Dr. Liz Thach, MW

Celebrate Wine With New ‘Come Together Community’ of Wine Events

Friends Enjoying Wine and Socializing. Photo Credit: 123RF.com Good news, a new wine company called, ‘COME TOGETHER—A Community for Wine Inc,’ has just been launched this May 2024. It is a mission-driven company committed to creating and sharing positive, inclusive consumer information about moderate wine consumption and wine’s historic role as a communal beverage. The company was formed in May 2024 by three wine industry professionals who are donating their time and efforts to the company and its projects and events. They are: 1) wine journalist Karen MacNeil, author of the Wine Bible; 2) Gino Colangelo, CEO of public relations [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2024-06-26T18:09:28-07:00June 26, 2024|

The Inspiring Story of Calera Winery and Josh Jensen

Josh Jensen, Calera Winery Founder and Mike Waller, Current Calera WInemaker CALERA Not only do I believe that the Pinot Noir wines from Calera are some of the best in California, but the story of how this historic winery and vineyard came to be is equally compelling. Here is quick recap of the visionary story of Josh Jensen and his successor winemaker, Mike Waller. Upon returning from a wine trip to Burgundy in 1971, Josh Jensen spent two years driving up and down the coast of California in search of a location that had limestone soil and the right climate [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2024-06-11T20:48:40-07:00June 11, 2024|

Men Drink Pink Too: A Sophisticated Rosé Wine for Father’s Day

Real Men Drink Rosé Wine. Photo Credit: Pexels.com, Ryan Holloway One of my favorite memories is coming across a group of men in leather jackets standing next to their motorcycles and drinking rosé wine. This happened in Italy, and I still kick myself that I didn't get a photo of them. However, perhaps it doesn't matter, because there are many men who drink rosé wine. Take my neighor, Paul, who enjoys drinking one of the most expensive rosé wines in the world - Garrus by Chateau d'Esclans, which costs around $125 per bottle. It is made in Provence, France, from [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2024-06-11T20:18:00-07:00June 11, 2024|

U.S. Wine Sales Increase 46% Between 2018 and 2023

Title Page of 2024 BMO Wine Market Report BMO A new report by Bank of Montreal (BMO) shows that, though wine volume sales are down, actual dollar sales from consumer expenditures on wine have increased in 2023. In fact, if analyzing the BMO report data from 2018 through 2023, wine sales in the U.S. (both domestic and imported wines) increased by 46%. Though part of this is due to inflation and necessary price increases that wineries had to take to keep up with rising supply and labor costs, a good portion is also due to consumers spending more on wine. [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2024-05-25T11:39:08-07:00May 25, 2024|

The New Hillside Wine Tourism Experience At Shafer Winery in Napa Valley

Enjoying the New Hillside WIne Tourism Experience at Shafer Winery in Napa Valley. I've visited Shafer Winery many times over the years, but have never had a chance to explore the famous hillside vineyards behind the winery until they just created this new hillside wine tourism experience this year. It is fascinating to taste the wine while surrounded by these amazing vines that birthed the Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon. About Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley’s famous Shafer Hillside Select wine has been reaping top reviews for more than 40 years now, but this is the first time [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2024-05-25T11:18:54-07:00May 25, 2024|

California Poppies Adorn The New Korbel California Champagne Limited Edition Bottle

New Limited Edition Bottle of Korbel California Champagne with Orange California Poppies. Photo Credit: Korbel I love the vibrant orange color of California poppies. In fact, in the Spring time, they cover the slopes of the hills around my house in Sonoma County. You know Spring is here when the poppies bloom, and they are perennial, so they return each year. Now Korbel California Champagne is releasing a new, limited-edition bottle wrap inspired by the season. It features a vibrant, beautiful orange petal design with the “Poppy” bottle heralding the return of warm weather in style with a nod to [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2024-04-12T16:23:57-07:00April 12, 2024|

Portuguese Wine Week to Enchant Los Angeles

The Famous Sintra Castle in Portugal. Photo Credit: Pexels.com by Frese Get ready to savor the flavors of Portugal as Portuguese Wine Week descends upon Los Angeles from June 2 through 9, 2024. Hosted by Diniz Cellars, importer of fine Portuguese wines, this week-long celebration promises to captivate wine enthusiasts with a series of enticing events, including wine tastings, dinners, and other immersive experiences. Renowned for its diverse terroirs and unique grape varietals, Portugal has emerged as a rising star in the global wine scene. Portuguese Wine Week offers an unparalleled opportunity for wine lovers to explore the depth and [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2024-04-03T07:15:48-07:00April 3, 2024|

