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
As the Thanksgiving Holiday approaches, many contemplate the best wine to serve to make our Thanksgiving feast memorable. Halleck Vineyard, a small Sebastopol winery, comes to mind. Many of their wines lend themselves to creating a unique and excellent accompaniment to the Thanksgiving dinner. Not only does the wine lend itself to the cuisine, but
Wine tasting comes together best when combined with a wine pairing dinner. I find West Hollywood restaurant Tesse creates food pairings that bring out the finest quality in wines. Owner Jordan Ogron enables one to travel the world in a three or four-course dining experience. West Hollywood Restaurant Tesse Tesse is a French restaurant inspired
A trip to Santa Barbara must include a visit to one of the funk zone wineries. These wineries are part of the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail. The Santa Barbara Funk Zone is located within a few blocks between State Street and Garden Street and Montecito Street to Cabrillo Boulevard. This industrial district was known
My last visit with Titus Vineyards was in 2019 when this Napa Valley winery celebrated fifty years of growing grapes in the Napa Valley. Recently I met with Eric Titus and sampled the wines harvested in 2019. The vintage is one of Titus Vineyards’ best; therefore, the fifty-year celebration is still being honored today as
Just as the Central Coast beckons as one drives north along Highway 101 and the road turns inland from the ocean, ascending into Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara Wine Country, so does the Santa Ynez Bed and Breakfast, ForFriends Inn. The landscape changes to a pastoral setting filled with oak trees, letting us know