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Russian Dancers, Ballerinas and Caviar Enrapture Guests at Jordan Winery’s Holiday Party

I always enjoy receiving an invitation to visit Jordan Winery in the Alexander Valley AVA of Sonoma County. Not only is it one of the oldest wineries in the region, with an impressive gate and curving driveway which leads to a golden ivy-covered building designed in the French chateau style, but they are known for their very innovative events. Ballerina Dancers at Jordan Winery in Sonoma County This time it was an invitation to attend their Tchaikovsky Christmas Party tasting to highlight their new Jordan Cuvée Champagne made in partnership with AR Lenoble in France. This is a [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-22T22:39:07-08:00December 10, 2017|

How Warren Winarski and Marketta Formeaux Inspired the Creation of Mi Sueño Winery: A Mexican-American Dream Come True in Napa Valley

(July 2017) Last Saturday evening my husband and I were invited to the 20 Year Anniversary Dinner Celebration of Mi Sueño Winery. Given that I knew the wines of Mi Sueno were very delicious and that the dinner was being held at Michelin star restaurant L’Auberge de Soleil, we were very pleased to be on the guest list. However, I didn’t expect to be brought to tears by the speakers, and completely awestruck by the support and mentorship of Warren Winarski and Marketta Formeaux in helping Rolando and Lorena Herrera to start Mi Sueño Winery. The Herrera Family, Owners [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-22T22:39:28-08:00August 1, 2017|

Magnificent Meals at Domaine Drouhin, Serene and Penner Ash Wineries in Oregon

(May 2017) In addition to elegant food-friendly pinot noirs, the Willamette Valley is also well known for fresh farm produce grown in sustainable ways. So in addition to experiencing beautiful vineyard landscape and exquisite wine tastings, the 42 MWs on the tour organized by the Oregon Wine Board were treated to a variety of magnificent meals. Following is a recap of some of these delicious meals. Local Oregon Appetizers at Domaine Serene Cellar Lunch at Domaine Drouhin On the second day of our Oregon wine tour we were welcomed to Domain Drouhin. Established more than 25 years ago [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-22T22:39:49-08:00July 12, 2017|

Southern Oregon Wineries Focusing on Diversity

(May 2017) The wineries of Southern Oregon have always held a special place in my heart because I have been visiting them for two decades. Ever since most of my relatives left California in the early 1990’s to move to Medford, I have made many trips to the area. Each time we have visited the charming towns of Jacksonville, Ashland, and, of course, the wineries of the Rogue and Applegate Valleys. Vineyards of Southern Oregon. Photo Credit: Southern Oregon Winery Association In the beginning there were not that many wineries, but today there are more than 120 in [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-22T22:40:10-08:00July 10, 2017|

Visiting the Unexpected Beauty of the Columbia Gorge Wine Region

(May 2017) As the bus slowly approached the town of Hood River, I became more excited because it was my first time to visit the Columbia Gorge wine region. Whereas I have visited the Willamette Valley many times in the past, this smaller, less well-known wine region of Oregon was new to me. Looking out the window, I was pleased to see how charming the scenery was with trees filled with pink blossoms, tall pines, and the glittering blue of the massive Columbia River weaving through the town. Waterfall Rushing Down to Meet the Columbia River We stopped [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-22T22:40:44-08:00July 9, 2017|

An Eye-Opening AVA Tasting of 30 Oregon Pinot Noirs at Adelsheim Vineyards

(May 2017) I was very much looking forward to meeting the legendary David Adelsheim, Chairman of Adelsheim Vineyard, with over 40 years of experience making Oregon wines. As one of the original winemakers of the Willamette Valley, he also helped to establish the Oregon Wine Board and has mentored many newcomers over the years. Finally Meeting David Adelsheim David did not disappoint us, because he was a very charming host and welcomed us with the utmost hospitality to his cellar, which was set up with a sea of tables for the most comprehensive and amazing tasting of Oregon [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-22T22:41:06-08:00July 6, 2017|

A Three Day MW Wine Tour of Oregon

(May 2017) Though Oregon and Washington State border one another, and even have overlapping appellations, they are like two different countries when it comes to wine. After spending five days touring Washington wine country, and then crossing the border to Oregon, the only thing in common between the two famous wine regions is their friendly and hospitable welcome. The Beauty of an Oregon Vineyard, Willamette Valley Indeed, as the 42 MWs on this trip soon discovered, Washington State, with its massive cabernet based blends and warmer weather could easily be compared to Bordeaux, whereas Oregon, with its focus [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-22T22:41:38-08:00July 5, 2017|

