April marks the start of my new gig as a regular contributor to Forbes online. I cover wine-at-work with special attention to growers and makers. I’m focused on wine and food creators – with culture, community, ecology, and travel pivotal to the stories.
An early morning harvest at Griffin’s Lair Vineyard, Courtesy: Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance
I found it appropriate to ring the starting bell with a gust of wind from Petaluma Gap, America’s newest designated wine region:
Everyone knows that grapes are an essential ingredient for wine, but one natural — and unexpected — element is helping a newly designated wine region in California rise to prominence.
“The Petaluma Gap is a special area for the following reason: the wind,” says Ana Keller, director of Keller Estate. “Yes, it is an AVA based on wind patterns.”
Please enjoy the full story at Forbes.
L'OCCASION 
Great article, Jill! Congrats on the new gig – look forward to reading your next piece. Cheers!
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Thanks Lauren! Glad to have you read along.
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Jill, I just learned about the tremendous influence winds have on NZ wines in a tiny subregion in Marlborough so reading how Petaluma will have this AVA distinction is exciting! Your article helped give a clearer picture of what happens in the vineyard.
Also, Congrats on the new gig 🖋👍🏼🎉🌟
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So interesting- I need to read up on NZ winds. Thank you!
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