The 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition at Cloverdale in Sonoma County last week drew nearly 5500 entries from throughout North America, reaffirming its standing as the largest wine competition in the United States. On the fourth and final day, 55 wines –...

Inauguration Day. And still, Donald J. Trump has not called. Despite the fury with which he stocked his pending administration with colorful characters, he has yet to give me a ring. And if there is anything this country needs right now, it is a “Wine Czar.” I will...

When Brian and Diana Fitzpatrick moved to Fair Play in southwest El Dorado County 50 years ago, the region was recognized, if recognized at all, for its mountainous and scenic terrain, its faint traces of Gold Rush history, and its recreational opportunities –...

No one is clamoring for the creation of a Sacramento American Viticultural Area. Until now. Even then, consider this more tease than clamor. For the record, American Viticultural Areas, or AVAs, are federally designated enclaves recognized for how their viticultural...

In keeping with livestock-show tradition, Rodeo Uncorked!, the international wine competition of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, comes down to one Grand Champion Best of Show and one Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show, terms as involved and fancy as a...

Madera is one of many small and tidy farming towns strung along commercial and colorful Highway 99 as it stretches through California’s long, hot, arid, and fertile San Joaquin Valley. The city is so proud of its surrounding agricultural heritage that streets carry...