Bio: Mike Madigan is a wine writer/blogger from Sonoma County. His blog, http://www.mikeslognoblog.blogspot.com contains his thoughts, reviews and response to the wine world, as well as his podcast, the vinoLit Show.
He teaches English at the college level whilst writing and wino-ing.
Website:
-
07/27/11
Shared Tasting Room: Muscardini Cellars & Ty Caton Vineyards
A tasting room that attracts almost as many tourists as locals, Ty Caton / Muscardini. A multi-shaded puddle of wine. Varietals: Italian, Bordeaux, Rhône, more. Tasting room manager George, his colleague Jennifer, provide more than what should be expected from a wine tasting experience. In Kenwood, Napa, anywhere. During my visit, I sipped much less, MUCH MUCH LESS, than [...]
-
07/20/11
Event Reflect: Rootstock, 2011
July 16th. Rootstock, first ever. Finally here, partially thanks to Mutineer’s propelling endorsement. People all around kept on about how fiercely they’d been waiting for this event. And the “wait was rewarded,” one gentleman from Healdsburg said to me. Presence of food, wine, music, even juice. Yes, Fuze was on the grounds, providing antagonizing vinyl by way [...]
-
07/13/11
Anderson Valley Must-Visit: Roederer Estate
Want some new sparkling wines to taste, outside Sonoma/Napa normality? Reserve a tour and tasting at Roederer Estate, sooner than soon. Panoramic persistence, vivacity, each step on the scenic circuit. A visitor, assured to appreciate such raptness the isolated vistas, aura. Initially. Once the tour begins, your host will take you to the production facility, [...]
-
06/29/11
Event Recap: Family Wineries, Tri-Tip & Wine Saturdays
Who doesn’t like champagne, sparkling wine? Incredibly and uniquely complex reds, like an ’08 Noyes Sonoma Coast Pinot? And who wouldn’t pair that with some succulent tri-tip on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon? That’s why all the tables were occupied on Saturday June 25th, for Family Wineries’ Tri-Tip & Wine Saturday. If not the perfect way [...]
-
06/22/11
Event Coverage: St. Francis Winery, Fandango 2011
June 18th. Another fun Fandango at the Frannie. St. Francis Winery, located at Highway 12 and Pythian Road, for years has demonstrated their appreciation for their wine club members, and fondness for having a great time. Pouring some of its more mesmerizingly encompassing wines, red and white alike, pairing them with incredible cajun dishes and [...]
-
06/15/11
Napa’s Wined Downtown: Easily Savored, Accessible
Many new to wine will hear “Napa” and perhaps say to themselves, “Maybe when I get a little more refined with my palate, that’s for the experts.” They may also balk at the prospect of a Napa mission because of the vast, expansive geographic reality that truly is Napa. On Highway 29 alone, countless tasting [...]
-
02/23/11
Event Recap: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Open Tasting
A sea of wine adorers, what I first saw, what I would wade through in doing my tastings. Wines from nearly everywhere were represented, pouring some of their winners, and other released bottles. One impressive reality to this daunting event, the presence of food, water, responsible hospitality. At events like this, as all we in [...]
-
12/08/10
Winery With a Cuddly Mascot: Alderbrook
More wineries should follow Alderbrook’s lead. On Saturday, December 4th, one of Dry Creek’s prized stars welcomed Archie the Alder Bear, purchased from an antique shop in Healdsburg. After picking up Archie, a trail of cars followed him to the Alderbrook parking lot. Cars could be heard honking, people seen staring, cheering. Once on the [...]
