Posts by ChrisAndAllison


Spectacular views on the way to ‘paradise’ (the lighthouse).

Buenos Aires is a city of grand architecture, but few buildings tell a story as intricate as Palacio Barolo.

Rising 100 meters above Avenida de Mayo, this early 20th-century masterpiece is more than just an office building—it’s a love letter to literature, an architectural marvel, and, for those in the know, one of the most spectacular places to take in the city skyline with a glass of wine in hand.

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Carneros AVA: A Primer

Carneros AVA: A Primer


Posted on Jan 29, 2025

The coolest of the Napa Valley AVAs.

The Carneros American Viticultural Area (AVA) holds a unique place in California’s winemaking landscape. Straddling both Napa and Sonoma counties, Carneros is distinguished by its cooler climate, which is heavily influenced by its proximity to the San Pablo Bay. This climate makes it ideal for growing cool-climate grape varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and the AVA has earned a global reputation for producing excellent sparkling wines as well.

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Chateau St. Jean’s story began in 1973, when its three founders set out to create a winery that would capture the unique qualities of Sonoma’s vineyards.

The estate vineyard in Kenwood.

The name, inspired by Jean Sheffield, reflects her role as the heart of their circle—wife, sister, and sister-in-law to the three founders—and the only person who could keep them united with her “saintly” patience. Over the years, Chateau St. Jean has remained rooted in the spirit of community, warmth, and hospitality. Here, wine is more than a product; it’s a celebration of the good things in life, a testament to Sonoma’s character, and an invitation to gather and enjoy.

With the recent announcement of a new winemaker, this iconic winery is set to embark on a dynamic new era, building on its tradition of producing wines that capture the true spirit of Sonoma’s varied terroir.

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Sonoma Valley wine

Scott & Marta Rich.

For over three decades, Scott and Marta Rich of Talisman Wines have dedicated themselves to producing extraordinary Pinot Noirs that are as much about place and people as they are about the grape. Their recent “Dog Vineyard” Vertical Dinner epitomized this ethos, showcasing wines from four of their beloved vineyards—Red Dog, Gus’s, Huckleberry’s, and Sadie’s—in an unforgettable evening of wine, food, and camaraderie.

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Haywire Lunar Red honouring the Year of the Snake.

As the Lunar New Year approaches—a time rich with community and celebration—there’s one bottle in particular that deserves a place on your table. Haywire Winery has just released its limited-edition Haywire Lunar Red, crafted to honour the Year of the Snake on January 29, 2025. Available for $28.88 per bottle, this special release continues a tradition that began in 2014 when Haywire became the first winery in British Columbia to create a Lunar New Year wine.

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