The “reds” of red wines are certainly not uniform in their coloration.

Donniella WinchellMay 21, 2020

When the winds of winter blow and flakes of white snow turn to drifts, we often turn to comfort foods to ward off the winter doldrums. Here are some suggestions to match some great wines with those pasta dishes.

Donniella WinchellMay 21, 2020

Lessons from California

Every great wine region has garnered respect for its vintages by growing quality fruit and developing winemakers serious about their craft.

Donniella WinchellMay 21, 2020

Bits and Pieces

Decanting: This term describes the removal of wine from its original bottle into a separate vessel

Donniella WinchellMay 21, 2020

Harvest Wine Words

Lugs: the containers into which hand-picked grapes are put so that the fruit can be transferred to the winery.

Donniella WinchellMay 21, 2020

What Can't I Find a Wine Barrel to Use as a Flower Pot?

A big part of the barrel's value is that the wine extracts from the wood lots of those flavor components.

Donniella WinchellMay 21, 2020

Planning for the Generations

Of the 10000 or so wineries in this country, most are small and family-owned.

Donniella WinchellMay 21, 2020

Root stocks: an important item in a winegrowers toolbox

When I was a child and my dad and the local cadre of Concord grape growers wanted to expand their plantings, they called a local nursery during the fall, ordered stick-like plants with healthy root systems.

Donniella WinchellJuly 1, 2019

Barrels: selecting the correct oak is important

When a winemaker decides to use barrels vs. just stainless steel in his cellar, there are lots of variables he needs to consider.

Donniella WinchellJune 1, 2019

Pinot Gris [Grigio] a varietal perfectly suited to our region.

In the last couple of years, the national consumer magazines, ‘Wine Enthusiast’ and ‘Wine Spectator’ have touted Pinot Gris as a ‘rising star’ among California wines.

Donniella WinchellMay 1, 2019

A hot “comfort soup” paired with a “cool climate” white

One of my favorite mid winter recipes matches a chicken tortilla soup with either a Gewürztraminer or a Traminette.

Donniella WinchellApril 1, 2019

A look back…and forward

While the future of our regional industry likely will be in vinifera [Chardonnay, Riesling] and hybrid [Vidal, Chambourcin] grapes, Concords have served this community’s growers well for many decades.

Donniella WinchellMarch 15, 2019