Italian Wines for Summer Sipping
by Lisa Morales
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No Need to Complicate Matters. Just Keep It, “Simply Italian.” If you’re a seasonal Italian wine lover, it’ll soon be time to switch bold wines like Barolo for lighter ones like Spumante. The time for summertime sips is near and the Simply Italian Wines Tour 2020 offered members of the trade and some lucky consumers
Expect the unexpected in Albuquerque, New Mexico
“Up, up and away…in my beautiful, my beautiful balloon!” The words and melody to the classic song by the Fifth Dimension were on repeat in my brain as we floated silently 1,000 feet above Albuquerque. Along with 11 others in our hot air balloon’s wicker basket, piloted by Troy Bradley of Rainbow Ryders, we watched
Savoring Norway: 3 Unforgettable Ports of Call
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Norway had always been on my travel bucket list; my husband’s too! So, when our daughter and son-in-law proposed a Disney family cruise with our grandchildren that would include three Norway ports of call, we jumped on it. Cruises are great for a number of reasons, including the opportunity to get snapshots of a region
New Zealand’s Delightful Wine Village
by Pam Baker
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Located in the southeastern region of New Zealand’s North Island lies the Wairarapa, an area of big skies, wide valleys and small towns full of character. And in the Wairarapa, at the heart of the classic New Zealand Wine Trail, is Martinborough, a delightful wine village with a population of 1,680. It’s here that some
Coast to Vine: Getting to Know Spectacular San Luis Obispo County
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Wheels up, and we were off on Alaska Airlines’ inaugural flight from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, California. As we approached our destination, we could see the lush verdant rolling hills of SLO (its local nickname). But its moniker is a perfect fit, for this magnificently picturesque region represents a slower, more relaxed pace;
The Sonoma County Wine is Back After Devastating Wildfires
by Pam Baker
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Lush green rolling hills filled with vineyards, historic small towns, and 50 miles of stunning Pacific Coast—this is Sonoma County. Chardonnay and pinot noir reign supreme here in a climate blessed with ample days of sunshine and cooling sea breezes. Less touristy and less congested than its famous neighbor, Napa County, Sonoma has long been
13 Unique Places to Visit in 2020
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This year is going to be anything but boring. Tokyo is going to host the Summer Olympics, while Sapporo will hold its Snow Festival. Jamaica will be celebrating the late Bob Marley’s 75th birthday, and Dublin will commemorate the life of writer James Joyce during Bloomsday. Of course, there are lesser-known events, too. Glouster, UK,
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