Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein is known for its alpine landscapes and medieval castles. Unbeknownst to most, Liechtenstein’s history centers on wine. This sixth-smallest country in the world has a winemaking tradition dating back more than 2,000 years. With a handful of vineyards along the Rhine Valley, Liechtenstein produces small
The Santa Ynez Valley lies between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the San Rafael Mountains. Its landscape recalls its agricultural roots, which include pastures for raising cattle and horses. This area is recognized as the land of the Chumash. Today, vineyards dot the countryside. The fertile soils contribute to the rise of the farm-to-table dining
In 2024, my travel explorations took me to Finger Lakes, Rochester, Laurel Highlands, Paso Robles, Umpqua Valley, Tualatin Valley, Willamette Valley, and Los Olivos. As has become the norm, I traveled both virtually and in person. Enjoy my travel 2024, year in review, as I continue to broaden my horizons with new places to explore.
Located just outside Hendersonville lies the Crest of the Blue Ridge Wine Trail. Seven wineries make up the Crest of the Blue Ridge AVA and wine trail. I visited five of the seven. This area’s attraction lies not only with its wineries but within the entire Henderson County, the city of Henderson, its art, restaurants,
Bring five South African winemakers together, and you will see what defines South African wine. They are friends and collaborators representing four distinct wine regions in South Africa, and they presented their wines, as well as those of others, at a wine tasting called South Africa Redefined. South African Wine History South Africa’s wine history
Dreaming of his next project brought Kevin Gleason to the Santa Ynez Valley; today, his Gleason Family Vineyards consists of three Santa Ynez wineries, each representing a different terroir and micro climate in the valley. The three distinct wineries are Refugio Ranch, Roblar, and Buttonwood. For the Gleason family, being stewards of the land, whether
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
Places I Love usually involve all my senses: taste, touch, sight, smell, and hearing. Like wine and grape growing, it involves terroir and that sense of place. This connection is dear to me, especially visiting the destinations of San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande. My journey begins the minute I exit the tunnel on Highway
For me, finding the small, unique, and even obscure winery is part of the fun of drinking wine. The passion of the people creating these wines shines through, inviting you to savor their wine and discover what they love about winemaking. To help these wineries succeed in producing their craft wine and get their product
It does not take much to entice my husband and me to drive up to the Central Coast for wine tasting. Santa Barbara County offers numerous areas to visit, including Solvang, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, Los Alamos, and Lompoc. The various appellations of Santa Barbara County offer a range of options for wine tasting and