November 24, 2020

​“HINE Antique XO 100th Anniversary 1920-2020 Cognac - Ditch the traditional bottle of wine and show up to your next holiday party with a bottle of century-old cognac. The HINE Antique XO 100th Anniversary 1920-2020 Cognac was blended from 100-year-old eau-de-vie from harvest 1920 and sheltered for a century in the Réserve du Paradis under the HINE House in Jarnac, France, situated on the banks of the Charente River. Only 270 bottles were released for the 100th anniversary, so it’s a beautifully exclusive way to enjoy some of the best cognac in the world.”

November 10, 2020

“The holiday season is the perfect time of year to crack open that special bottle to share with friends and loved ones. In this gift guide, we offer a list of the best wines and spirits ranging from charming stocking stuffers to highly sought-after collectibles. No matter who you are buying for, you will find the perfect gift for them here.

Hine, 100th Anniversary XO - This limited edition cognac is blended from an eau-di-vie that was delicately preserved in glass demi-johns a century ago. With just 270 released for sale in the US, this is a rare opportunity for cognac enthusiasts to taste the fruits of Cognac’s Premier Cru soils harvested 100 years ago. $285, reservebar.com”

November 02, 2020

Crack open a bottle of Pinot and listen as Go Find Out Podcast host, Jennifer Jelliff-Russell interviews Katy Wilson about her journey in becoming a winemaker and starting LaRue Wines. Katy shares what challenges she's had to overcome to start her winery as well as:

• Her methods for staying organized as a business owner

• What it's been like breaking into a male-dominated industry

• How she's dealt with naysayers and become a wine-making consultant for several other wineries

October 23, 2020

“Founded in 1763, HINE Cognac has adhered to the traditions of founder Thomas Hine, who traveled from England to France to learn how to make the world’s finest bespoke cognacs. Now in its sixth generation of Hine family leadership, HINE is internationally acclaimed for its exclusive portfolio of extra old cognacs, VSOP, and VSOP XO blends, as well as its specialty in single vintage cognacs.

HINE recently announced the U.S. release of Cellar Master Eric Forget’s latest masterpiece, HINE Antique XO 100th Anniversary 1920-2020 Cognac ($300). Rare and limited, this cognac was blended from 100-year-old eau-de-vie from harvest 1920 and sheltered for a century in the Réserve du Paradis under the HINE House in Jarnac, France, situated on the banks of the Charente River.” 

October 01, 2020

VIADER Vineyards & Winery winemaker, Alan Viader honored with Wine Business Monthly's Winemaker of the Month in a one-page feature in their October 2020 issue.

September 23, 2020

The Grape Nation host, Sam Benrubi interviews Delia Viader on the Heritage Radio Network. "Delia Viader was born in Argentina and made education a priority. She spent her formative years in Europe bringing her PHD from the Sorbonne to the US to further pursue business and wine studies at MIT, Univ. of Calif. Berkley and Davis. Delia got into the wine business in Napa, Calif. In the early 1980’s and was one of the first women winemakers in the Valley. She is Proprietor of the now multi-generational Viader Vineyards and Winery on Howell Mtn. in the Napa Valley."

September 18, 2020

“Katy Wilson, LaRue Wines, Sebastopol, Sonoma County. Katy Wilson made up her mind to become a winemaker when she was 18. At the time, she was studying Agricultural Business at California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. Having grown up on a California walnut orchard, Katy learned to drive a tractor before she learned to drive a car. She graduated from Cal Poly in 2005 with majors in both Wine & Viticulture and Agricultural Business and started her journey in the wine industry with harvest internships in different regions of California and in Australia and New Zealand."

September 10, 2020

There’s red wine and then there’s RED WINE. While we all love to sip red year-round, there are certain reds that instantly make us want to light a fire, thrown on a vintage jazz album, and curl up with a big bowl of something hot and delicious. These are the reds we want to pair with those hearty braised dishes, stewed meats, game, hard cheeses, and 1000-calorie-per-serving casseroles. 

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Viader “Black Label,” Napa Valley, CA, $150: Go ahead. Treat yourself. You deserve it. And we promise this wine will not disappoint. A heady blend of estate-grown Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, it’s got concentrated blue and black fruit, sweet and savory spices like nutmeg, black pepper, and anise, and a masculine saddle leather note that ultimately leads to a velvety finish…when you finally get there, that is — those flavors go on for days.” 

August 31, 2020

"When Delia Viader first visited Napa Valley in the early 1980s, no one could have predicted that the 25-year-old single mother of four would one day be considered a pioneer and driving force in the United States’ most high-profile wine region. After borrowing money from her father to purchase a steep, rocky plot of land on Howell Mountain, Viader set about transforming it into a vineyard with unconventional vine spacing, row orientation, and grape varieties. Removing some of the larger boulders required her to set off a few sticks of dynamite, which is unsurprising once gets to know a little bit about Viader’s drive and determination."

August 27, 2020

Host, Ron Hunt chats with winemaker, Katy Wilson about her career in winemaking and the projects she's currently working on.

August 21, 2020

"Sometimes we can’t do much about a pending catastrophe except to think good thoughts and try to find a way to help. In the case of California wine regions which are being devastated this week by wild fires, you might crystallize those thoughts by considering choosing some of their wines, such as those in this week’s Dozen, in your next round of purchases. -- 2017 Viader Napa Valley Black Label Red Wine ($150). Excellent concentrated flavors of cassis and dark cherry with a touch of burnished vanilla in the finish. This wine improves with time in the decanter and will age for decades in the cellar."

