Recent Posts

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Alta Colina: Rhone Wines and Fun in Paso’s Adelaida District

We have had the good fortune of meeting Alta Colina’s father-daughter team of Bob and Maggie Tillman twice. When we first met in early 2020 when Molly Lonborg had just assumed winemaking responsibilities from Bob. It is clear to us from both virtual conversations that they all take winegrowing and winemaking very seriously. It is also clear they take having […]

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Esporão: Embracing Its History & Organic Certification on a Large Scale

There is a story behind every winery. If you are a curious wine drinker then every time you pick up a bottle of wine you want to learn that wine’s story. Portuguese producer, Esporão, has a better story than most both by virtue of its historic property and its business philosophy. It’s the perfect combination for wine drinkers who enjoy […]

"Champagne Widows" by Rebecca Rosenberg photo

“Champagne Widows”: A Book Review

Champagne Widows is a new novel set in Reims during the Napoleonic Wars written by Rebecca Rosenberg. Rebecca enjoys telling the stories of interesting women throughout history. She has three published novels to her credit and two more coming soon. We received Champagne Widows for review. Champagne Widows is the story of a young, capable, independent-minded woman living in a […]

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Australian Shiraz: What Does It Taste Like and Is It Ageworthy?

It was during a visit to Australia in October 2019 that my view of Australian Shiraz changed — and for the better. My prior experience with very ripe versions of Shiraz lacking finesse left me less than enthusiastic about Australia’s expression of the variety. I probably would not have been interested in a wine tasting offered by San Francisco Wine […]

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Treat Your Valentine to A Glass of Vilarnau Cava — Brut or Rosé

I think we can all agree that a glass of sparkling wine makes any occasion (more fun). And, who doesn’t want to have fun on Valentine’s Day? Whether you celebrate with your spouse, partner, friend(s) or on your own, a glass of sparkling wine is in order to celebrate love. That glass might as well contain Cava, the traditional method […]

Lap pool at DumaTau photo

DumaTau: Elephants & Luxury Accommodations on the Okavango Delta’s Linyanti River

It is primarily the animals and the landscape that draw us to a photo safari location, not the luxurious accommodations. I always question whether fancy accommodations will separate us from the views and the sounds of the African night. Happily the view and the chorus of nighttime voices were thoroughly enjoyable from our tented suite at DumaTau. Click on individual […]

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Cozy Up With A Glass of Port

A chilly day is followed by an even colder evening. You sit fireside wanting just a little taste of something to accompany a good movie after dinner. You’re not craving dessert exactly, just a little something sweet and warming; a glass of Port might be just the thing to satisfy. Port is made in a range of styles with flavors […]

Little Vumbura from the water photo

Little Vumbura: So Much to Experience in the Okavango Delta

Little Vumbura is a six-roomed tented camp located on an island in the northern part of the Okavango Delta. Reaching Little Vumbura is a bit of an adventure and reflects the variety of habitats in the Okavango Delta. The flight from Jacana Camp, our first stop in the Delta, was only 20 minutes. The 40-minute drive from the airstrip to […]

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Eight at the Gate: It’s All About Family and Wine

Including the word family in a winery’s name is the most direct way to indicate the enterprise is a family operation, but it’s certainly not the most creative way to do so. Eight at the Gate, however, might be the smartest way I’ve seen to include family in a winery’s name. How is that you might wonder? Well, when two […]