Vive la Difference!

The French would say: "Vive la Difference!"  In the wine world this takes on great significance.  The old saw goes: If everybody liked just one wine, there would be just one winery.

Living here in Sonoma County and the Dry Creek Valley area, the wine scene is definitely different than our neighbors to the East, Napa Valley.

The problem starts when you, the wine tourist, want to bring your preconceptions to the tasting bar.  The thing to remember is that wine relects its environment.  Meaning, in a blind tasting your wine will taste "different" depending on where you are. 

This is one of wine's little mysteries.  And that is why I encourage wine travel to experience wines of other regions.  If you try to force your "local palate" onto new wines, you are bound to be disappointed.   Avoid using the word "better", instead say different.  The bottom line is always: Do you like it!