The secret is out! Idaho is the next must sip wine country
Idaho's growth in the world of fine wines is booming, making it a must visit wine destination in the United States. Here's a short guide and things to see, where to stay and sip as well as things to...
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Wine Tasting in Philly: Bucks County Wine Trail
A Guide to Bucks County Wine Trail in Pennsylvania Thirty-five miles north of downtown Philadelphia sits the Bucks County Wine Trail, made up of eight Pennsylvania wineries. The wineries themselves are within a few miles of one another, making it...
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10 Best U.S. Cities for Wine Lovers
By Kay Harrison Wine is produced in all 50 of the United States, so you are probably sitting near a vineyard right now. If not, use this guide on the best wine getaways to plan a wine-flavored romantic vacation...
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For the Love of Wine…
When the winemakers fell head-over heels in love…with wine. Over the past few years I have had the privilege to interview several amazing winemakers for Carpe Travel’s Interview with a Winemaker’s series. I’ve shared most of these interviews already...
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The MUST Visit Wineries in Santa Cruz
By Tom Masters, Contributing Writer Santa Cruz is well-known for being the “birthplace” of surfing and hosting more than 20 luxurious miles of sandy shoreline where surfers gather to hit the waves. You may be surprised to hear that...
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Interview with a Winemaker: Earl Sullivan, Telaya Wine
From Climbing the Corporate Ladder to Planting Cabernet Last month I had the chance to spend a few days exploring the Snake River Valley AVA with the Idaho Wine Commission. My private Idaho wine tour opened my eyes to...
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Idaho…the new frontier for wine?!?!
“Idaho…the new frontier of wine growing?!?!” That’s exactly what I said, after I did a quick Google search to make sure there were in fact wineries in Idaho. I mean, really isn’t Idaho all about meat and potatos? Apparently...
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5 Award-Winning Wineries in Washington to Sip Your Way Through
Happy Wine Wednesday! Have you visited wineries in Washington? I have yet to get to any but guest blogger Caroline Davis has and she’s shared a list of five award winning Washington wineries to visit. Have you been to...
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It is all about balance, balance, balance…
Interview with a winemaker…Jessica Munnell, Mercer Estates Of course it’s about the balance, we’re talking wine with Jessica Munnell, the winemaker at Mercer Estates in Washington. I have yet to spend time exploring the Washington wine region – outside...
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Interview with a Winemaker: Leo Hansen, Stuhlmuller Vineyards (and Leo Steen Wines)
The tale of a European sommelier turned California winemaker… I’m a huge fan of Cabernet Sauvignon, which Alexander Valley in Sonoma County is known for, yet I’ve never spent time sipping my way through the valley. On our last...
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Napa Valley and Sonoma County Wineries: What the Locals Recommend
The best winery recommendations from those who REALLY know – the locals. One of my favorite things to explore when I travel is wineries and what I’ve found is the locals tend to know the best wineries to visit....
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Check-in: The Craftsman Inn
A Charming Napa Valley Bed and Breakfast in Calistoga The Craftsman Inn is one of the top rated Calistoga bed and breakfast, and for good reason. This upscale bed and breakfast occupies a restored 1910 Craftsman house in downtown...
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Wine Facts Every Wine Lover Should Know About Napa Valley
15 Napa Valley Facts You Might Not Know I’ve spent a lot of time in Napa Valley exploring the different vineyards and wineries but it wasn’t until this last trip that I wanted to really dig into it. Literally,...
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Interview a Winemaker, Jeff Freeland at Oso Libre Winery in Paso Robles
Respect the fruit and great wine will follow… “Respect the fruit.” That’s one of the keys to great winemaking at Oso Libre Winery, according to Jeff Freeland, the winery’s winemaker. And, it shows. “Oso Libre” – Spanish for “Free...
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Interview with a Winemaker: Michelle Cleveland, Creekside Cellars
So many varietals, so little time! My first visit to the Colorado wine region aka Grand Junction and the Palisades is not one I will soon, if ever forget. Albeit, I wouldn’t mind if I did. It was on...
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Interview with a Winemaker, Jay Christianson with Canyon Wind Cellars
Interview with a Winemaker, Jay Christianson with Canyon Wind Cellars Earlier this summer I was invited to a small, private, wine tasting for writers here in Colorado. The gathering was specifically put together to preview wines that had won...
