A Symphony of Gold: Hanzell’s Moon Mountain Chardonnay with Silky Chanterelle Pasta

Wine of the Week: 2021 Hanzell “Estate” Chardonnay, Moon Mountain District Some wines delight; others ground you in place. This week’s Wine of the Week, the 2021 Hanzell “Estate” Chardonnay, does both. I’ve admired Hanzell for years, though I’ve never purchased a bottle—not for lack of availability, but because Sonoma offers so many standout Chardonnays….

Where Worlds Meet: Pairing Hidalgo “Napoleón” Amontillado with Filipino Chicken Adobo for #SherryWeek

The first swirl carried a quiet hint of the sea — that unmistakable echo of Sanlúcar’s salty winds. As #SherryWeek continues, I opened a bottle that feels shaped as much by the Atlantic as by time itself: Hidalgo La Gitana “Napoleón” Amontillado. It’s a wine that bridges worlds, moving from flor to oxidation, from brightness…

Timeless Flavors: Pairing Bodegas Tradition VORS Oloroso with Lamb #SherryWeek

This week for #SherryWeek, I revisit a treasured bottle from Bodegas Tradición — a 45-year-old VORS Oloroso that stirred memories of my grandmother’s 30-day cake. From the cool hush of Jerez’s soleras to an Andalusian-inspired lamb pairing at home, this story celebrates patience, flavor, and the art of time well spent.

Wine of the Week: 2021 Heinrich Mayr Südtirol Kretzer

Each week, I highlight a wine that leaves a lasting impression—whether for its distinctive character, compelling story, or sheer drinking pleasure. This week’s standout: the 2021 Heinrich Mayr Südtirol Kretzer. My discovery of this wine was serendipitous. During a recent webinar with Cantina Bozen, a question arose about rosé from Südtirol, the alpine wine region of…

Bubbles and Bites: Dr. Konstantin Frank Sparkling Brut Meets “Meat and Potatoes #WorldWineTravel

This month, the fabulous Camila of Culinary Cam is taking the reins to guide our World Wine Travel crew on a festive journey through sparkling wines from around the world and holiday nibbles. Get ready to sip, savor, and celebrate! Don’t miss her invitation post—here. While I enjoy sparkling wines year-round, there’s something extra special…

Historic Wines, Timeless Pairings: Coppo’s Nizza Barbera and Barolo with Wild Mushroom Risotto #WorldWineTravel

Thanks to tasting samples from Coppo Wine Cellars, our World Wine Travel writers have a unique chance to explore and share insights into this historic Piemonte producer northern Italy. Join us on October 26 for a deep dive into Coppo wines, the unique Canelli terroir, and the Nizza DOCG—expect an exciting range of impressions and…

Pairing 2020 Vino Vasai Cabernet Sauvignon with Hearty Beef Nilaga #WinePW

This month’s Wine Pairing Weekend group is exploring pairings with Oregon wine, and for my contribution, I’m pairing the 2020 Vino Vasai Cabernet Sauvignon with hearty Beef Nilaga. Why this pairing? It all started when we took a day trip from our home in Lodi to Lake Tahoe, hoping to escape the scorching ‘Hot-Tober’ heatwave….

Food Pairing Lab; Pairing Paella Negra with Spanish Wines from Four Regions

Recently, I received four media sample wines from Spain, each hailing from a distinct and renowned region: Rueda, Rías Baixas, Rioja, and Sherry. Inspired by this diverse selection, I decided to prepare one of my favorite classic Spanish dishes, Paella Negra, to explore how well it would pair with each of these exciting wines.. In…

Discover Abruzzo: Five Masciarelli Wines and Smoked Wild Boar Pairings #ItalianFWT

Welcome to this month’s gathering of the Italian Food, Wine & Travel (#ItalianFWT) group host by Jennifer Gentile Martin of Vino Travels – An Italian Wine Blog. This month, we’re delving into the delightful pairing of Italian wines with barbecue and grilled dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just love a good backyard…

Savoring Argentine Red Wines From Trapiche and Unànime with Roasted Mushroom Risotto #WorldWineTravel

In October, the World Wine Travel writers are exploring wines from Argentina paired with food. Argentine Wine Argentina and its neighbor Chile are renowned for their exceptional wine production, making them among the top wine producers in South America. Situated at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, Argentina boasts a unique terroir that provides high…