August 22, 2020

"Paso Robles-based Nenow Family Wines this week announced the debut of their Nenow Family Wines Tasting Room, which will officially open to the public on Saturday, Aug. 29. Featuring limited production Rhone-style wines from Paso Robles and Santa Barbara County, Nenow Family Wines is family owned and operated by local Paso Robles winemaker Drew Nenow and his wife, along with his sister and her husband, Tracie and Mike Roesbery. As winemaker, Nenow is focused on sourcing from vineyards that are dedicated to farming their grapes with quality and care, rather than quantity. Featuring fruit from the Adelaida District of Paso Robles and Santa Barbara County’s Bien Nacido Vineyard among several other great sites, The Nenow Family Wines portfolio includes a viognier, grenache, syrah and a Rhone red blend."

August 15, 2020

"Best Local Wine Delivery - West Coast Wine and Cheese, Mill Valley - After a handful of successful years in San Francisco, West Coast Wine and Cheese owners Chris and Lindsey Wanner were ready to take on another outpost, and Mill Valley proved to be the ideal place. After one year in its new location, the wine bar nabbed an ‘Award of Excellence’ for its wine program from Wine Spectator and the pandemic hasn’t stolen their thunder. West Coast Wine and Cheese now delivers its rotating selection of over 350 fine wines, as well as an assortment of food, including Fatted Calf charcuterie, Rustic Bakery crackers and Cowgirl Creamery cheeses. The more wine you order, the more you save, and there is an extra 15% off when you buy any four or more bottles.”

August 03, 2020

"When faced with the pandemic-inspired closures most California restaurants and tasting rooms have endured, owners Chris and Lindsey Wanner immediately devised a plan to keep the wine flowing. At midnight, March 16, the Bay Area shelter-in-place order kicked in and the next afternoon, Chris and Lindsey hit send on an email to their customer list announcing their new—and free!—wine and cheese delivery service. West Coast Wine • Cheese currently delivers throughout Marin and San Francisco and proffers the same list of California, Oregon and Washington wines that made the wine bar a local hit."

August 01, 2020

“93 Points – NO.3 LONDON DRY GIN | MSRP: $40 | ABV: 46% | No.3 Gin is a crisp, classically styled London Dry Gin. The nose is bright, crisp and fresh with an uplifting welcome of juniper. The palate features juniper at the fore, supported by floral, summery notes and spicy warm flavors of cardamom complemented by the gingery spiciness of coriander. No.3 finishes with the earthy dryness of angelica.”“93 Points – NO.3 LONDON DRY GIN | MSRP: $40 | ABV: 46% | No.3 Gin is a crisp, classically styled London Dry Gin. The nose is bright, crisp and fresh with an uplifting welcome of juniper. The palate features juniper at the fore, supported by floral, summery notes and spicy warm flavors of cardamom complemented by the gingery spiciness of coriander. No.3 finishes with the earthy dryness of angelica.”

July 31, 2020

"Wine seems to run through the veins of Tracie Roesbery and her brother Drew Nenow who grew up shadowing within the vineyards various wine-making family members. Father Robert was proprietor of Robert Nenow Winery, and the siblings’ aunt and uncle, Lisa Drinkward and Les Behrens, are proprietors of Behrens Family Wines on Spring Mountain in Napa. It was only natural that the duo try their own hands at creating and launching their own wine brand, Nenow Family Wines."

July 28, 2020

Roesbery Car Care has been an automotive standby in Walnut Creek since 1984, but even though it seems like a long way from vehicle fluids to fancy vintages, there’s always been wine flowing in the family’s blood lines. Tracie Roesbery, who owns and operates Roesbery Car Care along with her husband Mike, grew up in the wine industry along with her brother Drew Nenow. Drew, in fact, went into the wine business, but it wasn’t until 2017 that he, Tracie, and Mike joined forces to start Nenow Family Wines.

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July 24, 2020

"Our guest this week is the co-owner and winemaker at Nenow Family Wines, who officially launched just this Spring with a tasting room planned for this Fall. You may recognize our guest from some of the other places he has helped make wine, like Villa San Juliette in Paso Robles, a little place called Turley Wine Cellars, and ONX Estate Winery. Please help us welcome, Drew Nenow."

July 21, 2020

“When Chris and Lindsey Wanner decided to open West Coast Wine • Cheese in downtown Mill Valley 15 months ago, they intended to provide a relaxed, neighborhood setting and intimate wine tasting experience similar to what they offer at their first location in San Francisco. But a pandemic and a stay-home mandate run counter to hospitality, so in March, they faced an imminent threat to their livelihood and life’s dream. Without the option to expand service outdoors at either location, the couple decided to put their dynamic, extensive wine list on wheels and begin offering free delivery in Marin County."

July 13, 2020

"The wine industry celebrates the fact that so many owners are family. Who knows, maybe it’s in their blood? Brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles are all part of Drew Nenow’s story. Nenow Family Winery can be found in Paso Robles, California but their wines may be a little bit harder to find. Small production wineries are our favorites, especially when you think of the dedication to detail family members give the grapes. We spoke with Drew just last week to learn about the Nenow brand and why family is so important to him."

July 09, 2020

"Had the opportunity to speak with Drew Nenow, winemaker for Nenow Family Wines this week. He is in partnership with his sister and brother in law on this venture. The family impetus started many years ago and includes his father who was a wine hobbyist and later did a private label as well as his Aunt and Uncle. Drew graduated with a degree in enology and immediately started working at several wineries. Today he is the head winemaker at ONX Wines in Paso Robles. His approach is refreshing and authentic to his vision of showcasing how southern Rhone varietals with single vineyard designations express their uniqueness."

June 30, 2020

“For me, DTC business is everything,” says Katy Wilson, the founder and winemaker for Sonoma Coast producer LaRue Wines. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales have become increasingly important for American wineries, increasing 7.4 percent in value to reach $3.2 billion in sales in 2019, according to Sovos ShipCompliant. “For those of us that had those pieces of the puzzle already in place,” adds Wilson, “we have been able to be a bit more nimble in our marketing strategies and how we respond to the changing landscape of the situation.” Since March, the winery has been exclusively focused on DTC sales."

