Oscar Wilde said, “Only the unimaginative can fail to find a reason for drinking champagne.” The production of Champagne dates back hundreds of years, and the accumulated know-how and substantial public relations have made France and French products one of the most emblematic “wine countries” on the planet. France is the only place in the […]
Spain Ups Its Wine Game: Much More than Sangria
In 2020, worldwide wine drinking dropped by 2.8 percent, although there had been optimistic reports of people stocking up on wines. This is the third year in a row that worldwide wine intake has declined. Despite general population growth, worldwide wine drinking is at its lowest level since 2002 (wine-searcher.com). Even in China, wine consumption […]
Loire Valley: Origin of Unique Malbec Wine
The Renaissance writer Rabelais was born in the Loire Valley; Joan of Arc led the French troops to victory in the Hundred Years’ War in the Loire, and the area is noted as the Cradle of the French language (residents speak the purest French). The Loire Valley is located between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire. Cot is the local […]
French Consulate in NY Presents Now: Wines Val de Loire
This area in the Loire Valley is noted for the Cabernet Franc grape where it is used to produce fine wines in Bourgueil. The vineyards are cooled by the Atlantic winds (blowing west to east along the Loire River corridor) creating wines noted for their fruit with depth and character in a style usually attributed […]
Chinon Rose: Why Does it Remain a Mystery?
Chinon is hidden away in the Loire Valley, in-between Bordeaux and Burgundy. It is inconvenient to visit as it is not near a major highway. Chinon wines have been noted since the sixteenth century but continue to remain a secret. Why? The grape variety (Cabernet Franc), is under-appreciated, comes to life with food and may […]
WorldHotels Now Adds Expertise and Charm to Vision
2019. As we lived through it – it did not seem to be remarkable. Travel and tourism executives and pundits were optimistic as there were increases in people leaving their zip codes and out shopping for new travel experiences. One industry event that did not appear to be out of the normal range of actions […]
Guardian of Italian Luxury: Lust not Love
I was recently asked what I would buy with my lottery winnings (should I be so lucky) if real estate, yachts, and airplanes were not allowed. My thoughts immediately turned to Italian luxury fashion, fixtures, furniture, and experiences (including wine, spirits, and travel). Italy is at the head of the line in the highly competitive […]
Barolo Wine Auction: €600,000 for Barolo in a Barrel
Sometimes an event is just an event, and sometimes (when I am lucky) the event turns into a wonderful Saturday afternoon experience that is good by doing good. Recently, I was invited to the Barolo en primeur at Il Gattopardo (with a Zoom simulcast from Grinzane Cavor Castle in Piedmont, Italy). The event was also […]
Wines – Chenin Blanc Warning: From Yummy to Yucky
Chenin Blanc is a neglected grape. Why? Because it is more challenging than Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to grow and make into wine. The grape demands an almost perfect combination of soil and weather, and it is a challenge for the winemaker to balance oak and other flavor-enhancing options. The grape is part of jug […]
Tourism Impasse: Cannot Stop or Go
The hotel, travel, and tourism industry contributed to the spread of the Covid 19 pandemic, most notably cruise lines and airlines; however large their role, these enterprises cannot be held accountable for its origin or for the irresponsible approach of governments and global health agencies to the identification, mitigation, control and elimination of the virus. […]