Up first is Elaine Chukan Brown with her new and comprehensive book: “The Wines of California.” Later in the show Gabriel Geller from Royal Wine company joins us to talk about the award winning wines of Israeli’s Psagot winery. These wines are perfect for your Passover or Easter celebration.
If you want to learn about wine, and of course California wine, this is the book! Regardless of your journey in wine; novice, enthusiast, or Sommelier – This is the book you need! Get a copy NOW
A concise, complete, smartly delivered and cohesive book for serious readers and students of wine. Focusing on the world’s fourth largest producer of wine – California – the book takes readers on a journey through the golden state’s wines, paying due attention to famous regions such as Sonoma and Napa as well as introducing readers to exciting up-and-coming regions to explore.
The book is divided into three major sections. The first presents the key ideas that help make sense of California wine as a whole, including the history of California wine in brief, how the topography delivers California’s overarching climatic and soil conditions, and the basics of vineyard and winery factors relevant to the state such as the role of the AVA.
The second section takes each major region in turn and looks into its history, growing conditions and varieties, as well as discussing the most significant and interesting producers. A final section looks at current themes in Californian wine and discusses the future of the industry across the state.
- Explains all the state’s AVAs, examining the development, growing conditions and varietal trends for each.
- Profiles the main producers and individuals shaping the wine industry today.
- A useful reference on California that also provides alternative insights and insider knowledge.
- Author Elaine Chukan Brown is a prolific commentator on the wines of California and a speaker at events around the globe.
- Supported by color maps and photos.
Elaine Chukan Brown serves as a writer, speaker and global wine educator. Previously, Brown served as the Executive Editor US for JancisRobinson.com, a columnist for Decanter Magazine, and a contributing writer to Wine & Spirits Magazine. They contributed to both the 4th and 5th editions of Oxford Companion to Wine, the 8th edition of the World Atlas of Wine, and the compilations On Burgundy and On California from Academie du Vin Library. They co-founded the Diversity in Wine Leadership Forum and have advised diversity initiatives in multiple countries. Brown serves as a judge for the Texsom Awards and is a board member of the Wine Writer Symposium.
In the second half I’ll be chatting with Gabriel Geller from the Royal Wine Company about the wines of award winning winery “Psagot.”
Psagot Winery is more than just a kosher brand—it embodies the spirit of Israel, uniting a diverse team of individuals from all walks of life. Its renowned visitor center welcomes people from around the world who seek to experience the best of Israeli winemaking. Each label features an exact replica of the 2000-year-old coin found in an ancient cave in the Psagot Village in 2003 during the establishment of the winery and is hand glued to each label.
Nestled in the historic hills near Jerusalem, Psagot stands as a beacon of dedication, artistry, and passion. The winery’s mission is clear: to be the most passionate winery in Israel. The vineyards benefit from a perfect climate for viticulture, rich soil, and centuries of history. Sustainable practices ensure the land remains fertile for future generations, with each grape harvested reflecting the extraordinary terroir of the region.
Winemaking in Psagot is both an art and a science, driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence. Sam Soroka, the master winemaker, approaches his craft with precision and artistry—meticulously selecting grapes and carefully aging each wine in Psagot’s cellars. The result? Wines that are rich, complex, and expressive, embodying the pinnacle of winemaking expertise.
Every bottle of Psagot wine is crafted with dedication, ensuring that each sip transports you to new heights of flavor and emotion. Psagot is synonymous with quality and excellence, offering wines that inspire and delight. With many varietals, you can learn more at https://psagotwines.com/en/
Good Life Guy’s Wines of The Week:
Three great wines from Israel and Psagot Winery