In lieu of our normal monthly newsletter, given our home base in Northern California, we at Charles Communications Associates, representing wineries from our own backyard and around the world, dedicate this missive to those affected by the Northern California fires of October 2017
The Napa Valley has recently taken a lot of heat – both literally, due to the serious temperature spike that hit the valley earlier this month, as well as figuratively from those who think the aberrant fluctuation spelled doom for the entire region’s harvest. The media has been eager to report this story, which we can all understand – what’s sexier than a potential climate change story about America’s most recognized wine region? Fortunately for the consumer, cooler heads prevail for those of us on the ground, and I wanted to share the perspective from someone who has been around the vineyard block.
Meet Faith Armstrong, the winemaker behind Onward and Farmstrong wines. As refreshing as the Pétillant Naturel she makes of Malvasia Bianca, many of the words used to describe Faith's wine could be used to describe the winemaker herself. Honest, vibrant, unfiltered, true to her origins, bright, complex.
Can Can - we've come a long way baby. The intrepid folks from Coppola came out with the Sofia sparkling wine years ago, long before others were willing to embrace the ease and practicality of wine in cans. Now we are seeing more and more premium wines in cans with vintage dates, different varietals and sizes including 375 ml. Some popular brands are: Underwood Pinot, Cangria, Cycles Gladiator.
I moved to the Mission district of San Francisco 10 years ago. My home is located precisely at the start of two major processions in this predominantly Central/South American influenced and populated neighborhood. Carnaval in May starts with a Sunday morning samba beat at about 8 decibels so be sure to get a good night's sleep. November 2nd every year is the annual Marigold Project produced, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) procession, commemorating Mexico's oldest celebration, dating back to pre-Columbian times of honoring those who have left this realm. Over the decade that I've lived here, I've learned and appreciated more about the history and customs of this very special commemoration. It is actually several days from October 30-November 2nd, culminating ultimately in November 2nd's Dia de los Muertos, now celebrated in many parts of the world. This year, we decided to chronicle via video, what has become a revered tradition in my home and the neighborhood I am proud to be a part of. This first of three video series, shot by our fabulous intern Kenrick Mercado, features the arts in the Mission.
