Author
Allison Harper
Allison Harper is a Napa Valley wine educator and travel writer with over a decade of experience exploring Northern California wine country. Her writing covers everything from boutique family wineries to the best hidden dining spots between St. Helena and Healdsburg. She holds a WSET Level 3 certification and believes the best wine is always the one shared with good company.
Articles by Allison Harper
30 articles
Nov 4, 2026
The Best Wine Glasses: Riedel, Zalto, and Universal Stemware
I've spent years tasting wines across California's best regions, and one lesson always rings true: the glass matters. Not in a snobbish way, but in a real, tangible way that changes how a wine smells and tastes.
Nov 4, 2026
The Best Wine Books to Actually Learn Wine
Learning about wine shouldn't feel like memorizing a textbook. After years of leading tastings and guiding visitors through California's wine regions, I've seen countless people intimidated by wine's perceived…
Nov 4, 2026
Napa Sonoma Travel Guide: Planning Your Perfect Trip
Planning a Napa and Sonoma wine country trip is like crafting the perfect blend—it takes the right mix of structure and spontaneity.
Sep 12, 2026
Things to Do in Napa Valley: A Region-by-Region Guide
I grew up in the back kitchen of my grandmother's Italian restaurant, peeling garlic and listening to her tell winegrowers which vintage she wanted for the house Chianti.
Sep 8, 2026
Best Views in Napa and Sonoma: Where to Taste Above the Valley
There's a particular kind of magic that happens when you lift a glass of Pinot Noir and the whole of Sonoma County stretches out below you—rolling vineyards, oak-studded hills, a ribbon of morning fog burning off the…
Sep 2, 2026
Things to Do in Napa: 18 Ways to Spend a Day in the City
I grew up in this valley, and I'll tell you something that took me years to appreciate: the city of Napa is worth slowing down for.
Sep 1, 2026
Napa Valley Events Calendar: What's On, Month by Month
There's a rhythm to Napa Valley that you only really feel once you've lived through a full year of it. Growing up in my grandmother's Italian restaurant, I learned early that the calendar here isn't measured in months…
Apr 15, 2026
Taste Chemistry: Surprising Expert Insights on Wine Pairings
Growing up in my grandmother's Italian restaurant in Napa Valley , wine pairing felt like pure instinct—a family ritual passed down through generations.
Apr 8, 2026
Where Wine Country Stays: The Story of Sonoma Grove Suites
116 years of hospitality on one Sonoma Valley property. The suites are named for the valley's varietals. Two miles from Sonoma Plaza, in the heart of wine country.
Feb 22, 2026
Tasting Experiences Napa: 12 Essential Secrets for the Best
Growing up in Napa Valley , wine tastings were woven into the fabric of my childhood. I remember accompanying my grandmother to local vineyards, a tradition that planted deep roots in my connection to this…
Feb 17, 2026
Napa Photography Spots: Six Public Places to Explore
Napa photography can include oak woodland, river habitat, historic machinery and the lines of a walking trail as well as vineyards. These six places offer specific starting points for planning a day with a camera.
Feb 14, 2026
Undiscovered Wineries: 7 Surprising Essential Sonoma County Gems
Growing up in Napa Valley , I've always been surrounded by the vibrant world of wine, but it's the hidden gems of Sonoma County that continue to intrigue me.
Feb 13, 2026
Wine Tour Booking: 7 Effortless Expert Tips For Hidden Gems
Living in Napa Valley , you'd think I'd have the inside track on every winery worth visiting. But when it comes to discovering those truly special hidden gem winery tours in Sonoma, even locals need a game plan.
Feb 12, 2026
Cave Fermentation: 9 Surprising Expert Insights Into The Process
Growing up around my grandmother's Italian restaurant in Napa Valley , I often heard stories of old-world winemakers using caves for wine fermentation.
Jan 2, 2026
Romantic Wine Tours: 7 Proven Gems for Couples
Imagine a serene escape with your loved one, surrounded by the lush vineyards of Sonoma County. Known for its charming wineries and picturesque landscapes, Sonoma offers a perfect setting for romantic wine tours.
Jan 2, 2025
Essential Guide to California Wine Types (2024 Expert Review)
Diverse California wine types displayed against Napa Valley vineyard sunset
Dec 30, 2024
Discovering the Charm of Healdsburg: A Guide to Its Premier Wineries
Unveil the charm of Healdsburg and its renowned wineries. Explore iconic estates and enjoy premium wine tastings in Sonoma County.
Dec 30, 2024
Indulge in the Delights of Healdsburg's Best Delis and Wineries
Explore Healdsburg’s top delis and wineries for the perfect picnic experience. Uncover the charms of Napa Valley’s hidden gems.
Dec 30, 2024
Discover the Finest West Dry Creek Road Wineries
Explore West Dry Creek Road's top wineries, known for sustainable and biodynamic practices, offering unforgettable wine experiences.
Dec 30, 2024
Exploring Geyserville's Premier Wineries: A Guide to Wine Trails & Tastings
Discover Geyserville's finest wineries and scenic wine trails. From the historic Francis Ford Coppola Estate to boutique family vineyards, experience Sonoma's best.
Dec 30, 2024
Your Guide to the 38 Best Healdsburg Wineries & Tasting Rooms in 2024
Discover Healdsburg's finest wineries and tasting rooms, from historic estates to boutique producers. Your insider's guide to exceptional wine experiences in Sonoma County.
Dec 30, 2024
Healdsburg's Ultimate Food & Wine Guide: Top Culinary Experiences for Wine Lovers
Discover Healdsburg's premier culinary destinations, from Michelin-starred restaurants to intimate wine-pairing experiences. Your expert guide to Wine Country's finest food and wine.
Dec 30, 2024
The Ultimate Healdsburg to Guerneville Wine Trail: A Local's Guide to Sonoma's Most Scenic Backroad
Discover the hidden gems along the Healdsburg to Guerneville wine trail, featuring family-owned wineries, farm-to-table dining, and breathtaking Russian River Valley views.
Dec 30, 2024
Luxury Accommodations in Healdsburg: Your Guide to Historic Inns & Boutique Hotels
Discover the finest luxury accommodations in Healdsburg, from historic Victorian inns to boutique hotels. Experience wine country charm with world-class amenities and personalized service.
Dec 29, 2024
Unlock the Mystery: The Shocking Truth Behind Wine Pricing
As a tech industry veteran turned wine expert, my journey in the world of vino has been marked by innovation, precision, and a deep appreciation for the art behind every bottle.
Dec 29, 2024
Unveiling the Hidden Gems: A Deep Dive into Exquisite California Wine Types
As a tech industry veteran who swapped my Silicon Valley office for the sun-drenched vineyards of my childhood, I've developed a deep appreciation for the complexity and variety of California wine types .
Dec 24, 2024
Master the 25 Secrets of California Wine Labels: A Journey into the World of Wine
Learn how to decode California wine labels with our comprehensive guide. Understand appellations, varietals, alcohol content, and mandatory label information.
Dec 23, 2024
California Wine Regions: A Comprehensive Guide to Wine Country
Discover California's diverse wine regions, from Napa Valley to Sonoma County. Learn about unique AVAs, signature varietals, and must-visit wineries in this complete guide.
Dec 17, 2024
Wine Flavor Profiles and Characteristics: A Complete Guide
Learn how to identify and appreciate wine flavor profiles with this comprehensive guide.
Dec 8, 2024
2024 Wine Train Tickets: A Complete Napa Valley Guide for an Amazing Journey
Plan your perfect Napa Valley Wine Train adventure! Compare ticket options, explore packages, and get insider tips for a memorable wine country journey. Book now.