I recently ventured to Virginia to acquaint myself with this state's blossoming wine industry. Wine in Virginia has a venerable history, dating back to Jamestown and the ten vines that each settler was required to tend. Local boy Thomas Jefferson was on a life-long quest to produce a successful vineyard, and judging from my recent visit, he would be pleased with what today's producers are doing. There are nearly 200 wineries throughout the … [Read more...]
Mad Scientists at Raymond Winery
My first impression of Raymond Winery when I arrive for my "Winemaker for a Day" blending experience with my fiance, Tom, is that we are at a traditional Napa winery. The "Winemaker for Day" experience involves creating my own wine blend and bottling the wine to take home with my own label - which I am currently designing with a happy employee named Casey at the tasting room counter. The tasting room has beige walls and white counter-tops with a … [Read more...]
A Bicycle Built for Two
While I was house-sitting a 15th-century farmhouse in historical Gascony, with a backyard view of the snow-capped Pyrennees, I decided one bracing morning over a cafe du lait to hire a bike and make a pilgrimage to one of France's oddest pilgrimage sites: "NOTRE DAME DES CYCLISTES." Looking decidedly uncool in my fuzzy Patagonia jacket, Tintin T-shirt, Gap shorts, white athletic socks, and Rockport walking shoes, I pedaled like a madman, … [Read more...]
The Rose House Inn – South Africa
The Rose House Inn is a wonderfully restored luxury Bed & Breakfast located about 8 km from the small town of Fouriesburg in eastern part of the Free State in South Africa. The properties' old stone farmhouse was meticulously restored by innkeepers John and Trish Critchley in 2005/2006. Two stand alone cottages were constructed within the expansive gardens and now serve as the primary guest rooms. The main two ingredients in a stay here are … [Read more...]
Peter Mondavi Sr: Longtime Napa Winemaker, Industry leader
We recently had the honor and rare privilege to sit down with Peter Mondavi Sr., long time proprietor of Napa's oldest winery, Charles Krug. Mr. Mondavi is 98 years young. We talked about history of course because when you've been in Napa as long as Peter Mondavi Sr. you have plenty to discuss. But we also covered the types of wines being produced today and how they differ from the wines he started out producing in the 1940's, not to mention his … [Read more...]
Moon Croatia & Slovenia
Moon Croatia & Slovenia by Shann Fountain Culo From vineyards and white wines to family friendly trips through these two fascinating small Adriatic countries, Moon first edition provides well-researched in depth coverage. Outdoor activities abound ranging from a number of festivals, rafting, skiing and cave exploration. Author Culo is a Croatian local. Look for a number of easy to use maps, Croatian and Slovenian helpful phrase sections, … [Read more...]
Napa Valley Mexican-American Vintners Association Tasting
The first ever tasting of the Napa Valley Mexican-American Vintners Association was held Saturday July 30, 2011 at Maldonado Vineyards in the far northern reaches of the Napa Valley. This was the best tasting we've attended so far this year in Napa. Very personalized, great wine - dignitaries came up from Los Angeles, a historic tasting. The association is fairly new (2010). It was formed after a number of vintners poured their wines in Mexico … [Read more...]
Pass the Prosciutto Please!
Having loaded up on fresh prosciutto this morning we were set for the rest of the day. Its not Italy so the prosciutto is not served with melon. Wanting to duplicate our love for the Italian prosciutto experience, we bought a melon from one of the numerous vendors in the fruit/vegetable market for the equivalent of a dollar. Thinly sliced, fresh - makes all the difference in the world. Like most niche foods - go to the source for the authentic … [Read more...]
An Affair To Remember
In the summer of 1994, I fell in love at first sight. It was a true summer romance in all its glory, white hot in intensity, and I remember every moment. Passion completely consumed me from the first glance. I was hopelessly, irretrievably -- joyously -- lost. There was so much to know, and so little time. The depth of my love transformed my life forever. And then, all too soon, it was over. The parting broke my heart. I have never … [Read more...]
Bluecause – Purchase with a PurposeTM
I've been following The BlueFish for some time and attended one of their networking parties last year. Bluefish is an organization based in Los Angeles that focuses on providing exclusive lifetime memories based on unique activities or experiences, both domestic and International. Recently they started "BLUEcause" - "an interactive space for cause-conscious consumers to bid on and buy items and experiences associated with the hottest brands, … [Read more...]
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