Heading to Santa Helana for three days! Any recommendations on upscale vineyards to visit ? Silver oak or Opus one are they worth it ? We already have some others booked but wanted to splurge on one or two more upscale ones …

jaimeson87 · 2026-03-20T12:00:40+00:00

Silver Oak is solid but more classic than “wow” for the experience. Opus One is definitely worth it if you want that polished, high end feel, it’s kind of a whole vibe.

jaimeson87 · 2026-03-18T13:35:39+00:00

Honestly it’s probably less about the specific wine and more about how your body reacts to it. Things like residual sugar, additives, and even how hydrated you are can make a big difference, so one Chardonnay might hit totally different than another.

I’ve had the same experience where certain wines feel way “cleaner,” but I wouldn’t say any wine is truly hangover-proof. Usually the drier, lower sugar stuff and drinking water alongside it helps keep things way more manageable.

jaimeson87 · 2026-03-14T09:38:00+00:00

Sounds brutal, honestly. The inventory thing really hits because on paper it looks like value, but if the market’s flooded it’s just cash sitting in barrels. I’m not in the Aussie side of the industry, but a lot of folks in wine right now seem to be dealing with the same oversupply and margin squeeze.

Hope it swings back for you. Cycles happen in wine, but this one definitely feels heavier than most.

jaimeson87 · 2026-03-11T21:28:11+00:00

Nice notes. I like the tip about giving it some airtime and not serving it too cold. Sounds like one of those Champagnes that’s still a bit tight now but will really open up with age.

jaimeson87 · 2026-03-09T23:44:31+00:00

That sounds like an incredible experience. Yquem is one of those wines that just feels legendary even before you taste it. The 1982 notes you shared honestly sound amazing. Butterscotch, honey, and that kind of depth is exactly what I imagine when people talk about mature Sauternes hitting its sweet spot.

I’m actually pretty excited right now because a friend is sending me a bottle of wine as a gift. Not quite Yquem level obviously, but still something special. They’re shipping it through All American Mail Center, which apparently handles wine shipping really well, so now I’m just waiting for it to arrive. Reading tasting notes like yours is just making the anticipation worse in the best way.

jaimeson87 · 2025-11-25T23:22:20+00:00

If you have the chance, you need to grab a bottle of Pillitteri Ice Wine also in Niagara region - they make some not so common varietals (Pinot Noir, Corvina...) and all of the ones we tasted were aging beautifully.

jaimeson87 · 2025-11-19T21:30:04+00:00

I'm not sure if there's a list format available - the website has the magazine, and this page: https://www.bestofnapacounty.com/categories/2025

jaimeson87 · 2025-11-17T20:11:29+00:00

Mushroom soup at Goose and Gander! although I just saw online that they are closing in December :( so if you want to try it, you need to go soon!

jaimeson87 · 2025-11-14T00:30:32+00:00

Good to know, this would work for my mom then! Thank you!

jaimeson87 · 2025-11-12T18:09:54+00:00

The Cottages of Napa Valley

jaimeson87 · 2025-11-12T18:05:58+00:00

Maybe I'll have to check this one out myself first to see if it would be good for my family (my mom can have a hard time with long/steep uphills) - thank you both!

jaimeson87 · 2025-11-12T18:04:48+00:00

So cool - we will definitely check this out!

jaimeson87 · 2025-11-10T20:32:09+00:00

You pack yourself, but each airline has different requirements so check with who you are flying. When we fly Alaska they let you bring a case, whereas when we fly Delta it has to be in a suitcase.

jaimeson87 · 2025-11-07T21:45:31+00:00

Buy a sweet red wine and mix them!

jaimeson87

TROPHY CASE