Tasting in the Foothills of Mt. Etna

By Petite Wine Traveler | July 15, 2022 |
A couple posing inside a winery with large wooden barrels.

By Jamie Knee, Petite Wine Traveler – Luxury Wine Writer & Global Wine Communicator I was thrilled to return to Sicily on my wine travels and taste once again with Winemaker and CEO Jacopo Maniaci of Tenuta di Fessina. Our last conversation took place virtually in 2020. Standing together on the volcanic slopes of Etna felt…

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Discover Abruzzo: A Hidden Gem for Luxury Summer Wine Travel

By Petite Wine Traveler | June 21, 2022
Rustic wooden pier extending over calm sea at sunset.

By Jamie Knee, Petite Wine Traveler, Luxury Wine Travel Writer When I think of luxury summer wine travel, my mind drifts to the coast—sun-drenched beaches, fresh seafood, and crisp, refreshing wines. My first wine adventure, this summer, led me to a true Italian treasure: Abruzzo. With its wild coastline, world-class rosé, and untouched charm, it’s one…

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Steven Spurrier and the Evolution of English Sparkling Wine

By Petite Wine Traveler | December 25, 2021
Rolling hills with green fields and scattered trees under a cloudy sky.

By Jamie Knee As a luxury wine writer and globally recognized wine communicator, I have spent years exploring the world’s most intriguing wine regions, yet few stories captivate me like the rise of English Sparkling Wine. With climate shifts transforming cool-climate viticulture, England has emerged as an unexpected star. Rolling hills once known only for pastoral…

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Wine Travel Across the USA: A Coast to Coast Tasting Journey

By Petite Wine Traveler | December 24, 2021
A man in glasses and a cap stands near a camera setup during a sunset.

By, Jamie Knee A Coast-to-Coast Wine Journey Begins Pensacola, Florida: A Wine Bar with Soul Our first stop landed us in the charming Florida Panhandle at Wine Bar on Palafox in Pensacola’s historic downtown. Eclectic, warm, and effortlessly welcoming, this bar and restaurant just celebrated its 11th year under owner Ian Kaple. His rotating wine list changes…

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A Wine Lover’s Guide to Lodi: California’s Hidden Gem for Zinfandel and Beyond

By Petite Wine Traveler | October 31, 2021
Wine glass held up against a sunset backdrop.

By Jamie Knee, Petite Wine Traveler Luxury Wine Travel Writer, exploring the delights of Lodi’s wine travel scene in the heart of California’s wine country. When most people think of California wine country, their minds immediately go to Napa or Sonoma. But savvy wine travelers are starting to discover Lodi, a region with historic vineyards, sustainable winemaking, and…

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Where Rhône Meets California: A Paso Robles Journey Through Rhône Valley Wines

By Petite Wine Traveler | March 25, 2020
A rustic house surrounded by lush greenery and garden plants.

Over the summer, I traveled through California’s Central Coast to explore Paso Robles Rhône Valley wines. This region continues to inspire wine lovers around the world. Paso Robles sits almost perfectly between San Francisco and Los Angeles. It offers rolling hills, sweeping vistas, and a climate that mirrors the Mediterranean. The warm days, cool Pacific breezes,…

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A Day in Loire Valley with Château de la Ragotiere

By Petite Wine Traveler | February 2, 2020
Close-up of layered rocks with varied colors and textures.

By Jamie Knee, Global Wine Writer As a global wine writer, I spend my life chasing the stories behind the world’s most compelling vineyards. Every region carries its own heartbeat, shaped by terroir, heritage, and the hands behind each bottle. Some days feel especially magical, and this one certainly did. I had the pleasure of…

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