Hi Reader, I don’t know about you, but the holiday season showed up fast this year. My shopping list is multiplying, my holiday calendar keeps filling itself, and I still have pumpkin décor all over my house. 🎃🤪 Suddenly, a quiet weekend away feels like the best idea I’ve had all season. 😌 If you’re in the same boat, the good news is that you might not have to travel far for it. Some of the best wine regions in the U.S. are just a short drive from major cities. Perfect for a last-minute...
20 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Looking for a wine town that’s walkable, full of great wine, and perfect for a couple’s getaway? Meet Healdsburg. This Sonoma County spot was once named one of America’s most romantic small towns. And it has more than 30 tasting rooms in just a few blocks. 🍷🚶♀️ What I love about Healdsburg is how much variety you can squeeze into one day of tasting. It sits in the center of three wine regions: Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley. So, you can start with...
27 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, If you ask me, sparkling wine deserves more than just New Year’s Eve. 🥂 From classic European fizz to American cool-climate bubbles, there are plenty of places making sparkling wines worth traveling for. Some of these regions are world-famous. While others are quietly crafting standout bottles that rival Champagne, often for a fraction of the price. Here are five destinations where the bubbles flow and the tasting experiences sparkle.✨ 🍾 Cava, SpainSpain’s answer to Champagne, Cava...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, I finally made it back to Sonoma this summer. And it felt so good to return to one of the regions that made me fall in love with wine travel. I was there with a great group of fellow wine writers for a deep-dive tour focused on all things Sonoma (aka wine nerd heaven 🤓). Between panel tastings with legendary winemakers and talks on everything from subregions to soil types, let’s just say I learned a lot. And I came home with a whole new appreciation for the region. Let’s Talk Dry...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Here’s a little secret: Some of the best wine trips happen after the crowds head home. Instead of being rushed through flights or competing for a patio table, you can actually take your time, chat with winemakers, and soak it all in. ✨ Honestly, that’s when wine country feels most special. ✨ Here are five destinations that shine when you skip the peak season. 🍇 Dry Creek Valley, CaliforniaSonoma is a magnet for summer crowds. Come in the shoulder season for tastings that feel more...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Let’s be real. Wine country trips can add up fast. Between tasting fees, bottles you just have to bring home, and maybe a cheese plate (or three), your budget can disappear faster than a chilled rosé on a hot day. You might know the usual money-savers like tasting passports or case discounts. But today, I'm spilling some of the lesser-known ones I’ve learned after years of visiting wine regions. 🏨 Check Hotel Perks FirstBefore you even start mapping out tastings, ask your hotel if...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, I don’t know about you, but I’ve definitely felt the pinch of higher travel costs lately. 💸 The good news is that a wine vacation doesn’t have to be expensive. I’ve found plenty of destinations where the pours are generous, the tasting fees don’t make you cringe, and the vibe is refreshingly down-to-earth. These spots may not have the same name recognition as Napa or Bordeaux, but they’re proof you can sip well without overspending. 🌊 New Buffalo, MichiganThe Lake Michigan Shore...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, “Farm-to-table” gets thrown around a lot. But in Québec? They actually mean it. We’re talking dinners in the fields where ingredients are grown, wine from just down the road, and chefs who plan menus by strolling through the garden instead of scrolling a supplier list. I just wrote about a few of these places in my first feature for Food, Wine & Travel Magazine. And along the way, I picked up a few lessons that might help if you want to try hyper-local wine and food experiences on...
3 months ago • 1 min read
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,...
3 months ago • 2 min read