Hi, I’m Elaine Schoch (pronounced the German way – Shock). I’m an award-winning travel writer, wine judge, certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 and certified American Wine Expert. I’m also married to The Husband and have two kids, Princess One and Two – who’s interest and knowledge in wine is quite extensive. Not to mention the stamps in their passports.
I started Carpe Travel as a place to share our family travel adventures – many moons ago! As my kids have gotten older, and wanting less to be “shared online” Carpe Travel has morphed. Pairing my passions of wine and travel, Carpe Travel has become a travel resource for wine lovers. Since I’m regularly traveling with my Princesses, I still do share tips and resources for things to do beyond the vines.
With every 50 states in the United States producing wine, combining a vacation with a visit to wine country has never been easier. (Even with kids!)
I’m personally fascinated with the American wine industry – even those beyond California. I plan to visit wine regions in EACH of the 50 United States. Along the way, I’ll be making a lot of stops, usually with the Princesses.
When Prohibition killed wine making in the United States in the 1920’s, it killed an industry that was booming in places such as Missouri, Tennessee, New York, Idaho and Texas. These are not places one typically thinks about as producing good, quality wine. Today, every state in the country produces wine – even Alaska! When you think about it, we’re still in the infancy of American wine – it’s the perfect time to get out to explore and watch it grow.
It’s soooo easy to combine any vacation into a wine country visit, and so that’s what I do.