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Interview with a Winemaker: Janet Myers at Franciscan Estate
Do you have “go-to wines”, bottles of wine you know will pair well with nearly anything you’re serving? Wines you know will always be reliable? Wines you have simply come to trust and purchase each and every time you...
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Fabulous Florida Wineries to Visit
There are so many wine regions in the US outside of California that are often overlooked - including Florida wineries. Some must visit Florida wineries.
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Interview with a Winemaker: Paul V Bonarrigo, Messina Hof
Thirty years ago no one considered Texas to be a viable wine region, but like wine, time changes everything. Now with more than 300 wineries, Texas is the fifth largest producer of wine in the United States. It boasts...
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Interview with a Winemaker: Greg La Follette
In a rather surprised and unusual tone The Husband said, “Oh my God”. He had just opened a bottle of La Follette Pinot Noir 2012 and taken a sip. At that moment I wasn’t sure just how this review...
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Tips for Planning Bike and Wine Tours in Mendoza Argentina
I’ve visited several wine regions but there are still soooo many I want to try. Mendoza Argentina is one of my top five I still want to get to. My fellow travel writer and wine lover, Claudia Tavani has...
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Interview with a Winemaker: Theresa Heredia, Gary Farrell Winery
How does a chemistry teacher working on cancer-related peptide research at Cal Poly shift gears and become a winemaker? Just ask Theresa Heredia, the lead winemaker at Gary Farrell Winery in the Russian River Valley wine region. Theresa went...
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20 Drinks From Around the World
To know a country is to know its drink… Have you ever had a Pimm’s Cup or an ice cold Abita Amber in New Orleans? Perhaps a Pina Colada in Puerto Rico – where the drink originates – or...
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Interview with a Winemaker: Renée Ary, Duckhorn Vineyards
What do the intersection of science, art and winemaking have in common? In two words, Renée Ary, a chemistry and art graduate who became a winemaker. To be exact, the fourth winemaker in Duckhorn Vineyards long winemaking history. One of the first...
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Planning a wine tour in Italy? What the experts have to say on wine tasting in Italy.
Planning a wine tasting trip isn’t as easy as it may sound, especially if you’re planning one in a wine region you are unfamiliar with. I have learned this the hard way… When it comes to Napa Valley and...
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Putting Piedmont Wine in Perspective
I’ve been exploring the process of becoming a certified sommelier, not because I need it but because I LOVE learning about wine, the regions and different methods used to create such an important piece of so many cultures. Not...
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5 Tips on Shipping Wine Back from Overseas
A sudden rainstorm drove us into the small wine shop off the main road in Castellina in Chianti in Italy. The walls inside Enoteca Biologica were lined with colorful wine bottles from the floor to ceiling and the proprietor...
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Interview with a Winemaker: Ryan O’Connell, NakedWines
Have you heard the story about the family from the United States who moved to France, bought a vineyard and started making wine? And did I mention they didn’t have any winemaking experience? One might think that story ends...
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Finger Lakes Wineries
This week I’ve partnered with WearEverYouGo.com for a very special and fashionable Wine Wednesday. WearEverYouGo.com is a travel site dedicated to providing women with the inspiration and ideas to pack the perfect travel wardrobe. This week we’re talking WINE...
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Happy National Piña Colada Day!
Did you know today is National Piña Colada Day? When I visited San Juan, Puerto Rico my family stayed at the Caribe Hilton hotel. Upon doing my research I realized a bartender at THIS hotel was responsible for creating...
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20 Things to Know About Paso Robles
It’s Wine Wednesday! Time for a little wine trivia for you wine lovers – and those traveling to Paso Robles. The Paso Robles wine region is California’s third largest and fastest growing wine region and it’s becoming quite the...
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Niagara-on-the-Lake Wineries: A Visit to Peller Estates
Last year I spent a week in Toronto and was able to see a lot of things and taste some great Candaina Icewine BUT I didn’t have a chance to get out to any wineries. So, I’m very excited...
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Interview with a Winemaker: Scheid Vineyards
The smell of wine in the air and the blast of air-conditioning welcomed me into Scheid Vineyards tasting room. Along with what seemed like 50 people packed like sardines in the small room. Should we turn and leave or...
