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The Industry All-Stars: Yoon Ha

No matter how long you’ve lived in this area, if you call San Francisco “Home” then let’s just admit it: we’re really lucky. Anyone who shares my passion for food and feels a constant craving for culinary exploration (…I suddenly feel like a cross between Magellan and KD Lang…) is well aware of how lucky we are to be in such a gastro-centric city. Much like how amazing attractions like Alcatraz or Giants games get taken for granted because they're are so many amazing things to do here, it's easy to overlook just how lucky we are. It's rare to take a step back and think, "Whoa, buying goats milk butter for my day-to-day needs is not normal. That's pretty cool." For me, one of those wake-up calls came when I was introduced to the man I consider the finest sommelier I’ve ever known. His name is Yoon Ha, he works at Benu, and let me tell you my friends, he is one of the finest industry all-stars you’ll ever meet...Continue Reading

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Drinkin' Wine and Actin' Classy at Behrens Family Winery

[rating: 5]

I'm a very lucky girl. Not only do I have one of the coolest, kickin', Sicilian grandmas the world has ever known, I also have a cool, kickin' grandma who happens to live in St. Helena. So, for me a trip to grandma's house is extra special because not only do I get to spend quality time with her, I also get to refine my wine palate in the downtime...and get a little tipsy in the process.

In the last three years I've visited many of the lesser-known, excellent wineries in the area and have fallen in love with many of those found along Spring Mountain. Most of these wineries are small productions, each with their own specialty wines that can be difficult to find if you're not a member of their wine club or on their mailing list. Almost all of them also require you to make an appointment for a tasting well in advance, and charge a fee large enough to scare off visitors who aren't particularly serious about their wine. Luckily, I'm a very, very serious person, and I also happen to know that any high-priced fee can be waived when you purchase a bottle. Drink up! Because of this, I stumbled onto what is now my favorite winery in Napa: Behrens Family Winery, previously known as Behrens and Hitchcock...Continue Reading

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Barnett Vineyards - One of Napa Valley's Best Kept Secrets

[rating: 5]

Having heard that Barnett Vineyards was a fairly exclusive winery, regarded as one of the best in the area, I was crossing my fingers for an afternoon opening when I called them Saturday morning. The conversation went something like, "We can just barely squeeze you in with our last tasting at 3. Does that work? Okay I've got you down for 2 people at 3 today. Oh, and it'll be $40/person. See you then!" *click*

*head still spinning* "Wait, what? Did she just say $40/person?!"...Continue Reading

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