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...]
New in Sebastopol: The Barlow
Disclosure: I was invited out for an evening visit to The Barlow in Sebastopol. All opinions are my own. For those new to Sonoma County (Northern California, USA), one area that you may want to pay a visit to is none other than The Barlow in Sebastopol. The Barlow, opened in November of 2013, is a place that focuses on Local Food, Art, and Wine. The West Side of Sonoma County has amazing local producers, artisans, and small … [Read more...]
Arizona Biltmore Creating 10 Edgy Epicurean Evenings For its 24th Season of ‘Winemaker Dinners’
PHOENIX, Ariz. The Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (www.arizonabiltmore.com) is planning 10 extravagant epicurean evenings – of innovative gourmet dining, acclaimed wines, winemakers talking about their wines, and after-dinner drinks and cigars – for the resort’s 24th season of Winemaker Dinners. Each Winemaker Dinner will feature an original multi-course menu, prepared by Executive Chef Gordon Maybury and Chef de Cuisine Bryan … [Read more...]
Taste of Sonoma, MacMurray Ranch
Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is Sonoma County's premier annual food and wine event. This three day event now in its sixth year highlights Sonoma County's local wineries and culinary prowess. Not only is it a unique opportunity to enjoy food and wine in one location but educational events are also offered including blind tastings, culinary demonstrations and culinary cookoffs. One of the highlights of this three day event is the Taste of … [Read more...]
Sonoma County offers New Outdoor Adventures & Entertainment
Guided vineyard bicycle tours, stand up paddle, zip-lines and hot rods heat up summer SANTA ROSA, CA – May 30, 2013 – Sonoma County, a region predominantly known for its wine and culinary offerings, is showing visitors its adventurous side with new and exciting activities this summer. From guided vineyard bicycle tours to paddle boarding the Petaluma River, Sonoma’s summer adventures create unique experiences for travelers of all ages. To take … [Read more...]
Lonely Planet Napa & Sonoma
Lonely Planet Napa & Sonoma by Alison Bing Based on our large project in Napa (The Napa Wine Project) we try to review as many related books as possible. Recently this one came across our desk. Napa & Sonoma Encounter is a mini guide featuring the best of the Sonoma and Napa wine regions. Locations are organized by individual valleys each of which is a prominent wine producing region in its own right. This is the perfect guide for those new … [Read more...]
Amicis Winery Guides: Dream Tours of Napa & Sonoma
"Amicis Winery Guides: Dream Tours of Napa & Sonoma by Ralph Amicis is being hailed as the best winery guide book in the region. Don't set out to visit your favorite wineries, or to discover new ones without it! More than just a survey book, or a daytrip guide, 'Dream Tours' includes valuable guidance about enjoying the tasting room experience, easy to use mapped tours for both counties, a comprehensive winery directory, plus restaurants and … [Read more...]
A Visit to Francis Ford Coppola Winery
A few days ago we made the trek up to see the progress on the Francis Ford Coppola Winery in northern Sonoma County - about 1 hour and 20 minutes north of San Francisco California (with good traffic). While the focus is on the wine here there is actually quite a bit to explore on the property - 2 large pools, a restaurant, of course a movie collection, several tasting bars, bocce courts etc. The pools opened sometime this fall and … [Read more...]