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Richard Jennings

Prolific Silicon Valley wine writer on IntoWine.com's list: 100 most influential people in U.S. wine
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Blog Posts

Spanish Wine: Great Values for Ready Drinking

Spanish Cavas, dry whites, barrel-aged reds and sweet wines are great bargains and ideal for Americans looking to purchase a wine that's ready to drink.

The Wonder of Wine

Wine's pleasure includes its aroma, mouth feel, flavors, feelings it engenders, its history and lore, and the science. Ultimately, though, wine is a wonder.

Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot: Challenging Conditions, Occasional Brilliance

The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA is a challenging place to grow and ripen grapes, let alone finicky Pinot Noir. Yet a handful of makers have achieved brilliant results.

Try Before You Buy: Bay Area Wine Tastings

Listing of San Francisco Bay Area wine retailers that offer regular winetastings, spotlighting a personal best of the best: K&L, Beltramo's, Vin Vino, SFWTC, the Wine Club.

Charter Oak Wines: Quiet Pursuit of Excellence

Secrets behind exquisite, artisanal Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon produced by Rob Fanucci and family at Charter Oak in St. Helena, Napa Valley.

Sta. Rita Hills: Young Appellation Fulfills Its Promise

Sta. Rita Hills AVA tasting proves the young appellation is fulfilling its promise as a great source of cool climate, minerally Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

California Rhones: 2012 Rhone Rangers Tasting

Thoughts on the grapes for which France's Rhone region is known that have been planted here in California, and which do particularly well, like Syrah and Viognier.

California Wine Gets More Diverse: The Balance Movement

The 2nd annual In Pursuit of Balance Tasting highlighted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from 29 California producers making higher acid, lower alcohol, more minerally wines.

Mount Eden: One of California's Oldest and Greatest Producers

Mount Eden traces its origins to Martin Ray's vineyard on Table Mountain in Saratoga, first planted in 1943. It's one of California's greatest producers of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet.

Sangiovese: Italy’s Most Ubiquitous Grape

Sangiovese is Italy's most widely planted grape. Its high acidity and tannins mean it is often blended, as in Chianti and Super Tuscans, but not in Brunello di Montalcino.