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...]
Halifax’s Historic Halliburton House Inn
From my ground-floor queen bedroom, I can hear the early evening final calls of the birds outside in the trees. Such a blissful moment, particularly after a late afternoon spring shower. We’re checked in at The Halliburton House Inn for a night, and I’m happy with everything in this room, from the cozy bed to the period furniture and fireplace. A coffee maker sits on the desk in a corner. A wing-back chair will serve as the perfect spot to … [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...]
Artistry and Foodie Craft in Paso Robles
From a tastefully arranged table featuring delicious, beautiful food to an Art Deco-infused wine tasting at the top of Paso Robles, foodie visitors and locals to this exciting wine country can find rich aesthetic experiences in the midst of their gastronomic discoveries. The wine’s the thing, of course, but there’s so much more to experience in Paso beyond just wine tasting. Blending together foodie art with a tour of this northern San Luis … [Read more...]
Long Weekend in Bratislava, Slovakia
I had arranged to meet my brother for a long weekend in Bratislava. He was on his way from Verona Italy where he lives and I was on my way from Kyrgyzstan where I had been trekking the past few weeks. We arrived at our floating Botel on the Danube River within 1 minute of each other. Talk about great timing! Ready to imbibe in some alcohol after a several week dry spell we immediately headed to the Grand Cru tasting bar, and ordered several … [Read more...]
Foodie Paso Robles Comes Into Its Own
Just a few decades ago, sleepy Paso Robles, California, hosted no distilleries or craft breweries and only a few dozen pioneering wineries. Rodeos and pickup trucks were more pervasive than limos chauffeuring wine enthusiasts around this beautiful area in northern San Luis Obispo County. Today, vineyards abound in all directions and the overall “agriculture culture” remains strong in the fabric of this increasingly diverse community. When … [Read more...]
Conversation, Margaret Lehmann – Peter Lehmann Wines, Barossa Valley
Recently during a visit and exploration of the Barossa Valley in South Australia, I had the opportunity to sit down for a short chat with Margaret Lehmann at her home. She is one of Barossa's food and wine pioneers, a champion of its preservation and was an integral part of the growth of Peter Lehmann Wines. Conversation invariably was about food and wine - over a glass of Semillon from Peter Lehmann appropriately called "Margaret". With … [Read more...]
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