Orange background abounds in this photo showing Cameron Hughes Lot 681 and 3 balanced red wine glasses leaning against the wall at a 45 degree angle

9 Cabernet Sauvignon Facts

It’s International Cabernet Day the Thursday prior to Labor Day each year (8/31 this year), and thus, we offer fun Cab facts for you! Cabernet Sauvignon is the child of Cabernet Franc crossed with Sauvignon Blanc.  And it was most likely not intentional.  It occured in the 17th…

Street view of the town of Saint Helena California in wine country

St. Helena AVA

Welcome to beautiful St. Helena, located in the northern part of the Napa Valley, just north of Rutherford, south of Calistoga, and sandwiched between Spring Mountain to the west and Howell Mountain to the east. Home to over 80 wineries, the St. Helena AVA was blessed in the…

Ancient wine bottles with dust on a wine rack

Understanding AVA: Meritage

In California wines, you will see a blend called Meritage (rhymes with “heritage”), but what does that mean? Meritage is a portmanteau of the words “merit” and “heritage.”  It is used in regards to the merit of the noble Bordeaux grapes that make up these blends and a testament…