I want to take a moment and acknowledge one of my absolute favorite spots in Sonoma County. This is the place you can take your lady…or your man…or your family, children included. It is maybe one of the most welcoming and comfortable places to eat and drink I have ever done. As the Russian... »

Catelli’s is back! The Catelli family has re-opened with fresh take on an old-time family-style flavor. They are in the same spot as the old family restaurant called Catelli’s the Rex, which then became Santi, and now back to Catelli’s- but don’t quote me on history… The place is run by siblings Nick and... »

I have realized the wine industry poses unique dynamics that do not directly apply to traditional economic principle. Something the industry does peticularly wrong is that we do not nearly conform to the demands of the market, but rather create a product under the guise we will find a way to sell it when... »

So I found myself partaking in a discussion at a grower tasting this morning in which I was way outside of my comfort zone but wanted to open a discussion forum on the same subject. We began debating how can farmers achieve flavour ripness and allow winemakers the opportunity to make a full flavoured... »

Over 130 wineries serving up barrel samples, snacks, and general revelry for only $20 a weekend… sounds like a good idea to me. I worked at a winery that participated in the barrel tasting event for the first time last weekend. For weeks we have been hearing horror stories from other folks in the... »

What a shit show…I mean that in the good way! I worked at the festival last Saturday, pouring wine “Zin” for a friend’s winery. this was now second or third show and am still fascinated at the collapse of all reality in those two halls at 4:45 P.M. I have also attended as a... »

This is the first of three I was recently on the road again, this time visiting the industries biggest trade show in Sacramento California. Aside from going crazy at the many after parties I was clever enough to crash, I found some time to look at products during the day on the show floor.... »

I owe at least a moment of my time to comment about Chilean Pisco. In South America (at least in Peru and Chile) an incredible spirit is distilled. I wish to talk about Chilean Pisco, as I have never been to Peru nor have I tasted or even read about Peruvian Pisco. On the... »

Hello my name is Shea Lehman, I have spent the last six years working in the wine industry and am currently taking my last course from Sonoma State University. The course I chose to finish a fine eight years of schooling in is the Global Wine Industry. For this class twelve students and a... »

Question: It has rained for the past two days and we are just beginning harvest. Does rain hurt the grapes? John Hawley:  Grapevines are very hardy, but they are susceptible to fungal diseases.  Our main  concern is Botrytis cineria. This fungus is always out there in the vineyard ; All the spores need is a little... »

If you spend any time around winery folks during harvest time, you may notice them getting scruffier as the “crush” goes on. Some of it may be chalked up to long hours and little time for grooming and hygene. Actually, there is a well known tradition for winery workers to stop shaving from the... »

Here in the Dry Creek Valley, we tend to focus on what grows best here.  Zinfandel, Savignion Blanc, Rhone varietals and even Cab are the names that end up on the label next to the Dry Creek appellation.  It can be valuable, however, to take a nostalgic look at what this area used to... »

This harvest is shaping up to be a rough year for growers. The big wineries have cut back production dramatically, leaving an over supply of grapes on the market. Just check out the classified ads on the Sonoma Winegrape Commission’s website; any variety, any area, name your price. Do not go to the Lake... »

Wino Republic is a new wine blog with an irrevernt take on wine news, business and culture. »