June 25, 2020

"I love Napa with restraint and outstanding terror. A famed Napa winery, VIADER is the brainchild of Delia Viader, who took the leap of faith years ago to plant grapes in uncharted waters in Napa Valley. For years Delia only made one wine, a Bordeaux style blend, since 1986. Holding a PhD from Sorbonne University in Paris, founding winemaker Delia Viader now collaborates with her son, Alan, to make their wines which are entirely sourced from their estate vineyard on Howell Mountain. A remarkable story, Delia stated Viader while raising four children on her own. Since starting the winery she was met with some incredible critical acclaim for her pretty style of wine that typically incorporates a large amount of Cabernet Franc."

June 21, 2020

​“She grew up with walnuts, but makes her living these days with grapes. Katy Wilson is a farm girl. Her early days in the family walnut orchard planted the seed for a life in agriculture. Years later a college lecture struck a chord and led her towards making wine as a vocation. Wine lovers are all the better for it. Today Katy crafts wine for a handful of projects in Northern California. Her skill set has her in high demand. On top of juggling that consulting work, she is hands-on in her own winery, LaRue Wines. Katy wrote its business plan as a college senior. Her dream arrived quickly and with some serendipity. As dreams do. We were privileged recently to grab some time with the busy Ms. Wilson to learn more about her career to date and the first decade of LaRue Wines. It's been a remarkable journey. She is quite a role model for other women aspiring to carve a path in the wine industry.”

June 18, 2020

“Gin is the perfect summer spirit—it’s light, fragrant, refreshing, and infused with botanicals that bring to mind blooming flowers and floral herbs which thrive during the warmer months. So whether you are in the mood for a classic cocktail like a martini, gin and tonic, or gimlet, or looking to sip something neat or with a few cubes of ice, there is a gin to fit your mood. Here are 12 of our favorites to sip this summer.

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No. 3 Gin has been around for about a decade, but is relatively new here in the US. It’s distilled in Holland for London-based Berry Bros. & Rudd, along with the help of Dr. David Clutton, who happens to have a PhD in gin (if that doesn’t make him an expert, not sure what does). Only six botanicals are used, including grapefruit peel and coriander, which are steeped in the neutral grain spirit for at least 16 hours to give this London dry gin a simple but bright and classic flavor. $40”

June 16, 2020

"VIADER "Black Label" 2016 ($150). Delia and Alan Viader – mother and son – make this luxurious blend of cabernet sauvignon, syrah, malbec and cabernet franc. It sports huge floral and cherry aromas followed by concentrated blackberry, red currant and plum flavors and a hint of pepper and mocha. Soft tannins on the palate and drinking well now.”

June 12, 2020

​A glass of Cabernet Franc—“liquid cashmere,” as it’s been called—at Viader, on the rocky slopes of Howell Mountain overlooking a great swath of Napa Valley. . . Another of Ditch Digger in Paso Robles, on the light-filled terrace at Denner Vineyards. . . Magical on-site sipping might seem like a distant memory to avid wine travelers curtailed by the pandemic. But as of Friday, June 12, it’s all possible again. California wineries have permission to open to visitors once again.

June 05, 2020

Client, Katy Wilson featured in article “I think that it is so important for us all to come together during this time to support each other,” said Katy Wilson, owner and winemaker of LaRue Wines in Sonoma, Calif. “Wineries, restaurants, and the whole hospitality industry are all connected. I want to do everything I can to help because I know that every little bit matters.” The most rewarding partnerships are those that drive revenue, but also support a charitable cause. Noah Dorrance of Reeve Wines in Healdsburg, Calif., recently kicked off a grassroots effort called Drink Cali 4 Good that encourages wineries to partner with restaurants for one-day, online promotions, and then pledge a portion of wine sales to their respective employee relief funds. Dorrance tagged several other vintners on Instagram to join in, including Wilson of LaRue Wines. Wilson teamed up with New York City’s Anton’s, a new cafe and wine bar that opened its doors a mere six months ago and had just picked up LaRue Wines for its list. Thirty percent of proceeds were donated to Anton’s employee relief fund and Wilson added some extra incentive to the promotion by offering 1-cent shipping and entering any order of three bottles or more into a raffle to win a magnum of Pinot Noir. A total of eight cases of wine were sold, resulting in a $2,000 donation to assist Anton’s employees.”

May 16, 2020

Katy Wilson is a winemaker to watch out for.  From the age of 18, Katy knew she wanted to make wine.  Young, passionate, and determined, she obtained her degree in Wine & Viticulture from Cal-Poly and went on to become owner and winemaker for LaRue Wines. Her love for winemaking has taken her around the globe, working harvests in Australia and New Zealand, and finally settling in Sonoma. Today Katy makes LaRue Wines, small lots of cool climate single-vineyard Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs from the Sonoma Coast. Katy strives, ” to showcase maximum vineyard expression, allowing for the unique nuances of each vintage to shine through, while simultaneously allowing for my style to shine through.”  Determined and hard-working, Katy is also the consulting winemaker for Anaba Wines, Claypool Cellars, Reeve Wines, and Smith Story Wine Cellars.

May 13, 2020

World Gin Day is June 13th, but we know how we’ll be celebrating both this year: most likely at home. Aside from the classic gin cocktail, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the juniper-flavored liquor, however. A classic Negroni is a cocktail everyone should have mastered in their repertoire. Craft yours with a premium gin that also looks great on a bar cart: No.3 Gin.

May 04, 2020

​“Back in the mid-1990s, when I was the buyer for a boutique wine store, a well-known Chicago broker brought me a box of samples from California that he thought might be of interest. Some of the wineries don’t exist any longer, and a few of the offerings didn’t exactly etch themselves in my memory. But one, with its simple label and heavy bottle, stood out head and shoulders above the rest for its sheer power, grip and concentration. That bottle was the VIADER Proprietary Blend, a cabernet-based red from the northeastern side of Napa Valley. With its sub-10,000 case production and cult following, Viader has established itself over the decades as a producer of tightly-structured, generously-proportioned reds that strike a balance between opulence and finesse.”

