
Where to Find Sparkling Wine in Willamette Valley
by Pam Baker
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The Willamette Valley, Oregon’s biggest wine region, is celebrated for its astounding Pinot Noir. Discovered by pioneering winemakers more than 50 years ago, its mild climate provides perfect conditions for growing cool-climate grapes. While Pinot Noir has long been the star of the region, more winemakers are making some excellent sparkling wine in Willamette Valley,

Five Must-Try Restaurants in the Quad Cities
by Mary Farah
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In the Quad Cities of Iowa and Illinois, there's more than meat, potatoes, and corn. Surprises include a "global" breakfast place and a meal in the chef's own house.

Caviar 101 – What You Need to Know
by Gary Baker
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As we come out of the “COVID Coma,” people are looking for an elevated experience. Once a delicacy seen only on menus in Michelin star restaurants or gracing the party tables of the ultra-wealthy, caviar is now more readily available to the public. For centuries, the most desired caviar came from Iran or Russia produced

31 Experiences Celebrating Scotland’s Hogmanay New Year’s Eve Celebration
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When it comes to New Year’s Celebrations, Scotland may not be your first thought, but it should be … Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is a three-day festival where the world comes to party, to celebrate the New Year. Edinburgh is a great place to start your exploration of Scotland’s holiday celebrations. My great-great-grandfather was born in Edinburgh,

A Zinfandel Legacy – Seghesio Family Vineyards
by Pam Baker
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Just in time for National Zinfandel Day, celebrated on November 17th, let me introduce Seghesio Family Vineyards. One of the largest Zinfandel producers in the United States, Seghesio produces the highest quality Zinfandel from 320 acres of estate vineyards in the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valleys. The San Francisco Chronicle said Seghesio ranks as

The Incubator Project for Fledgling Winemakers in the Walla Walla Wine Region
by Pam Baker
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Walla Walla is one of the most well-known wine regions in the state of Washington. Established in 1984, the Walla Walla American Viticultural Area (AVA) now features more than 120 wineries in six distinct districts. Many of the region’s pioneers helped grow the industry in the early days by helping each other with knowledge and

Discovering Wines from Côtes du Rhône Villages
by Lisa Morales
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It’s no secret that we are all having to cut back and make changes to our monthly budget because of inflation. If you’re like me, wine is a part of the weekly food budget. Although I don’t drink wine with every meal (unless on vacation), I need everyday wines on hand that aren’t “two buck

You’ll Love the Vibe and the Wines at Iris Vineyards Wine Bar
by Pam Baker
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Wine lovers heading to Willamette Valley will want to carve out time for a stop in Springfield, Oregon. Iris Vineyards, a winery with bright, fruit-forward wines and stunning views from its Chalice Vineyards, recently opened a wine bar on Springfield’s Main Street. The wine bar is open Thursday through Sunday from 11:30 am to 8:00

Walla Walla Valley, A Retreat for the Soul
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The Walla Walla Valley is the perfect getaway for a long weekend trip. A four-hour drive from Portland, Seattle, or Boise, you find a little oasis of wine, food, and nature. Moreover, a piece of history may or may not surprise you along the way. Although I chose this trip based on wine and my

Visiting Puerto Rico? Book an Old San Juan Walk & Taste Tour with the SPOON® Experience!
What better way to see the 500-year-old city of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, than by experiencing its food and local beverages on a walking tour? SPOON® Experience’s Old San Juan Walk & Taste Tour SPOON®, a culinary and cultural tourism company, offers several walking tours and cooking classes. On a recent trip to Puerto