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Rolling hills, bright sunshine, and delicious wine - what more could you ask for?
A few weeks ago, I enjoyed a short visit to Paso Robles, a lovely wine region on the central coast of California. I soon realized that beyond its natural beauty, the friendliness of the people is one of Paso’s best features. And they also happen to make some great wine.
This weekend, people all over the world will be popping a cork to celebrate the new year. Toasting with a glass of bubbly to ring in the new year is a cherished tradition - one made even more special with rosé Champagne. There’s something truly magical about this pink fizzy wine, but reserving it just for celebratory toasts is not doing it justice. Rosé champagne needs to have a place on your table this holiday season and beyond. Aside from being festive and so darn pretty, rosé Champagne is incredibly versatile, pairing well with all sorts of foods.
A gastronomic tradition dating as far back as 1248, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs ("The Royal Guild of Goose Roasters") has come a long way from roasting geese!
An internationally renowned gastronomic society so prestigious it once had its own coat of arms, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is an invitation-only membership organization for individuals and institutions possessing world-class culinary acumen. Among some 24,000 members from 80 countries, I was honored to be inducted into La Chaîne in 2018 as a Professionnel du Vin.
Originating in Northern Spain and Southern France, the Basque people comprise one of the oldest ethnic groups in Europe, dating as far back as 5,000 years. Centuries ago they were seafarers and farmers, believed in fascinating mythology, and spoke a unique language called Euskara, mysteriously unrelated to any other languages of Europe. Today, Euskara is spoken by less than 1/3 of Basque people, yet much of their culture and traditions still thrive - especially their cherished culinary traditions.
With 20 official wine regions growing over 350 different grape varieties - most indigenous to the country - Italy's wine scene is staggering. Red, white, rose, still, sparkling, dry, sweet... With so many different wines being produced, how can you navigate the seemingly endless choice of Italian wines?
What do Machu Picchu, the Roman Colosseum and Easter Island all have in common? Each receives special recognition and protection as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When travelling to different destinations around the globe, these Sites are highlighted as important cultural and natural areas to visit - Sites so precious that significant resources are spent to preserve and protect their ongoing legacy.
It may surprise you to know that many wine regions around the globe are home to UNESCO-designated sites (just one of the reasons I say there is so much more to wine country than wine!).
But what, exactly, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? And which wine regions boast the most Sites?
...chocolates, macarons, brioches aux pralines, terrines, scallop mousse, andouille sausages, quenelles, charcuterie, sauces, truffles, sweets, cheeses and breads. Indulge in all of your French foodie fantasies and love of adventurous cuisine in Lyon, France.
France’s picturesque town of Strasbourg is considered the capital of the Alsace wine region, famous for its exquisite, highly aromatic white wines like Riesling and Gewurztraminer. It also is home to possibly the oldest wine in the world!
Resting in an old cellar underneath the Hospices de Strasbourg is a wine that has been around since before Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Deep in this cellar, originally built in the 1300s but recently renovated in 1994, is a barrel that is still filled with wine from 1472.
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:
Where will 2024 take you?
The world is bustling with incredible wine and food experiences, offering a tapestry of flavors, history, and traditions. My goal for the new year is to share these unique culinary adventures with you - inspiring you to explore the world through food and wine!
Here are some fabulous epicurean adventures to consider this year: