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Please The Palate July 2026 Newsletter

I can’t believe another year has passed, but I’m ready to turn the page. 2025 was a challenging year on many levels. With continued shifts...

07 July, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Marbeso 2023 Williams Ranch Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains

I eat sushi for dinner at least once a week. Sometimes I go out, but more often I order in. One of the advantages of...

01 July, 2026

The Art of Quiet Luxury: Three Women-Led Vineyard Retreats in Italy

Life can be hectic. Whether it is the news or work or family, it can be hard to slow down and stop. And even when...

30 June, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Armay Vineyard 2025 Cabernet Franc Blanc

A perfect summer activity in Los Angeles is attending a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. This past weekend, I went to the opening-night concert, an...

24 June, 2026

Andreola: Valdobbiadene DOCG Wines That Speak of Place

Prosecco is typically thought of by style - fresh, fruity, and easy to enjoy. But in the hills of Valdobbiadene in northern Italy, it can...

23 June, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Cairjn Wine Cellars 2024 Assyrtiko, Paso Robles Geneseo District

I remember the first time I discovered Assyrtiko while traveling in Santorini. I was fascinated by how compelling the grape could be. So, with the...

17 June, 2026

Finally, a Solution for My Spotty Wine Glasses: the Clear360 Glassware Polisher

If you know me, you know I have A LOT of wine in my home. But with all of the wine bottles, I also have...

16 June, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Taboadella Villae White 2023, Dão, Portugal

Encruzado is one of my favorite white grapes. Grown in Portugal’s Dão region, it produces wines that are fresh, mineral-driven, and structured, often reminding me...

10 June, 2026

A Rare Tasting with Sea Smoke Winery and the Return of Botella

In the world of California Pinot Noir, few names carry the same cult-like reputation as Sea Smoke Winery. While collectors can get their hands on...

09 June, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Post & Vine 2019 Carignane, Sandy Lane Vineyard, Contra Costa County

Post & Vine produces Carignane from three different vineyards, each with its own personality and sense of place. This week, I chose the Contra Costa...

03 June, 2026

Nizza in a Glass: The Story of Frasca La Guaragna

In Piemonte, Italy, the three best-known red grapes are Barbera, Dolcetto, and Nebbiolo. Of course, of those three, Nebbiolo is "king" and Barbera has long...

02 June, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Langhart & Hill 2023 Ka-Le Malvasia Bianca, Dry Creek Valley

Malvasia is not a single grape but a large family of ancient varieties with a long and storied history in Europe. Within the diverse Malvasia...

27 May, 2026

The Future of Wine Is Changing. The Community Around It Is Not.

I have spent more than two decades in the wine industry. And while wine is a product, a commodity, I have never thought of it...

26 May, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Steven Kent 2024 Rock Cabernet Franc, Morgensen Family Vineyard, Livermore Valley

Cabernet Franc has long had a champion in the Livermore Valley, and that champion is Steven Mirassou. I’ve written about his dedication to this grape...

20 May, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Ulloa Cellars 2024 Semillon, Vogelzang Vineyard, Happy Canyon

Semillon is one of those grape varieties that often flies under the radar, yet when done well, it delivers freshness, texture, and remarkable versatility at...

13 May, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Alois Lageder 2025 Riff Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC

Pinot Grigio sometimes has the reputation for being a simple wine; I have even heard it referred to as "flavored water". But there are plenty...

06 May, 2026

Wine for Sushi: The Vision Behind Xander Soren Wines

Many people assume that sushi automatically calls for sake. But wine can be just as compelling at the table. In fact, many white wines and...

05 May, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Domaine du Gringet 2020 Eponyme, Savoie, France

I love discovering new grape varieties, especially ones I have never heard of before. That moment happened recently while visiting my friend, wine educator Wes...

29 April, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Domaine Bousquet 2021 Gaia Malbec, Gualtallary, Uco Valley, Argentina

At a recent gathering to celebrate World Malbec Day, hosted by the Consulate General of Los Angeles at Fuegos LA, one wine immediately stood out,...

22 April, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Ancient Oak 2024 Pinot Meunier, Van der Kamp Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain

When planning salmon for dinner, Pinot Noir is a classic pairing. But another grape that works beautifully with salmon is Pinot Meunier, a grape I...

15 April, 2026