illustration: Carlo Cadenas
When Paul Clifton was a teenager growing up in Salinas, Calif., he knew which way the wind was blowing by following the scent of chocolate from a nearby factory. He used this as a clue to the day’s surfing conditions his first passion was out in the waves of the Pacific. As director of winemaking for Hahn Family Wines in the Santa Lucia Highlands, his other passion is now in the vineyard, where his surfing knowledge has proven unexpectedly applicable.
“As a surfer, you are really tuned in with the weather,” says Clifton. Understanding the fog, wind, and sun gave him perspective on weather patterns that impact not only the surf, but also the vines. “If the wind is hard onshore, that’s not good for surf, and it also will shut down the grape,” he says.
New Orleans Wine & Food Experience Mini-Vinola Event
New Orleans Wine and Food Experience makes a true wine connoisseur’s dreams come true. This weekend, you can sample 10 wineries from around the world paired with five highly acclaimed New Orleans restaurants all while seated at your table. Each winery representative will mingle throughout the room, talking about these rare and highly valued wines.
Winery participants include Veuve Clicquot, Hahn Family Wines, Foley Family Wines, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Flambeaux Wine, Second Line Wines, Moet & Chandon, Domaine Gille, Chappellet, and Termes/
Participating restaurants are Rib Room, Sucré, Tableau, Brennan’s, and Centerplate at the