April 27, 2020

“For the last twelve years Life Between the Vines has brought you original recordings of winemakers from all over the world, majority of those in person. Of course times are different right now, so for the next few weeks our programs will be conducted by phone. This week we feature Delia Viader of Viader Vineyards & Winery on Howell Mountain in Napa Valley. Delia was a pleasure to chat with and above all she reminds us to enjoy that special wine bottle today, in the very best health."

April 12, 2020

“It's a vineyard, a wine, a family, and a legacy. VIADER is all those things. It's also the remarkable accomplishment of a single mother with an incredible vision for what a rugged Howell Mountain site might one day become. Delia Viader began her work in the mid Eighties and built her family's brand from scratch into a successful, thriving business. She found a real niche with her Bordeaux blends. The VIADER Proprietary Red is the brand's flagship label and a benchmark in Napa and beyond. The quality of her work can be measured both in critical scores and customer loyalty. We're privileged this week to talk with Alan Viader, Delia's son and the current force behind the VIADER label. Alan grew up in these vines dodging the occasional rattlesnake. Today he wears two critical hats as the vineyard manager of the estate property and its winemaker. Alan is quick to tell you that he's first a farmer. The delicious grapes that are harvested each autumn are the product of all the hard work and sweat that he puts into the soil."

March 12, 2020

No.3 London Dry Gin – the four-time reigning World’s Best Gin – unveils a sophisticated new package, accompanied by an integrated new brand platform entitled, The Art of Perfection. Crafted on the tenets of passion, precision and perfection, No.3 Gin upholds the highest standards of quality and excellence – from recipe development and botanical sourcing to distillation decisions and packaging design. In conjunction with The Art of Perfection campaign, which will headline all digital and on- and off-premise trade marketing, the new package aims to bring the artisan brand’s attention to detail to the forefront.

March 09, 2020

LaRue Chardonnay recommended by Wine Enthusiast as one of their favorite Chardonnays from Sonoma. While still wildly popular, Chardonnay in Napa and Sonoma trends more specialized and site-specific. Grape growers and winemakers now give it the same thought and scrupulous attention once reserved for Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Increasingly, like with Pinot Noir, this means to search for cooler climates that better coax out the white wine’s savory and quenching aspects of minerality, salinity and acidity. Such effort shows in some of our favorite selections, which come from relatively cool sites and small producers. Additional names to look for include Ramey Wine Cellars, Kistler Vineyards, Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery, J. Rochioli Vineyards & Winery, Hanzell Vineyards, Donum, Wayfarer, Hartford Court, Benovia, LaRue and Arista. Single-vineyard designates from Hyde Estate Winery, Hudson Ranch or Ritchie Vineyard are also well worth seeking. —Virginie Boone”

March 02, 2020

“Every year, vintners from around Napa Valley create some of the most exclusive wines in the world. And every February, hundreds of members of the wine trade—retailers, restaurateurs—gather to barrel-taste the newest collection and bid at the Premiere Napa Valley auction for the right to take ownership of the lots that have impressed them the most. Here are 13 that would intrigue your most wine-steeped friends: Viader Vineyards and Winery 2018 Block B2 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley - Mother and son winemakers Delia and Alan Viader (shown here) isolated their steepest block on sun-exposed west-facing slopes for this lot, then aged it in a 500-liter French oak barrel on the lees to tame its tannins. While powerful, the wine is ripe and beautifully balanced for a long life. Winning bid: $42,000 for 240 bottles or $175 per bottle"

February 24, 2020

"Alan grew up at VIADER. He started working in the vineyards at the age of nine and continued to help at the family estate throughout his childhood. Armed with years of hands-on experience at home and knowledge from his studies and several opportunities abroad, Alan became Vineyard Manager at VIADER in 2002 and in 2006, he was promoted to head winemaker. Since then, he has overseen vineyard management operations and continues to work closely with his mother in all areas of wine production. I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Alan to learn more about what it was like growing up at the estate, his experience producing wine at home and abroad and his hopes for the future of VIADER Vineyards and Winery."

January 02, 2020

"Since 2009, LaRue Wines has focused on making high quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, exclusively from vineyards on the Sonoma Coast. The wines are elegant, restrained, and forever inspired by the resilience and strength of one Veona LaRue."

November 22, 2019

“2016 VIADER Proprietary Red Blend Napa Valley ($195): A proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc sourced from Viader estate vineyards on the eastern slopes of Howell Mountain. This blend put Delia Viader on the map as a Napa pioneer for showcasing Cab Franc alongside Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of dark and red fruit and berries, cassis, warm baking spice, fresh herbs, dusty earth, tobacco, and black pepper arouse the senses. Its silky texture is accentuated by smooth tannins, high acidity, and a bold structure. A wine to enjoy now with a long decant, or age for more concentration. Purchase direct from Viader.”

November 22, 2019

“Since 2009, LaRue Wines has focused on making high quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, exclusively from vineyards on the Sonoma Coast. The wines are elegant, restrained, and forever inspired by the resilience and strength of one Veona LaRue. Who is Veona LaRue? Tune in to find out as the hosts talk with Katy Wilson, vintner/winemaker, and granddaughter of Veona. Learn what Veona had to say when Katy told her she was naming her winery after her.  Alongside LaRue Wines, Katy works with several other projects. Currently, she makes wine for Anaba Wines, Claypool Cellars, Reeve Wines, and Smith Story Wine Cellars. Learn more about Katy and her wines at LaRueWines.com”

November 19, 2019

“Visitors to Viader enjoy a breathtaking panorama of northern Napa Valley. They taste richly aromatic and flavorful wines with sensual structure and savory complexity in the peaceful, mountainside tasting room. But the hand-farmed vines that lead to those wines lead a much less luxurious life. Their vineyard  home is steeply sloping and unforgivingly rocky—planting required jackhammers and dynamite. The soil is extremely well-drained, leaving even the drought-tolerant, 110R rootstock continually thirsty. The tough, infertile landscape, along with high-density spacing, leads to small berries and low yields, about two tons per acre. So, deep concentration comes naturally to the estate wines."

