Wine Along The 101
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    • 2022 Articles >
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
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    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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Maria Tamiolaki poured her Rhous Tamiolakis wines in Los Angeles
Greece, with its ancient wine producing culture, has catapulted into the 21st century.  Fueled by young winemakers’ passion, cutting edge technology, and over 300 indigenous varietals, these terrific wines are amazing values, perhaps one third of the retail cost of many quality European wines.  It’s back to the future for both red and white, resurrecting some grapes, like the white Malagousia, from the brink of extinction, others elevated by a push to quality, like Xinomavro, a complex red likened to Nebbiolo.  At a 2018 trade tasting in Los Angeles, nine Greek wine producers in the Cava Spiliadis Collection poured a wide variety of wines, strutting their unusual indigenous varietals but also demonstrating their finesse with international varieties, like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well.
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Greek wines can be challenging, some with their hard to pronounce varietals, others with their traditional labels.  Greek white wines are very different, they’re mineral and herbal, often at the same time, refreshing in their acidity, some perfumed with citrus, others with stone fruit and flowers.  Greek red wines run the gamut, from soft and fruity, to full-bodied and herbaceous, or rich and tannic, these wines are seductive in their savory palate.  Some wineries are blending international grape varieties, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon with their native varietals, even producing a Bordeaux style blend, in homage to the time many young Greek winemakers spent in France, honing their craft.  Organic plays a large role in Greek wine production, due to many factors, winemakers can avoid chemicals in the vineyards, and craft natural or biodynamic wines.
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Argyris Gerovassiliou poured wines for Ktima Gerovassiliou and Ktima Biblia Chora
George Spiliadis, son of famed restauranteur Costas Spiliadis of Milos Restaurant Group, had a mission, to usher the wines of Greece onto the world stage.  Over a decade ago, he founded Cava Spiliadis, and since has worked hard to educate and introduce wine consumers to the wonders of Greek wine.  His Cava Spiliadis Collection of fine Greek wines includes nine family-run wineries, partners in this quest to get the world drinking the many great wines produced.  Last year, these winemakers came to LA and poured an incredible portfolio of wine.
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Courtesy of Ktima Gerovassiliou
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Vangelis Gerovassiliou and the Malagousia he saved from extinction
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Vangelis Gerovassiliou and his son, Argyris Gerovassiliou, the second generation winemaker for the label
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Ktima Gerovassiliou

Over thirty years ago, Vangelis Gerovassiliou, fresh from his studies in Bordeaux, returned to his hometown of Epanomi in northern Greece.  He set out to resuscitate the local vineyards, and in doing so, saved an obscure grape, Malagousia, from extinction.  Putting his expertise from Bordeaux into practice, he planted five white and five red varietals, four of which are indigenous to Greece.  A modern winery was built, which has become a destination, with its Wine Museum’s impressive collection of corkscrews, one of the largest in the world.  He and his son, Argyris, poured eight of these engaging wines, of which the Chardonnay, Estate Red, Avaton red blend (all Greek varietals), the fascinating Evangelo (a Syrah/Viognier blend), and excellent Malagousia Late Harvest were my favorites.
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Courtesy of Ktima Biblia Chora
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Ktima Biblia Chora

Vassilis Tsaktsarlis, another graduate of the University of Bordeaux, returned to Greece and refined his winemaking skills for a decade at another winery.  Then, he and Vangelis Gerovassiliou partnered on a new project, Biblia Chora, located on the southern slopes of Mount Pangeon.  Their efforts has translated the rocky mountain soils and Aegean Sea climate into a lineup of captivating wines.  Five whites, one rose, and six reds were poured, the Areti White, Sole Vidiano, Ovilos White, Biblinos Rosé, and Biblinos Red were the standouts for me.  Especially the Biblinos Rosé, which has a fascinating story, made from an unknown local varietal that has not yet been identified by DNA testing.
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Courtesy of Domaine Katsaros
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Domaine Katsaros

Over thirty years ago, Domaine Katsaros was founded on the slopes of Mount Olympus, planted to mostly international red grapes but importantly included the noble Greek grape Xinomavro.  Evripidis Katsaros took his love of the family vineyard, studied in Bordeaux and Burgundy, then returned home, bringing with him the viticulture and winemaking skills acquired in Burgundy.  For over a decade, he’s crafted these award-winning wines, which require time in the bottle to reveal their charms.  Their flagship wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, in addition to Valos (Xinomavro), Merlot, and Chardonnay show promise.
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Courtesy of Parparoussis Winery
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Parparoussis Winery

