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: ⭐...
12 days 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...
about 1 month 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,...
about 2 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...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, If you're looking to explore a lesser-known U.S. wine region with small producers, vineyard views, and cool-climate wines, this one's for you. The Hudson Valley has been growing grapes longer than any other wine region in New York, but somehow it still flies under the radar. And it’s quietly turning out some great bottles of Cabernet Franc, Riesling, sparkling wine, and more. The region is pretty spread out, so I’ve rounded up 4 wineries close together that are great for a day or...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Looking for a winter getaway that combines wine, food, and adventure? You don’t have to wait until summer to enjoy wine country! 🍷❄️ New York’s Hudson Valley pairs wine tasting with farm-to-table dining and winter activities, while the nearby Catskills offers skiing and craft beverages. I recently explored both destinations for Matador Network. Here’s where to play, eat, and stay for the ultimate winter escape. Hudson Valley 🎨 Play – Spot bald eagles along the Hudson River, wander...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, It’s been a busy start to the year! If you’re planning out your 2025 wine adventures (because same 🙋♀️), I’ve got you covered. I’m working on a whole bunch of new wine country itineraries that should be ready next month. In the meantime, you can find the latest ones here. 🔍 Speaking of adventures… Let me tell you about a winery that’s equal parts wine and mystery: Ghost Hill Cellars. I recently had the chance to join a virtual tasting with Bernadette and Cam, two of the lovely...
5 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I’ve already taken you on a deep dive into a few Finger Lakes favorites. But let’s zoom out for a sec and talk about the wines. 🍷 From crisp, aromatic whites to elegant reds and bubbly sparklers (because who doesn’t love a good toast? 🥂), these bottles are perfect for the holidays. Whether you’re pairing them with festive meals or popping one open for New Year’s 🎉, these five varieties are a solid intro to what the Finger Lakes does best: ✅ Riesling – The Finger Lakes’ signature...
6 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This fall, I made it back to one of my favorite U.S. wine regions: New York’s Finger Lakes. Did you know glaciers carved out these 11 long, narrow lakes? And a handful of them are now home to vineyards that thrive thanks to the lakes’ natural cooling and warming influences. 🍇 This time, I explored the smallest of the wine trails: Canandaigua Lake. With only a half dozen wineries, it’s perfect for a day trip if you’re staying on another lake. But downtown Canandaigua also makes an...
8 months ago • 1 min read