November 15, 2019

“LaRue 2017 Thorn Ridge Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($70): This real nice turkey wine still goes strong a few days after opening, for that turkey sandwich snack. Sandalwood incense, raspberry candy, chocolate liqueur, and cranberry liqueur tease the nose, and a tangy smack of acidity brightens a silky palate.”

November 08, 2019

“Behind every successful winery is an inspiring story, and VIADER is no exception. Located on Howell Mountain in California’s Napa Valley, the Viader’s story is about determination, innovation and family. The story of VIADER begins with its founder Delia Viader, one of the first female winemakers in Napa Valley. Born in Argentina, she spent much of her youth in Europe. After receiving a doctorate in philosophy from the Sorbonne University in Paris, she came to the United States and continued her studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of California (UC) Berkeley and UC Davis, where she studied viticulture and oenology."

November 01, 2019

"Katy Wilson is a noted winemaking consultant and taps some of her favorite vineyards for her own brand, named for her great grandmother, Veona LaRue Newell. From the Heintz Vineyard, located east of Occidental, Wilson achieved a fruit-filled flavorful wine at just 12.5% alcohol. Striking minerality and acidity plump the Meyer lemon and green apple flavors." - Linda Murphy

October 15, 2019

"At the age of 25, Alan assumed the mantle of winemaker and today is one of the leading next generation, carving a path into the future of Napa Valley winemaking. Alan is soft spoken, with an innate intelligence, plus energy that seems to be constantly bubbling just below the surface, ready to spill out at any moment.  He has a defined vision for the future, displaying a passion for life, wine, and family.  Unsurprisingly, when you sip Viader wines, you will experience the same complexity and subtleties.  They (whomever “they” are) say that wine is grown in the vineyard-but I have found that a great wines also reflect the winemaker’s personality and vision as well."

October 07, 2019

“Delia Viader, Ph.D. was born in Argentina and raised in Europe.  She came to the United States as a post-graduate student at MIT.  With three young children at the time and several degrees, she came to Napa Valley to make wine and find a home for her family. As one of the early trailblazing women of Napa Valley, Delia’s story is one of determination, hard work, sacrifices, and dedication.  My interview with Delia is inspiring.  She shares her journey from student to motherhood, to winemaker; sharing her struggles, her successes, her philosophy, and stories of those that influenced her path.”

September 01, 2019

Winemaker and business-owner Katy Wilson profiled in a two-page Q&A feature in the September issue of A-list Nation Magazine.

July 31, 2019

"Ever wanted to work in the wine industry? One of the most notable jobs in the field is that of a winemaker. A unique facet of this vocation includes the role of a consulting winemaker, skilled professionals engaged to provide expertise — from broad to highly specific — to a winery team. Of course, understanding how to make wine is a prerequisite. Added to that, success in this job depends on superb communication skills, the ability to contribute to a team, flexibility and experience with various vineyard settings and cellar conditions. This workforce is tied to a desire to make great wine, yes, but also to be of service to their clients. Sonoma-based Katy Wilson crafts wine under her own label, LaRue Wines — a 500-case portfolio of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and Chardonnay — which she founded at age 26, while working at the time as associate winemaker at Kamen Wines. Meanwhile, she serves as consulting winemaker for Anaba Wines, Claypool Cellars, Reeve Wines and Smith Story Wine Cellars."

August 01, 2019

"A pairing guide to our wine director’s favorite Napa Valley red blends – and where to try them. Like a multicolor painting, a blended red is going to pair with a whole lot more, especially bold summer barbecue and hearty fall fare. With the caveat that red blends often change each vintage, here is a quick pairing guide to my favorites in Napa Valley, which happen to come from some of my favorite wineries to visit (in alphabetical order). VIADER "Black Label" - A powerful and bold blend, Black Label is going to go perfectly with gamy meats like lamb, meat stew and roasts. This wine can be cellared, but don’t be afraid to dig in if you like your wines big and full of flavor and life."

July 26, 2019

"Royal No. 3 - At The Cat and Fiddle restaurant in Hollywood, this cocktail features No. 3 London Dry Gin, Aperol, lemon juice, egg white and house-made orange simple syrup, garnished with edible flowers. "My twin sister and I went to high school at Immaculate Heart with Meghan who was a year older than us. Meghan has been to the Cat in the past and we celebrate all of her milestones here - the wedding, her baby and of course, her birthday! This refreshing cocktail features No. 3 Gin, our favorite London Dry Gin as the lead, and is a perfect nod to her royal family of three," said Camille Gardner, owner.”

July 25, 2019

“Women in the wine world have made amazing strides in recent decades. Today, they are Sommeliers, winemakers, wine educators and even winery founders and owners and we have many brave and brilliant women to thank who paved the way for us. One of my favorite things about hosting this podcast is highlighting their amazing accomplishments and sharing the secrets of their success with you. Episode #22 of The Wine Atelier podcast features one such woman, vinous trailblazer and dynamo, Delia Viader, Founder and Owner of VIADER Vineyards and Winery.”

