In March of 2021, I had my first experience tasting the Brunello Di Montalcino from Col D’ Orcia now. Almost two years later, I revisited the wines and now consider them the best Tuscan winery for Brunello Di Montalcino. A research study by the consulting company Nomisma concluded that Brunello is the most famous Italian
Life is about immersing yourself in extraordinary encounters. For those of you who enjoy cruises, Princess Cruises has one of those memorable experiences. The Van Gogh and Claude Monet Immersive Experience enhanced your sense of sight as you viewed the exceptional works of both artists. Add in your other senses of taste, smell, and touch
Heading east on Interstate 10 from California to Arizona, one passes through Quartzsite, Arizona. At first glance, one thinks Quartzsite is just a place to stop for gas upon entering Arizona or before returning to California. Gas is cheaper in Arizona, so most Californians top the tank before returning to California. There is more to this
I first met Billy Vondrasek in 2015 when he and his brother David presented their Artisan Uprising wine to LA Wine Writers. Now eight years later, I am still impressed with the caliber of wine the boys, as I call them, produce. There have been many changes over the years since I saw them last.
It is that time of the year for me to share my list of the best wine 2022, my year in review. As in-person tastings were less restrictive, I attended many more in Los Angeles. I also visited many more wineries along the Central Coast since it is an easy drive from my home in
In 2022 my travel adventures exploring destinations continued both virtually and in person. Although travel was primarily within California, I also traveled to Florida. Enjoy my travel 2022 year in review as I discovered many places in person and virtually more that I hope to visit soon. Travel 2022 Year in Review – In-Person Travel
When I consider the wines of Argentina, I think of the three regions of Mendoza, including the Maipu Valley, Lujan de Cuyo, and Uco Valley, in addition to Salta. I thought I was well versed regarding Argentina’s wine regions until I discovered Pyros Wines, located in the relatively unknown region of Valle de Pedernal. Valle
Strolling up the rain-soaked Rue de la Bûcheri on the Left Bank of Paris, I attempted to close my umbrella despite the brisk wind challenging me to a duel. I wanted no distractions as I approached the 17th-century building that Shakespeare and Company occupies. Feeling the tingling of a long-wished-for dream, I rested my eyes
From a dying vineyard in the 1800s, Ehlers Estate in St. Helena has transformed into a renowned winery encompassing the legacy of Jean and Sylviane Leducq and their Leducq Foundation, as well as their predecessors, Bernard and Anne Ehlers. For Laura Diaz Munoz, General Manager and winemaker, the estate exemplifies a dream come true. The
In Piedmont, the Dogliani family stands for Barolo, and their winery Beni di Batasiolo has produced this variety for three generations in the Lange district. Over the generations, they have acquired over 320 acres of vineyards, including five “Cru” Vineyards within nine estates. Their name signifies the Nebbiolo da Barolo grape. Recently at a luncheon