Athanassios Parparoussis and his daughters, Erifili and Dimitra, operate this family estate in northwest Greece, dedicated to Greek indigenous varietals.  Excellent and unusual wines, four whites, three reds, and two dessert wines were poured.  My favorites, three whites (Gifts of Dionysos and Petite Fleur, made from Sideritis), and Assyrtiko, plus the red Taos and Mavrodaphne Patras.  The Petite Fleur, particularly fascinating in its flavor profile and mouthfeel, is a late harvest wine picked over five passes through the vineyard.
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Courtesy of Ktima Tselepos
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Giannis Tselepos with his Driopi wines
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Ktima Tselepos 

Giannis Tselepos has taken the expertise he learned in Burgundy, university studies and hands on work, and planted it in his own vineyards in northern Greece.  As winemaker and consultant to the Peloponnese region, he founded his own winery thirty years ago, and set about to replicate some of the Burgundian principles that he holds dear.  Three sparkling, two whites, and three reds were poured, the reds made from international grape varietals, the rest from Greek grapes.  I was intrigued by the textured Amalia 2013 Vintage sparkler (Moschofilero) and the yummy Amalia Brut Rosé sparkler (Agiorgitiko), the Blanc de Gris (Moshofilero) with its honeyed character, and the Dilofos and Avlotopi reds were very good.
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Courtesy of Ktima Driopi
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Ktima Driopi

Another project of Giannis Tselepos, he acquired this 50-year-old vineyard in Nemea in 2003, and adjusted the plantings of Agiogitiko grapes to coax the maximum potential from the vines.  Renowned Agiogitiko wines are produced here, their fame has grown as more people experience them in restaurants around the world.  Three amazing wines were poured.  The Driopi Rosé is one of my all-time favorites, having drank it many times at the Estiatorio Milos restaurant in Las Vegas.  The Driopi Nemea and Driopi Nemea Reserve are beautifully balanced wines that make a statement while keeping their grace.
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Courtesy of Canava Chrissou Tselepos
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Courtesy of Canava Chrissou Tselepos
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Canava Chrissou Tselepos

Giannis Tselepos has joined this family’s winemaking operation in one of the most ancient spots for producing wine on the planet, the island of Santorini.  Here, Assyrtiko has been grown for centuries, and the two wines sampled reflect a blend of three villages for complexity and depth of fruit.  Santorini, the simpler one, is pleasant while Laoudia, which is made from the fruit of 100-year-old vines, is more complex, hand-harvested, fermented and aged in amphorae, and left on the lees, it has great texture and mouthfeel.
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Courtesy of Venetsanos Winery
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Venetsanos Winery

One of the oldest wineries on Santorini, Venetsanos was built into the side of a cliff by George Venetsanos in 1947.  Initially, winemaker Ioanna Vamvakouri had a lot to prove, being the only female winemaker on Santorini, but she rose to the challenge, crafting critically acclaimed wines.  Since 2017, the winemaking baton has been passed to Christos Kanellakopoulos, who is using his Burgundian education and training to evolve Venetsanos into a modern interpretation.  Three wines were sampled, Santorini, Nykteri and Mandilaria all have their own charms.
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Courtesy of Rhous Tamiolakis Winery
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Maria Tamiolaki
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Rhous Tamiolakis Winery

Maria Tamiolaki was inspired to make wine by her grandfather, who produced and sold the local wine of Heraklion.  She went to Bordeaux for her formal training and hands on experience, returning to Crete to take over the family winery.  Committed to making Greek wines from indigenous varietals, Tamiolaki ended up saving endangered local Cretan grapes, such as Vidiano, Moschato Spinas and Plyto.  Joined by Dimitris Mansolas, the two are evolving Cretan wines, and as such, the name Rhous translates to the ancient Greek word for “flow”, the continuous progression of things.  Two whites and two reds were tasted, my favorite was Skipper Red, a blend of Kotsifali and Mandilaria.
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Argyris Gerovassiliou with the Biblinos Rosé
Expressive wines that echo their historic roots, yet sparkle with contemporary highlights, and made in small batches, these wines from the different regions of Greece offer unique flavors, and show a great affinity for food. Greek wines are a delight, exciting your taste buds with their unique sensory bouquet. This is not just another Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot; it’s a voyage to wines that are mystical and mysterious, outside the mainstream wine experience, compelling in their fragrance and flavors. The Cava Spiliadis Collection offers some of the finest Greek wines for your drinking pleasure, definitely worth seeking out!