Celebrate Cab Franc Day with These 10 Fun Facts! 

Cabernet Franc Day, celebrated every year on December 4th, honors one of the wine world’s most elegant and versatile red grapes. Whether you’re a Cab Franc connoisseur or new to the varietal, this day is the perfect excuse to pour a glass and explore its rich history and distinctive character. Let’s dive into 10 fun facts…

Cabernet Franc Spotlight: Chateau Niagara

Cabernet Franc Spotlight: Chateau Niagara

The countdown is on to celebrate one of the wine world’s most captivating and versatile varietals—Cabernet Franc! This year, I’m excited to spotlight some incredible producers who are dedicated to showcasing the true potential of Cab Franc. For these winemakers, Cab Franc is more than just a blending grape—it’s a star in its own right,…

Cabernet Franc Spotlight: Dracaena Wines

Cabernet Franc Spotlight: Dracaena Wines

The countdown is on to celebrate one of the wine world’s most dynamic and captivating varietals! This year, I’m thrilled to highlight some remarkable producers dedicated to showcasing the true essence of Cab Franc. These winemakers share a common vision—that it’s far more than a blending component, but rather a standout varietal capable of delivering…

mira napa cab franc on rock in vineyard

Cabernet Franc Spotlight: Mira Winery

Cabernet Franc Day is right around the corner, and I’m thrilled to celebrate one of the most dynamic and expressive grapes in the wine world! This year, I’m highlighting outstanding producers who bring the distinctive essence of Cab Franc to life in their wines. These winemakers are passionate about showcasing Cab Franc as a varietal…

Stiekema Cab Franc with spring bok

Cabernet Franc Spotlight: Stiekema Wine Co.

Cabernet Franc Day is almost here, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate one of the wine world’s most versatile and captivating varietals! This year, I’m highlighting some outstanding producers who craft wines that truly showcase the distinctive personality of Cab Franc. These wineries share a passion for proving that Cabernet Franc is far…

Cabernet Franc Spotlight; Pianetta Winery

Cabernet Franc Spotlight; Pianetta Winery

Cabernet Franc Day is almost here, and I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate one of the wine world’s most versatile and intriguing varietals! This year, I’m shining a spotlight on some incredible producers who craft wines that truly showcase the unique character of Cab Franc. These wineries share the belief that Cabernet Franc is…

cabernet franc leaf with identifying features

Exploring the Elegance of Cabernet Franc: From Vineyard to Glass

Why Does Cabernet Franc Deserve the Spotlight?  In the nine years since I created Cabernet Franc Day, I have seen Cabernet Franc gain more space in the spotlight. There have been many articles written about how it is having its day and each one places a smile on my face.   Cabernet Franc was quite the…

image of Lori Budd and host of Your Central Valley Kayla Holt

TV Segment: Downtown Paso Wineries on Your Thanksgiving Table

I returned to Your Central Valley to discuss Thanksgiving wine pairing suggestions. With almost 30 wineries located in downtown, there are a myriad of possibilities to make your holiday dinner spectacular.  On this segment we paired the following wines: PasoSecco Sparkling Grenache Blanc –  Sparkling Gougeres Dracaena Wines 2022 Classic Cabernet Franc – roasted butternut…

family tree with Cab Franc as the main father
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World Merlot Day – Rediscovering a Classic

Oh Merlot! The step-child of the wine world. The grape that could have been if it weren’t for a stupid line in a movie that also may be the MOST misunderstood line in any movie ever.  But thankfully, Merlot seems to be on the rise again. Let’s celebrate it this Thursday, International Merlot Day.  The…

Dracaena Wines

Variety vs. Varietal; It’s a Grammar Thing Not a Snooty Thing

One of my goals in wine education is to make it less snooty. Wine should not only be enjoyed by a few, rather it should be enjoyed by the masses. There is a constant line in the sand that separates oenophile aficionados and the wine neophyte.  I wish this line wasn’t there, but it is…