The Monterey Way

Great Grapes, hold the Wrath

John Steinbeck wrote his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Grapes of Wrath, in 1939 and in so doing solidified the Monterey region’s place in the canon of American literature. But in spite of the gloomy outlook of the novel’s protagonists and the commentary on the changes in the agricultural landscape and those who work in it, the novel at least hinted at a part of the prosperity on the horizon.

The Cabernet Crown

Why Cabernet is the King of the Valley

And now, if you’ll indulge me, a word about cabernet. If there is hierarchy among wines—and there is—Cabernet wears the crown. Here’s why.

The reasons for its monarchy are myriad, and as with kingdoms, not always clear or universally accepted. But what is clear is that the Cabernet supremacy is seldom disputed. So how did Cabernet achieve its eminence? For starters, popularity. It continues to be, in spite of the trendiness of other grapes, my favorite varietal. As it was for me, Cabernet is often the wine drinker's initiation varietal. Its name recognition, availability and approachability make it a secure jumping-off spot for the beginner.

Top 10 Hot Wine Event Weekends

Los Olivos

Small in Size, Big on Charm

More good news for Southlanders! Your own backyard contains yet another hidden gem for wine country travel – the tiny town of Los Olivos.

Part country western throw-back, part progressive rural hamlet, Los Olivos is the picture of wine country cute and makes the perfect spot to unwind from tasting at the many Santa Barbara-area wineries nearby. And with a population of just 1,000 inhabitants, the small town nestled in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley delivers big on charm for its size.

Going Both Ways

How to Hit Up Napa & Sonoma in a Single Trip

Rather like the sexes, Napa and Sonoma sometimes seem worlds apart.  Farmers are from Sonoma, people often say, while the technology barons and other members of the monied set call neighboring Napa home instead. 

In some ways these stereotypes ring true: I’m yet to spot a Ferrari in Sonoma but am rarely in Napa for more than 15 minutes before one or even two of the slick machines whiz by me en route to brunch at Bouchon or gallery hopping in St. Helena.