Many of Andy’s wine tour guests at Platypus Tours have asked the question, “Will the fires that hurt Napa and Sonoma affect the wine produced in the region?” The short answer is “no”. Here’s the longer answer: More than 90% of the grapes had been harvested by the time the fires hit the region in early October. So in the universe of grapes that might be used to make wine here, only 10% remained on the vine during the fire and might have suffered what’s referred to as “smoke taint” which produces noticeably smokey aromas or flavors in the wine....
We’ll send a free book for every 3 you order! Head smack! You just remembered you have multiple relatives, friends, co-workers or clients you feel obliged to gift over the holidays…but you haven’t done the shopping. We’re here to help you with a great gift at a reduced price. If you order three Snob Free Wine Tasting Companion, Wine Smart in a Day books from our website, we’ll send along a fourth one free. AND NO SHIPPING COST for regular mail! Of course, if you’re not in the mood to give a gift, feel free to shop for yourself! Order today to ensure on-time arrival.
Contribute to Sonoma Fire Victims. Though the wrap up of the tourist season in Napa and Sonoma has seen an uptick in visitors since the fires, that catastrophe has left thousands of families displaced and in need. For every Snob Free Wine Tasting Companion book purchased now through the end of November, we’ll donate 100% of the proceeds to North Bay Fire Relief, administered by the Redwood Credit Union in partnership with the RCU Community Fund, Inc., The Press Democrat, and Senator Mike McGuire . This local group pledges that every penny donated will go to those in need. Purchase at...
If you’re looking for a great wine-tasting opportunity in San Francisco, check out the SF Vintners Market, March 11 and 12 at Fort Mason. Author Andy Hyman will be signing his book, Snob Free Wine Tasting Companion, Wine Smart in a Day, Napa & Sonoma Edition, at the WhichWinery booth there. (To get 50% off discount tickets for the SF Vintners Market, sign on to the WhichWinery Facebook page.) SF Vintners Market connects vintners and buyers, helping small winemakers market their wines direct to consumer. Since 2010, San Francisco Vintners Market has been “bringing the tasting room to San Francisco,” and soon...
It’s great to give a gift at the holidays that you know will bring a smile. How about extending that further? For every Snob Free Wine Tasting Companion book online purchase in the month of December, we’ll donate 100% of the proceeds to the International Rescue Committee, the gold standard of aid groups working with refugees. Purchase at www.snobfreewinetasting.com, Amazon or the iTunes bookstore. (Ebooks too!) Snob Free Wine Tasting CompanionNapa & Sonoma Edition
You’re in the Bay Area for the Super Bowl, but that’s not all you hope to indulge in while you’re here. You also want to take advantage of your proximity to California’s premier wine country in Napa and Sonoma. Of course you could just get in your car, set the GPS and start driving but you know enough to realize that there is more than one fabulous area for wine tasting near San Francisco and you have only so much time to squeeze in all you want to do. To help you choose where you’re going, plan the timing and...
One of our favorite memories of our prior Northern California neighborhood was on Christmas Eve when the street was cleared of cars and lit up with luminaries. No matter how cold it was (yeah, you people who live in cold climates will scoff to hear that us Californians tend to grumble about going out on a 45 degree night) we would take a walk up the street and enjoy the blissful ambiance. But to top it off, we had a destination; the house at the end of the block always awaited the neighbors with hot mulled wine. Yum. It’s that time of year and...
Readers’ 5-Star Amazon reviews for Snob Free Wine Tasting Companion say this book makes a great gift! Now is the time to order your Snob Free Wine Tasting Companion books as holiday gifts for family, friends and clients! Discounts and free shipping with quantity orders. Call 415-499-3533 to place your quantity discount orders or to request autographed copies. For single book orders you may order online by going to www.snobfreewinetasting.com or Amazon. Warm Wishes for a Great Holiday Season!
The countdown is on; Thanksgiving is two days away. If you haven’t given any thought to the wine you’re serving or bringing to a Thanksgiving dinner now would be the time to get your act together. Here’s a quick reference to ease the pressure in making your decision, based on a review of articles written by people a lot smarter than us about food and wine pairing. High-Level Guidelines If you’re the one doing the entertaining, it’s nice to have both red and white wine available to accommodate guests’ preferences. However that doesn’t mean you have to go crazy with...
Wait, what? You didn’t know October is American Cheese Month? Well now you do. Established by the American Cheese Society, October is a “…celebration of North America’s delicious and diverse cheeses, and the farmers, cheesemakers, retailers, cheesemongers, and chefs who bring them to your table.” Of course, you know where we’re going with this. Sip a little wine with your cheese! “How do I pair wine with cheese?” you may ask. Glad you did! Here’s an excerpt from Snob Free Wine Tasting Companion, Wine Smart in a Day (Napa & Sonoma Edition): If you’re planning a picnic in the wine country,...
