On stands now!!!

Pick up the October issue of Food & Wine magazine to see TexaCali's two brand-new producers featured! Texas has inventory instock now!

Best New Sommelier-Made Wines

It seems like every sommelier is producing his or her own wine. Here are some of our favorite bottles.... 2006 Lioco Chardonnay ($20) The trio behind this refreshing Chardonnay represents several facets of the industry: Kevin O'Connor is wine director at Spago Beverly Hills, Kevin Kelley is a winemaker and Matt Licklider was an importer. www.liocowine.com

Napa and Sonoma's Best Winery Tours

Reservation-only tours at wineries in Napa and Sonoma offer ample rewards for type-A travelers who make an appointment ahead of time: unique experiences like visits to historic caves, sit-down lunches and up-close-and-personal visits with winemakers...

Medlock Ames

Medlock Ames is so young that it has produced just six vintages, yet its Merlots, Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons show fine depth of flavor and balance. Owners Ames Morison (who's also the winemaker) and Christopher Medlock James give tours of the eco-friendly 350-acre ranch and its 50-acre organic winery by appointment only, via electric car and on foot. Stops include the gravity-fed winery, organic vegetable garden and viewing points for wildlife corridors, where deer, coyotes and mountain lions can move freely across the property.

Must-Buy Bottles

The 2003 Medlock Ames Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($50), with its chocolate-covered cherry lusciousness, and the ripe, plummy 2002 Medlock Ames Alexander Valley Merlot ($35).

DetailsFree. 13414 Chalk Hill Rd., Healdsburg; 707-431-8845 or www.medlockames.com.