Getting back to Basics. How to Taste Wine
Ever wondered how people come up with tasting notes on the back of a wine bottle? It’s not nonsense but rather a combination of science and art – something we can all learn with a little basic wine 101.
Author: Elaine Schoch
Elaine Schoch is an award-winning travel writer, wine judge, American Wine Specialist and certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET II). At Carpe Travel she shares wine travel destination guides for ALL WINE LOVERS – from novices to experienced pros – to help them plan their wine adventures, arming them with insider tips, must-visit spots, and things to see and do beyond the vines.
Wine Corks vs Screw Caps: Pros and Cons
Corks and screw caps have similar functions – to seal a wine bottle and keep the wine from going bad. But the debate over which is superior is still ongoing.
What makes a good wine festival?
There are a variety of different types of wine festivals, each offering different tasting and learning experiences. What to look.
9 Ways to Become a Sustainable Wine Lover
By thoughtfully selecting your choices in wine, you can reduce your “wine footprint”. Here are easy ways to become a sustainable wine lover.
Dusting off the Bottle. US Wineries with Deep Roots
My dad and grandfather were both history professors. When I was growing up, if I asked a simple history question I would get a dissertation. Because, as I was told, “you need to know the context to fully understand”. As annoying as it was, I find myself doing the same thing with my kids, and…
Wine Regions to Visit this Year
There is no better way to experience a wine region than – you guessed it – by traveling there. With 2025 still getting underway there is time to plan your next wine vacation. Selecting a wine country destination marks the start of your journey – a gateway to immersing yourself in local culture, breathtaking landscapes,…
The Ultimate Girl Scout Cookie Wine Pairing Guide
We all love Girl Scout Cookie season, make it even better with these Girl Scout Cookie wine pairings!
From A to Z: Top Wine Festivals in Every State Not to Miss
Calling all wine lovers! There are (food and) wine festivals in every one of the 50 states in the U.S., and we’ve pulled the MUST sip events for you.
Historic American Wineries Every Wine Lover Should Visit
Discover the oldest wineries in America with Carpe Travel’s guide to the Historic American Wineries Every Wine Lover Should Visit.
The Ultimate Gift Guide for Wine Lovers
It’s time to think outside the bottle and give the wine lover in your life a unique gift they’ll savor this holiday.
Tips for Wine Gift Giving
Helpful guidelines and faux pas to avoid when giving wine as a gift this holiday season…and in general. Wine gift do’s and don’ts.
How to Pair Wine with Pie
Pie and wine = the perfect pairing no matter the time of year. If you’re going to slice it up, do it with the these pie and wine pairings.
‘Tis the Season – Wines for Thanksgiving
Take the stress out of Thanksgiving wine pairings with our recommendations on wines that complement everything on your table.
Urban Wineries in Denver Totally Worth Sipping
Urban wineries are popping up all over and Denver is no exception. Our editor has rounded up the best urban wineries in Denver to sip.
The Ultimate Halloween Candy Wine Pairing Guide
13 popular Halloween candies perfectly paired with wine all designed to scare and delight you.
Uncorking the truth about sulfites in wine
Let’s pour into the truth about sulfites in wine – what they are, why they matter, which wines have more, and if you should really care.
Wine for Beer Drinkers…or beers for wine lovers
If you’re a beer lover interested in exploring the world of wine, or a wine lover who doesn’t want to be overwhelmed with choices the next time they walk into a brewery, it’s time to explore this guide of wine for beer drinkers…or beer for wine lovers. Last month I was at a large dinner…
How To Open Wine Without A Corkscrew
No corkscrew? No problem. Using a screwdriver, hammer or even a lighter can work. Here are 6 tips on how to open wine without a corkscrew.
How do you pronounce Willamette Valley?
What’s the correct pronunciation for Willamette Valley? We beg all you wine lovers out there to know how to pronounce Willamette Valley correctly.
Summer Wines, Indulge in the Delight of Summer’s Whites
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are perfect summer wines, our editor shares other summer sippers that offer depth and value.
What is an AVA & Why Should you Care?
What’s the big deal about AVAs in the United States? More than you might think for both the wine sippers and wine producers.
Elevate your BBQ with the perfect wine pairings
The best way to learn what BBQ wine pairings work for your palate is to experiment. Our editor has some fun summer BBQ wine experimentation for you try.
Pink, the third color of Wine
What is Rosé Wine? Carpe Travel’s top picks and everything else you need to know about the pink drink.
Why are there so many different types of wine glasses?!?
It’s hard not to wonder why it matters and what the purpose is for all the different types of wine glasses. But there is a reason for all shapes and sizes. Let me explain.
