Moving from Los Angeles to the tiny town of Mendocino (population 855) in the middle of a pandemic turned out to be one of the most unusual decisions I have ever made. The natural beauty and tranquility act like a balm to the world’s troubles (politics! fires!), but, it should come as little surprise, meeting people while masked up and social distancing has proven difficult. On the other hand, as the world opens up a bit, traveling in both … [Read more...]
Explorers Guide Napa & Sonoma by Peg Melnik with Tim Fish
The latest edition (no 11) Explorers Guide Napa & Sonoma is a detailed look at some of the best restaurants, wineries and experiences that the wine country in this part of the state has to offer. Written by husband and wife Peg Melnik and Tim Fish. Both are accomplished wine writers: Peg writes for the local Santa Rosa based newspaper, the Press Democrat and Tim writes for the Wine Spectator. Not a huge book but it is richly endowed with … [Read more...]
Four Reasons To Visit Idaho Wine Country
When you think of a romantic vacation to wine country, you probably envision a scene of endless vineyards in California, Italy, or France. Those, of course, are the most romantic, and the three most popular wine destinations for Americans. The idea of traveling to Idaho to explore its multiple American Viticultural Areas (AVA) may seem bizarre, but trust me. Exploring the Idaho wine regions will surprise you in the most delightful ways. Idaho … [Read more...]
Cannonball Wines Boldly Leap Into Distinctive Tastings That Don’t Break the Bank
Sitting down with wine industry veterans Dennis Hill & Yoav Gilat at a recent tasting I discovered more about their own history and the history of Cannonball Wines. They partnered in 2006 after noticing a gap in the market place - there were plenty of budget wines at varying levels of quality and also plenty of high priced wines. But very few premium wines (grown and made) that were priced at an affordable price. They decided to partner to … [Read more...]
Garagiste Wine Festival Brings Hidden Winemaking Gems to Hidden Architectural Gem: July 15th in Santa Monica
Fifty of the best of California’s micro-production wineries pour their wines in historic Santa Monica venue a few blocks from the ocean and Expo Line; Grand Tasting, Rare and Reserve tasting, Silent Wine auction and more... Paso Robles, CA – – Garagiste Events Inc., producers of the renowned Garagiste Festivals, announced that tickets are now on sale for The Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure, whichreturns to Los Angeles County on July 15th, … [Read more...]
7 Hidden Treasures of Napa Valley
Despite being one of America’s best-known tourist (and wine drinking) destinations, Napa Valley still offers plenty of discoveries and surprises for travelers. These surprises are everywhere you go and pop up when you least expect it, like finding a Pokemon Go character you did not anticipate seeing. Here are seven hidden treasures of Napa Valley, which you may wish to seek out the next time you go there: The Benny Bufano statues at … [Read more...]
How an Omelette Taught me About Life
This is a personal travel story about how a simple omelette showed me a fundamental truth of life. It all began quite accidentally when, after a tasting up valley, we decided go back down to the central square of Sonoma for lunch. Sonoma is a place of Spanish and Mexican history (a 19th century Catholic mission is there), and a place of early California history too (it was the center of a rebellion by American settlers against Mexican rule … [Read more...]
Visit Paso Robles, California, (Before Everyone Else Does)
Rolling hills, gnarly oak trees, thermal spas, an innovative food scene, and some of the best wines produced in California (or anywhere) -- no I’m not talking about Napa Valley, or even Sonoma. Wine Enthusiast rated it a top destination in 2013. The Guardian calls it “the place to visit before everyone else does,” but the word is out - fine wine is being produced by boutique wineries in Paso Robles, California. Actually wine grapes have been … [Read more...]
VinCE International Wine Show 2015 in Budapest, Hungary
The Venue The 6th annual VinCE Wine Show was recently held at the luxurious and inviting Corinthia Hotel in Budapest in early March 2015. This event is organized by the VinCE Central European Wine Magazine and showcases Hungarian Wines as well as plenty of winery attendees from elsewhere in Central Europe. When you walk into the Corinthia you immediately feel transported to another era - perhaps 100 years ago, elegance, luxury and … [Read more...]
Confessions of the First Travel Blogger
One of these claims to be “The Most Interesting Blogger in the World” I was surprised when I picked up a copy USAToday and saw an item that cited me as “The first travel blogger.” I doubt it, though I was early to the game, not long after Al Gore invented the Internet. In 1993 the term “blogger” didn’t exist, so what I was posting was a real-time serialized account of my travels. If that qualifies, then perhaps the first travel blogger was … [Read more...]
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