The Pellegrini Family Vineyard represents four generations of fine wine making under the Olivet Lane, Cloverdale Ranch and Pelegrini labels.

Goodtaste.tv Tucked just off Highway 290, on a popular stretch of gorgeous countryside sits the Grape Creek Vineyards. For a little bit of Tuscany in Texas look no further than this place for some shade and leisure. It’s here that owner Brian Heath says “wine is the center of the experience.” From interactive cellar tours to learn more about the wine-making process, to tasting samples straight from the barrel… Grape Creek is the real deal! And if that doesn’t convince you, how about the over 100 medals their signature wines have earned in just the last two years? Take the Bellissimo, for example. It’s a super Tuscan style red and my personal favorite. Cheers!

Small Vines Wines moves vineyard designate 2009 MK Vineyard Pinot Noir from Fermentation tank to barrel

Another passion of me, next to wine making at our Rubaiyat vineyard and winery, is sailing. As a child I dreamt of sailing the Fastnet Race. After participating in 2009, I again signed on for the 2011 edition. It would prove to be a exciting endeavour that would put our skills and perseverance to the test. The event lived up to its reputation as the most gruelling and tactically challenging of the classic offshore races. The 608 mile long course took us from the start line off Cowes, towards the Fastnet Rock off southwest Ireland, back around the Scilly Isles to the finish line in Plymouth. Climb aboard and experience the race from start to finish up close. My personal website: www.google.com Our Rubaiyat vineyard and winery: www.facebook.com Music: Sailing by Skinnie (www.skinnie.nl) Falling by Mo’Jones (http

“Homeplate” host Paula Jasper visits a fall Bacchanalia where viewers will see grape stomping and a wine-making competition. Visit www.metromonthly.net for more “Explore the Mahoning Valley” features!

Founded more than 125 years ago, Wente Vineyards (www.wentevineyards.com) are the country’s oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery. Still managed by the Wente family, now in its fourth and fifth generation of ownership, the winery blends traditional and innovative wine making practices, drawing from 3000 picturesque acres of sustainably farmed Estate vineyards. Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations, featuring wine tasting, fine dining and championship golf. Beyond being recognized for the winemaker’s excellent wine, a major component in the decision to award the California Travel Industry Association (CalTIA) Winery of the Year designation includes the winery’s contribution to developing the California tourism brand. The award recognizes innovation, success and commitment to the travel industry. Video sponsored by simpleview, inc. (www.simpleviewinc.com)

Mission Hill Family Estate Winery in the heart of the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Canada is where Cindy and I went as tourists in our own town. We have never been there before nor are we experts in the art of the Wine. But our guide is and we once again learned a lot about the ancient art of wine making, what makes one area better and the different wines. Stay tuned.

We pick our first harvest!

Peter Gago tastes the latest release of this Barossa Shiraz with the wine making team. You can buy all Penfolds premium wines from: www.winetastes.co.nz Wines can be delivered around the world to Australia, USA, UK, Europe (Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Netherlands), Hong Kong and Singapore.

Jasper Morris MW talks to Olivier Merlin about his 2008 Burgundy wines. Read the blog: bbrblog.com View the wines: www.bbr.com