The muffuletta sandwich is uniquely New Orleans from start to finish and nobody does it better than the originators, Central Grocery. Each sandwich is made on a 9″ round Sicilian sesame loaf (aka the muffuletta loaf) that stays crusty despite all it’s messy fillings. I...

LEADING LADIES IN WINE

Winemaking is where art and science meet patience and muscle. I’m sure there’s a fancier way to say that, but Pliny the Elder never hung out in Paso Robles. So picture the shrugging girl emoji, and pour us another glass. While you’re at it, ponder...

We have received confirmation that John Pianetta, owner and founder of Pianetta, is currently in the process of blending the 2018 vintage "Altitude" blend.  After its initial sell out release back in 2017, Altitude has been in high demand.  The Petite Sirah and Caberne...

Have you ever bought a wine in a tasting room but once you get home and uncork the bottle it just doesn't taste the same? One of the leading causes for this is not enough aeration.

Hefty, age-worthy wines that may initially seem too young and tight often benefit from so...

Every year I feel more and more prepared for bottling; however, that sense of “comfort” always makes me wonder, "What the heck I have forgotten?"

We bottle our Pianetta wines once a year; so the logistics, printing, wine preparations, ordering, scheduling etc. must sync...

While driving north from the winery on my way to Monterey, I kept noticing some small and exciting changes along Indian Valley Road. 

Just North of the always popular U-Pick Farm on Indian Valley Road, and past the 2 yaks on the West side of the road, there is a small f...

This year we had the opportunity, albeit last minute, to source some grapes from the White Hawk vineyard in Los Alamos.  We normally source our Sangiovese in Paso Robles, but after visiting the vineyard and falling in love with the town, it was hard to turn down the op...

When you work in a hospitality industry sometimes it is difficult to stop and smell the roses… not because you don’t want to, but typically because you work odd hours.

Most recently I was able to take a Saturday off and enjoy a few things that are often taken for grante...

What can I say about the year 2017.  The rainfall was fantastic, the growing year has developed well except for our record heat in early September, and the yields are looking promising for the area.  Unfortunately the year hasn’t been as positive for the Pianettas!...

Once the site of an old schoolhouse from the 1800s, the trees that surrounded the schoolhouse still stand at a picnic spot on our vineyard. 95 acres, with 68 planted under vine, the ranch is a wonderful spot to enjoy a glass of wine, a campfire, and a beautiful view.

Pi...