I’m a total sucker for brunch. Maybe it’s because I lived in San Francisco so long, where the brunch options are endless, or because I currently live in Santa Rosa, where the brunch game is on point… whatever the case, I feel obligated to share with you my top five brunch spots in Santa Rosa....

Many of the vineyards planted in Middle Reach—the most northerly neighborhood of Russian River Valley—are nestled on the banks of the Russian River. This neighborhood is home to the oldest plantings of Pinot Noir in Russian River Valley (RRV), including Rochioli’s famed West Block Vineyard that was planted in 1969....

During his August visit to Napa Valley for his forthcoming Napa Report in Issue 227 of the Wine Advocate, Robert Parker tasted the recently released 2013 Joseph Phelps Insignia. Shared here is a video produced by the winery, which includes some of Robert Parker's comments. Also featured are videos of Parker's visit to the winery in 2013 to taste every vintage ever made of Insignia: 1974-2012....

With farm-fresh ingredients, estate-raised livestock (I’d be surprised if you haven’t heard of their Black Pig Bacon), a killer mixology cocktail program and an excellent wine list to boot, there’s no such thing as a quick in-and-out dining experience at Zazu. You’ll want to linger and graze, especially when you’re in the company of good friends....

Part I After toiling for a couple of decades as a creative executive in the media and advertising landscape of Los Angeles, Kashy Khaledi finally landed what he had long romanticized would be the ideal job. Now, seated at his desk inside the Capitol Records tower in Hollywood, he instead felt creatively bereft. It was the autumn of 2013 and Khaledi was ready for a change....

This summer, I’ve been on the hunt for great picnic wineries in Northern California wine country. In my search, I’ve selected some of my favorite picnic experiences to share with you, starting with Benovia Wines in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley appellation....

Cellar workers, like Sous Chefs, are rarely heard from but work diligently in the background, providing winemakers with invaluable labor, and oftentimes, guidance....

Sonoma County's Russian River Valley is an expansive appellation. The region is comprised of many terroirs, all of which are home to unique vineyard sites that are planted mostly to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. As the region’s notoriety continues to soar, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley have been recognized as world-class wines....

Sonoma County has a plethora of fantastic dining options, and during my recent exploration of Russian River Valley, I popped into a couple of great restaurants....