Cayuse Vineyards – Horses, Rocks and a Crazy Frenchman

(May 2017) Probably one of the most unique wineries we visited in Washington State was Cayuse, located in the Walla Walla AVA on the border of Oregon. We arrived in the late afternoon and were met in the parking lot by an exuberant Christophe Baron, the colorful French winemaker who founded the winery in 1997. He was literally bouncing on his heels as he welcomed us with wide arms, and ushered us into the shade of the receiving dock where we each received an icy cold bottle of water. This was much appreciated as the temperature was hovering in the [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-22T22:42:12-08:00June 26, 2017|

Champagne and Tacos – a Unique Lunch at Kiona Vineyards, Washington

(May 2, 2017) Kiona Vineyards, located in the Red Mountain AVA of Washington State, was the first stop of the day. One of the oldest wineries in the region, established in 1961, it is famous for its big luscious cabernet sauvignons, old vineyards, and a panoramic view of the valley. Therefore it was only fitting that this was location of a master class tasting on Washington cabernet sauvignons. We spent several hours tasting 12 wines and listening to the fascinating tales of the winemakers who made them. I must say that I have always enjoyed Washington cabernet sauvignons and red [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-22T22:42:37-08:00June 22, 2017|

Guardian Cellars – A Unique Winery Started by a Retired Police Officer

Not only do they produce big, inky, chewy and high satisfying red wines from Washington State, this winery also boasts a very unique wine story. Started by retired police officer, Jerry Riener, the name “Guardian” is to honor the role of police across the country that protect and serve their country. Cop Turned Winemaker - Jerry Riener at Guardian Cellars, WA. Photo Credit: Guardian Cellars When I met Jerry at the MW tasting in Woodinville, he told the story of when he served as an undercover agent for 3 years, living in a penthouse over-looking Seattle and driving [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-22T22:43:02-08:00June 20, 2017|

Overview of Washington Wine – Major Grape Varietals, Appellations and Terroir

During our 5-day tour of Washington State, we learned many interesting facts about Washington wine. To begin, Washington is the second largest wine-producing region in the USA after California. As of 2016, Washington has 681 bonded wineries (Fisher, 2017), and over 900 brands. Old Vines at Chateau St. Michelle in Washington State The oldest winery in Washington is Columbia Winery, established in 1962. The second oldest is Chateau St. Michelle started in 1967. Today they are both the largest wine producers in the state, and are ironically located across the road from one another in the town of [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-23T12:35:15-08:00June 18, 2017|

Five Day Master of Wine Tour of Washington Wine Regions

One of the greatest advantages to being a member of the Institute of Masters of Wine is the opportunity to visit the great wine regions of the world with fellow MW’s. This May I was honored to be invited to participate in a 5-day wine tour of Washington State. Altogether 42 MWs from around the world flew to Seattle to learn about and sample the great wines of Washington. Washington State Vineyards Along the Columbia River. Photo Credit: Washingtonwine.org Our trip was hosted by Washington State Wines, and I would have to say that this was one of [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-23T12:35:43-08:00June 13, 2017|

Amazing Wine Selection on Oahu, Hawaii at ABC Island Country Markets

(Jan. 2017) As Californians we usually take advantage of inexpensive airplane flights to Hawaii at least once every other year for a relaxing vacation. Only a 4.5 hour flight from San Francisco, you can fly direct to Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island, and enjoy the year-round warm weather. However as wine lovers living in the Napa/Sonoma region, we usually bring our own wine – packing 6 to 8 bottles in the special wine airline case my husband gave me for my birthday several years ago. This is because the wine selection in the islands is usually sparse and [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-23T13:05:46-08:00March 26, 2017|

Domaine Carneros – Still Enchanting Young and Old Visitors Over the Years

(March 2017) “Mommy, can we stop at the castle winery with the long flight of stairs?” This was the question my 6-year old daughter asked me every time we drove past Domaine Carneros coming or going from Sonoma to Napa Valley. Since she was three when we first moved to California wine country, I have joined many winery wine clubs over the years. One of the first was Domaine Carneros, because I love their delicious bubbly wine as well as the expansive view of the vineyards from the terrace of the massive chateau designed after one in the Champagne region [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-23T13:06:13-08:00March 20, 2017|

Owl Vines & Wildlife: A Tour of the Famous Stag’s Leap Vineyard (S.L.V.)

This post is in honor of the 40th Anniversary month of the 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting, and is an excerpt from my book: Call of the Vine: Exploring Ten Famous Vineyards of Napa and Sonoma. California Poppies Near the Vineyard Neon orange poppies appeared in clusters along the Silverado Trail as I drove to Stag’s Leap Vineyard on a breezy April day. The sky was a clear porcelain blue, not as vibrant in hue as it would become in the hotter Summer days ahead, and the temperature matched the Spring season with a moderate 68F. Vineyards marched along both sides [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-23T13:47:08-08:00May 17, 2016|

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