Melissa Vogt

Plumpjack: Tasting Auction Napa Valley and Premier Napa Valley Wines

I loved the juxtaposition of this informal tasting of very exclusive wines—all of which were made solely for Auction Napa Valley (ANV) and Premier Napa Valley (PNV)—dating back to 1997....

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People & Places
Five Awesome Coffee Roasters in Santa Rosa

In Northern California, it's easy to be a coffee snob, because the coffee here is just that good. We have so many local roasters that really producer top-notch beans. In...

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People & Places
Russian River Valley Part 4: Exploring Sebastopol Hills

Of course, the Russian River Valley (RRV) is a cool winegrowing climate, but the Sebastopol Hills neighborhood is cooler than most of the appellation’s neighborhoods. Located on the south/southwest side...

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People & Places
The County Bench: Santa Rosa's Newest Culinary Hot Spot

When a new restaurant opens in town, you can be sure I am ready to make a visit. The downtown Santa Rosa restaurant scene has steadily been on the rise...

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People & Places
5 Best Pizza Places in Sonoma County

Being a self-confessed, wood-fired pizza lover—and having recently been inspired by Lisa Perrotti-Brown’s “Five Best Pizza Places in Napa”—I felt compelled to represent Sonoma County. Now, this list isn’t necessarily...

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People & Places
Stewart Cellars Finds a Home in Yountville

During a rainy autumn week in Napa Valley, a blue, sun-filled sky opened up for a visit to the new Stewart Cellars “home” in downtown Yountville. Having officially opened in...

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People & Places
Italy Meets Napa Valley: An Interview with Michelin Star Chef Stefano Masanti

I’m always curious how chefs get their start. Did they always dream of becoming a chef? Truth is, when I ask this question, I almost always get the same response...

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People & Places
Top 5 Gourmet Burgers in Napa Valley

That’s right, I’ve been on the hunt for the best gourmet burgers that Napa Valley has to offer and I’ve compiled a fantastic list. Is it just me or does...

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People & Places
Russian River Valley Part 5: Exploring Laguna Ridge

Situated south of the Russian River, the Laguna Ridge neighborhood is composed of soft rolling hills full of mostly Goldridge soils. The neighborhood is certainly warmer than Sebastopol Hills, but...

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People & Places
15 Top-Scoring Zinfandels in Wine Advocate Issue 227

In honor of Robert Parker's Part One of his Northern California reports, I've compiled a list of 15 Zinfandels scoring 90 points or higher in Issue 227....

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News & Views
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