I met Joel Peterson, founder of Ravenswood Winery, in Sonoma in June 1986. He had established his zinfandel-based winery with partner Reed Foster 10 years earlier. They had little money, no vineyards, and for a winery, Peterson used whatever space he could find for his operation. 

If ever there was a social and political “perfect storm” that dramatically changed a wine region, it happened in the Napa Valley in 1848.

Napa Humane's sixth annual “Cause for the Paws” benefit is July 19,   1-5 p.m., at Silverado Resort in Napa. The popular local event will feature food and wine from many of Napa Valley’s finest destinations, music by City Lights, plus live and silent auctions. The Napa Humane Mobile Adoption Unit will be on hand to introduce adoptable animals. Sponsoring event chairs are Judy and Dennis Groth of Groth Vineyards & Winery.

Peter Mondavi Sr. of Charles Krug Winery will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the California State Fair this year. In honoring Mondavi, the selection committee noted his unselfish commitment to Napa Valley wine making and more than 60 years of groundbreaking innovations.

Smith-Madrone Winery is re-releasing its 2002 riesling at $60 a bottle, with a three-bottle per purchase limit.

Clos Pegase hosts a fun and funky blues bash July 12, 2-4 p.m. Bleu cheese and other blue foods will be served, and the Crossroads Blues Band, featuring Wine Club Manager Susie Straight on lead vocals and harmonica, will provide live blues music. The event is free for up to two wine club members, $10 for their guests and $20 for the general public. The ticket price includes food, live music, wine tasting and a gift with case purchases.

You would think that with the economy sluggish, and dining out now seen as a pricey luxury, that restaurant owners would doing all sorts of things to encourage more diners — especially on traditionally slow weeknights.