July 25, 2019

"2016 VIADER ‘Black Label’ Red Wine- The 2016 VIADER ‘Black Label’ Red Wine is a simply magical new wine by the talented winemaking team of Delia and Alan Viader. A gorgeous blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 26% Syrah, 14% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc which was barrel selected all from the VIADER Howell Mountain estate. Needing more than an hour in the decanter to fully arouse, the wine awakens to compelling aromatics of exotic spices, Earl Grey tea, mocha and milk chocolate with wild blackberry cobbler rounding out this expressive nose. The mouthfeel is plush and decadent, unveiling a downright sexy texture that satisfies. Creme de cassis, Asian spices, sweet pipe tobacco, leather and copious dark fruits all enter the fray on the palate. This is a polished, pensive wine that is meant to savor. Seriously good in its youth, this beautiful wine will evolve well over the next two decades. Drink 2020-2040- 96”

July 12, 2019

"Viader Winery is located atop the highly acclaimed Howell Mountain, which houses a number of celebrated vineyards. It is the brainchild of matriarch Delia Viader, who arrived in the Napa Valley a few decades ago from her native Argentina. The estate possesses a unique charm and a tasteful art collection, which includes a Buddha statue greeting the guests. Contemporary pieces, procured by Delia, are sprinkled throughout the estate. The view from the tasting room is breathtaking; the small valley, which ranges from 600 to 1,300 feet in altitude, creates a micro-climate ideal for Bordeaux varietals."

May 22, 2019

"Wilson’s Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays feature vivid, barely ripe fruit, beams of acid and saline and genuine earthiness. The fruit is much more on the side of fresh cranberries than ripe cherries, the mineral is firmly in the briny category and the earthiness is of the mushroom forest-floor variety: like an old-school Oregon Pinot for those who remember that. Even Burgundies rarely display this level of soulfulness anymore. Wilson is committed to a vison of viticulture and winemaking that when combined with the farmer relationships that make available these vineyards and grapes, make for an authentic expression of wines from their exact microclimate."

May 14, 2019

Frísco Brandy featured in the Front Burner section of the print and online editions of the New York Times. "Punningly called, Frísco, it is distilled in copper pot stills from wine based on Muscat de Alexandria grapes grown in California. The result is smooth and aromatic and decided sweetness on the finish."

April 26, 2019

"Our guest this week has spent the better part of his life in vineyards. From his childhood growing up in the Howell mountain, to taking part in harvests all over the world, our guest has seen it all. By bringing an “outside the box” mentality to their vineyards, they have revolutionized what it means to be a Napa valley winemaker. Please help us welcome, from Viader Vineyards and Winery, Alan Viader."

April 23, 2019

“LaRue Wines, Sonoma Coast (California) Pinot Noir Thorn Ridge Vineyard 2015 ($70):  A seductive Pinot Noir from busy winemaker Katy Wilson’s own project.  Katy clearly knows how to get the most out of this site, and fearlessly goes under thirteen percent alcohol to get there.  There’s amazing depth of mixed red fruit aroma and flavor, with clear yet delicate accents of rhubarb, Asian apothecary spice, talc and soft oak toast.  Singing acidity keeps it all together, and there’s a big burst of fully integrated joy in the finish.  I could recommend a pairing here, but I’m leaning toward keeping this as a mind-bending solo glass.  Beautifully realized wine!  96 Points, Rich Cook, Apr 23, 2019”

April 01, 2019

Wine Business Monthly dedicates an 11-page "Technical Spotlight" feature to Viader Vineyards & Winery in the April 2019 issue of their print magazine.

March 26, 2019

“At The Story Exchange, inspirational women are our business. We have shared — and even analyzed — countless stories of women entrepreneurs who have launched fascinating and thriving ventures, overcome personal and professional challenges, and truly helped others through their products and services. In the process of sharing these startup stories, a number of them resonated with members of our staff in a long-term way. So in honor of Women’s History Month, we are sharing several past profiles of inspirational women entrepreneurs whose missions and successes stayed with us. Delia Viader, Founder, Viader Winery - Viader’s story is a master class is overcoming misfortune. Her entire inventory of wine burned to the ground, but instead of falling to pieces, she moved quickly and cleverly to deal with the situation and come out ahead. Her story is truly one of resilience."

March 22, 2019

"Our guest tonight is an elite member of the 4% of California winemakers who own their winery and are also female. Not only is she the winemaker and owner of Sonoma based LaRue wines, but she is also the winemaker for Anaba wines, Claypool Cellars, Reeve Wines, AND Smith Story Wine Cellars, all of which reside in Sonoma. Please help us welcome, Katy Wilson."

March 05, 2019

“LaRue Wines’ Katy Wilson’s been focused on the craft of winemaking since her first year at Cal Poly seventeen years ago. After graduating with degrees in Winemaking & Viticulture and Ag business, she worked at numerous, highly respected wineries here and abroad. They include Joseph Phelps (Napa Valley), Torbreck (Barossa Valley, AU), Craggy Range (Hawkes Bay, NZ), plus Banshee and Flowers Winery (Sonoma Coast). Jon Bonné included her in his 2013 list of “winemakers to watch” for the SF Chronicle. Katy founded her own label, LaRue Wines, in 2009. There, she specializes in Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir."

March 01, 2019

"With millennials playing a role in U.S. wine sales, Wine Institute has identified several inventive young vintners who are taking the reins of their families’ multi-generational wineries. The following “Millennial Vintners to Watch for 2019” are just a handful of the many leaders bringing new ideas and innovations to their family businesses to help them thrive long into the future."

March 01, 2019

Viader Vineyards & Winery receives "Best Boutique Winery" honors in Napa Valley Life Magazine's 2019 Best of Napa Valley Awards issue.

March 01, 2019

​“S.F.–based WEST COAST WINE AND CHEESE now has a second location in downtown Mill Valley, continuing to highlight small-production winemakers from California, Washington and Oregon that are pushing the envelope on quality craftsmanship. You’ll find wines by the bottle and glass, West Coast–focused beers on draft and by the bottle, and a rotating cheese and charcuterie menu to complement the wine list.”

February 21, 2019

One of the great young talents in Sonoma, Katy Wilson is the mastermind behind LaRue Wines, makers of outstanding and terroir-driven Pinot Noirs. Her wines have the beautiful salinity that you expect from the Sonoma Coast AVA. Katy has traveled the globe to learn about wines with previous stints in both Australia and New Zealand before coming to Sonoma. She is as enchanted with the ocean influence in these wines as I am. I think you will very much enjoy hearing her story in wine. Here is my exclusive interview with Katy Wilson, founder and winemaker of LaRue WInes. 

