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A two-hour drive from San Francisco, northern California´s Sonoma County with its picturesque landscapes and wineries producing world-class wines is an utterly enchanting haven for oenophiles seeking an unforgettable getaway. There are plenty of historic sites and other fetching spots, including the 201-year old Spanish Mission San Francisco Solano; the former Russian trading post Fort Ross, founded in 1812; the ranch of iconic 20th-century writer Jack London, woodsy resort area Russian River;

Located in south central Washington state and only a few hours from Seattle or Portland, Yakima Valley is a vibrant wine growing region and home to over 100 wineries.  About one-third of the state’s wine grapes are grown in the Yakima Valley AVA.  As a member of the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association, I had the privilege to sample a Cabernet Frac wine from Dineen Vineyards, while participating in a webinar sponsored by Adam Stewart, Yakima Valley Tourism; Marissa Dineen,

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With a winemaking tradition dating back to the 6th century BCE, France is of course one of the world´s most renowned countries for wine, and this is especially true when it comes to its whites, known for their rich flavors, elegance, and complexity; the best of them can be aged for decades and goes through many different stages before finally being bottled for consumption. It possesses an earthy aroma and taste that you won't find in whites from other countries, due to its temperate cl

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Close your eyes and imagine yourself amidst the sun-drenched foothills of the Andes. The air shimmers with crisp mountain freshness, and a glass of vibrant liquid dances between your fingertips. This is the magic of Torrontés wine, Argentina's hidden gem waiting to waltz across your palate and into your heart. Forget the usual suspects; Torrontés wine offers an exhilarating adventure, a tango of unexpected aromas and refreshing flavors that will leave you wanting more.

But before we emb

Step aside, predictable Pinot Noir! Cast aside that Cabernet comfort blanket! Shove Sauvignon Blanc to the side, because here we're throwing a sun-drenched fiesta for the underdog, the chameleon, the globetrotting wanderer of the wine world – Grenache! This ruby-shimmering grape deserves not just a sip, but a full-blown toast, a vibrant ode to its soul that whispers tales of Spanish hills and dusty Rhône valleys. So clear your palate, vino adventurers, and get ready to paint your taste buds with

Pigeon Forge's popularity has long been anchored in its ability to offer outdoor adventures and family-friendly entertainment. However, nestled within this lively destination are lesser-known treasures that promise an equally captivating experience. The local wineries and distilleries of Pigeon Forge are where tradition meets craftsmanship, offering visitors a glimpse into the artisanal processes that produce some of Tennessee's finest wines and spirits. These hidden gems provide a taste of the

Raise a glass to the world of sparkling wine! French Champagne is the most famous, of course, but there are many types of bubbly wine enjoyed around the world, and some of the best/most nobale hail from Europe. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a glass with friends, there is a sparkling wine out there for everyone. Here are some of the most popular types that you can find at your favorite wine shop or online. 

Champagne (France)

The world´s most renowned bubby

This winery is more than just a producer of fine wines in the heart of Sonoma County's picturesque landscapes. Balletto Family Vineyards is a story woven into the very fabric of this wine-rich region, and its tale is as captivating as the wines it crafts. Come along with us as we discover the secrets and stories behind Balletto Family Vineyards, a place where passion and tradition meet, and every Balletto wine bottle is a testament to the dedication of its maker. Browse our online wine store for

Luke Petrinec/Steuban County CVB

As a member of the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), I was fortunate to attend a webinar on the Corning and the Southern Finger Lakes presented by Kevin Costello, president and CEO of the Steuben County Conference and Visitors Bureau, and Dave DeGolye, the bureau’s communications manager. I was only somewhat familiar with this wine region, so was pleased to learn more about its wineries as well as to be introduced to all its fasc

photos: Victor Block

Some places are more than a destination, and topping that list is Provence. This Maryland-size region, nestled in France's southeastern corner, immediately immerses visitors in a setting and lifestyle that cajole and captivate. And while the glitzy French Riviera has many advocates, my wife Fyllis and I limited our recent stay to what we what we call the “real” Provence. 

