Red or White...hmmm

As a chardonnay drinker, being in California has been great. While some people are not fond of oaky chardonnays, or prefer red over white, I tend to like them, and have enjoyed trying the wide range of whites we have here (many, I have found, never make it into the liquor stores back east, although you could find them in restaurants). I have also begun cultivating a taste for reds...something which has eluded me for some reason. I have developed a fondness for Zinfandel (red, not the white), particularly from the Tobin James winery in Paso Robles (we have yet to visit there but have heard great things about this fast growing wine region, especially the zins that are coming out of there).

In terms of places to buy wine, there are several I like. For a good selection of wines, champagnes and a variety of other beverages, Beverages and More (a.k.a. Bev Mo) is a favorite. Not a fancy store (with locations all over the area) but some great bargains. We order on-line then go pick up the order.

For a more upscale wine shop, try The Wine Loft in South Carlsbad at the Forum. While the selection is not huge it is excellent, and the staff is knowledgeable, plus they have great tasting events.

Another shop we discovered in Carlsbad off Faraday is called the Carlsbad Wine Merchants. Cathy, the owner, has an outstanding knowledge of wines and enjoys helping those of us who are not so learned to develop our taste for both reds and white. They have weekly tasting events (some events require RSVP) and a terrific selection, plus a regular on-line newsletter.

Lastly, there is a great wine store downtown in the Gaslamp area called the Wine Bank - tremendous selection of wines and champagnes at some of the best prices around, with helpful knowledgeable staff. Definitely worth a drive. You'll find it hard to not buy at least a case.