Passover is my favorite Jewish holiday because it is celebrated at home, and the tradition is to drink four glasses of wine. As the biblical story of Exodus is recounted before the Passover meal on the first night of the eight-day holiday, we eat flat matzoh crackers to commemorate the hasty escape from Pharaoh, and we toast our heritage and our freedom multiple times. This year we raised our glasses with Carmel Black Cabernet Sauvignon, a new kosher wine from Carmel winery’s Signature series. Worldwide, about 40 percent of kosher wine is sold during the Passover holiday. Kosher wine follows t ..read more

Why did someone decide to make this particular wine? Usually we’re more focused on whether or not to buy a bottle, not on its origin story. With Seppi wines, the bottles are lively and attractive, as are the wines inside. But where did they – and the winery concept – come from? Seppi is a work-in-progress, according to owner Kelsey Phelps. Originally from Napa, she went to the East Coast for law school, then worked in government and corporate law. In her early 30s she had one of those “What am I doing with my life?” moments and decided to return to her roots in Napa, where her grandfather had ..read more

April 6, 2024 – My favorite flower, the runinculus, is the star of the show at these acres of stunning, swaying, staggering beautiful fields of flowers. Now, and for the month to come, will delight and amaze viewers with their sheer numbers and variety of colorful blooms. Current Conditions 48 acres are blooming with color! The bloom is coming in fast. Plan your trip NOW to Spring Into Color before it’s too late!   A History of The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch® The Fields today are a direct result of nearly 85 years of floral cultivation that began with Luther Gage, an early sett ..read more

When I first laid eyes on this box of spirits created especially for the Total Eclipse 2024, I thought it was brilliant! Kentucky is right in the path of great viewing and this kits comes with two pairs of eclipse glasses….a perfect accompaniment to a Casey Jones Distillery Old-Fashioned. Cheers to the Eclipse and to the ingenuity of the spirited team at Casey Jones Distillery ..read more

The majestic scenery of Zion National Park, one of five NPs in Utah. Utah, known for its breathtaking landscapes and thriving outdoor recreation, is also home to a burgeoning craft beer and spirits scene. From bold and hop-forward IPAs to rich and complex whisky blends, breweries and distilleries across the state are crafting libations that challenge the stereotype of “Utah as a dry state,” reshaping the narrative around Utah’s brewing and distilling culture.   You may not know that in 1933, Utah played a pivotal role in ending prohibition, which set off a nationwide celebration. Contrary ..read more

One of my favorite coastal spots. Cosy yet architecturally significant with the Frank Loyd Wright influences. Fantastic food and wines and now trying to accommodate families as much as couple seeking a romantic seaside escape. Spring Break is getting a makeover, courtesy of Timber Cove Resort, located just off California’s Highway 1 in Jenner. As families plan their trips, they can opt for one that provides the setting for time spent together in a way that enriches young and old alike. Ideal for the whole family, the boutique property’s newly revamped Family Rooms feature a que ..read more

Although there was controversy this week about a death of an 8 year old in a faulty lazy river, I hope these wonderous ways to enjoy a moving pool on a hot day don’t go away. I love spending an hour or tour floating around a lazy river and it’s even better when you enjoy one at one of these luxury resorts mentioned below. Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita | Punta Mita, Mexico About: Guests can lay down the burdens and distractions of day-to-day life and take a serene float along the resort’s just renovated lazy river, enveloped by native foliage, with a refreshing cocktail or Coron ..read more

With Chef Deborah Mullin at the helm, The Grove restaurant at Napa’s Copia is female chef-centric.  A Culinary Institute of America (CIA) alum, Mullin feels right at home at this CIA location, which is located across a path from an olive grove and a 32-bed garden. The Grove restaurant at the CIA at Copia Many chef bios begin with the chef learning to cook by standing at the stove watching Mom. Mullin’s bio, on the other hand, describes her youthful introduction to food by tending the garden plots for her parents in Maryland. “Managing the garden in my youth made me appreciate the enormous ..read more

A new study has revealed that the Outer Banks in North Carolina is the least expensive for a 7-day solo vacation, while Charleston ranks the lowest for a family of 4. Travel experts at OptimosTravels analyzed over 100 well-known attractions across America, assessing them based on daily meal expenses, public transportation costs, accommodation rates, and attraction fees to identify the 10 least vacation destinations in America. Key Findings The Outer Banks, North Carolina, emerges as the least expensive destination, offering a full day’s experience at just $177, making a 7-day famil ..read more

Rombauer winery has a superpower: food and wine pairing. This time it’s zinfandel with Ham Hand-Pies. Last time it was Chardonnay with Butter Chicken. Both times they nailed it. Of course, it helps that Rombauer does a good job with the wines, to begin with. This zin was made with hand-picked grapes, blended from as many as 50 lots – with touch of petite sirah, and 14 months ageing in new American oak (along with various French oak) barrels. The wine has a lovely brambly red fruit aroma and flavor. Though it feels light to begin with, more complex flavors emerge in the glass, over time. So yes ..read more