Tannat and South American Wine This was a great find. If you’ve never heard of tannat wine, you are not alone. Prior to traveling to Uruguay, we had never heard of tannat wine, and we drink a lot of wine and have traveled a lot. We have also traveled a lot around South America and still didn’t know it! So bear with me while I explain the story. If you know anything about South American wine, Argentina is known for … Read More
Let’s be honest, any day spent wine tasting is pretty wonderful! But add the blue skies and the crisp, fresh air of a wonderful winter’s day, a fantastic guide, and one of Australia’s premier wine regions – and you have the perfect way to spend a winter’s day – wine tasting in the Barossa Valley! With their fires roaring at each winery we visit, we definitely receive a warm welcome! Well known for its wine regions, South Australia is blessed … Read More
Craft distilling is all the rage these days, creating small batch high quality spirits from fresh, often local ingredients. This is a return to the way spirits used to be made before mass production. So while I enjoy finding a new venture returning to the traditional ways, I also really enjoy when we find a place that still makes spirits in the traditional way, as it has all along. The traditional distilling of citron liqueur on Naxos has been going … Read More
One of the great pleasures about travel is you just never know when you are going to stumble over “the next great discovery” in your life. This country in South America has a touch of mysticism about it and indeed delivered for me at least two of those great discoveries, including this great cocktail, Pisco Sour. Welcome to Peru. Home to Machu Picchu, which left me deeply touched as to its significance and the sheer, spiritual power surrounding it, but … Read More
Wine and cheese are a fantastic combination. Good for an appetizer, an alternative to dessert, as part of a grazing platter or an excellent addition to a dinner party. How do you make a gourmet cheese platter? Are there any guidelines? What about wines? What goes with what? A good combination of cheese and wine can delight all of the senses. Australia produces some excellent wines and cheeses. Victoria, the state in which Melbourne is located, is the heart of … Read More
Italian Wine, Grappa and Tiramisu: Unwinding in Veneto After a long day of sightseeing, it’s time to unwind, Italian style. Here are three classic Italian ways to unwind: Italian Wine, Grappa and Tiramisu. Starting at about 5:30 or 6 pm, most Italians can be found at their local, or a friend’s house, for an aperitivo. In Veneto, home to many fine food and drink products, an aperitivo or accompaniment to dinner usually consists of one of the following drinks, all … Read More