Wine-spiration from small producers on the west coast

I’ve received a lot of requests from people asking about small producers making interesting wines out here on the west coast, so I thought I’d compile a list of some of the wines that have been inspiring me since my move out to Napa in February. All of these micro producers have an eye toward sustainability and working directly with the farmers they source from. They are keen to produce high-quality, distinctive wines at relatively fair prices given the costs of production out this way. Each has a unique story to tell, and many have incorporated lesser-known grapes into their portfolios, although not all. I’ve highlighted my personal favorite wine from each maker below, but definitely check out the other wines these winemakers are producing. Continue reading

SIMI: A Long History of American Winemaking

135 years is a long time, especially in US wine history, but that’s how long Simi winery in Sonoma, CA has been producing wine. In fact, Simi was making wine even through the years of Prohibition as an authorized producer of sacramental wine.

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