Last week I wrote about the perverted horrors of Proposition 65, the law ostensibly created to protect Californians against toxic chemicals but which inadvertently makes most wineries vulnerable to frivolous lawsuits.

The legislators in Sacramento are generally well disposed towards one of their state's largest industries, so while that particular legal snafu was awful, I assumed it would be a relatively rare problem in a legal landscape quite favorable to wineries.

Hello, and welcome to my periodic dig through the samples pile. I'm pleased to bring you the latest installment of Vinography Unboxed, where I highlight some of the better bottles that have crossed my doorstep recently.

This week's brief foray into the samples pile included a lovely Pinot Blanc, or as they would call it, Weissburgunder, from Germany, as well as a nice Mosel Riesling.

Spring Mountain Vineyards in Napa shows off a gorgeous Sauvignon Blanc, while Lang & Reed represents with an excellent Cabernet Franc.

Finally, I continue to be impressed with Stark Wine Company, whose Mendocino Syrah was quite a pleasure to drink.

Healdsburg is one of my favorite little wine country towns. Located at what I like to think of as the intersection of the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley wine growing regions, it's a great little retreat for anyone looking to dive into a quiet wine country weekend.

The town is home to a bunch of fabulous restaurants, as well as one of the coolest community gathering places I've ever seen. It's called SHED, and it's part cafe, part market, part meeting hall, and 100% fabulous. An old school grange meets modern gourmet design and social meetup.

I'll be paying a visit to SHED on October 30th to give a talk, guide a wine tasting, and sign my book, The Essence of Wine. If you live in wine country, or if you fancy an excuse to have a nice evening, I hope you'll join me for the event.