EXPLORE THE WINE BLOG
Wine is a fascinating subject that often draws attention. Some love it; some don't care about it; I live it as a centerpiece of my life. Wine and spirits it have been an essential part of my life for 50 years. So follow my journey, and we will share our vinous exploration.
Rhône Blends, Carignane, Grenache, Oregon Pinot Noir, and Other Reds for Thanksgiving
I created two lists of my favorite Thanksgiving wine choices and received comments that I neglected some possible excellent decisions from what I have tasted this year. So, I went back to my spreadsheet and found ten wines that would be outstanding. This list includes wines I highly recommend.
Five red wine grape varieties you may not have considered for Thanksgiving
In the wine world, the default wines for Thanksgiving are Gewürztraminer and Pinot Noirs and Champagne or Rosé with appetizers. These tried and true have been and continue to be successful choices. Yet the world has more to offer.
Discovering and re-discovering the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
The Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains website states, “More than 70 wineries and 200 growers produce wines shaped by the elevation and the ocean’s cooling influence. The region yields elegant wines from small producers specializing in pinot noir, chardonnay, and cabernet sauvignon.” I attended Mountain Wine: Rare trade-tasting with Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers on October 19th and enjoyed an excellent and up-close look at what this AVA is bringing to market.
10 Pinot Noirs for Thanksgiving 2022
Hey Wilfred, my parents are coming over for Thanksgiving dinner. This is the menu; please help me choose the right wine
Bringing the Russian River Valley to my old nearby San Francisco neighborhood- Porter Creek Vineyards
One of the advantages of being in the wine trade is the opportunity to attend vendor and supplier tastings. I recently tasted Porter Creek Vineyards wines at the Cole Valley Tavern, less than six blocks from where I grew up. Tasted eight high-quality well-made wines and opened up another window into what is happening in the Russian River Valley
Returning to a Tuscan Classic – Rocca delle Macìe Sergio Zingarelli Gran Selezione
What is the true essence of Tuscan red wines? Over the last few decades, the best wines are often almost New World in style and reminiscent of Bordeaux and the Napa Valley. Rocca delle Macie Sergio Zingarelli Gran Selezione shows a way back to how it used to be.
Ridge Vineyards: Come for the Monte Bello, and stay for their cool small lots
While Monte Bello, Geyserville, Lytton Springs, and others are headliners, one must never forget the less heralded ones—Valdiguié, Carignane, Grenache, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, and other sideline players
Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux Tasting- 2019 vintage: My Top Ten Wines
The UGC Bordeaux Tasting is an annual event for wine professionals from all over the world. I have attended this event in Bordeaux in the spring where châteaux pour their barrel samples.
From a mom & pop grocery store to the corporate wine world
A wine journey begins with a long look into the future and building a system that gets you where you want to be. At 21, I was ready. Then, when I reached my mid-thirties, I knew I could not remain in my family business, but I stayed patient. Finally, a decade later, I made substantive changes that catapulted me into a new space; I joined the corporate wine world.
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Articles | Food, Drink, & Travel
Food, drinks, and travel—are three categories that can be difficult to navigate. My goal is to guide you and simplify the process.. Please join me on this journey, and we can enjoy the road together.
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Let's Connect
Please contact me for any questions. I am available to write stories, taste, and evaluate wines.
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About Wilfred
Wilfred (Willie) Wong’s 50-year wine career includes roles as Imported Wine Buyer for BevMo!, Chief Storyteller at Wine.com, Wine Judge, and Wine Journalist.
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Wine Stories
Wine and spirits have been an essential part of my life for 50 years. I spend plenty of time researching the subject, and over the years I’ve collected stories I look forward to sharing with you.
