Happy Independence Day! Let's raise a glass to celebrate our great nation and all those who make our freedom possible.
No celebration is complete without sparkling wines - but for the 4th of July, not just any bubbles will do. This special holiday calls for sparkling wines made in the U.S. Whether served as an aperitif or alongside pulled pork, fried chicken, grilled fish or even burgers, American sparkling wines are the ultimate pairing for your holiday festivities.
Different states all over the country produce delicious, high quality sparkling wines. Some may even rival fine Champagne. A few states really stand out for their bubbly production, especially those making their wines using the Méthode Champenoise, the traditional process developed in Champagne, France. This method is meticulous and expensive, but the final product is a fine sparkling wine with finesse that cannot be rivaled by other methods. Here is a list to seek out this weekend and beyond:
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Love food and wine? What about art, history and UNESCO World Heritage Sites? The incredible region of Bordeaux, France offers all of the above and much more. Here are 10 reasons that Bordeaux is the ultimate food and wine lover’s retreat.
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I am a huge fan of the book The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner. You may be familiar with this National Geographic journalist and author who studied the lives of centenarians around the globe. Dan identified common habits and traits among societies with the highest longevity, aka "The Blue Zones." As it turns out, red wine may play an important role.
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Now more than ever, people are eager to reunite and spend quality time together. The desire for travel is palpable, with reservations skyrocketing. Take advantage of this momentum and plan a group trip!
There are so many benefits to small group travel, from financial incentives to long-lasting relationships. Gather a small group of friends, family, clients or co-workers, or join one of our existing groups.
Group travel has been extremely popular with wine clubs, golf clubs, family reunions or even just friends and neighbors. The group leader has the chance to earn free travel and other discounts and perks for the whole group. Trips also can be organized as a fundraiser for your favorite charity!
One of the major benefits to traveling with a group is that the planning is all done for you! All the details are handled by your travel professional, and the best professionals will provide you with a marketing plan and content for promotion. Cuvée has its own database of food and wine enthusiasts that can be included in promotions if you would like.
In our current climate, many guests are preferring to travel in small groups where they have the comfort and support of each other and also have private experiences to avoid large crowds.
Read on for more benefits of traveling with a group:
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One of the most fascinating aspects of wine is the history and tradition behind the label. This is especially true in the Rhône Valley of France, home to the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. With multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites and thousands of years of civilization, the Rhône Valley is home to incredible historic sites including Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the “Pope’s New Castle.”
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Thinking of planning a trip to wine country? We’ve got you covered. After years of helping wine enthusiasts create their ultimate getaways, we have compiled a list of tips that are critical to planning a successful trip.
A wine tasting vacation has unique challenges; don’t waste time and money by failing to plan properly. Here are our top tips you can’t miss:
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The perfect food and wine pairing can be magical. When all the components of a meal complement the characteristics of the wine, your dining experience is elevated to another level.
But when the pairings go wrong, it can absolutely ruin a perfectly delicious meal. Here are 6 mistakes to avoid when pairing wine with food:
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There are countless reasons to visit Italy: its ancient ruins, world class architecture, astounding art and stunning scenery make Italy one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. Despite all of its cultural riches, the heart and soul of Italy lies in its food.
Any meal in Italy can be sublime, even with just a few simple ingredients. So what is the secret?
Roll up your sleeves and go behind the scenes to learn the traditions and techniques behind Italy’s most incredible dishes. Take your love of Italian food to the next level and truly immerse yourself in local culture.
Here are six delicious food experiences you can't miss in Italy.
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Some of the world’s most famous wine regions double up as great cycling travel destinations, allowing you to combine two of your favorite activities into one trip. From steeply terraced vineyards to gentle rolling hills, wine regions offer a diverse – and stunning – backdrop for exploring on two wheels.
Immerse yourself in wide open vistas, explore charming villages and discover hidden castles. From lush forests to historic abbeys, adventure lies around every corner. Go at your own pace – enjoy a leisurely jaunt on an e-bike or take it up a notch for an invigorating ride. No matter your preference, there are options for all skill and interest levels.
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Portugal is larger than life. Separated from Spain by mountain ranges at the very edge of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal has it all. The cool Atlantic breeze freshens the country's coastal vineyards, while a traditional Mediterranean climate lies further inland.
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River cruises have exploded in popularity and it is easy to see why. These small, luxurious vessels offer a unique experience unmatched by any other mode of travel.
So what does that have to do with wine country? As it turns out, many world class vineyards are located along rivers. This makes sense when you consider trade routes were historically near bodies of water, allowing for the shipment of wine casks throughout the old world. But rivers also play an important role for the vineyards by moderating severe climates. In the harsh German winters for example, the Mosel River warms the surrounding area to mitigate damage from cold and frost. The heat from the sun's rays reflecting on the river also helps the grapes to ripen, which can be a challenge in cold climates.
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Truffles are one of the most expensive foods in the world. Gourmands around the world clamor for these rare fungi to enhance their dishes and elevate a meal. Their distinct, musky aroma envelopes your senses unlike any other food. Whether enjoying white truffle atop your risotto or black truffle in your omelette, these delicacies have the power to transform your food from a meal to a full sensory experience.
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Each December, villages across Europe come alive with their Christmas markets. In the squares of iconic cities such as Vienna, Copenhagen and Prague, residents and visitors alike gather to celebrate the traditions of the festive season.
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Become a shepherd for a day - milk sheep, make cheese and learn about traditional life in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains.
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Love it or hate it, Beaujolais Nouveau is arriving in wine shops and grocery stores on Thursday, November 19th. What started as a local French tradition has become what some call a global rite of autumn – the first taste of the new wine harvest. Others call it a marketing ploy for suckers. Ouch.
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Did you know that today is international Champagne Day? People all over the world will be popping corks to honor this special wine. No matter what is going on in our lives, there is ALWAYS something to be grateful for and to celebrate. Want to join in the fun? Here are 6 ways to enjoy Champagne Day:
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Want to travel to France and sample some Burgundy and funky cheese? How about a trip down the picturesque Danube River? International travel may be on hold for now, but that doesn't mean you cannot experience the sights and flavors of your favorite countries right in your own home - with virtual events.
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Fall is the best time of year to travel. The crisp air and vibrant hues beckon us to get out and explore. From apple picking to horseback riding to sipping wine in the vineyard, there are endless ways to enjoy Mother Nature in her full glory. Autumn also kicks off comfort food season, where we indulge in all the flavors of the new harvest. Exploring the diverse landscape and local cuisine of our country is the ultimate way to experience the season.
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The pandemic has left many of us isolated, bored and craving a change of scenery. The disappointment of canceling summer vacations and postponing celebrations has sparked a desire for adventure and quality time with loved ones. But how can you do so safely? Consider joining a “travel pod!”
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Think you know Prosecco? A staple at brunch buffets, Prosecco makes a great partner for orange juice in mimosas. It plays a supporting role in cool cocktails designed by mixologists worldwide and is a great way to kick off a big party. After all, Prosecco is just a simple, cheap bubbly right? Think again.
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