The Rhône Valley: From Lyon to Avignon

The Rhone valley has diverse and very high quality red and white wines that will impress any serious oenophile and satisfy more any palate. The wines can perfectly compliment most world cuisines. They can be much better values than what you will find in Bordeaux and Burgundy, yet it astounds me that many wine drinkers don't appreciate this section of the wine list as often as they should. The gastronomy, charming villages and cites, and lovely weather make the Rhone an absolute home run. Ill be back!!

The Costa Brava: From the Coast to the Countryside of Catalunya

The Costa Brava or "Wild Coast" is an incredibly gorgeous stretch of coast in the Catalunyan province of Spain easily reached 90 minutes north of Barcelona and runs all the way to the French border. The area is famous for stunning beach hiking trails and miles of cycling through vineyards and medieval villages. With the …

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Champagne, anyone?

Champagne, the finest symbol of the French art de Vivre! The region can easily be reached in a day trip from Paris - 2 hours by road or 45 minutes by train - yet, not spending a few days staying in the region would be a scandal! 🙂 I landed in Paris from Atlanta, and …

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VINO: Spain’s Priorat, Ribera del Duero, and La Rioja Wine Regions

Many food and wine enthusiasts agree that Spain is one of the most exciting gastronomic countries in the world with a vibrant passion for producing and enjoying outstanding culinary and oenological experiences.

Portugal: The Alentejo, Comporta, Evora, Lisbon, Porto & the Duoro Valley

Comporta is a village on the west coast of Portugal, about an hour's drive from Lisbon. But, when people talk about Comporta, what they really mean is the region around it. Some people may like to compare the area of Comporta to Ibiza or St. Tropez or Trancoso. However this sleepy eco-reserve reminds me of …

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Macedonia: Bulgaria and Greece

Macedonia today is a geographic and historical region that today includes parts of six Balkan countries including Bulgaria, Greece, Albania, Kosovo, Serbia and North Macedonia. I had the pleasure of traveling with Relais & Chateaux to Bulgari and Greece to two spectacular properties in areas still untouched by mass tourism. This trip was a perfect …

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The Inn at Little Washington, Virginia

Staying at the Inn at Little Washington has always been a dream of mine. When my mom's 75th birthday was approaching, I asked her where in the world she would like to go. She thought about it for about 30 seconds and then emphatically suggested, the Inn at Little Washington! I was equally game and …

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All Aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Venice to London with Belmond

Have you ever heard that in travel it is the JOURNEY, not the destination. Join me on a train journey like no other starting in Venice and ending in London. Venice never ceases to surprise and delight! As long as you don't hit it in the height of tourist season, the city is simply stunning …

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VIK CHILE – A Wine Destination in Itself!

If you love wine, art, nature and incredibly great food, VIK Retreats are one of a kind and a destination within themselves! Vik Chile is located just over two hours outside of Santiago in the Millahue area of the Chilean Central Valley. Besides being a wonderful place to start or finish an itinerary in Chile, …

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