By now, the savvy winelover knows that wine is produced in the state of Michigan. With around 200 wineries scattered throughout five AVAs (Fennville, Leelanau Peninsula, Lake Michigan Shore, Old Mission Peninsula and Tip of the Mitt), its wine industry garners more than $6.33 billion per year, according to a statement on the Michigan Wine Country website. Although I haven’t tasted a vast amount of wines from the state, I have had those from a handful of wineries during my travels. My latest journey took me Traverse City, then to the Leelanau Peninsula where my husband and I spent a warm, sunny ..read more

What better location to gather our group of international journalists than the historic Villa San Vigilio found at the tip of Monte Baldo with sweeping views of Lake Garda? With plenty of Garda DOC wines in hand, sunset views of (almost) the entire lake, and dinner featuring traditional cuisine, the memorable early June evening was a compelling example of how our trip, Garda Wine Stories, was successful in showcasing wine, food, culture and the lake itself to reveal the region’s strong identity. Villa San Vigilio Villa San Vigilio, built in the 16th century, is considered to be the most beaut ..read more

When many turn to pristine beaches along the coast for summer travel, others choose shimmering lakes around which to gather with friends and family. Having grown up walking the sandy beaches along the East Coast, lakefronts in the Midwest and California are now where my family and friends tend to gather. Now, I have another lake and its surrounding areas to add to my favorite destinations – Lake Garda in northern Italy. Why? After a recent media trip to the region (aptly named “Garda Wine Stories”) with 30 international journalists, it was immediately apparent that the unique qualities of Lake ..read more

Nestled in Italy’s Eastern Calabria, termed the “Land of Wine” by the Greeks who settled there centuries ago, is Librandi, a renowned winery currently run by its third generation. A few weeks ago, I had the honor to be part of a virtual wine education and tasting experience with Paolo Librandi who shared the family’s fascinating story and notable wines of native grapes such as Gaglioppo for red wines and Greco for white wines. Paolo made it clear that “authenticiy is not invented, it’s here forever” and the essence of Calabria is in each sip. Raffaele Librandi, Paolo’s grandfather, founded Li ..read more

It was an easy decision to plan to arrive in Verona two days before my media trip experiences at Garda DOC in early June. Having never visited this talked-about city, I wanted to stroll the streets, envelop myself in its history, taste some traditional dishes with local wines, relax in the moment and embrace the magic. The result? Success on all counts (and I even picked up a few surprises at the bustling outside market at Piazza delle Erbe). One of the many highlights was finding Bottega del Vini (Vicolo Scudo di Francia, 3, Verona) after glancing down a small pedestrian street off one o ..read more

One of the many highlights of living in Paso Robles wine country is exploring wineries that offer culinary experiences. And when a winery shines the spotlight on its regenerative farming practices for its seasonal menus, it’s hard not to make that spot part of my regular playlist. Just recently, I had an invitation from Halter Ranch to check out the menu at Restaurant Alice and taste for myself what the buzz is all about. The experience was so impressive, I returned with out-of-town guests a few weeks later! Halter Ranch is a 2700-acre organic estate “dedicated to land, art, and legendary ter ..read more

Several weeks ago, I had the privilege to sit down with Raghni Naidu, founder of Naidu Wines in Sonoma County. Born and raised in the state of Punjab in India, Raghni immigrated to the San Francisco Bay area in 2006. Naidu Wines was “fueled by Raghni’s zeal and is inspired by the farm-to-table lifestyle she experienced over the years.” Her family had a “kitchen garden” and her mother was an excellent cook. Having traveled extensively, Raghni explained that “on one family road trip from Monte Carlo to Barcelona, via Les Baux-de-Provence, France, the cuisine informed her palate and her worldview ..read more

Among the many qualities of a successful person are intelligence, drive and limitless energy. Not too long ago, I had the honor of sitting down and chatting with one of those high achievers who exudes those characteristics: Raghni Naidu, founder of Naidu Wines in Sonoma County. Within three years of her first vintage, Naidu wines are on the wine lists of premium restaurants in the country and the James Beard Foundation chose only her wines to be served during their dinners in Chicago and New York City earlier this year. Impressive? Absolutely. And there’s more… Photo Credit: Naidu Winery Rag ..read more

‘Tis the season to dig out the punch bowl or your favorite vintage pitcher and mix a generous batch of Sparkling White Sangria. Why? This cool, refreshing drink is not only beautiful to gaze upon (colors everywhere!), but it’s a brilliant crowd pleaser on any warm afternoon while relaxing outside. With a bevy of fresh fruit, orange juice, white wine on the sweeter side and a dry sparkling wine chilled to perfection, Sangria offers bright acidity, citrus notes, and a hint of sweet on the palate. And what’s not to love about the bubbles? This easy to make beverage is a worthy complement to a ra ..read more

After visiting Piemonte a few years ago and understanding more about the Moscato Bianco grape and its varied styles, it was a pleasure to learn about a unique project at Cadgal, tucked in the breathtaking hills of Monferrato and the Langhe. The priority at the winery is to “redefine the identity boundaries of Moscato d’Asti” by emphasizing its complexity and uncanny ability to age. The location offers wines from Cadgal a distinct profile that is already causing a buzz in Piemonte and the international wine scene. To discover more about the new endeavor, I attended a virtual tasting with a han ..read more