Recent Posts

Hotel Eldorado – Kelowna, British Columbia

Originally built by Countess Bubna Litite of Austria, about 3 miles down the lakeshore from its current location, it was called the Eldorado Arms Inn. Though it began as lodging for local ranch hands, it eventually became an elegant hotel with extensive gardens and was well known for quality dining and lodging. It attracted visitors from all over Europe and North America.

Lodi Rosé Comes of Age

Usually when someone mentions Rosé wines from Lodi I don’t get too excited. In the past I have found them either too sweet or to high in alcohol and lacking in flavor. I am happy to say that has changed.

Wine And A Pyramid Too!

We recently visited Summerhill Pyramid Winery as part of a Pre-Conference Excursion to the Wine Bloggers’ Conference 2013 in Penticton, British Columbia. The excursion was planned for us by Tourism Kelowna and included a tour and dinner at the winery.

Wine Bloggers’ Conference 2013 — Pre-Conference Fun

The Wine Bloggers’ Conference 2013 was held in Penticton, British Columbia, June 6 – 8. We arrived a couple of days before the Conference started so we could spend some time in Penticton and participate in one of the Pre-Conference Excursions. We chose the Kelowna Pre-Conference Excursion so we could learn a bit about the wineries along the north part of Okanagan Lake. The Excursion was organized and subsidized by Tourism Kelowna.

South African Wines

Last Thursday night’s tasting at Fine Wines of Stockton featured wines from South Africa. George and Gail, owners of the wine shop, visited South Africa several years ago and shared their experiences and a bit about the history of wine making in the region with us.

WBC 2013 Warmup

We will be attending the Wine Bloggers Conference 2013 (WBC13) in a few days. The Wine Bloggers Conference is an annual get together of about 300 wine bloggers and wine professionals. WBC13 is being held in Penticton, BC. Canada this year.

Lunch With A Bulgarian

Pete’s sister, Marie, recently invited us to lunch at her home in San Francisco. The occasion was a visit with Pete’s son before his return to Rio de Janeiro. Seth mostly lives in Rio, but had been in San Francisco visiting and working.

Crozes-Hermitage – Affordable Northern Rhone Wines

In a continuing effort to find great-tasting, moderately-priced wine the theme for the Thursday night tasting at Fine Wines of Stockton was Crozes-Hermitage. This AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) is located in the Northern Rhone region of France, adjacent to the very prestigious Hermitage AOC.