
Viva Vino New Mexico – America’s First Wine Region
by Pam Baker
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California may be the most famous wine-growing region in the US, but New Mexico claims the title as the first in the New World. When Spanish explorers settled in the upper Rio Grande Valley, soon after, Franciscan monks followed with smuggled grapevine cuttings out of Spain. By 1629, they planted grapes, and the country’s first

California’s Tri-Valley—the Perfect Wine Country Escape
What makes for a perfect wine country destination? Breathtaking vineyard landscapes paired with delectable wines are a given. Certain regions like the Tri-Valley, California, are blessed with an ideal blend of qualities that set them apart from the ordinary. Location, location, location Who wants to spend a chunk of their valuable vacation time getting to where

Waiheke – New Zealand’s Wine Island
by Pam Baker
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Just a short ferry ride from Auckland, New Zealand, through the Hauraki Gulf’s sparkling waters, the beautiful Waiheke Island is well worth a visit. This 36-square mile island, surrounded by 83 miles of coastline, boasts 25 miles of stunning beaches. Yet it is also a distinct wine region. As unlikely a wine-growing region as this

Far From Isolated and Ordinary: Australian Wine Industry is Achieving Global Connectivity
by Lisa Morales
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Miami marked the middle of the Far From Ordinary Roadshow 2019 presented by Wine Australia. The event commenced in New York City on September 19 and concluded in San Francisco on October 3. I was delighted to attend this event through an invitation from good friend and mentor, Stefano Campanini, who is the founder of

Exploring One of New Zealand’s Oldest Wine Regions – Auckland
by Pam Baker
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Green, gorgeous, and full of wine, New Zealand attracts plenty of wine lovers here to sample its world-renowned Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs. If you’re traveling to this welcoming country, chances are you’ll land first in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. And while you might be tempted to head straight to the more well-known wine

Getaway and Explore Whidbey Island’s Wine & Spirits Trail
If you’re a wine traveler, a small batch spirits devotee, or connoisseur of farm-to-table slow food, then Washington State’s Whidbey Island needs to be at the top of your ‘go-to destinations’ list. Largest of the many islands of Puget Sound, Whidbey is sheltered by the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, enjoying a drier climate than the mainland.

The Best Way to Travel with Wine
by Pam Baker
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With so many grape growing regions in the world, it’s easy to be a wine tourist. Tasting classic grenache-mourvedre-syrah blends in France’s southern Rhone Valley, luscious pinot noirs in California’s Sonoma County, and grassy, herbaceous sauvignon blancs in New Zealand’s Marlborough region are at the top of many a wine lover’s list. You likely will

Mexican Organic Chef’s Table Inside A Museum with a Caribbean Twist
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“El mejor producto fresco directo a tu paladar” (the best fresh produce straight to your palate) This motto is the heart and soul of Paola Torroella’s Mexican organic chef’s table. No, it is not a typo. She means just that. Your palate, not your plate. She wants to tickle your taste buds with an incredible

Taking a River Cruise? Make it a Wine Cruise
by Pam Baker
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Are you thinking about trying a river cruise? If you’re a wine lover, consider a wine-themed cruise. But what does that mean? On a river cruise through a wine region, you can expect to drink the region’s wine. However, on a wine-themed river cruise, guests enjoy the wine the ship serves AND the wine brought

Fredericksburg, Texas: Wildflowers and Wine (Peaches, too!) in Texas Hill Country
Deep in the heart of the Hill Country of Texas is a destination for all seasons — Fredericksburg and surrounding communities in Gillespie County. Located about an hour’s drive from San Antonio, a bit longer from Austin, no matter what time of year you choose to visit this part of Central Texas, your eyes, stomach,