Sangiovese – Page 4

Altipiano Vineyard & Winery Reaches New Heights

September 1, 2014 by Deborah Mines

Happenstance brought me to Altipiano Vineyard & Winery in Escondido. Eager to pursue the many wineries springing up in the Ramona Valley AVA, I ventured out and much to my surprise, found this boutique winery off Highland Valley Road, just a few miles from San Diego.

Altipiano Vineyard & Winery was aptly named. Alti, (a variation of the word Alto) and the word piano, roughly translates from the Italian words meaning “Upper Plateau” ~ which is the ideal descriptor for the views off the back patio which overlook the dancing vines and the majestic valley below. [Read more…]

Great Rounds Of Applause To The Sponsors Of WBC14!

July 16, 2014 by Deborah Mines

I would like to truly thank all the SPONSORS of the 2014 Wine Bloggers Conference who made this event possible. Thanks to your support and generosity, more than 350 wine bloggers from all parts of the world were able to converge in the pristine Santa Barbara Wine Country for an unforgettable weekend in the vines.

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As a Scholarship recipient, and a first time attendee of the Wine Bloggers Conference, I must say, that it was far better than I could have hoped for and a little overwhelming at the same time.

To be in the presence of noted fellow wine bloggers and industry experts and top local wine makers was beyond fabulous!

Looking back, one of my favorite parts of the conference, however, was meeting the Santa Barbara County wine makers.

I must admit that I was literally awestruck mingling among the legendary wine makers only to find out that they’re very genuine, down-to-earth people who loved to share their passion of making wine. Best of all, there was no pretense or awkwardness as they each shared their humble beginnings and triumphs, only great pride. [Read more…]

Day Three ~ 2014 Wine Bloggers Conference: It’s a Wrap!

July 13, 2014 by Deborah Mines

These wine bloggers are a stealthy bunch of writers and wine drinkers! Between the Wine Discovery breakout sessions, to the speed wine tastings, through the 2014 Wine Bloggers Awards 3-course dinner, Santa Barbara County Wines flowed freely.

Wrapping up the 2014 Wine Bloggers Conference with the coveted Wine Writer’s Workshop where a select group of 45 wine bloggers will have writing samples critiqued. [Read more…]

Day Two: 2014 Wine Blogger Conference In Santa Barbara Wine Country

July 12, 2014 by Deborah Mines

So many wines, so little time! Yesterday was an amazing event-filled day at the 2014 Wine Bloggers Conference. The highlight of the day was the evening mystery excursion. WIne Bloggers were loaded on small buses and taken to various undisclosed locations in the Santa Barbara Wine Country.

I was beyond excited to end up at Melville Vineyards, off Highway 246 in Lompoc. Chad Melville personally greeted 40 bloggers and gave us a working knowledge of the terroir of the Santa Rita Hills AVA. I will write a separate blog highlighting this very special evening! [Read more…]

2014 Wine Blogger Conference Opens Today In Santa Barbara Wine Country!

July 11, 2014 by Deborah Mines

Day One of the 2014 Wine Bloggers Conference is finally here! Over 350 wine bloggers will kickstart the conference at the Marriott Hotel in Buellton this morning with Discover Portugal: Influences Around the World, A food and wine pairing brunch hosted by Wines of Portugal.

Keynote speaker, Corbett Barr of Fizzle, will welcome the wine bloggers to the pristine Santa Barbara Wine Country. Other afternoon sessions include a panel of Santa Barbara Country Winemakers, Live Wine Blogging (whites and roses), Wine Discovery breakout sessions featuring Rutherford Hill and Duckhorn Wineries – #MerlotMe, Winebow‘s When The Sum Is Greater Than Its Parts: Wine Blends From Around The World and Jackson Family Wines – How The Pros Taste. [Read more…]