Wine and Food Pairings

A Napa Valley Icon: Oakville Grocery & Wine Merchant

While exploring Napa Valley recently, I couldn’t resist stopping by Oakville Grocery, a true icon of the region! Established in 1881, this historic spot is California’s oldest continually operating grocery, and you can feel its heritage the moment you walk through the door. It’s a beautifully curated space, packed with artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, […]

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Hall Wines, Napa: A Legacy of Innovation Rooted in Napa Heritage

Nestled just off Highway 29 in St. Helena, Hall Wines is established on the storied Bergfeld Vineyard, an estate whose viticultural history dates back to 1885. This historic site was once home to the Napa Valley Co-Operative Winery, a pivotal institution that, at its peak, produced nearly 40% of the region’s total wine output, marking

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Sicilia En Primeur 2025 celebrates wine culture as a “Guardian of Civilization” standing strong in the face of global challenges

The 2025 edition of Sicilia En Primeur was held from May 6th to 10th in the historic city of Modica, located in southeastern Sicily, providing a culturally rich and architecturally significant setting. One hundred international wine journalists and 57 wineries came together to experience over 300 labels for tasting, four specialized talks, and eleven wine

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Exploring the Heritage and Hospitality of Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Located in the heart of Napa Valley, Joseph Phelps Vineyards stands as a benchmark of American winemaking excellence and visionary legacy. The wine estate was founded in 1973 by Joseph Phelps, a Colorado construction magnate turned vintner. Joseph Phelps Vineyards helped shape the identity of Napa Valley wines on the global stage, most notably through

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Exploring Three Unique Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wineries

As part of the 2025 Regina Ribelle – Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Fest, I set out to explore three significant wine estates:  Teruzzi, Poderi Arcangelo, and Il Palagione. Each winery presents a compelling narrative of terroir expression, sustainable viticulture, and the enduring legacy of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Tuscany’s iconic white wine and the

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Women in Wine Talks Interview With: Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli and Angela Marotta of Two Sisters Vineyards – Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Discover Two Sisters Vineyards Located in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s renowned wine region,Two Sisters Vineyards exemplifies the Marotta family’s steadfast commitment to achieving excellence in both viticulture and hospitality. Established by sisters Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli and Angela Marotta, the winery embodies their shared vision of producing ultra-premium wines that honour the distinctive terroir of the Niagara

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Wine Review: Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella 2021 – Liz Palmer

Tasting Notes: This wine is a Symphony of Flavors, showcasing a deep, dark inky red hue that captivates. On the nose, it reveals an intricate bouquet of dark cherry, dried fig, and grilled herbs, intertwined with subtle hints of dark chocolate and spice. The palate is a harmonious blend of savory and sweet, with flavors

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Air New Zealand Debutes Premium Wine Label “Thirteen Forty Five”

Air New Zealand has recently introduced an exclusive new wine label, “Thirteen Forty Five,” available exclusively to its passengers. Thirteen Forty Five was named in tribute to a significant milestone in the airline’s history – the inaugural flight from Auckland to Sydney in 1940, which covered 1345 miles. Operated by Air New Zealand’s predecessor, TEAL

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Champagne Pairings for British Pie Week: Elevate Your Culinary Experience

One of the most delectable weeks of the year for me is British Pie Week! This tempting celebration happens during the first week of March! Did you know that pie shops have been a staple of British culinary culture since the 18th century, especially in London and surrounding areas? This week is the perfect excuse

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Wine Review: Two Wines from Marqués de Riscal [voted #1 Vineyard in the World]

Marqués de Riscal Located in the picturesque Basque Country, the Marques De Riscal winery in Elciego, Spain, is a beacon of viticultural excellence. This historic winery, founded in 1858, has recently been voted the #1 vineyard in the world by the World’s Best Vineyards 2024 and received the Best Vineyard in Europe Award. The winery’s

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