As part of a feature in the UK publication, Noble Rot, Paul Draper shares his insights on the following six questions: 1. What was the wine that changed your life? The 1864 Laffite, purchased through Christie’s in the early 1970’s… Read More ›

California
Freshness, Energy, and Balance: In Pursuit of Zinfandel
I lived in New York once, and then left, and then moved back and lived there again. That should tell you something about my feelings for New York. That said, I lived in Northern California once, and then left, and… Read More ›
We Can Drink Again, At Last! Prohibition Is Over!
That’s likely what you would have been shouting on this day, back in 1933. Because December 15, 1933, was the day the 21st Amendment to the United States Constitution officially became effective, thus effectively repealing the 18th Amendment, which had effectively established… Read More ›
In A Land Of Painted Thirst, Painted Wine Will Slake The Thirsty
If one writes a wine blog (as I do), then one ought to be quite grateful that there is a Tom Wark in the world (as I am). Why? Because it’s actually quite difficult sometimes, to come up with new subject… Read More ›
Did Wine End Slavery?
Did wine end slavery? Well, possibly a stretch to suggest it, but upon closer inspection, maybe not! If you’re familiar with Stephen A. Douglas, you might recall that he was (arguably) the primary architect of, and perhaps more importantly, the… Read More ›
A Leap Year Anniversary for California’s Very First Poet Laureate!
On this date in history, February 29, in the year 1928, Ina Coolbrith passed on. This is a passing we can note only in years such as these. Leap years. Ina Coolbrith was the very first poet laureate of California,… Read More ›