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Randy Caparoso

@randycaparoso.bsky.social
28 followers 31 following 507 posts

Career wine author, journalist, photographer; award winning restaurateur; father of 4, grandfather of 6. Substack, Culinary Approach to Wine randycaparoso.substack.com Authory, Randy Caparoso authory.com/randycaparoso

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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Now that consumers themselves are calling more and more of the shots, many of them are finally getting what they want⏤light, easy, food-versatile reds! Re caparoso.substack.com/p/the-new-li... #lightredwine #cerasuolo #rosé #zinfandel #primitivo #carignan #grenache #lodiwine
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
A pictorial drive and stroll through history. Re rcaparoso.substack.com/p/albuquerqu... #NewMexico #newmexicophotography #Albuquerque #albuquerquephotographer #randycaparosophotography
rcaparoso.substack.com
Albuquerque neighborhoods
A pictorial drive and stroll through history.
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
I call this... "Doorway to heaven." This Taos, New Mexico entryway to the Chapel of St. Jerome⏤emanating mystical, magical, spiritual, energizing emotions⏤harnesses the power of an ancestral culture dating back at least to the 13th century. Visit randycaparoso.artstorefronts.com
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
The reasons why domestic wines crafted in natural styles have recently come out of the shadows and carved out niches in conventional markets. Re caparoso.substack.com/p/whats-wron... #naturalwine
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Like winemakers, good sommeliers know that great wines can’t be pigeonholed. Re randycaparoso.substack.com/p/judging-a-... #PasoRoblesWine #terroir #wineterroir #winetypicity
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
What it takes to pick the grapes going into many of your favorite wines, and why pickers do it. Re caparoso.substack.com/p/harvest-fa... Randy Caparoso Photography Storefront, randycaparoso.artstorefronts.com
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Continuing my joy in the beauty of New Mexico: Photographs paying tribute to a highway heritage, and its history even before the heyday of America’s car culture. Re rcaparoso.substack.com/p/sights-alo...
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
What makes high elevation vineyards special? On the high expectations fulfilled in the terroir driven wines of this hidden gem, perched at the northern edge of Sonoma County. Re caparoso.substack.com/p/rowen-wine... #rowenwine #sonomacounty #sonomawinecountry #sonomawine #CooleyRanch
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
An old school Master Sommelier with actual hard-won restaurant experience muses on this fundamental yet indispensable question. Re randycaparoso.substack.com/p/what-is-go... #restaurantwine #WineList #sommelier #restauranthospitality #foodandbeverage
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
This!... is Waimanalo Beach in Hawai'i. If you can’t be there, it can float in you mind... on your wall, above a couch or bed. I used to wade out just past the waves, float on my back, let the lapping waters whisper sweet nothings into my ears. Visit www.randycaparosophotographystorefront.com
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Today, just finished polishing up my post on outstanding, terroir driven wines of Oregon's The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVA tasted at The Basalt Bash in Walla Walla last month. Just my style. Look for it next Monday on my "The Wine Clarion" page on Substack, re caparoso.substack.com
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
It is worth revisiting this August 2025 post on my "photography with feeling" page, in which a few visuals absolutely give the concept of terroir proof of life⏤as distinctive in what you see as what you taste in the glass⏤no matter what anyone might say. Re rcaparoso.substack.com/p/gleaning-t...
rcaparoso.substack.com
Gleaning terroir through photography
A few visuals to give the now controversial concept proof of life
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
On the beauty of how we might still communicate through 65-cent postage cards, utilizing my favorite photos framed in classic 4×6-inch formats. Re rcaparoso.substack.com/p/a-short-hi...
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
At long last, Chardonnays meant to typify “white Oregon,” not Burgundy and nothing like California. Re randycaparoso.substack.com/p/the-big-sk... #willamettevalley #chardonnay #willamettevalleychardonnay #oregonchardonnay
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Marking a milestone for a phenomenal vineyard and its historic impact on the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. Re caparoso.substack.com/p/california... #garysvineyard #santaluciahighlands #pisoniwine #roarwine #pinotnoir
caparoso.substack.com
California’s two most famous Garys celebrate 30 years together
Marking a milestone for a phenomenal vineyard and its historic impact on the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Can AI be forced to admit that wine is a purely human experience? At least I try to make that happen. Re caparoso.substack.com/p/how-ai-par...
caparoso.substack.com
How AI parses my take on AI’s impact on wine appreciation
Forcing artificial intelligence to acknowledge that wine is a purely human experience
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
This is as strong and persuasive a missive as any, making a case for supporting small independent wineries in California. It’s from Acquiesce Vineyard. In this message, Acquiesce owner/grower Sue Tipton outlines exactly how you can support wineries like hers: mailchi.mp/acquiescevin...