Seriously FUN Things to do in Telluride in Summer
Most people know Telluride, Colorado for its world-class skiing. After all, there are 1,700 acres of powder that entice visitors every winter. That, coupled with the fact that Telluride sees the sun for 300 days, and gets 300+ inches of snow, make it a skier’s paradise. However, there are so many seriously fun things to…
Five Common New Orleans Scams to Avoid
The hustles are really a part of the charm of New Orleans unless you’re the one who gets charmed out money. Here are a few New Orleans scams to avoid.
The Judgment of Paris: The Wine Tasting That Changed the World of Wine
On May 24,1976 the world of wine making changed forever! Discover what happened during the Judgment of Paris, a notable moment in wine history, from the wine lovers at Carpe Travel.
Answers to Your 15 Most Burning Wine Questions
Carpe Travel has rounded up the answers to 15 frequently asked questions revolving around one of Earth’s most beloved liquids.
From Tijuana to Temecula: Interview with a winemaker, Javier Flores of South Coast Winery
Carpe Travel sits down with Javier Flores, winemaker at South Coast Winery to sip his American dream story filled with hard work and good wine.
The Enemies of Wine & How to Beat Them
These wine storage tips are flexible and accommodate what’s best for your budget, space and general needs for storing wine at home.
Interview With A Winemaker: Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery
From surfer, turned chef, turned winemaker Nick Palumbo, has been shaping Temecula for 20+ years. His story and wines are one to sip in.
The most underrated, free hotel service you’re not using
A hotel concierge is a free service you can leverage to level up your vacay. What is a concierge, how can they help and why/how to use them.
Three Days in Porto
Traveling to Porto to explore its history, wine and all it offers? We have the perfect 3 day Porto wine tasting itinerary and map to help.
The Merriest Guide to Christmas Cookie Wine Pairings
Finding the merriest Christmas cookie wine pairing. Here are some tips to guide you with your holiday pairing this season.
You Can Go Wine Tasting with Kids…With a Little Planning
Wine tasting with kids is totally do-able, with a little planning. These tips to help create a beautiful pairing when wine tasting with kids.
Exploring Calistoga in Napa Valley
Calistoga, Napa Valley’s northernmost town is an adventure in itself. Your complete itinerary – where to sip, stay and things to do (hot springs!).
Wine Facts Every Wine Lover Should Know About Napa Valley
20 Napa Valley Fast Facts: What every wine lover must know about Napa Valley.
What’s the deal with the gold wire netting on wine bottles?
Why do some wine bottles from Rioja have gold netting? The short answer, it was a pre-tech way to try to protect wine from counterfeiting.
ITINERARIES | Rioja | Spain
Sipping in Rioja and the Haro Railway Station District
Guide to visiting the Haro Railway Station District in Rioja – perfect for exploring regional wines in one collective environment.
Books and movies about Spain to check out before visiting
These books and movies about Spain will get you in the mood for your travels and Spanish day dreams…while educating you on its history.
Signature Wine Experiences in Temecula
Looking for unique ways to pour into Temecula wine country, our editor has tested – and shared – a few signature wine experiences to sip in.
Raise a Glass to Michigan Wines & Those Shaping the Industry
Carpe Travel discusses all things Michigan wine with Taylor Simpson, co-owner of Good Harbor Vineyards and Aurora Cellars in Northern Michigan.
Beyond the Vines: Things to do in the Champlain Valley of NY
Visiting Champlain Valley of New York, home to Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks? There’s a lot to do in this upstate New York wine region.
Dan Faber, Rolling Hills Estate Winery
Carpe Travel sits down with Dan Faber, head winemaker at Rolling Hills Estate Winery to sip in his story and explore Champlain Valley of NY.
Uncorking a Total Wine Immersion Experience in Upstate New York
Rolling Hills Estate Winery is helping to shape the Champlain Valley of New York AVA and wine experiences in this budding wine region.
What are French-American hybrid Wines?
A beginners guide to understanding French-American hybrid grapes, the wines produced and why they matter in today’s world of climate change.
Wine Holidays 2023: The Complete List of International Wine Days
I might be the worst wine writer out there since I rarely acknowledge wine holidays. Yes, there is a day each month dedicated to celebrating a different wine and its grape. For me, every day is a celebration of wine. 😜 Buuuuut, since I’ve been asked to start showcasing different wines on their designated holiday…
Beyond the Vines: Things to do in Monterey County
The is a lot to uncork in Monterey County wine country! Here are some seriously fun things to do in Monterey County that go beyond sipping wine.
California Wine Festivals are Back! Sip these in…
Wine festivals in California are back! Here are some of the top California wine festivals not to miss this year.
Sip and Stay: Winery Hotels in the United States
Staying on a working vineyard at a winery hotel is a great way to immerse yourself in wine country. Winery hotels in the US for your wine vacation.