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 […]
Drink More Wine. Help to Grow the World Economy
The year was 2020, and I, among others, spent US$326.6 billion on wine. Thanks to the pandemic, we wine drinkers are finding solace by drinking more wine, pushing revenue to a projected US $434.6 billion by 2027, representing an increase of 4.3 percent between 2020-2027. Dessert wines (i.e., Sauternes/France; Tokaji Aszú/Hungary; Muscat/Italy) are a growing category […]
Death Tourism: Travel with a purpose
Planning to travel? Your motivation is likely going to fall into one of these boxes: 1. Visits to friends and family2. Vacation3. Business What is missing from the list? People who travel to commit suicide. What is it? Death tourism (a specific type of medical tourism) is a system whereby non-terminally ill individuals travel to […]
Governments Stick It to Hotel, Travel and Tourism Industries
The hotel, travel and tourism industries have been hammered by COVID-19. As strategic partners in the tourism paradigm, hotel executives have seen investments in this sector decline by 59 percent in the first half of 2020. McKinsey research suggests that the all industry segments will not see a recovery to pre-COVID-19 levels until 2023 or later. […]
Sea Sick: Is Cruising Still a Happy Business?
The cruise industry before COVID-19 generated $134 billion in travel and tourism revenue prompting the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) to paint a rosy future. This was before COVID-19. Before COVID-19, almost 351 million posts with the tag #travel on Instagram were generated by happy voyagers. Passengers supported the wellness programs including oxygen bars, healthy […]
Monterey County Wines: Where Wine-making is a Family Affair
What is there to know about Monterey County? First of all, it is in California… always a good starting point for a discussion of wine. When we drill down in the locale, we discover the beauty of Big Sur’s rugged shore; the beaches and artists in Carmel by the Sea; tide pools, and golf at Pebble Beach; […]
The Prosecco Selected by Trainer to the Stars and C-suite Executives
Question: Can you identify the wine that is low in sugar and calories and recommended by Shawn Benson, the trainer to the stars of stage and screen as well as road warrior executives? Answer: Prosecco! This bubbly white wine delivers only 80 calories (per 125 ml), fewer calories than a glass (125 ml) of red […]
Drink like a New Yorker
Speed Dating Tourism Style @ Javits
Picture it – hundreds of small tables staffed by representatives of destinations, hotels, attractions – from Australia to Rwanda and from Indianapolis to Florida, talking for only 15 minutes with travel media that ranged from seasoned journalists representing major online, print publications, television, and radio to travel writers and bloggers looking for stories that will […]
Tom of Finland: An excellent wine – NOT a one-night stand
The adage, “wine improves with time,” usually refers to the many years wine rests in temperature-controlled cellars, allowing the chemistry and alchemy to enhance the palate experience. In the case of the OUTstanding Red wine from Tom of Finland, the time to wait is much shorter and can be counted in hours and days and […]