Founded in 1962 by Maggie and Harry Wetztel, the Alexander Valley Vineyards
didn't take long to establish themselves as one of Sonoma's finest wineries.
When they first broke ground over four decades ago, there weren't many
vineyards to speak of in Sonoma -- just ranches and small ...
With a gorgeous grape color and a smooth, fruity taste, merlot ranks as one
of the world's most popular wines. California has been a top player in the wine
market for decades now, and the beautiful Sonoma Valley has built a reputation
for producing some of the best merlot available. Between...
The wine world can be quite overwhelming. With so many grape varietals,
regions, and producers, it can be hard to navigate the landscape. Wine ratings
set forth by various experts help aficionados decipher the good from the great.
Merlot is not unique--there are plenty of magnificent offeri...
In French, the world merlot means "young blackbird." This translation is
likely due to the grape's magnificent deep purple color with dramatic dark-blue
hues. Merlot is most commonly produced in France and California, and while it
has enjoyed tremendous popularity, it is often considered le...
Although indigenous to the French region of Bordeaux, the cabernet sauvignon
grape has found a permanent home in the lush Napa Valley. Now known as
California's wine mecca, the Napa Valley is overwhelming fond of their cabernet
sauvignon. It took a showdown at the 1976 Paris wine tasting ev...
Rioja is a region in northern Spain, arguably responsible for the country's
most worshiped wines. Famous mostly for the classic, bold reds, Rioja also
produces plenty of spectacular white wines too. The vineyards in this region
have existed for centuries--vines were planted here long before...
Spain is a country rich in history, culture, and culinary creations. Wine
making has been an institution in this great nation since before the Romans
invaded and continues to be a top cultivated priority. Spain may not produce the
quantities of wines matched by their neighbor France, but wi...
Italy is the largest producer of wine worldwide. There are so many types of
Italian wines, it would take a connoisseur a lifetime to even begin to
experience all the country has to offer. Italy not only produces the most wine,
but also features the largest array of grape types, ranging from...