Truth or Hoax; Arsenic in Your Wine?

By Mike the Wine Guy

It never ceases to amaze me how some people act so surprised when they find out that the cheapest products are made with the cheapest materials. I mean, do we need a scientific study or a battery of lawyers bringing on a class action suit to discover that chicken nuggets have added “flavor enhancers” and are manufactured from chicken “by products”, and aren’t as healthy for you as say, fresh, organic, free range chicken?

Well, the recent headlines revealing the discovery of arsenic in “some wine” has caused quite a stir in the wine aisle at many retail outlets, as well as some restaurants and wine bars across the country.

This current “scandal” appears to be aimed at the “low end” market of wines. Currently in the United States, the debate of quality and value is an important deciding factor for the typical wine consumer and why the majority of the wine sold today is generally under $25 a bottle.

Typical of the greedy, selfish attitude of some of the “creative” lawyers out there in our midst today, whose fetish seems to be “Regulation”, Brian Kabateck, one of the principle attorneys in this recent class action suit said "The industry, we believe, is not properly regulated”, then went on to say that his ultimate goal is "to get the winemakers to recall these wines, to get them to refund the money that people paid for these wines, and ultimately to clean up the wine industry in California."

In other words, he’s figured out a way to “squeeze” some of the big players in the wine industry, in order for him to support his lavish lifestyle, and no doubt enjoy a few pricey Napa Cabs on his expense account! At the end of the day, this is a hoax! But to insure you're getting the best quality for your money, there are a few things you can watch out for.

When it comes to quality wine and wineries, think small. Whether you're lucky enough to be a resident of the Sierra Foothills or Northern California, or just here on a visit, don’t miss the opportunity to get out on some of the back road wine trails and discover the quality and diversity of the many wines this unique region has to offer.

You will find out for yourself by talking first-hand with the winemakers here that each and every one of them believes in producing and creating high quality wines made from the best ingredients. These winemakers are artisans and believe in letting the wine fully and naturally “express itself”, and that starts with growing high quality grapes.

Every year, through the Spring and early Summer in California, there are more wine trails and wine festivals and events than even a serious wine enthusiast like me can attend. But you’ve got to start somewhere, so why not plan on trying out the wines of the North Sierra Wine Trail, which takes place the end of April.

This will be the third annual wine trail and features 12 wineries from Oregon House and Dobbins, down through Bangor, and on down the scenic back roads to Oroville. From new wineries like Spencer-Shirey in Bangor, and Purple Line Urban Winery in historic downtown Oroville, to the well known Renaissance Vineyards and Winery in Oregon House, established back in the 70’s.

To find out more about the wines and wineries in the Sierra Foothills, be sure to tune in to my weekly radio show “The Good Life”, where we talk about Food, Wine, Travel and Lifestyle, or visit my website MIketheWineGuy.com. I look forward to seeing you out “on the trail”. Cheers!