“Malbec mon amour”: A Love Letter and Much More
“Malbec mon amour”: Grape and Family HistoryAre you a Malbec fan? If so, you’ll want to search out the new “Malbec mon amour“, authored by Laura Catena and Alejandro Vigil. Laura is well known as the managing director at Bodega Catena Zapata and Alejandro is the long-time director of winemaking there. This book will surprise … Continue reading
Organic and Carbon Neutral at Champagne Drappier
Champagne Drappier with Ties to Cistercian MonksChampagne Drappier is a moderate size Champagne House located in the Côte des Bar in the village of Urville. The winery is located on the site of a winery and cellar dating back to the 12th century. Early in the 12th century, Saint Bernard of the Abbey at Citeaux … Continue reading
Champagne Fleury – Biodynamic in Champagne Since 1989
Champagne’s Southern Section – the Côte des BarOur Champagne tour took us next to the southern reaches of the region, the Côte des Bar. The Côte des Bar is a 90 minute drive south from Reims and Epernay, it’s physically closer to the Chablis region than it is to the northern section of Champagne. While … Continue reading
Organic Challenges in Champagne at Moussé Fils
Our third visit in our sustainability focused tour of Champagne led us into the Marne River Valley to visit Champagne Moussé Fils in the village of Cuisles. At Moussé Fils, where we saw for ourselves the challenges involved with organic viticulture in Champagne. Disclosure: Comité Champagne sponsored our press visits for two days in the northern … Continue reading
Ron Rubin Winery – A Winery with a Heart: TRUE!
Ron Rubin Winery – More than Meets the EyeAt first glance, Ron Rubin Winery looks like many others in the Russian River Valley. Neat winery and visitor center, well manicured vines. A deeper look shows much more going on, I had the opportunity to visit and see for myself in May. (click on photos in … Continue reading
A Moldova Phoenix Story – Castel Mimi
In 1893, Constantin Mimi founded his Castel Mimi winery and vineyards near the village of Bulboaca in what is today Moldova. He completed his viticulture and oenology studies in Montpellier, France. By the early 1900’s his wines were recognized internationally and especially loved in the Russian Empire. Turbulent 20th century in Moldova As a small … Continue reading
The “New” Huîtrerie Régis
Paris for a Day On some trips, we end up with a free day in Paris prior to returning to the states, and we never complain! It’s a chance to see what’s new and to visit some favorite spots. (click on any photo for a full size slideshow) Huîtrerie Régis – One of Our Favorites … Continue reading
Could Moldova Be Your Next Wine Destination?
Moldova – Ready for Exploration Are you an adventurous wine traveler, looking to be one of the first visitors into a region? Then you should add Moldova to your list of destinations! Interesting history, culture and of course, wine; much to discover and explore. Disclosure: I participated in a sponsored press trip to Moldova in … Continue reading
Wine Touring on a Non-Wine Vacation
Family Vacations and Wine Discovery While I might selfishly wish every vacation could be a wine vacation, that’s not always possible. Can you sneak in a little wine discovery on an otherwise non-wine situation? Give this a try: Do a little advance research. Find a list of wine bars in the cities you’ll visit. I … Continue reading
Looking Beyond Biodynamic Certification at Cantina di Filippo #ItalianFWT
Italian Food, Wine and Travel Writers Explore More Sustainable Viticulture This month, our Italian Wine, Food and Travel group is researching sustainable approaches to winemaking in Italy. Our investigation started as a look into biodynamics, but it turns out that can be a bit problematic. Why? Because certification isn’t right in every situation. The real … Continue reading
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