Arguably the Napa Valley is the most well-known wine region in the entire country. I am fortunate to spend significant time in the area. In my "other" life I am a wine writer focusing on the Napa Valley. I'm working on a project in which I am trying to visit, taste with and write about nearly all wineries and commercial producers in the Napa Valley. This project has also opened up some additional wine writing gigs, recently for the Four Seasons … [Read more...]
A Maine Culinary Windfall Aboard the Windjammer Stephen Taber
I had long dreamed of sailing Maine’s ruggedly beautiful coast on a rustic windjammer. It sounded like the perfect back-to-nature panacea for my urban existence in New York City. This July, I booked a three-day cruise on the schooner Stephen Taber. First launched in 1871, it’s the oldest documented sailing vessel in continuous service in the United States and a tribute to 19th century craftsmanship. I had already spent time in Maine, so I … [Read more...]
A Memorable Visit to Chateau Siaurac in Lalande de Pomerol, Bordeaux
There are wine regions that hang on the tip of the tongue of serious wine enthusiasts - those regions that quickly come up in conversation when discussing good wines from around the world. One of those is Bordeaux and all of its accompanying appellations. Working in the wine business for the past 10 years I've heard so much about this part of France, its history, the quality of wines, and vineyard practices. As a result upon personally … [Read more...]
Montreal: City of Festivals and Food
Summer in Montreal is filled with a variety of festivals and events to fill up your days with a wide range of music, food and fun. Last week, I was invited to experience the vibrant port city, taking in a market food walking tour, craft beer tour as well as Jazz Festival and Complètement Cirque. Bonus? Discovering Montreal’s first quay-side Poutine Festival during my stay! Sleep My homes away from home were Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth … [Read more...]
Marseille, France: European Capital of Culture
As someone who lives in Marseille told me, “Marseille is a way of life”. It’s the playing of pétanque (similar to bocce), the imbibing of pastis (an anise liqueur developed in Marseille as a substitute for the banned absinthe in 1915), the savoring of Bouillabaisse (for which Marseille is famous), and a certain "joie de vivre". It is also a way of life that embraces the diversity of this melting pot on the Mediterranean and its rich culture, … [Read more...]
Illinois Improbable: A Story of Upending Expectations
When I was a high-school student in Bethesda, Maryland, and beginning to think about college, my parents sat me down and set a parameter: they would only allow a school within 1000 miles of our home, with the idea that I would be more likely to visit over holidays if within that range. My elder sister had already picked a school, Knox College, in Galesburg, Illinois, and now it was my turn. I pulled out a map, cut a string keyed to 1000 miles, … [Read more...]
Exploring the World’s Two Largest Wine Caves & Wine Collections, Moldova
I first read about Moldova's ancient winery history several years ago in an inflight magazine while jetting over the skies of Finland somewhere. The thousands of years of wine making history certainly appealed to me as well as the fact Moldova is home to the largest underground wineries in the world. While stumbling through the streets of Chisinau after being dropped off by the bus from the airport I spotted a little tourist office called Simgal … [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...]
A Taste of Proper Fun: Bermuda
Like many who have survived into adulthood, I wince when I look back and recall some of the youthful antics I partook under the name of fun. Like a lad who graduates from cheap flavored whiskey to fine wine, I today prefer my fun with a dash of panache, a subtle aroma, and a delightfully delicate nose. So, of course, it is a treat to discover Bermuda, the place that practically invented proper fun, and which now embodies it. The demure … [Read more...]
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