Why is Cabernet Sauvignon the King of California Wine?

People often wonder how Cabernet Sauvignon became the quintessential varietal of California wine grapes. I’ll give you a little bit of history that should help explain the mystery. Cabernet Sauvignon is actually a bit of a love child, with a purple parent and a white parent. It is the cross [...]

By |2020-10-24T16:00:09-07:00September 21, 2017|Wine Education|

The 5 Things You Need To Know About Swirling Wine

Your friend pops open a magnificent bottle of 94 point 2013 YAO MING Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, pours herself a glass, and starts swirling it around. She's not tasting it. She's not even looking at it yet. Just swirling it around and around her glass. Is this the ultimate in [...]

By |2021-04-11T19:53:34-07:00July 12, 2017|Home Featured, Wine Education|

Napa Insiders Share Their Favorite Alternative White Wines For Summer

Summer’s in full swing, which means it’s time for beach trips, camping, pool parties, or just lounging away in the backyard, enjoying the longest days of the year. Of course, summer also means light, crisp refreshing white wines to pair with all that lounging and partying. At Yao Family Wines, [...]

By |2020-10-24T16:00:09-07:00June 28, 2017|News|

The Difference You Need To Know Between Tannin And Acid

Working in the tasting room at Yao Family Wines in St. Helena, perhaps the second most common question we receive from both beginners and experts alike is, “what's the difference between tannin and acid?” (the first most common is, “How tall is Yao Ming?”). This is a critical question, as [...]

By |2021-04-11T19:53:27-07:00May 3, 2017|Wine Education|

What Does It Take To Create A Classic Napa Sauvignon Blanc?

Like many wineries around the Napa Valley, every spring, Yao Family Wines releases a Sauvignon Blanc. This year's release, the 2016 Napa Crest Sauvignon Blanc, has many of the distinct characteristics found in classic Napa SBs. It's crisp, with a vibrant acidity in the mid-pallet. There are aromas of melon [...]

By |2020-10-24T16:00:09-07:00March 29, 2017|Wine Education|

Five Things You Need To Know For Rosé Season

With the first buds of spring fast approaching, Rose season is just around the corner. Rosé is typically the first release of the year for most winemakers, due to its relatively quick winemaking process. If you've explored the joys or Rosé, then you're as excited as we are for this [...]

By |2020-10-24T16:00:09-07:00March 8, 2017|Wine Education|

Tall Drink of Wine: Behind the Success of Yao Ming’s Napa Valley Winery

The year 2016 has been a gratifying one for retired basketball legend Yao Ming. Despite a career cut short by injuries, the 36-year-old former Houston Rockets center—and eight-time All-Star—was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in September. It is also the year the Shanghai native’s California winery, Yao Family [...]

By |2021-04-11T19:53:49-07:00October 26, 2016|Home Featured, News|
Go to Top