February 03, 2019

Wine of the Day: LaRue 2015 Thorn Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir. “Occasionally I use a Wine of the Day post not to announce a product that everybody should rush out and buy for its QPR — quality/price ration — but to bring to the attention of My Readers a winery and winemaker that deserve scrutiny for their high goals and achievements. Thus, I present today the LaRue Wines Thorn Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015, Sonoma Coast, a pinot noir of such riveting purity and intensity that is practically smolders in the glass, though actually it’s more elegantly wrought than that metaphor implies.”

December 09, 2018

“Chris Wanner, who owns West Coast Wine and Cheese with his wife Lindsey, understands that the wine experience begins with the story that each bottle tells. He knows that only after discovering a wine’s region of origin, the soils surrounding the vines and the pedigree of the winemaker, can tasters fully appreciate the unleashed aromas and tastes."

December 06, 2018

"On Nov. 30, after more than a yearlong location search, the team behind San Francisco's West Coast Wine & Cheese opened its second wine bar, in Mill Valley. Like the original outpost, the Mill Valley bar has a 325-selection wine list, with strengths in California, Washington and Oregon. The menu will be smaller, focusing on high-quality local cheese and charcuterie selections."

November 21, 2018

"Depending on how big a crowd will be at dinner, or, let’s be honest, the family dynamics at play, you may need a wine with a bit more power. Still, balance is key, as is its ability to pair with the heartier dishes on the table. For that, my red Wine of the Week should work particularly well: The Viader Proprietary Red 2015 (SRP: $175), an exuberant wine crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in the Napa Valley. It boasts 15.1% alcohol by volume and complex notes of black licorice, cassis, dark chocolate, coffee beans, grilled sage, and a hint of violets. Sweet tannins frame it all, and carry through to the black-cherry liqueur finish."

November 21, 2018

“The holiday debut of Mill Valley’s West Coast Wine • Cheese happens to coincide with the seasonal longing for decompressing, sipping and savoring. Doors of the comfortably intimate 700-square-foot space, with a central communal table, built-in leather couch, velvet armchairs, bar seating and small tables, open Nov. 30. An extensive list of limited production West Coast wines complement a curated menu of cheese and charcuterie with bread from San Francisco’s Jane the Bakery."

November 01, 2018

VIADER is highlighted in the Winter 2018 issue of Napa Sonoma Magazine in an article dedicated to Wine Country leaders in sustainability. “The interest in dry farming has given rise to companies such as Fruition Sciences, a data provider that aids winemakers in determining the optimal way to treat their vineyards in order to get the best possible fruit. For instance, the company uses a sap flow sensor to measure the nitrogen in a vine and estimate the amount of water it requires. A handful of wineries have shown interest in converting to the practice, including Viader, Arrowood, and Dominus."

November 17, 2018

"Frisco Brandy is colorless in the glass, and has strong grape notes plus peach, apricot, and orange peel. It begins at a medium temperature with peach, orange peel, and grapefruit on the palate. Dry spice and white pepper surge at the end, setting the course for a clean, bone-dry, and spicy finish. Frisco is an interesting sipping brandy, and it also proves excellent in a Pisco Sour, er, Frisco Sour. The strong grape flavor, floral notes, and even a little hint of that grape mustiness punch right through.”

November 15, 2018

"That may sound a bit too serious, but then again making award winning wines is also a serious business. Katy Wilson has set her sights high from the day she entered Cal Poly to make some great wines. She has done her journeyman’s tour from harvests in San Luis Obispo to Australia and New Zealand. Since 2009, LaRue’s first harvest, she has striven to perfect her acclaimed Pinot Noir vintages. Key to her success is the hands on detail from hauling grapes, constant punch downs, etc. She does it all to ensure her quality product."

November 12, 2018

"You could say Delia Viader is an exception to the norm. She’s a female winemaker who started a world-class winery on her first attempt, all while singlehandedly raising four children. She was an early champion of Cabernet Franc, back when everyone in Napa was jumping on the Cabernet Sauvignon bandwagon. And unlike most California vineyards, her vines are planted vertically up and down the hillside to optimize sun and wind exposure. But Delia isn’t just different for the sake of being different — her singular decisions were borne out of a tremendous desire to craft the best wine possible." 

November 05, 2018

“Some of the finest wines made here, in the United States, are made by first-generation Americans. Individuals who have embraced our country, and our terroir, producing premium products that display their passion. Let’s raise a glass to this country and to the people who make it great. Here are a few to consider. Argentinian-born Delia Viader arrived in Napa after grad school, settling on the land her Spanish father had purchased on Howell Mountain the 1980s. Almost instantly, wine became her passion. Viader “Dare” Cabernet Franc captures violet, licorice, and spice.”

November 02, 2018

“Cow Hollow’s West Coast Wine & Cheese is bringing its winning wine bar formula to downtown Mill Valley this Friday, November 30. The San Francisco bar specializes in limited production wines from boutique wineries throughout California, Oregon, and Washington —something it’s done so well that West Coast Wine & Cheese has won Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence three times."

October 06, 2018

“I've also got a couple of wines from the young Katy Wilson, who has proven to be one of California's youngest superstar winemakers, and whose LaRue label (her Grandmother's middle name) includes deftly made Pinot and Chardonnay. I've got one of each this week from her, a Charles Heintz vineyard Chardonnay that has great nerve, and a gorgeous, lithe bottling of Pinot Noir from the Rice Spivak vineyard from which her mentor Ross Cobb has been making excellent Pinot for years. Both wines are outstanding."

