Today is the final day to bid at tinyurl.com/auction4.... There are a ton of amazing lots, many of them incredible values in food, wine, and more. Bid generously, knowing that every dollar we raise goes to help a mom stay by her child's side through the toughest time imaginable.

24 hours left in tinyurl.com/auction4... auction - still spectacular deals to be had. Maybe none more so than a dinner for 20 people at your choice of Flowers or Quintessa, cooked by 2 famous chefs with wines from the library. Current bid: $7k. See QR code in image to bid.

I'm spending #givingtuesday focused on a young girl named Rayas who is fighting for her life. Together with an incredible community of friends in the wine and food world, we've put together an amazing silent auction fundraiser. Check it out: http://www.tinyurl.c...

Joel Peterson sharing a compact history of California viticulture packed with interesting facts. A new one for me: in 1880, 80% of CA vines were Mission/País. By 1890, 80% were non-Mission. A sea change. Old Vine Conference 2025.

Kicking off the conference part of the Old Vine Conference this morning in Santa Rosa. So excited! You can livestream if you want: http://www.oldvines.org

A new aroma wheel created by the South African Sav Blanc association. Interesting because it has local aromas like fynbos, buchu, and khaki bush on it. But really, I have a design problem with ALL aroma wheels because of what I see is an improper ratio of structure to meaning
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Ok here’s a brilliant business idea. Export cheap American BBQ sauce to Paris and sell it for absurdly high prices. You’ll make a fortune. SMH.

At last, it's stone fruit season here in California. And I don't think I'll ever find a better way to use ripe nectarines than caprese with buffalo mozzarella, nectarines, fresh basil, and EVOO. There's just nothing like that flavor combination in the world. Last meal candidate?

Y'all know I'm passionate about old vineyards. And we talk about them being in danger due to many factors working against farmers. Well, sometimes farmers decide it's not worth it anymore, and vineyards get ripped out. RIP Soucie Vineyard in Lodi. A 1916 Zinfandel gone forever.

I don't put much stock in longlists for awards (over half of the entries were longlisted for this one), but this is the second year in a row I've been longlisted for Longform Wine Communicator of the Year at the @67pall_mall writing awards. Shortlists come out in August.

Wine: Minerality good!
Water: Minerality bad!

Day two of @pinotnoirnz was really great, with excellent presentations from @mimicasteel (pictured) and @jamiegoode on regenerative farming, and an incredibly sobering look at our climate trajectory from Prof. Tim Flannery of Australia.

Day one of @pinotnoirnz in the books. Lots of excellent wines tasted, thought-provoking discussions, reconnection with many old friends, and making more than a few new ones. Also? Sam Neill told me he's met Kevin Bacon, so basically the whole country of NZ is one degree away.

Today’s workload? Tasting more than 100 Napa Cabernets from the 2021 vintage.

Holy cow this is one hell of an opportunity to snag some legendary wines direct from the winery's library at (frankly outstandingly) good prices. Au Bon Climat Direct Library Sale at K&L Wines.
mailchi.mp/klwines/a...