california wine appellation specialist Archives

Local Sommelier highlights Springtime, Santa Barbara County wines on the Morning News

February 29, 2024

“SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Jamie Knee, also known as the Petite Wine Traveler, stopped by the Morning News on Wednesday. Jamie is a Santa Barbara County Based Sommelier, Wine Educator, International Wine Judge, Podcast Host, Writer, Wine Critic, and is a weekly Wine Columnist for the Montecito Journal.” “She highlighted a few Springtime wines and […]

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Petite Wine Traveler. Unveiling the Treasures: Discovering Tri-Valley

September 5, 2023

BY JAMIE KNEE | AUGUST 29, 2023 A mural at Darcie Kent Winery With summer in full swing, my husband, our chihuahua, and I embarked on a thrilling road trip from Santa Barbara to the Tri-Valley area. The Tri-Valley is a triangular-shaped region just 35 miles east of San Francisco. From the top of

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Napa Valley Wine

August 3, 2023

WINE TASTING ITINERARIES Petite Wine Traveler’s Gastronomic Journey through Napa Valley Join me, Petite Wine Traveler, while I embark on an exciting and mouthwatering adventure through the breathtaking Napa Valley. These are my top picks for wineries that offer elevated food and wine pairing experiences, where you can savor world-class cuisine while indulging in exquisite wines.

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Tasting in Santa Barbara Wine Country!

July 27, 2023

Unveiling the Charms of Santa Barbara Wine Country! BY JAMIE KNEE | JULY 25, 2023 The cozy yet elegant Ritz-Carlton Bacara sets the scene for the upcoming classes on Santa Barbara wine country (photo courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Bacara) Living in Santa Barbara wine country is a stroke of good fortune for wine enthusiasts and

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A Wine Lover’s Guide to Lodi: California’s Hidden Gem for Zinfandel and Beyond

October 31, 2021

By Jamie Knee, Petite Wine Traveler and Luxury Wine Travel Writer When most people think of California wine country, their minds immediately go to Napa or Sonoma. But savvy wine travelers are starting to discover Lodi, a region with historic vineyards, sustainable winemaking, and old-school charm. Nestled in the heart of California’s Central Valley, Lodi offers a refreshing

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The Rhône Valley in California’s Central Coast!

March 25, 2020

Over the summer I had the good fortune to enjoy wine travel to the stunning Wine Region of Paso Robles. This little town is smack dab in the middle of California’s Central Cost, located 204 miles south of San Francisco and 205 miles north of Los Angeles. This truly is God’s country, with rolling hills,

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Old World Wine comes to Central California

September 16, 2019

So thrilled to have been invited to join the “Wine Makers Harvest Dinner” seated next to Wine Maker Dan Smith, and his new bride. Dan has been with Villa San Juliet for the last 7 years (owned by Mega Celebrity Nigel Lythgoe) Villa San-Juliette produces Bordeaux and Rhône-style wines from the Estrella District in Paso

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Did the 1976 “Judgement of Paris” really matter?

September 9, 2019

The 1976 Paris judgement was the blowing crush heard around the world, ok at least in the wine world. California wines beat out French wines in a competition held not only in France, but by French judges. Quelle horreur! (Oh the horror!) Even today there is still a friendly rivalry of France Vs. California, which

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