may start to look a little different.

Here at home, it looks like Sonoma County may start to see a slow, cautious re-opening of local businesses, including wineries and tasting rooms. (I just ask that if you do decide to visit my hometown, please be respectful of all the rules and regulations put in place. Thank you.) Oregon, on the other hand, seems to be going at it a bit more aggressively.

And of course don’t forget to check out the Blogs below. We’ve got some great opinion pieces, some wine science, and more. Cheers!

(more…)


May
2020

Ron Rubin Winery New Releases

categories: Booze, Wine

I recently received three new releases from a winery I’d not heard of. Interesting factoid: Ron Rubin Brands includes The Republic of Tea. According to the company website, Rubin—who was already a veteran in the beverage industry—”The Republic of Tea, a book about the story and philosophy behind the groundbreaking tea company. Rubin was so inspired, and made an offer to the Ziegler’s and Bill Rosenzweig to purchase The Republic of Tea. Since then, Rubin has been on a mission to seek and procure the most exquisite teas from world premier tea gardens, making them accessible to everyone.” You can read more of Rubin’s story here.

When it comes to winegrowing and winemaking, the estate vineyards are located in Green Valley—a sub-AVA of California’s Russian River Valley. So, no surprise, then, that the wines I received were two styles of Chardonnay and a Pinot Noir.

Pam's UnOaked Chardonnay

(more…)


May
2020

Take a (Virtual Trip) to California Wine Country

categories: Uncategorized

Ok, this is a bit silly, but I thought I’d share it anyway. With the massive amount of Zoom-ing going on—whether you’re wine tasting or just chatting with Mom—maybe you need a fun way to spice it up a bit. I’ve seen folks using generic, Zoom-supplied background images; a few people are savvy enough (and good enough photographers) to supply their own. Now, if you want to pretend you’re in Wine Country (or have other people “think” you are [right]) the Wine Institute is supplying images that “depict stunning vineyard and winery scenes across the Golden State.” It’s pretty cool, you got your classic Napa and Sonoma scenes, but also a few from Lake County, Paso Robles, and even El Dorado County.

Below is the formal press release, including all the links and instructions you’ll need. Just a bit of fun I thought I’d share—I know I’ll be downloading a few myself. Cheers.

(more…)