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The Wines of Summer: Three Rose Wines to Drink this Summer
Summer doesn’t actually begin until June 21, 2014 but for my family it begins this week with the kids getting out of school for THREE MONTHS. Did I mention, they would be home for three months… There will be...
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Interview with a Winemaker: Blair Vineyard
Have you ever been to Monterey? Done any Monterey wine tasting? Last month I had the luxury of doing both and discovered the delight that Monterey wine is. I also had the opportunity to meet several wine makers in...
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15 Things to know about Monterey, CA
Planning to visit Monterey, California soon? There’s a lot to see and do but having a little background on the area brings more color and context to this little California beach town. Before visiting the area this month I...
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Wine on a Plane: World’s Best In-Flight Wine Lists
Did you know airlines are judged on their inflight wine selections? I didn’t but I do love having wine on a plane. Not only are they “judged” on the wine selections but they’re given an award for their list...
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A Winemakers Tale: Adam Campbell, Elk Cove Vineyards
Welcome to this month’s edition of A Winemakers Tale where I feature interviews with winemakers from different wine regions around the world. Seeing as I’m still feeding (or rather sipping) my mild obsession with Oregon wine country I have...
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A Winemakers Tale: Alexandrine Roy, Winemaker for Phelps Creek Vineyards & Domaine Marc Roy
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are two of my favorite summer wines. This summer I discovered two new favorites from Phelps Creek Vineyards in the Oregon wine country. I recently had the privilege to interview its winemaker, Alexandrine Roy who brings a bit of old world to...
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Exploring Oregon Wine Country
Planning a trip to Oregon Wine Country? A starting guide for planning your visit filled with tips on where to go and what to see.
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Interview with a Winemaker, Austin Home of Hope Family Wines
A Spotlight on Wineries in Paso Robles With Austin Hope of Hope Family Wines Earlier this year I spent some time exploring several wineries in Paso Robles, where I discovered many new wines and totally fell for the region...
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Paso Robles Wine in Pictures
Ten years ago the Paso Robles wine region was home to only 35 wineries, that number has since grown to more than 200. As Matthew Liberty noted in a guest post for Carpe Travel, Paso Robles is not so...
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Being in the right place at the right time = an unforgettable day of Montalcino wine tasting at Caparzo
One of the more interesting parts of traveling and exploring a new area is getting lost. And that’s a pretty easy for me, especially in Italy. But while this little tale starts off with dead ends at every where,...
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Paso Robles Wineries, What’s All the Hype About?
As I started my research for an upcoming wine tasting trip to Paso Robles I discovered Matthew Liberty and his Paso Robles wine and food blog, HootnAnnieBlog. The site is filled with great insider tips for people who travel to...
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Guest Post: Things to do in Salt Lake City
Guest Post by travel addict and regular contributor, Shell R. Interested in guest blogging? Let us know. Salt Lake City for a week? Oh, the options are endless, really. Here are a few the things to do in Salt...
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Hiking and Wine Tasting in Barolo
By Valerie Quintanilla I wanted to hike in Lake Como, but Mother Nature had other plans. Luckily I had a day of hiking and wine tasting in Barolo Italy planned with Kerrie from Australia. We started the near the...
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Piedmont Wine Tours: Harvest Lunch in Barbaresco
By Valerie Quintanilla Tuesday morning started low key. I had no Piedmont wine tours planned so I thought I’d just hike it out a bit, write, read, and have a leisurely day in Neive. Returning from my morning walk...
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Wine Tours in Barolo Italy
By Valerie Quintanilla Saturday morning started bright and early with a quick breakfast at my B&B (they just kept bringing food – such is the theme here!) Then, I was off with Robert for a wine tour in Barolo...
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By Valerie Quintanilla If there is a heaven and we each get our own version, mine would mirror Piemonte. Calgone, take me away. In 2009 I had a business meeting with an Italian colleague visiting Denver for a project....
Read moreThings to do in Lake Como
Day two of my travel to Lake Como brought more rain. Ah well, it wasn’t pouring as it had in Milano or Bellagio (or my first 18 years in Vancouver, Wash.) I still had hiking on the brain and...
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