In Memphis, barbecue means pork ribs and pork shoulder sandwiches.

From the time the first glimpses of green appeared in the vineyards during March’s bud break, the vineyards have exploded in growth, bringing them to the second of the seasonal markers — bloom.

Chateau Montelena Winery owner Bo Barrett says Napa Valley residents should become involved in a four-year-old push by local winemakers to create a Calistoga appellation.

The state Senate Select Committee on California Wine, chaired by Sen. Patricia Wiggins, conducts a hearing on the state of retailer direct-to-consumer shipping Thursday, 1:30 - 4 p.m. in room 3191 of the Capitol in Sacramento.

Just in time for the upcoming outdoor grilling season, a pair of new cookbooks has been added to the shelves of local book sellers.