Hi Reader, I still remember one of my first “real” wine tastings. I awkwardly tried to swirl my glass (and almost wore it), mispronounced at least three grape names, and forced myself to finish every pour. Even the ones I didn’t actually like. 😅 If you’ve ever felt unsure at a tasting, this one’s for you. Here’s what to expect (and what’s totally normal). 🍷 What a Tasting Looks Like Most tastings are structured as a flight of 3–6 wines. Some let you choose the flight style (like all reds, or...
8 days ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader, As a New Englander, I’ve been to Québec plenty of times. But besides an unsanctioned high school road trip (sorry, Mom!), I never ventured much beyond the cities…until now. I just got back from exploring Southern Québec’s wine and food scene, and wow. 😍 Between the vineyards, cideries, spas, and overachieving restaurants, I found myself wondering why I didn’t visit this region sooner. It’s so close to the U.S., but it somehow feels like a European getaway (with more cheese curds)....
14 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, I can’t believe it’s already July! June flew by with back-to-back trips to Sonoma, Vermont, and Quebec. Honestly, it felt like I spent more time packing and unpacking than I did at home. It was a good reminder of what’s actually worth bringing...and what just takes up space. I definitely packed things I never wore (hello, heels). And forgot the one thing I really needed (still not over having to courier my passport to Vermont 😅). So I figured it’s the perfect time to share what I...
29 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Are you Team Red or Team White? What's your wine of choice? Team Red all the way. Team White 4-eva. I love both. Why choose? Me? I tend to drink more reds overall. But when the weather warms up, I find myself reaching for wines that are light, bright, and best served cold. And there are some regions that always remind me just how good white wine can be. Whether you’re planning a trip or just want to know where to find standout white wines, these five regions are full of refreshing...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Well, this is a first… I was interviewed on a podcast! 😅 I recently joined If Vines Could Talk, hosted by Steve Salisbury, to chat all things wine travel in Michigan. The episode just went live, and I’m equal parts excited and cringing at the sound of my own voice (anyone else relate? 😬). Steve’s a huge advocate for the region, and his connection runs deep. His family even planted some of the first vines in Southwest Michigan! We had a great conversation covering everything from...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I still remember one of my most stressful wine trips where I visited seven tasting rooms in a single day. By the third stop, I was rushing through pours, skipping the winery cat, and mentally calculating drive times instead of enjoying the wine. Lesson learned. 🤦♀️ A well-paced plan makes all the difference between a fun, relaxing trip and one that feels like a wine-themed marathon. 🏃♀️🍷 So, I wanted to share some of my go-to tips for planning a balanced wine tasting itinerary: ⭐...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, I’m getting excited for a couple trips coming up to California and Canada. But flipping through my notes and photos from Tuscany has me seriously craving Italian wine (and pasta, let’s be honest). 🍷🍝 One of my favorite stops was the hilltop town of Montepulciano. It has some of the most unique wine cellars I’ve ever visited. And it’s the birthplace of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. That’s the Sangiovese-based wine, not to be confused with Montepulciano the grape. The best part? It’s...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, If warmer days have you dreaming of a wine-filled escape, I'm right there with you. But not all wine regions are ideal for summer sipping. Head to popular spots and you’ll be elbowing your way to the tasting bar. And in warmer climes, your Chardonnay won’t be the only thing breaking a sweat. 😅 I like to stick to places where you can sip by the lake, cool off at the beach, or enjoy breezy vineyard views in the hills. 🌊⛰️ Here are five destinations that bring the summer wine vibes,...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Let’s play a game of choose your own adventure… You’re walking down a quiet street in Florence, Italy, when you spot a small door in the wall. A sign says “wine,” and there’s a bell. Do you ring it? Heck yes! Let's see what happens. Nah, I’d rather keep walking and forever wonder what could’ve been. If you picked yes, good decision! The little door opens and someone asks what kind of wine you’d like. You place your order, and just like that, a hand passes you a glass. That’s a wine...
4 months ago • 1 min read