Wine And Seafood Pairings That Are Easy For Beginners

The Joy of Pairing Seafood and Wine. Photo Credit: Pexels - Chayko Contributed by Kevin Fagin - Whether you’re a professional wine connoisseur or a casual drinker, you can always enhance your eating experience by choosing the right pairing of wine with your favorite seafood. But why do we have to create pairings? Can’t we just drink any wine with any seafood of our choice? Well, technically yes, but the experience can be far more enjoyable if you balance the flavors of the wine and seafood. What Is Wine and Food Pairing? Wine pairing is the delicate art of matching [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2024-03-27T16:33:10-07:00March 27, 2024|

Visiting the Livermore Valley Wine Region of California

Wente Winery in the Livermore Valley, Birthplace of California Chardonnay. WENTE Though I live in the Napa/Sonoma wine region, I still enjoy visiting other parts of California. One that is very historical, and only a little more than an hour's drive from my house, and only 45 minutes from San Francisco, is the Livermore Valley Wine region. Called a ‘hidden gem’ by Forbes, this historical region is home to the first California wine to win a competition in Paris, France, with an 1884 vintage from La Cresta winery. “We are a unique wine region, because we are home to grape [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2024-03-21T15:33:54-07:00March 21, 2024|

Visiting Doug Frost’s New Winery in Walla Walla – Echolands

New Echolands Winery in Walla Walla, Washington. RICHARD DUVAL I have visited Walla Walla on two previous occasions, and both times I was impressed with the very friendly and laid-back wine town in the far southeast corner of Washington State. But now they are growing so fast, with new wineries popping up all of the time, and top scores from wine critics. After interviewing Doug Frost, MW/MS about his new winery there called, Echolands, I can't wait to visit again! I should mention that I've known Doug for over 15 years. He was one of my instructors in the Masters [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2024-02-15T12:15:16-08:00February 15, 2024|

Beyond the Cork: Wine Trends and the Art of Risk Management

Accidents in the Wine Cellar. Photo Credit: Pexels.com Contributed by Heidi Moore: Wineries and vineyards continually evolve to meet customers’ needs, make operations more cost-effective, and expand into new markets. But whenever businesses try something new, unexpected issues can also emerge. Sometimes, costly mistakes happen, which is why wine companies of all kinds should prioritize risk management. With a little education and some savvy preparation, you can ensure your wine business is protected and will endure long into the future. Emerging trends in the wine industry One of the biggest shifts in the wine industry over the last few years [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2024-02-15T11:17:12-08:00February 15, 2024|

Planning Your Wedding Bar: How to Store and Serve Wine for the Big Day

Selecting the Best Wines for your Wedding. Photo Credit: Pexels.com, E. Bauso Contributed by Kevin Fagan: Having a wedding sees the couple of the day putting in a lot of work ahead of time so the ceremony goes off without a hitch. The list of what needs to be done seems to be endless - booking venues, buying clothes, and food tasting are just a few of the tasks that need to be checked off the couple’s to-do list. One of the key parts of the wedding reception is the meals and beverages they are paired with. If you’re having [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2024-02-12T10:59:18-08:00February 12, 2024|

Top 10 Value Priced Wines From 2023

Top 10 Value Priced Wines for 2023 - Photo Credit: Pexels.com, Andrea It's always exciting to find a delicious wine that doesn't break the bank. That is why every year I always look forward to the Wine Spectator Top 10 Wine Values list. For 2023, I was pleased to see that a Sonoma County wine was #1 - La Crema Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2021 . Since I have visited La Crema winery several times over the past 15 years, this was exciting to see. They are also a winery that focuses on sustainability, and even uses sheep and chickens in the [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2024-01-25T09:33:52-08:00January 25, 2024|

Do U.S. Consumers Really Want Ingredient & Nutrition Labeling on Wine?

Consumers Reading Wine Labels. Photo Credit: Pexels.com This article was originally published in Forbes.com, but they have allowed me to republish it here. This issue of adding ingredient and nutrition labeling to wine is actually a heated one, and it is not clear how it will play out in the U.S. market. Historically, providing ingredient and nutrition labeling for wine and other alcoholic beverages has not been required by federal law in the U.S. However, with the European Union (E.U.) enacting a mandatory ingredient and nutrition labeling regulation for wine beginning December 2023, many industry experts are wondering if similar [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2023-12-18T19:00:41-08:00December 18, 2023|

Sheep and Chickens in the Vineyard at La Crema Winery in Sonoma County

Sheep in the Vineyard at La Crema Winery Help with Regenerative Farming LA CREMA I have visited La Crema Winery in Sonoma County many times over the years, and it is always a delight, because the winery tasting room is next to the famous Saralee's Vineyard in the Russian River Valley AVA. Saralee and Richard Kunde were the original owners of the vast vineyard, and over the years they planted many different grape varieties to enjoy. They also hosted large charity events, which were always fun to attend. In 2012, Saralee sold the vineyard to Jackson Family Wines, who have [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2026-09-14T13:19:49-07:00December 14, 2023|

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