As I mentioned in my last post, the new online wine magazine Palate Press has launched and with it today, my first article hits the virtual presses! 
A few months ago I attended what is currently the most innovative wine event of which I've been lucky to be a part. Hahn Family Wines invited a group of bloggers and social media wonks down to their stunning Estate in the Santa Lucia Highlands for a day of tasting, touring and most of all...planting. Yes, I am now the proud father of one+ Pinot Noir vitis vinifera grape vine in the SLH appellation, replete with distinguishing placard! 
It's baaaaackkkkk! Today on this first day at the 2nd Annual Wine Bloggers' Conference in Santa Rosa, we're revisiting one of the most popular events...live wine blogging or speed-dating for lushes! 20 wineries/wines/winemakers, 6 minutes, 20+ tables of thirsty wine bloggers...GO!! 
A few weeks back, I was treated to an enlightening appellation-specific tasting of Santa Lucia Highlands wines courtesy of the host, Hahn Family Wines. Santa Lucia Highlands sit on the southeast facing slopes of the Santa Lucia mountain range, on one side of the plentiful Salinas Valley. I made the somewhat significant trek down there with my trusty vinopanions, the Brix Chicks' Liza (Twitter) and Xandria (Twitter). I hadn't been down in the area since I was but a wee lad, noshing with me folks, so it was a treat to see the Valley again. It was in all of its late Spring splendor and we enjoyed taking in the bountiful scents of the fruits and vegetables growing near the highway. 
A little while back I was given the chance to attend a very special gathering of established winemaker luminaries and taste a whole slew of outstanding wines, courtesy of a very gracious invite by Monica Collins of All Access Napa Valley. I've never seen such a lineup of All-Star winemakers, nor the chance to have such access to speak with those that make or have made famous wines such as Kamen, Screaming Eagle, Scarecrow, The Prisoner, Rocca Family and L'Angevin. The event was held at the innovative ACME Fine Wines in St. Helena. Ever since opening their doors in April of '03, co-owners and organizers of this event Karen Williams and David Stevens have consistently reinvented the wine retail, storage and event industries. Their efforts have been noticed by numerous newspapers and wine writers. 