Back in November, I had the opportunity to visit the beautiful country of Portugal. I can't believe it had taken me so long to travel to this stunning European country! I was invited to taste and tour through the southern wine region of Alentejo, where some of the most popular Portuguese blends are produced. Boy,... Continue Reading →
Make Time for a Washington Wine Tasting Adventure in Biscayne Times
My November Vino column is out in Miami's favorite local publication, Biscayne Times, and it's all about a western wine-tasting adventure in the Washington State region of Lake Chelan. I had the opportunity to visit Lake Chelan back in September and just fell in love with this charming region on the eastern side of the... Continue Reading →
3 Days in Miami Beach on Winetraveler.com
As a Miami native, I'm often asked about my recommendations for places to eat and things to do while visiting South Florida. My suggestions will change depending on budget and the type of weekend you are looking to enjoy (crazy, cultural, or cuisine-based). Miami is a fast-moving town, and that's definitely not referring to the... Continue Reading →
Get To Know Portugal’s New World of Wine (WOW): Discover History, Culture & Wine in Portugal on Winetraveler.com
Remember overseas traveling? Wasn't that grand? You just book a ticket, sometimes last minute, and hop on a plane to almost anywhere your heart desired. Well, those days are gone as of now, so it's time to think about simply planning... for the next time we can move about freely around the world. Knowing myself,... Continue Reading →
Florida Gulf Coast Travel Guide: Road Trip Itinerary on Winetraveler.com
If you've been following me on social media (@historyandwine), it's no secret that I've been spending some time on the west coast of Florida while all the hoop-la is going on in Miami. It has been such a nice change of pace to experience a different part of Florida for an extended period of time.... Continue Reading →
Alicante Bouschet & Picpoul Blanc Grape Profiles on Winetraveler.com
It's true that these grapes don't have a lot to do with each other, other than origins in France. However, it could be said that they are both varieties that have fallen out of favor but are finding a resurgence of interest in recent years--albeit in regions that aren't their original homes. Learn more about... Continue Reading →
Top 10 Wine Regions to Visit When Travel Resumes in 2021 on Winetraveler.com
When we all look back at 2020, what will we remember? We've spent the year "sheltering in place" with those who live in our household, and many folks may not plan on leaving their homes until the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Day 2021. For most of the world, this has been a year... Continue Reading →
Canned Wine: Myths Busted, Facts Uncovered on Winetraveler.com
Here we go again with another "controversial" topic in wine. Question: how can something that is supposed to bring so much pleasure be so controversial? I'll tell you why--because stubborn people set in their ways make it that way! If you've been paying attention to changing trends right now in the wine industry, you may... Continue Reading →
Arinto & Antão Vaz Grape Profiles on Winetraveler.com
This summer has definitely been the summer of Portuguese wines for me. I was lucky enough to participate in a lovely tasting with Wines of Alentejo earlier this month. It was wonderful to get to know this hot region in Portugal & its wines better (like this bottle of Esporão Colheita branco, which I just... Continue Reading →
Muscadine Grape Profile on Winetraveler.com
I'm not a complete convert by any means, but I was recently pleasantly surprised by some of the Muscadine wines I tasted in Florida when I visited San Sebastian Winery in St. Augustine. If you are from the Southeast United States, you may be well versed in the many uses for Muscadine grapes. These native... Continue Reading →