All Posts By

Christine Humphrey

Wild and Wonderful New Zealand

When I lived in Western Pennsylvania several years ago, I remembered the “Wild and Wonderful West Virginia” signs that would greet me at the Pa/W.Va state line. I had not really thought about those signs for quite a while……

And the Winner is…

As part of my ongoing wine journey and in preparation for delving into winemaking, I recently joined Cellarmasters of Los Angeles, a home winemaker’s club. Perfect timing! The 40th Annual Home Winemaker’s competition was just around the corner. Judges…

Holy Saint-Joseph!

I have been a little late coming to the party with regard to Northern Rhône wines. Back in June at a wine dinner in London at Berry Bros and Rudd, I had my epiphany about the beautiful Syrahs that…

Hail Bacchus! Welcome to Hedonism Wines, London…

It is only apropos that when a mobile phone retail mogul can’t find the wine he wants to buy, in this case a Roda Cirsion cult Rioja, that he would create his own wine store! This is exactly what Russian…

The Six Degrees of Bernard Portet

A few months ago, I had the honor and pleasure of meeting acclaimed winemaker, Bernard Portet, of Clos du Val fame, at a small luncheon at Lucques in Los Angeles, where he showcased his “post-retirement” wines under the Heritance label. More about…

A New Vintage Begins…Bud Break in Santa Barbara County

Spring is here, and along with it, new life…a new vintage, 2013. Here in California, frost and freeze possibilities look to be behind us. What challenges lie ahead? Heat waves? An unusual storm? Cooler than normal weather? Fires?  Pests?…

A Star in Paso Robles

  Like many things in life, sometimes the best experiences happen spontaneously. Such was the case during my recent wine tasting trip to Paso Robles, on California’s beautiful central coast…an area that has been getting much deserved attention in…

Burgundy in LA

Last night I attended Importer Frederick Wildman and Sons Burgundy walk around tasting at Wally’s Wines in Los Angeles. The lineup included 2010 and 2011 whites (Chardonnay in Burgundy) from Chateau Fuisse (Pouilly Fuisse) Olivier Leflaive, whose wines ranged from his inexpensive, drink…