Drink the Bottles

Old Hillside Bourbon Company might be one of our favorite new brands (to us) for 2026.  In just six short years, this young company with huge ideas has carved a path not only for their brand, but to honor the legacy of incredible African American jockeys and war heroes.  North Carolina natives and friends founded Old Hillside Bourbon Company and they haven't looked back.  In fact, they're always looking to the future. One thing that likely makes this company so successful in its early stages is the approach they have towards the business.  Courtney Tucker, co-founder and COO, says, "This business is not about us.  We're just playing a part.  This is higher than us."  And that is evident by every bottle that pays homage to what would have been a long-forgotten great American and their stories that need to be preserved.  The company even created a limited release Straight Bourbon Whiskey for Hillside High School (hence the name, Old Hillside) and pr...

The history of Pope Valley Winery goes back 1897, when it was founded as Burgundy Winery and Olive Oil Factory by Ed Haus.  One hundred years later, a new lease on life was granted to the property when the Eakle family purchased it.  Brother and sister David Eakle and Diana Eakle Hawkins took the reigns in 2009 as the forward thinking, next generation owners to build on the legacy that had been created.  Today, Pope Valley Winery is creating some stunning wines under the esteemed Director of Winemaking, Jean Hoefliger. We tend to sometimes provide spoiler alerts in our reviews and this one is no exception.  If this wine is any indication how 2025 is going to be, then we are in for a delicious and rewarding year!  First of all, if you're one of those people who turned their nose up to Merlot after watching Sideways  over twenty years ago, please move on.  You're missing out on one of the most versatile and rewarding grape varietals in existence. ...