September 24, 2018

"VIADER Vineyards & Winery – Walk in my steps, but leave your own footprint. This could very well echo the sentiment of Delia Viader to her son Alan Viader. Delia Viader came to the United States from Argentina after receiving her PhD in philosophy from Sorbonne, in Paris. It was her training in philosophy, questioning via the dialectic method, to find “her truth.” This is not a simple story but is told in great detail in her autobiography called “Daring to Stand Alone, An Entrepreneur’s Journey.” This story is one of fighting the odds, having a vision and overcoming many obstacles in order to find your place and bring meaning to your life. Delia’s book is as deep in character as her vineyard roots on the Howell Mountain hillside. A fascinating book to read."

September 21, 2018

Podcast Interview with the hosts of We Like Drinking: "Our guest tonight is the founder and driving force behind Frisco (frees-koh) Brandy, a pisco based brandy popular in Chile and Peru that, unlike most brandy you see, is clear and not aged in barrels. He has had adventures all over the world, and is now living his latest creating a craft brandy with an American twist, he is Charlie O’Connell."

September 14, 2018

"From his work in the vineyard to sampling new corks, Alan is focused on achieving the highest possible quality. “There are a lot of things I’ve been fine-tuning on my path to making better wine,” he explains. “For example, I’ve been traveling to France to see where our barrels are made and to eliminate coopers who don’t have the quality I need. Where the oak comes from, how it’s treated, the coopers’ philosophy and whether they’re family-owned, those are all important factors to me,” he says. Alan’s search for the highest quality expands beyond the vineyard. He emphasizes how important relationships are to success in the wine business. For him, those relationships start with family." 

September 05, 2018

"Whether you’re a mai tai maven or a daiquiri die-hard, rum is the spirit that makes those tropical cocktails sing. Now here’s your chance to sip your way through 40 — or at least a sampling drawn from that array at the California Rum Fest this weekend. Chat with rum industry insiders, sample tiki cocktails and learn about the world of rum during this grand tasting session. Then shop the Tiki Bazaar outside, where Bay Area bartenders will be shaking up tropical cocktails as retro surf tunes waft through the air."

September 02, 2018

“The views are both serene and spectacular, overlooking much of the Napa Valley. The vines below the outdoor deck seem to fall down the cliffs, quickly out of view. While it is known for producing limited amounts of fine Bordeaux-style wines, the real story behind Viader Vineyards and Winery lies within Wine Mother Delia Viader, Ph.D., her determination, persistence, sense of adventure and, of course, winemaking skills.”

August 27, 2018

“Six miles from the Sonoma Coast, LaRue grapes are just starting to sweeten. In one week, Katy Wilson will carefully choose the grapes that will eventually become her world-class Pinot Noir. SWAAY got a chance to speak with Wilson about her journey, her wine label, adjacent business ventures and the impact of being a female in an overwhelmingly male-dominated industry.”

August 27, 2018

"One of the cult Napa wines, VIADER is located on the western facing slopes of Howell Mountain dramatically set at 1,300 feet. VIADER (pronounced via-dare) was founded in 1986 by Napa visionary Delia Viader. Delia produces roughly 4,500 cases each year for her club members, as well as some top restaurants. She also has a by-appointment-only wine tasting room to take in the sweeping views of the Napa Valley, overlooking St. Helena. Delia’s story is even more extraordinary than her special wines."

August 12, 2018

“I wondered, as I drove to meet Katy Wilson at the secluded Emmaline Ann Vineyard in Sebastopol, what would motivate a young winemaker to join the fray of great pinot noir and cool-climate chardonnay production in Sonoma County. Before I left the vineyard, 90 minutes later, I had my answer. Wilson, owner-winemaker of LaRue Wines, has had a strategy in place since she crafted a business plan for a small production winery in Agricultural Business 101 at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Raised in farming, this could simply be a “she drove a tractor before a car” kind of story, but, a closer look reveals someone who, at a very young age, impressed her colleagues who, in turn encouraged and motivated her to make her own wines.”

August 06, 2018

Cru Podcast host, Chappy Cottrell interviews Katy Wilson, owner & winemaker of LaRue Wines, a producer of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir & Chardonnay.

July 10, 2018

​In addition to making wine for Anaba Wines, Claypool Cellars, Reeve Wines and Smith Story Wine Cellars, Katy crafts ultra-premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir under her own label, LaRue Wines. Katy shared her thoughts with us on what it takes to succeed as a winemaker, the beauty of working in Sonoma County's Wine Country and the best wine she last drank. We hope you enjoy the interview and take a look at LaRue's website.

June 27, 2018

Imagine the pressure of crafting one great Napa wine each year. Now imagine doing that for more than three decades, using entirely estate mountain fruit. Founding winemaker Delia Viader, PhD. has been creating one proprietary wine since 1986. She now combines with her son, Alan, to make this exceptional red wine, entirely sourced from their estate vineyard on Howell Mountain. Growing up, Delia spent many years in Europe, particularly in France. She holds a PhD. which was obtained at Sorbonne University in Paris as well as business degree from University of California, Berkeley. Her business acumen told her to purchase land in Napa Valley during the wine boom of the 1980s and she stated Viader while raising four children on her own.

June 27, 2018

Diminutive and slight, it’s difficult to imagine Delia Viader taking on Napa Valley with her namesake, Viader Vineyards, in the early 80’s. But take it on she did. Dominated by testosterone & tradition, Napa Valley was a man’s realm. There were few women (if any) starting up a winery and doing their own farming and winemaking. Particularly young female upstart Vintners. But this well-educated (Ph.D.), single mother of four, had a mission. That mission was to provide a legacy for her children. She came armed with multiple degrees and a passion for success. She was comfortable with the challenge no matter how difficult.

May 21, 2018

The idea of a vigneron, or one who both tends to grapes and produces wine with little to no outside help, is a distinctly French concept. But these American pioneers are embodying Old World spirit and making this traditional practice their own. Winemaker, Alan Viader featured.