Provence triggers images of lavender, sun flowers and olive trees. Many have read the enjoyable novels written by Peter Mayle, visited anything Van Gogh in Arles and mused over the paintings of Cézanne. Everybody knows all areas of the Provence, or so they believe. There is a part of Provence less famous and therefore much less crowded than the Lubéron and the Midi. It is not a fancy area with famous wines or Michelin star restaurants but … [Read more...]
Handcrafted San Francisco Experience + Giveaway, Stearns & Foster + Jetsetter
It had been a few years since I had spent any time in San Francisco; during my prior visits it always seemed like the city was blanked in fog - not so this trip. Apparently some of the best months to visit San Francisco are in September and October, when the fog often stays at bay and and visitor's are greeted by beautiful sunshine. This was a handcrafted trip arranged by Stearns & Foster to experience some memorable moments in San Francisco … [Read more...]
Getting the Full Monti: a Guide to Rome’s Hippest Neighbourhood
Just a stone's throw away from the chaos that is Rome’s Colosseum, lies the uber hip and largely unknown neighbourhood of Monti, buzzing with independent boutiques, trendy eateries and fashionable wine bars, and adored by local Romans and hipster tourists alike. You will find a true cross section of Rome wandering the cobbled streets of Monti; from super trendy arty types searching for their next vintage find, to Roman families looking for a … [Read more...]
Recycling My Steps on the Riesling Trail
Of all my short trips and long wanderings, Australia has remained my favourite. It has opened my eyes to the essence of travel, the kindness of people but most especially to the wonders of nature. Not being the one to spend days on the beach, I spent my time visiting places, hiking in Ranges, going on safaris and exploring areas by bike. Coming from the European flatlands, you learn to cycle immediately once you know how to walk. Cycling is in … [Read more...]
The Winemaker, by Dr. Richard G. Peterson
This is Dr. Richard Peterson's first book - and you wonder why it took him so long to write a book - until you finish it. Then you will understand perfectly. Throughout his career he has done everything but sit idle. If one grows up with a connection and appreciation of the land, one keeps that throughout his entire life. Dick's upbringing was during the Great American Depression outside of Des Moines, Iowa. From the outside, his family was … [Read more...]
A Memorable Visit to Chateau Siaurac in Lalande de Pomerol, Bordeaux
There are wine regions that hang on the tip of the tongue of serious wine enthusiasts - those regions that quickly come up in conversation when discussing good wines from around the world. One of those is Bordeaux and all of its accompanying appellations. Working in the wine business for the past 10 years I've heard so much about this part of France, its history, the quality of wines, and vineyard practices. As a result upon personally … [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...]
Cruising Bordeaux with Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises was established in 1977 as a fairly small operation with just four ships offering Russian River cruises marketed to Europeans. The company has expanded quickly over the years - entering the US market in 2000. They are now the world's largest river cruise company offering a variety of trips in Europe, Russia, China, Southeast Asia and Egypt. In addition to their main cruise offerings, Viking can arrange airfare and post and … [Read more...]
The Beauty of Bordeaux Revealed
Today was arguably the highlight of our visit to Bordeaux as part of our Viking River Cruise, Château, Rivers & Win). We spent the day touring the Left Bank (Gironde River) of Bordeaux including Medoc and Pauillac, Saint-Julien, and Margaux. I don't think I've ever seen as much white river cobble as I have in the vineyards of the Medoc region. It seems the higher the volume of these rocks in the soil, the higher the quality of wines and the … [Read more...]
A Few Musings on First Night in Moldova
Sometimes you meet inspiring travelers while on the road - such was the case this evening in Chisinau, Moldova. I met a young woman traveler from Japan who took bought a 50CC motorbike in Irkutsk Russia and rode it some 14,000 kilometers solo from Russia to the Romanian Moldova border. She had stories of her time on the road as a trip of this length will invariably create. She camped much of the time but when it was raining or otherwise bad … [Read more...]
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