BY JAMIE KNEE | SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 My husband and I were thrilled when I was chosen to be a judge at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, hosted this year by Vinistra, the Association of Winegrowers and Winemakers of the Istrian Peninsula in Croatia. Returning to Croatia, one of our cherished travel destinations from […]
An Enchanting Viticultural Voyage through Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula Read More »
🎉🍾 Let’s Pop the Bubbles for Happy Sparkling Wine Week! 🍾🎉 Raise your glasses, because it’s time to celebrate the effervescent joy of Sparkling Wine! 🥂✨ This week, we toast to the delightful fizzy bubbles that bring a touch of celebration to any occasion. Whether you’re a Champagne connoisseur, a Prosecco lover, or a fan
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LIFESTYLE & CULTURE Montecito Journal BY JAMIE KNEE | JUNE 27, 2023 Parellada is one of the varietals used in the production of Cava (photo by Justus Hayes) Everyone’s heard of Champagne, and most people have heard of Prosecco, but the new darling in the world of sparkling wine is Cava. This delicious bubbly
The New Darling of Sparkling Wines Read More »
As promised, for the next several weeks I will be showcasing South African Wines from House of Henkel. Today I’m sipping their “Gretchen” Sauvignon Blanc. House of Henkel “Gretchen” Sauvignon Blanc. MSRP $22.95 South Africa’s Western Cape is known for producing some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc. The region’s cool, coastal climate is ideal
Sipping South African Sauvignon Blanc Read More »
I was thrilled to recently visit Sicily, on my wine travels and taste once again with Winemaker and CEO, Jacopo Maniaci of Tenuta di Fessina. But this time we are in person, after our long distance virtual interview in 2020. For over five hundred thousand years Etna has continuously blown plumes of smoke and ash
Tasting in the foothills of Mt. Etna Read More »
With climate change a reality, England has become a prime place to grow cool-climate grapes, like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier for sparkling wines. Vineyards are becoming a common sight across the English countryside. One man who is having success with this new category, English Sparkling Wine, is wine critic, author, and British wine
Steven Spurrier: The Making of an English Sparkling Wine Read More »
It’s always a great day when you get to spend it with visiting wine makers. For me I find it so fascinating to get a look into their lives, to see the drive and inspiration behind their wines. I was excited to enjoy a lovely Luncheon with Amélie Dugué-Couillaud, where I was introduced to her
A Day in Loire Valley with Château de la Ragotiere Read More »
When thinking wine travel you might not think Miami. But with it’s hot night life scene and proximity to the South American Wine regions, there’s always a fun wine tasting happening in the Magic City. Tonight was no exception, and I had a fabulous evening celebrating Don Melchor Wines 30th anniversary! The delicious evening was
Don Melchor Wines 30th!! Read More »
The 1976 Paris judgement was the blowing crush heard around the world, ok at least in the wine world. California wines beat out French wines in a competition held not only in France, but by French judges. Quelle horreur! (Oh the horror!) Even today there is still a friendly rivalry of France Vs. California, which
Did the 1976 “Judgement of Paris” really matter? Read More »
