It's not too late to get yourself outside on this beautiful day for the Russian River Wine Road's first day of barrel tasting. From 11am - 4 pm today, tomorrow and next weekend, some 72 wineries throughout the Russian River, Dry Creek and Alexander Valley AVAs will be pouring tastes and celebrating the greatness that is Sonoma County-made wine.

Despite all chatter to the contrary, there are still jobs out there, even some in the wine industry. If you're looking for one - or know someone who is - here are a few I came across recently via TuttiFoodie, a great Oakland-based food newsletter.

Rumors had been circling around that Pat Kuleto was perhaps among those in financial dire straits given the current state of the world, some hits in high-end dining not to mention a downscaling for many from high-end to lower price wine.

This Friday Relish Culinary School in Healdsburg presents an amazing opportunity to learn about craft beer - how to make it, what to look for when you drink it, why it's better than Bud.

The Napa Valley Vintners' annual Premiere event, a trade-only barrels futures tasting and sell-off of wines created specifically for Premiere, netted $1.5 million over the weekend, down from last year's $2.2 million, yet still better than expected.

From Wine and Spirits Daily comes word that the lawsuit pending against Joseph Phelps has been settled.