…This year it took place at Inglenook Winery and included: A blind tasting of 13, 2011 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignons (ranging in price from $55 – $145), a peppy summary talk by viticulturist and winery owner Davie Piña, some exchange of thoughts from the small group of writers present, a killer lunch with wines like the 2011 Inglenook Rubicon Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2012 Inglenook Blancaneaux white Rhone-variety blend. In the afternoon there was a walk-around tasting for trade and media of more 2011 Cabernet plus other releases from roughly 40 producers of Rutherford AVA wine. All in all… a VERY good day…


…Today’s recipe, Southwest Black Bean and Corn Mini Burgers, is the last recipe in a series of three that celebrates all that is good and yummy in a meatless burger. This recipe comes from Spork Foods, a Los Angeles-based gourmet vegan food company owned and operated by sisters Jenny Engel and Heather Goldberg…

…Fireworks, swimming pools, vegan fare, and 95 degree heat—Happy Birthday America! It’s officially time to go meatless with today’s recipe…

…Professional chef and father Ashley Transki, of Duo Events in Santa Barbara, California, created “covertly healthy” treats to counter barbeque-binging and heaping plates typical of July 4th party meals. For reference, KeVita is a lightly sparkling, refreshing fruit juice taste that is low-calorie, certified organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO Project Verified and vegan…

…What if I wanted to go to Greece and concentrate on their crisp white wines and juicy terroir driven reds, rather than the ruins? Would the travel gods scowl at my choice? Maybe, but visiting lesser known wine regions is my passion and discovering the aromas and sips that blend with distinctive terroir and glamorous landscapes is a lifelong passion that has never served me wrong…