Next month, the French Winophiles will be writing about the Languedoc (a.k.a. Languedoc Roussillion) region. Nestled in the sun-kissed embrace of southern France, with the Pyrenees framing its southern border and Spain just beyond, lies the archetypal Mediterranean wine country of Languedoc. Vineyards in Languedoc-Roussillon | © Richard Semik / shutterstock.com An Overview of the Languedoc Stretching from the rugged coastline of the Mediterranean Sea to the dramatic peaks of the Pyrenees mountains, it is one of the largest wine regions in the world. It boasts a breathtaking mosaic of vineyards ..read more

This month, the World Wine Travel (#WorldWineTravel) writers are exploring the world of hybrid grapes and the wines crafted from them. I recently had the pleasure of attending the Grapes of Inclusion event hosted by the Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) at CIA at Copia in Napa. The event featured 20+ Black-owned brands from across America. It was a delightful experience to meet Marreya Bailey of Mad Marvlus at the event, and I must say, her delightful wines and ciders were truly among the many stand outs of the event for me (and easily, the best I’ve had from hybrid grapes so far ..read more

I recently had the pleasure of exploring Portugal’s captivating Alentejo region as a guest of the CVRA, Alentejo’s Regional Winegrowing Commission. Join me as I share my daily adventures in a series of blog posts. I hope you’ll enjoy the journey! On the third day of our press trip, we had the delightful opportunity to explore three charming boutique producers nestled within the picturesque small villages of Vila Alva (pop. ~500) and Vila de Frades (pop. ~900) In small villages like these and other nearby villages, the tradition of crafting traditional talha wines has been woven into the cult ..read more

I’ve had the privilege of visiting Italy twice, with my most recent trip in the fall of 2022 for the Wine Media Conference held in Lake Garda. One of the highlights of the conference was uncovering the remarkable diversity of wine regions in northern Italy that are conveniently located near Lake Garda. I was already acquainted with the wines from several regions, including the three highlighted in this post – Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, and Piedmonte/Langhe. However, there were numerous others I eager to visit in the future, such as Oltrepò Pavese, Franciacorta, and Valtenesi, among others. Source ..read more

Nestled among the picturesque vineyards of Mendocino County lies a hidden gem that embodies the essence of artisanal organic winemaking: Ettore Wine. About Ettore Wines The story of Ettore Wines is one of dedication, innovation, and a deep connection to the land. Founded by winemaker Ettore Biraghi, the winery is a testament to his relentless pursuit to craft fresh, aromatic organic wines. Though he was born in Italy, he initiated his career in wine in 2005 as an agronomist with a winegrower in the Ticino Canton of Mendrisiotto, Switzerland—just across the Alps from Lugano, Italy. In 2008, he ..read more

On the second day of our Alentejo media tour, we kicked off with a delightful São Martinho celebration and potluck at Adega Natus Vini, graciously hosted by winemaker Hamilton Reis. The day concluded with our participation in World Amphora Day at Herdade Rocim. São Martinho Day Wine has been made in talhas (clay pots) in Alentejo’s for at least 2,000 years! The classic process is exquisitely uncomplicated. Foot-trodden grapes are dumped into talhas, ferment spontaneously with ambient yeast, protected by C02. It involves minimal intervention, with the winemaker gently breaking the cap daily to ..read more

Alentejo has long been associated with fruity, full-bodied red wines, but Fitapreta’s wines embody “a different Alentejo, Sandra Sárria; Co-owner/Winemaker – Heredade Fitapreta Vinhos Following an extensive transcontinental flight from San Francisco to Lisbon, followed by a scenic van journey through Alentejo’s undulating landscapes adorned with cork and olive trees, we reached Évora, the enchanting capital of the Alentejo region, in the late afternoon. After a brief respite, the initial day of our media adventure unfolded as a vibrant mosaic, blending cultural richness with delights for wine ..read more

This month, the #WorldWineTravel writers are embracing the holiday spirit and embarking on a journey to explore the effervescent wonders of sparkling wines from South America. Our host is Camilla of Culinary Cam. I love popping bubbles year round because opening bottle of sparkling wine feels like a celebration to me. After all, why not revel in both the grand and the modest pleasures of life? As the holiday season unfolds, the inherently festive and celebratory nature of sparkling wines imparts an additional layer of joy to gatherings, making every occasion a little more magical! In My Glass ..read more

For years, I’ve held a profound appreciation for the wines of Alentejo whose wines have consistently captivated my palate. Last month, I had the opportunity to transform my virtual explorations of Alentejo wine into reality during a week long press trip. It was immersive experience that included captivating winery visits and tastings, indulgence in the delectable Alentejano cuisine, a cultural tour that unfolded the region’s heritage, and an enlightening educational seminar. About Alentejo Alentejo (ah-len-TAY-zhoo)  is situated in the southern half of Portugal, bordered by the Tejo ..read more

This month, our Wine Pairing Weekend group, comprised of food and wine bloggers, is delving into the effervescent world of American sparkling wines. Timely and fittingly themed, our exploration aligns perfectly with the season’s spirit of celebration! In My Glass “Our simple yet unique premise is to make California sparkling wines based on an individual vineyard in an individual year. Inspired in part by the grower Champagne movement, we aim to prove that California can produce unique, delicious and terroir-driven sparkling wine.” – Under The Wire website Co-founded by friends Chris Cottrell a ..read more