We'll cut to chase with the most crucial information: How to open a bottle. Contrary to common belief, the best way to open a bottle of bubbly is not to pop the cork. It's better to slowly allow for the cork’s release, achieving an ideal “sigh” as the cork exits the bottle. One last tip: be sure to make the process look easy.

Can you budget indulgence? When it comes to sparklers, you bet. Top picks under $25 include: Roederer Estate’s NV Anderson Valley Brut Domaine Chandon’s Brut Classic, NV California Mirabelle NV North Coast Brut

Guess who's coming to dinner at the White House? Landmark Vineyards Overlook Chardonnay, that’s who. According to a White House spokesperson the wine was chosen in part because it offers a great story of a woman who developed a passion for the industry.

Fair verdict in the wine tasting case? Here's the back story: Lyndsay Murray-Mazany was sentenced to three years and eight months in state prison after causing the deaths of two Cloverdale women after she had been wine tasting. Murray-Mazany's attorney, Chris Andrian, argued for probation. He said in a couny where wine is "celebrated" this could have happened to any number of upright and esteemed citizens. What do you think?

When you're in the eye of a storm, there's only one thing to do: Treat yourself to syrah and stew, the ultimate in cool weather comfort. Here are three solid syrah picks: Rocca, 2007 Grigsby Vineyard, Yountville, $45 Bradford Mountain, 2007 Grist Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley, $24 Four Vines, 2008 [...]

Ted Turner is coming to Wine Country this spring to talk about the Earth and how to best tend to it. He should be a good source of ideas. He drives a Prius with a bumper sticker that says “Save the Humans.”

As you know a liquid, which is believed to be wine, was unearthed by Chinese archaeologists along with a pot of soup. While we’re waiting for tests to identify the findings, all we can do is speculate.

Colby Rex Groom was born with a hole in his heart and the 12-year old son of Australian winemaker Daryl Groom is a resilient veteran of open-heart-by-pass surgery. As a tribute to Colby, the “Colby Red” table wine will be released in January. Daryl produced the red blend in parthnership with with Treasury Wine Estates, home to Beringer and parent company of Australia icon Penfolds, where Daryl once served as Senior Red Winemaker.

Gewurztraminer is the rock star of Thanksgiving, the celebrity with the biggest personality at the table. What gives gewurztraminer rock-star-status? It works with everything – the turkey, the dressing, yams and yes, even pumpkin pie.

Now that Commercial Dungeness Crab season has officially commenced – finally – it’s time to set aside some great whites that pair well with the tasty crustaceans.