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.
Author: Elaine Schoch
Hi, I’m Elaine Schoch. I’m an award-winning travel writer, wine judge and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) certified. At Carpe Travel my goal is to help guide ALL WINE LOVERS – from novices to experienced pros – on their wine adventures. To arm you with insider tips, must-visit spots, and things to see and do beyond the vines.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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. Carpe Travel has the ultimate gift guide for wine lovers with a variety of items ranging in price to fit everyone’s tastes.
‘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.
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.
Pairing National Parks with Wine Country
For you road tripping wine loving travelers here are nine US National Parks that border (or are close to) wine regions within the US.
Elevated Wine Tastings: Wineries with Food in Napa Valley & Sonoma
Wineries with food aren’t new but we’ve found several in Napa Valley and Sonoma offering gourmet culinary pairing experiences are next level tastings.
The Wine+Food+Art+Music Experience is Here!
Food and wine pairings aren’t new but what about pairing food and wine WITH art and music for a complete multi-sensory immersion experience? (Did I just blow your brain?!?!)
Carpe Travel Releases Comprehensive Collection of Wine Travel Guides for US Wine Regions
Carpe Travel, an online resource dedicated to wine travel, has created wine travel guides for more than 30 United State’s wine regions, making it easier than ever to plan a wine vacation.
How Do You Say Vineyard in German? A Guide to Pairing Castles & Riesling
Germany is famous for Riesling wine. Our editors have paired a few German castles and nearby wineries to get you on your way.
Things to do in Napa Valley…That Have Nothing to do with Wine
Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Napa Valley that are both outside – socially distanced – and have nothing to do with wine.
Visiting Santorini
Whether you’re traveling for a taste of the luxury lifestyle, or are simply looking to experience this truly unique place, Santorini is a must-visit for any travel enthusiast.
You can now book a vineyard stay on Airbnb
With a few clicks you can sort through 120,000 vineyard stays around the world. Talk about expanding your palate!
Sipping in Russian River Valley, Redwoods and the Coastal Loop
Hiking though ancient Redwoods, kayaking the Russian River, sipping in the Pacific ocean and wine tasting. Uncork it all on Sonoma’s West County Loop.
Wine with Lobster: The Best Wine Pairings
Love lobster? Love wine? A lobster wine pairing is a match made in culinary heaven. But what wine to pair? We’ve got you covered.
Destination Hermann, Missouri: Where to Sip & Stay
Wine country is everywhere, including Missouri – an easy and budget friendly sip trip. Where to stay and wineries in Hermann to sip in.
Uncorking Highway 1
There’s so much to uncork along Highway 1, much of it isn’t even in a bottle… Here are 25 seriously fun road trip ideas along Highway 1 to discover.
WINE 101: What is dry wine?
A short guide to understanding what dry wine is and sipping recommendations.
Best Wine Apps For Your GRAPE Escape
There are so many lists of the best wine apps out there, but not many include wine apps that are actually helpful when you’re visiting wine country. Voila!
Wine 101: How to Store Wine at Home
These wine storage tips are flexible and accommodate what’s best for your budget, space and general needs for storing wine at home.
California | Featured | Sonoma
Sipping Wine at a Castle…in Sonoma
Who said you had to go to Europe to wine taste at a castle? Bring out your inner royal at these six wine castles in Sonoma.
Dessert Wine Pairings 101
Our tips and recommendations for how to have your wine and dessert pairings take the cake…
9 of the Best Wine Destinations in US – Not in California
California wine is great, but there are many amazing US wine regions that go unnoticed. Here are 9 top wine destination in the US – not in California.
Why Virginia is for Wine & History Lovers…
Connoisseur, novice or just someone who likes to sip wine, here are a variety of fun facts about Virginia wine country to sip in.
Award-Winning Colorado Wines to Uncork NOW
The diversity of wine styles and grapes in the 2021 Governor’s Cup Collection, 14 award-winning Colorado wines, featured lesser known wines – Teroldego, Cinsault, St. Vincent, Lemberger.
Understanding National Prohibition in the United States and Its Impacts
It’s a good time to give you wine lovers a little refresher on your American history regarding what was National Prohibition, how it got started, why it happened and the outcome.
Best 8 Palisade Wineries to Sip In
In the heart of the Grand Valley is Colorado wine country and 30+ wineries. Our wineos have uncorked the best 8 wineries in Palisade to sip in.
Wine 101: What is Vin Santo
Love Vin Santo – the sweet Italian dessert wine and want to learn more about it? In Carpe Travel’s Wine 101 we go into what is Van Santo and recommendations for your next sipping adventure.
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.
How to Drink Wine at the Beach (or Park)
Carpe Travel’s editor offers personally tested tips on how to drink wine at the beach, park and camping for your summer sipping.
Exploring Cape May Wineries
With one AVA and seven wineries, Cape May is the perfect East Coast destination for wine lovers. More on Cape May wineries and things to do.
Why Not Wine a Bit in Virginia Beach
We are always looking to tie in a little wine tasting with any trip – even those beach vacations – here are few wineries in Virginia Beach to sip in.
Colorado Wine Festivals To Sip In
Who doesn’t love a good wine festival? Colorado is home to two wine regions, 100+ wineries and several wine festivals. Here are the best ones to sip in.
Wine Tasting in Miami…and other things to do
As part of our Florida Wine Travel Guide we’ve listed some of the top places in Miami for wine tasting and a few other favorite things to do in Miami.
Missouri Wine Festivals Not to Miss
If you’re in Missouri, you need to make sure to check out these wine festivals and events! They are totally sip worthy.
Uncorking the Well Aged History of Arizona Wine
Who knew Arizona had such a ripe and well aged history when it comes with making wine. Pour in and sip it well!
Seriously Fun Things to do in Dallas, TX
There is no shortage of things to do in Dallas…be it if you’re a local trying to explore more of your city or if you’re a first-time visitor.