Forbes Magazine: Five Reasons to Love the Wine Industry Right Now : The bottom line of why I’m loving the wine industry right now? The wines themselves, of course, most particularly the 2017 Lord Sandwich Blanc from Smith Story Wine Cellars.

San Francisco Chronicle:  THESE WINEMAKERS ARE DRINKING BETTER WINES THAN YOU AT THEIR SUMMER BARBECUE

Eric Story, co-owner and winemaker, Smith Story Wine Cellars

Being a northern California boy I don’t need much of an excuse to fire up the grill for any random reason. With the warm and dry weather upon us, this is when I usually reach for crispy whites. I know most think of hearty reds when it comes to barbecue, but the freshness of higher-toned whites really work.

There something magical about slow-smoked baby backs and the new 2018 Smith Story Riesling. The two really complement each other from so many different angles: smoky, rich and meaty meets fruity, crisp, savory and mineral. Another combo we’ve been having fun with is a juicy cheeseburger matched up with an off-dry Chenin Blanc, preferably from the Loire Valley. We also love our grilled vegetables. A chilled couscous salad with grilled vegetables, arugula and feta, just tossed with olive oil and lemon, is a wonderful combo with a Pinot Blanc. I lean towards those from Alsace. -Eric Story

Visit the Smith Story Wine Cellars tasting room in Anderson Valley and read the review.