Hi Reader, I’m not a coffee drinker, so the whole pumpkin spice craze isn’t really my thing. 🎃☕ But this time of year, I do find myself reaching for more red wine. 🍷 With fall creeping in up north, it’s also one of my favorite times to plan trips to destinations known for red wine. Let’s talk about five wine regions that do red really well. 🏰 Montepulciano, ItalyThis historic hilltop town is home to Vino Nobile, one of Tuscany’s great reds. Wander medieval streets, explore historic cellars,...
19 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, When I first started taking wine notes, I was so intimidated. 😬 I thought I needed to describe wines like “wild strawberries picked at dawn” or call out obscure aromas like “freshly sharpened pencil shavings.” Here’s the truth: wine tasting notes don’t have to be complicated. You don’t need fancy words, just a system that helps you remember what you liked (and what you didn’t). And bonus: they’ll help you learn your preferences and even improve your tasting skills over time. Here's...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Did you know there’s a whole island of wine less than 20 minutes from Québec City? Île d’Orléans is famous for its fresh produce. Many of the city’s top restaurants source from here. And thanks to the microclimate created by the St. Lawrence River, wine grapes can thrive here too. The river helps keep frosts at bay and stretches the season just long enough for the grapes to ripen. So, you’ll find everything from crisp whites and rosés to sparkling and ice wine on the island. On my...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Fall might just be the perfect wine travel season. 🍂 I love that the weather’s cooler, the crowds are lighter, and the vineyards turn into a kaleidoscope of color. Plus, if you time it right, you might even catch the harvest in action.🍇🚜 Here are five destinations that bring peak fall wine vibes, plus guides to help you plan. 🍏 Hudson Valley, New YorkApple orchards, farm markets, and vineyards with mountain views. Pair your wine tasting with fall foliage drives.👉 Hudson Valley...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
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...
about 2 months 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)....
2 months 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...
3 months 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...
3 months 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...
3 months ago • 1 min read