Hi Reader, I get this question all the time: How do you actually bring wine home from a trip? Most of the time, I’ll check a suitcase and leave extra room for bottles. But…cobblestones and stairs don’t mix well with giant luggage. 🧳 And sometimes I want way more wine than I could possibly fit (like those few cases I bought in Italy 🍷🇮🇹😬). Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get bottles home safely. Here are my go-tos: 🧳 Packing in Your Suitcase Bubble-wrap sleeves ($10–20): reusable,...

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,...

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...