What a perfect day for an Asado, which is a fancy way of saying BBQ. The clouds were out and a fire seemed like a …
viognier and samosas
The other night I was short on time and wanted to make an impresssion. Trader Joes to the rescue. I got 2 boxes of Vegetable …
Soufflé
Here in northern California we are having one of the coldest summers on record. Instead of sun dresses and sandals I have been wearing hoodies …
Our latest French wines.
Recently we added quite a few new wines from our importer Grape Expectations. Good friends of Wines and Makers, Amanda Janik Lucey (owner of Sprout, …
Being a parent in wine country.
The school year has ended for us and with that comes all the parties and get togethers to celebrate a successful year. This year Vayle …
Mussels and Chardonnay
I love this time of year. The leaves are budding, it rains when it feels like it and hot days are just around the corner… …
I am finally over salted caramel.
For Vayle’s fifth birthday, I set out on my most ambitious cake yet. Full sheet size cake pan, check. Four dozen eggs, check. Three …
A Good Wine and a Good Whine
We always talk about pairing wines with cheeses, meats, white sauces, chocolates, and even music, but what about conversations or writing? What about matching a …


Food during the lunar eclipse