mailchi.mp
Why your support of a small winery matters more than ever
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Today is my 70th birthday, so I get to say what I want to say. In this post, all about phenomenal wines, and exactly why they’re so meaningful. See Substack link to "The Wine Clarion" in my bio. Re caparoso.substack.com/p/let-us-now... #marchellewine #greglafollette #chardonnay #pinotnoir #LodiWine
caparoso.substack.com
Let us now praise famous winemakers
Not just when they’re dead and gone, but while they are still wowing us with phenomenal wines
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
In today’s “photography with feeling” I cover Dorothea Lange’s photographic documentation of the Japanese American experience during World War II, most of which was hidden from the public eye by the U.S. government for over 62 years. rcaparoso.substack.com/p/the-japane...
rcaparoso.substack.com
The Japanese American experience in California documented by Dorothea Lange
Heroic, and tragic, photographs that inspire us all
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Can't join me in Healdsburg next Monday/Tuesday July 27/28? No prob, my two educational talks with master winemaker Greg La Follette will be available on Zoom, details below! Use this link to sign up (closes Sunday night!): docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Well, I am off to Walla Walla, WA for this weekend's The Basalt Bash which will be an opportunity to do a quick study of the terroir and wines of the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater (re rocksdistrict.com/events/the-b...). All part of my "new life" as a freelancing rover (my idea of retirement).
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
A year older, a little grayer, maybe a little craggier like the old vines I love to photograph. Re www.randycaparosophotographystorefront.com
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
On the second and last day of my return to California, Tuesday, July 28, 10:00 AM at the newly opened Marchelle Wines Tasting Room in Healdsburg (34 North St.): I will join master winemaker Greg La Follette in a talk about terroir. Reserve your seat at www.eventbrite.com/e/terroir-se...
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
I return to California! Monday, July 27, 10:00 AM at the newly opened Marchelle Wines Tasting Room in Healdsburg (34 North St.), will talk Old Vines while tasting wines crafted by Greg La Follette. The tasting is free, but reserve your seat (limited!) by visiting www.eventbrite.com/e/old-vines-...
eventbrite.com
Old Vines Seminar with Randy Caparoso
Join Randy Caparoso at Marchelle Wines’ for an industry seminar exploring old vines, heritage vineyards, and the stories they carry through.
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Take a bright and soulful photographic trip with me through New Mexico’s living history. Re rcaparoso.substack.com/p/los-cerril... #randycaparosophotography #newmexico #newmexicophotographer #artphotography
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Nice. Miquel Hudin lists two of my Substack pages ("Culinary Wine" for restaurant trade, "Wine Clarion" for wine buffs and professionals) in his "The Wine Substack List." Thank you, Miquel! open.substack.com/pub/hudin/p/...
open.substack.com
The Wine Substack List
For those who like to support quality wine writing, following are all the subscription wine Substacks currently available.
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
On what happens when alternative style wine producers band together. caparoso.substack.com/p/strength-i... #overshinecollective #overshinewine #comunitawine #idlewild #MarthaStoumen #reevewine #bloodrootwine
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Australia reacts to the winning image in the Landscape and Plants category of the 2026 Old Vine Photography Competition, depicting the country's oldest vineyard (183-year-old, own-rooted Shiraz in Barossa Valley)... www.indailysa.com.au/citymag/cult...
indailysa.com.au
Centuries old SA vineyard thrust into international spotlight - CityMag | InDaily, Inside South Australia
A Barossa Valley photographer wins international competition for capturing one or world's oldest vines at 183-year-old Langmeil Winery.
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
And the category winners of the 2026 Old Vine Photography Competition are... see all the finalists and remarks here on www.oldvines.org/blog/old-vin... !!!
oldvines.org
WINNERS REVEALED: OLD VINE PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITiON 2026! — The Old Vine Conference
The Old Vine Conference has today announced the winners of its inaugural Old Vine Photography Competition, on Old Vine Day, 15 July 2026.
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Happy Old Vine Day! At 9:00 AM (PT)/12:00 PM (ET) today, join The Old Vine Conference Director Belinda Stone and I on Instagram Live (@ouroldvines) as we announce the winners of the first Old Vine Photography Competition, selected by both voters and a panel of wine professionals.
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
The Old Vine Photography Competition Winners Reveal is tomorrow (Wednesday, July 15) on Instagram Live @ouroldvines! #oldvineconference #oldvinephotographycompetition #oldvineregistry #historicvineyard #oldvines #ancientvines #ownrooted #historicvineyardsociety
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
No. But yes, if it helps you to think for yourself and forge your own career path. Re randycaparoso.substack.com/p/are-mentor... #sommelier #restaurantwine #hospitalityindustry #hospitalitymanagement #foodandbeverage
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
Marking a month in New Mexico. Am I missing California wine country? Yes and no. Just like my home state of Hawai'i. There is magic in the air here, yet it is only a stopping stone. As Bob put it, everything little thing gonna be alright.
