Smoky flavors in wine are a possibility in the aftermath of the fires charring Napa, Sonoma and other parts of Northern California wine country. Source: How the Napa fires could affect the taste, price of your wine

A group of cult winemakers are flouting tradition and pioneering their own path. The result? Some of the most interesting wines being made in California. Source: Meet the Garagiste Winemakers of Paso Robles | Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Santa Barbara is where wine country meets the big city. Go inland to explore the Central Coast’s wine scene or check out downtown’s cultural destinations. Source: Everything Under the Sun in Santa Barbara | Wine Enthusiast Magazine

As blends become more popular, winemakers work to make them worthy Source: Why blending wine is one of the fastest growing trends in the industry – LA Times

Has the unthinkable happened? Are Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon wines now on par with Napa Valley’s? Source: Paso Robles cabernet sauvignon at par with Napa Valley? | Wine | napavalleyregister.com

Who knew Drew Barrymore was such an oenophile? Here, the actress (and winemaker) tells us everything she knows about enjoying a glass . . . or several. Plus, her secret method for ordering wine like a seasoned pro. (Hint: Just remember the letters S.S.T.)Director: Corey Tenold Source: Drew Barrymore’s Guide to Rosé the Right Way – Vogue Videos – The Scene

Want to keep your wine tasting glass full, but don’t feel like making the trip to Napa? Visit the 5 best Malibu wineries and save your airfare for more wine Source: 5 Best Malibu Wineries | Wine Tasting Near Los Angeles

What if a restaurant could access a massive wine store’s warehouse—and sell bottles at nearly the same price? Christian Navarro and Matthew Turner are making waves at Wally’s Beverly Hills, the iconic wine retailer that now also hosts a restaurant where chef David Féau, formerly of Grand Award winner Patina in L.A., sets the pace. Navarro and Turner spoke with assistant editor Samantha Falewée about the unique opportunities and challenges of the Wally’s model, and what’s next for the business. Source: Restaurant Talk: Wally’s Tweaks the Recipe

Tasting wine uses all our senses. We use our eyes, our nose and our palates. But most of the time, we see the bottle first and conjure up pre-conceived notions Source: Eyes wide shut: the skill of blind wine tasting | Allison Levine | napavalleyregister.com