Understanding Sulfites in Wine: A Necessity for Quality and Longevity

by Bettina Schiel | Oct 22, 2024 | Odds & Ends

As fans of fine wine, you’ve likely heard that wine contains sulfites. You’ve probably also heard sulfites and sulfates used interchangeably. From this day forward, help me spread the word that they are nothing alike. Let’s start by defining each of these sulphur...

Riesling and The Cold War

by Bettina Schiel | Mar 11, 2024 | Odds & Ends

On Tuesday, March 12, Netflix will premiere a docu-series called, Turning Point: The Bomb and the Cold War. On Wednesday, March 13, the world will celebrate International Riesling Day. How are these two events related? Two words: Peter Sichel. Peter Sichel is my...

When Next in Wine Country, Don’t Miss Glen Ellen!

by Bettina Schiel | Jun 2, 2023 | Odds & Ends

Sonoma Valley: A Beautiful Destination Stretching 17 miles through rolling vineyards, lush forests, and stunning mountaintop vistas, Sonoma Valley will win you over with its breathtaking beauty, small-town charm, and warm hospitality. Just 45 miles north of San...

Organic Farming: Cover Crops or the Start of the Organic Farming Cycle

by Bettina Schiel | Jan 20, 2023 | Odds & Ends

Organic Farming: When Does the Cycle Begin? You could say that once the grape harvest ends, the organic farming cycle begins. Almost as soon as the last grapes are picked, the grape vines enter a period of extended dormancy. After working hard for months to ripen...

Great article from ‘Red Wine Please!’

by Bettina Schiel | Dec 10, 2022 | Odds & Ends

An Iconic Cabernet Winery for Over 40 Years

by Bettina Schiel | Apr 2, 2022 | Odds & Ends

An authentic voice and the library stock to back it up. You can experience Laurel Glen Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon vintages spanning over a decade. Enjoy a selection of bottles with a library tasting of rare wines on your next visit to Sonoma County, California. A...