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
The El Dorado Eight redefines the El Dorado AVA in terms of Sierra Spice, compelling fragrances distinguishing their wines from the rest of the world’s. Re caparoso.substack.com/p/how-a-wine... #eldoradowines #cabernetsauvignon #grenache #terroir #sierranevada #SierraSpice #CaliforniaWines
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Now that public voting for the first Old Vine Photography Competition has closed (as of today): Thank you to everyone who has supported this great endeavor! Winners will be announced on Old Vine Day, July 15! #oldvinephotographycompetition #oldvinephotography #oldvineconference #oldvineregistry
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Today's Wine Industry Advisor OpEd, by yours truly, on some of grousing among wine industry pundits. wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/07/07/o... #wineindustry #WineIndustryAdvisor #wineindustrynetwork #winebusinessmonthly #winebusiness
wineindustryadvisor.com
The Wine Industry's Blame Game Has to Stop
Consumption is down, but forming circular firing squads won't fix it. One industry veteran makes the case for dropping the snark and finding common ground.
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
One more shot before we get through the 4th of July weekend... what I call "An American Train," snapped in Tehachapi, CA. #randycaparosophotography #trainphotography #artphotography
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
Where the fascinating history of Ancestral Pueblo people comes together with Mother Nature's stunning natural architecture. rcaparoso.substack.com/p/a-day-in-n... #NewMexico #newmexicophotographer #newmexicophotography #randycaparosophotography #naturephotography #artphotography
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
On this day, considering all the turmoil going on in the world, especially in our own country, may I suggest a quiet moment of melodious reflection? I proffer this two-piece classical guitar medley by my brother Daniel “Kaniela” Caparoso. supercohaero643446.substack.com/p/lullaby-of...
supercohaero643446.substack.com
Lullaby of Itsuki | Carrying You
Japanese Folk Song and them from Miyazaki's film "Castle in the Sky,"
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
I know I sound like a broken record, but there are just 5 more days to cast your votes in the first-ever, international Old Vine Photography Competition. You can ooh and ah at the shortlisted finalists on www.oldvines.org/the-old-vine...
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
As a photographer, I’ve blended well over 40 years of experience as a former sommelier, restaurateur and wine journalist to apply a heartfelt, humanist approach to documentary photography. Visit Randy Caparoso Photography Storefront, www.randycaparosophotographystorefront.com
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
On my photography: A favorite place to show off over the years has been Redwood Valley-Mendocino, where you find old vine growths planted to grapes such as Carignan, Zinfandel and Charbono. For art prints, visit Randy Caparoso Photography Storefront, www.randycaparosophotographystorefront.com
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Today’s classical guitar piece by my brother Daniel “Kaniela” Caparoso is a beautiful Chilean song, Gracias a la Vida, "Thanks to Life." supercohaero643446.substack.com/p/gracias-a-...
supercohaero643446.substack.com
Gracias a la Vida
Violeta Parra. Arranged by Emmanuel Sowicz
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
On a bevy of outstanding captures of old vine plantings by photographers around the world. Re rcaparoso.substack.com/p/remarks-on... #oldvinephotographycompetition #oldvineconference #oldvineregistry #historicvineyard #historicvineyardsociety #OldVines #ownrooted
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
There are a lot of things wrong about the wine industry right now, but it doesn’t mean we have to fight about it. Re caparoso.substack.com/p/this-snark... #naturalwine #biodynamicfarming #regenerativefarming #terroir #wineterroir #WineAndFood #wineinfluencer #winemarketing
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Like its canvas skies, devotional art is part of the cultural fabric of New Mexico; all you need do step outside your door to be immersed in it. Re rcaparoso.substack.com/p/photograph... #NewMexico #newmexicoarts #religiousart
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
YOU be the judge! To the left, this misty capture of 100-125-year-old grapevines growing in volcanic terroir of the Canary Islands; or to the right, of this spectacular, towering, 55-year-old Torrontés in Mendoza, Argentina. Visit www.oldvines.org/the-old-vine... Voting closes July 8.
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Today's sommeliers are no longer at liberty to live in their own little world of chilly wine cellars, trade tastings, free lunches and busman’s holidays. They are obligated to serve their staffs, and contribute to the success of entire restaurants. Re randycaparoso.substack.com/p/it-does-ta...
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Today’s classical guitar piece by my brother Daniel “Kaniela” Caparoso is an exquisite one: L'Hymne à l'amour, or "Hymn to Love," composed by Édith Piaf with Marguerite Monnot in 1949 as a heartfelt tribute to Piaf’s partner, French boxer Marcel Cerdan. Re substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com
L'Hymne à l'amour
By Édith Piaf, Arr. Roland Dyens
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Randy Caparoso @randycaparoso.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
On the wines that defy reason, and most certainly convention, from Mokelumne Glen Vineyards, where I spent my last few days in Lodi, perched in an upper room surrounded by grapevines and riverside oaks. Re caparoso.substack.com/p/story-of-a...
caparoso.substack.com
Story of a California vineyard conjured almost purely from imagination
On the wines that defy reason, and most certainly convention, from Mokelumne Glen Vineyards
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