Tales From The Cellar

Sicily: A Mediterranean Treasure

This beautiful island nestled comfortably in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea just off the toe tip of mainland Italy will forever conjure images of large ‘family’ weddings, heavily starched shirt...

Whiskies of the World Expo

On March 31, Beltramo’s Spirits Buyer, Rick C., and I ventured north into San Francisco and made our way (meandering all the while) to Pier 3 in the Fisherman’s Warf area. What we found waiting for...

One Grape, Many Faces

Summer is right around the corner, a time for the beach, barbeque, ball games, and chilled white wines. Chardonnay is the un-disputed best seller in this category, with Sauvignon Blanc a close second and...

Gin-topia

So I was feeling a case of the winter doldrums. It was February and I wanted out. Not that winters in the Bay Area are particularly harsh, but in California you get used to the sun, the cloudless sky,...

Passover Dinner Wines

My first personal experience with wine was at a Passover Seder when I was twelve years old. I can remember the excitement and anticipation I felt as the Manischewitz was being poured into my glass, just...

Easter Brunch Wines, Or How to Get Back At Your Kids!

I know how you feel, because I’ve been there.  I know how embarrassing it is when your kids find more Easter eggs than you do, especially with your height advantage.  And, how about those chocolate...

Common Questions in the Wine Trade: Part II

Common Questions in the Wine Trade: Part II In Part II of this series, I address the storing, aging and serving of wines, and specifically touch on fortified wines such as Port and Madeira. How long...

A Visit from Rupert Symington

It is always an honor and privilege to meet the faces behind the wines.  Rupert Symington, of Symington Family Estates  dropped by recently to show case his family’s table wines. The Symington Family...

Affordable Ten Year Old Wines or Older? Yes, way!

You say you would like to experience older vintage wines more often, but you don’t have a way to store them for years.  And, you really don’t want to spend in the hundreds to buy a reputable label...

Common Questions in the Wine Trade: Part I

Have you ever been decanting a wine and wondered to yourself, why am I doing this?  What benefit is this going to give the delicious bottle of Margaux that I’ve lovingly stored away in my cellar for...