Clint in Napa
No complaints here.

Despite the economy, it was a great year for wine. Loni and I enjoyed several highlights that we wrote about on SSC.

Looking back, I thought I would pick out some of our favorite blog highlights in case you missed them. Also below, is a roundup of our 2008 wine reviews.

We already have a nice assortment of wine inventory in our cellar ready to take the stage in 2009 one sip, one swirl, one taste at a time.

MEMORABLE WINE COUNTRY MOMENTS

Artesa wine pick-up party

Wine pick-up parties are becoming more common, and are an enjoyable way to get know the winery staff better, and to socialize with fellow wine club members. Earlier this year Loni and I attended the Artesa wine pick-up party at The Left Bank in Santana Row. Artesa’s Pick-up Party at Left Bank in Santana Row, San Jose

Ehlers Estate harvest party

Ehlers has a new winemaker and fortunately Loni and I were able to meet him and witness the biggest barrel drum of Paella I’ve ever seen. Again, we met some wonderful people, this time folks from North Carolina who were enjoying a multi-day trip to Napa while staying at the Ehlers guest house. Ehlers Estate Winery Harvest Party: Celebrating a Great 2008 in Wine Country

Loreto Bay homeowner’s get together at Kaz Winery in Kenwood, Sonoma

Kaz threw a potluck dinner party at his winery, and it was another memorable trip to wine country. Loni and headed up through Napa first, visiting a few wineries, before looping around down south past Ledson and St. Francis to Kaz’s winery. Loreto Bay homeowners always have interesting things to talk about, and this time was no different. Good times! Our Napa-Sonoma Pilgrimage to a Loreto Bay Event

Lorenzo Petroni: A winemaker’s lunch with an outgoing Napa character and San Francisco restaurateur

Loni in NapaFor the Sonoma winemaker’s weekend, Loni chose Petroni which turned out to be a perfect choice. Perched above Napa, his boutique winery offered a nice getaway for one of the most hearty and delicious lunches of the year. Sonoma Winemaker’s Lunch at Petroni Vineyards with Lorenzo Petroni

2008 WINE REVIEW ROUNDUP

SAUVIGNON BLANC

REISLING

WHITE BLENDS

MERLOT

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

PINOT NOIR

SHIRAZ

PETITE SYRAH

MALBEC

Clinton Stark
Clinton shoots videos for Stark Insider. San Francisco Bay Area arts, Ingmar Bergman and French New Wave, and chasing the perfect home espresso shot 25 seconds at a time (and failing). Peloton: ClintTheMint. Camera: Video Gear