It’s an area of tiny towns and even smaller villages.  Mountain chains overlook valleys blanketed by a c

Southwest France is defined by a wide range of geographical distinctions yielding diverse landscapes ranging from river plains, gently sloping hillsides, mountain foothills to sandy heaths each with their own unique microclimates producing a total of 300 grape varieties, 120 of which are native to the area.

Throughout much of Europe, the wine trade had its origins in 1189 when Santiago de Compostela was consecrated as a holy town by Pope Alexander III, encouraging waves of pilgrims over the ensui

The act of drinking wines is to literally taste specific locations across the globe. I never cease to be amazed by how wines provide such an in depth lens into a particular country and culture. By far the best way to experience them is to of course travel where they're produced and visit the vineyards in person. But lack of time and/or money sometimes make this impossible. For those times, plan for some armchair traveling by tasting some reasonably priced and increasingly available local varieta

All within reach by an hour train ride west of Frankfurt along the Rhine River, Germany's Rheingau is a patchwork of historic villages, vibrant cities, and the country's most distinctive Reisling wine-growing region.

Wiesbaden

Gateway city Wiesbaden serves as cultural and transportation hub to the Rheingau. Even if you're exploring by foot, the 200-mile Rheinsteig hiking trail head begins next to the Baroque palace of Schloss Biebrich on the banks of the Rhine taking you past numerous vineyards,

Surrounded by mountains and numerous topographical features resulting from a turbulent geological past, France's Roussillon wine region is cradled in a massive amphitheater-like bowl nestled in the South of France between Spain and narrow valleys spidering outward among the Pyrenees and Corbières Mountains to the Mediterranean Sea. Distinct micro climates, many of which have earned their own AOP certification, receive more than 320 days of sunshine per year balanced by heavy autumn rains. Combin

New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes - rugged mountain ranges, lush rainforests, and tranquil coastlines. What you may not know is that New Zealand’s unique terroir yields crisp, vibrant, and lively wines reflecting the very essence of this island country. Recent harvests were not only markedly bountiful (34 percent above usual yields) but grapes were exceptionally high-quality. Small estate wineries like Catalina Sounds, Crowded House, and Nanny Goat were direct

It’s that time of year again: la vendimia, the harvesting of grapes in various parts of Spain, from Jerez to Rioja and Rías Baixas to Penedés. And north of Madrid, winding 115 kilometres (miles) through the heart of the region of Castile-Leon (and of the entire Iberian peninsula, for that matter), the Duero River traces a route through not only some of Spain’s finest vineyards, but some extraordinary cultural, historic, and natural heritage. In short, a European wine country package par excelle

Located an hour north of San Diego and a few minutes more than that south of Los Angeles, Temecula Valley wine country just keeps getting better, with mature vineyards and beautiful places to enjoy. On my recent visit, I was impressed by how much the area had grown since my visit 20 years ago. Upscale wineries that rival Napa and Sonoma and scenic views as far as the eye can see.  At that time, you could count the number of wineries on one hand, and now 44 wineries dot the Temecula landscape. Th

Bento Gonçalves is a slice of Italy in Brazil's far south.  It's not overly well known outside of the country but a highly-regarded destination among Brazilians, who consider it a first-class tourist destination. This is because this city in Rio Grande do Sul state is one of the most beautiful and important in the Serra Gaucha mountain range, due to its landscapes full of vineyards and the expansive nature which make this place a most welcoming destination.

As you enter the city you will find a

Grand Cru, Medoc, St Émilion, Bordeaux Left and Right Banks - all terms of which I was aware, but wanted much more information. That’s the beauty of a river cruise with wine as its main topic (and the wine isn’t bad either, to put it mildly!). We were about to embark on an eight-day UniWorld boutique wine river cruise along the Garonne River - an area settled by ancient Romans and once ruled by the English, but every bit a French region.


Each evening of the cruise started by imbibing in the "