Thursday March 11, 2010 Updated 9:13 PM PST
Have big wineries been misleading novice drinkers into a false view of what Pinot should be? Or should we stop drinking cheap Pinot?
Santa Cruz Mountains wineries have kept a low profile, but they are making some of state's best wines. Above, Mount Eden Vineyards' Jeffrey Patterson smells a glass of Cabernet.
Today's bartenders find higher-proof spirits contribute an extra oomph of flavor when mixed into a cocktail. With an online-only recipe.

An abundance of wine bloggers combined with a lack of buyer influence make the future impact of wine blogs unclear.
Lake County has seen a surge in the number of wineries as growers flock north for prime growing conditions at cheaper costs.
With an extensive database and a shared space for user and expert opinion, CellarTracker could be the new model for wine reviews.
From measuring ingredients to making a citrus twist, Gary Regan tells you everything you need to know to be a master bartender.
There's as much to know about tequila as there is about wine, but these easy tips will make finding the best for your buck easy.
From a resurgence in retailers to a less is more philosophy, Jon Bonné gives his list for what to expect in wine in the next ten years.
Steve Mattiasson is creating a new style of white winemaking that flies without a varietal net. Plus: Jason Drew of Mendocino County
As Champenois winemakers seek base wines with bigger personality, the benefits of oak-aging Champagne become clear.
Don't want to leave the dog behind? The Anderson Valley in Mendocino County has plenty of options that include you and your furry friend.
When it comes to making natural wines, minimal intervention and avoiding commercial yeast are a must.

Jon Bonne/The Chronicle The care with which Ridge's Monte Bello is assembled was evident during its recent...

Born from a gossipy magazine of the same name, the Police Gazette cocktail is forthright, with a patchwork of distractions.

Hogue Cellars Columbia Valley Pinot Grigio is a great summer white.
From the bucolic Calistoga setting to its emphasis on the relatively rare Charbono grape, Summers isn't your typical Cabernet experience.

We found a number of good selections to recommend from the 2007 and 2008 vintages.

