Visiting the Douro Valley in Portugal.
It’s hard to believe that 2024 marked ten years since we started AdVINEtures. What began as a simple blog born out of a shared passion project has blossomed into a decade-long journey that has brought us experiences and knowledge we could never have anticipated. This milestone feels surreal. Ten years ago, we simply wanted a place to share our itineraries and recommendations, a resource for friends constantly asking us where to go and what to do when visiting wine country. What we didn’t know then was how our pursuit of stories behind the glass would transform our own lives and take us far beyond simply sharing “tips” on wine destinations.
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Stu Smith.
Over 50 years of winemaking, Stu Smith of Smith-Madrone Vineyards has seen more than most. From the early days of hand-clearing dense forest on Spring Mountain to cultivating a legacy of authenticity, Stu has weathered the highs and lows of an evolving Napa Valley. But no event has left a more lasting impression than the devastating 2020 Glass Fire.
“That fire changed everything,” Stuart reflects. Burned trees still stand as stark reminders of the destruction. Hydrants installed as part of proactive fire protection signal his resolve to defend against future threats. Yet the psychological and financial toll remains. “We’re still recovering,” he admits. And while the vines have proven resilient, the scars on the land – and the cost that comes with it – are not so easily healed.
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The estate vineyards at Smith-Madrone on Spring Mountain.
Napa Valley stands as one of the most revered wine regions in the world, synonymous with premium wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon. This iconic California wine region is steeped in rich history, varied geography, and an unyielding commitment to winemaking excellence. From its early beginnings to its present status as a global leader, Napa Valley’s story is as compelling as the wines it produces.
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Scott and Marta Rich of Talisman Wines have been on a remarkable journey since founding their winery in Sonoma in 1993.
Marta & Scott Rich.
Over 30 years later, they remain as passionate and hands-on as ever, crafting exceptional Pinot Noir while exploring new horizons with Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and even Nebbiolo. Their dedication to capturing the essence of single-vineyard sites has made Talisman a standout for wine lovers seeking depth, complexity, and authenticity.
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Steve Beckmen.
When Steve Beckmen co-founded Beckmen Vineyards with his parents, Tom and Judith, in 1994, he embarked on a journey that would not only elevate Santa Barbara County’s reputation in the wine world but also position the vineyard as a pioneer in biodynamic farming there.
Today, Beckmen Vineyards is recognized for its commitment to the environment and producing among the best wines in California’s Central Coast region.
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The picturesque Santa Ynez Valley.
Santa Barbara wine country, located in Southern California, has earned a reputation for producing world-class wines, thanks to its unique climate, diverse soils, and talented winemakers. One of its standout regions is the Santa Ynez Valley, a sprawling AVA (American Viticultural Area) known for its varied microclimates and distinct sub-AVAs.
Here, winemakers produce everything from elegant Pinot Noir to robust Syrah, offering a remarkable diversity in styles. Let’s take a closer look at the Santa Ynez Valley and its AVAs, uncovering what makes this area a must-visit for wine lovers.
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On a sunny morning in July, we drove up to the beautiful winery and tasting room at Nicolas-Jay, one of the most highly regarded wineries in Oregon.
The tasting room patio.
Nicolas-Jay was putting on a breakfast that was paired with 5 of their delicious wines–an event we were very much looking forward to.
We have written about this winery and its beautiful setting several times before. But each time we visit, we continue to be struck by the beauty of the site. The winery and tasting room sit at the bottom of a bowl-like structure of hillsides in the Dundee Hills AVA, most of which are now planted to grape vines. At the top of the vineyards stand Oregon forests (oak and Douglas Fir) which appear like sentinels watching over and protecting the vines.
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Dru Allen.
Dru and Erin Allen’s path to the wine industry was far from what they had originally imagined. As owners of a thriving logistics company, the idea of running a winery hadn’t crossed their minds. But a visit to a friend’s garage, where he was making wine as a true garagiste, ignited the first spark.
Later, while on holiday cruising along the Danube, they met three couples from Newberg, Oregon. What began as a casual conversation about their curiosity in the wine business unexpectedly took a serendipitous turn, setting them on a new course for the heart of the Willamette Valley and ultimately, their own winery called Compris.
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