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
Anteprima Sagrantino
Or: How I tasted 45 of the Most Tannic Wines and Lived to Tell the Tale After hosting our recent Italian Food, Wine & Travel group’s foray into Sagrantino, I received a surprise invitation to attend Anteprima Sagrantino. This annual press event celebrates the release of young Montefalco Sagrantino wines in Montefalco, Umbria. The local … Continue reading
A Day in Chablis Pt.2 – A Visit to Château de Béru
The Camaraderie of Vignerons My favorite “aha” moment of the day was this: The 2016 harvest was a disaster at Château de Béru. An early killing frost devastated the majority of their vineyards, followed by hailstorms later in the spring. The silver lining to the 2016 weather was a story of the “Camaraderie of Vignerons”. When … Continue reading
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