Tuscan Women Cook Brings Italy to Your Kitchen with a Light, Summer Italian Recipe

June 22, 2020 by evebushman

Who wouldn’t love to sit in the sun at an outdoor café in Italy sipping a chilled glass of wine and eating a favorite Italian meal? Unfortunately, we can’t travel to Italy yet and many of us are still staying close to home. But that doesn’t mean we can’t create a bit of Italy in ourselves. Coleen Kirnan and Rhonda Vilardo, the owners, and hosts of Tuscan Women Cook, the unique and popular culinary vacation located in the heart of Tuscany, want to bring a bit of Italy to home kitchens during this pandemic. Tuscan Women Cook is about celebrating the food and culture of the Tuscan region of Italy ensconced in the charming village of Montefollonico.

Photo from Tuscan Women Cook’s Facebook page.

A favorite summer meal is Pasta Fredda. Pasta Fredda, “cold pasta” or “pasta salad”, is the perfect pasta dish for spring or summer, although it can be served year-round. It is generally served chilled or at room temperature and is a popular dish throughout Italy for warm weather picnics and buffets. Tuscan Women Cook has prepared the recipe using just five ingredients plus the pasta. Feel free to add your own ingredients—vegetables, beans, nuts, seafood, poultry, and cheeses such as Parmesan and feta.

Pasta Fredda
Serves 4-6

Ingredients:
1 package (8 ounces) short pasta, such as farfalle or tubetti *
20 cherry tomatoes cut in half
7 ounces bocconcini (small balls of mozzarella cheese), or any size fresh mozzarella cut into 1.5-inch pieces
¾ cup black olives, pitted and cut in half
6 or more fresh basil leaves, torn into two or three pieces
Extra-virgin olive oil
Salt to taste

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta following the box instructions for the time, or until al dente. Drain and cool to room temperature. Combine chopped tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a large serving bowl. Add the pasta to the tomato mixture, combine, and drizzle with olive oil to taste.

* If you have small amounts of different shaped pasta in your pantry, combine them for a unique presentation.

Arianna Moldovan, from Tuscan Women Cook, shows you how to prepare Pasta Fredda:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGOv-079biI&feature=youtu.be

Recipe reprinted with permission of www.TuscanWomenCook.com.

During each day of Tuscan Women Cook’s week-long program, their group of 18 participants learn to cook authentic Italian recipes from some of the best cooks in all of Italy…the local grandmothers, or “nonnas.” These extraordinary women teach their cooking classes sharing family recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation.

And after a day of cooking, eating, and wine tasting, participants are taken on shopping and sightseeing trips in the many beautiful villages and towns of Tuscany, with maybe a little more wine tasting and afternoon gelato sampling, ending each day with a memorable gourmet dinner in the region’s top locales.

Los Angeles-based Coleen Kirnan and Rhonda Vilardo are two inventive business dynamos who decided to take a career risk that changed their lives. In 2016 they purchased Tuscan Women Cook, a career move that changed both of their lives personally and professionally.

For more information on Tuscan Women Cook, visit their website, www.TuscanWomenCook.com.

How Would You Like to Get Comfortable at Grapestake Cottage and Vineyards in Paso? (Promo code below!)

June 20, 2020 by evebushman

We have some news from Grapestake Cottage and Vineyards in Paso Robles to share:

Grapestake Cottage is open and we miss our wonderful guests. We are waiting for you with a bottle of our 2018 Grapestake Zinfandel (or choose Grenache) and Owen’s hand curated olives. The vines are full and rich with flowers…roses are in bloom and the sun is shining! We have ultra sanitized everything (actually we always did) and we assure you that your home away from home will be sparkling clean! Most restaurants have reopened and wineries are gradually opening.

We are offering a special code to entice guests to visit us. Please use: Wine101 in the promotion code box at checkout to enjoy 15% off your 2 night minimum stay. This promotion code will expire July 31^st for any future travel date.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me directly. Please stay safe and healthy and hope to see you soon!

Regards from the Vineyard!

Nancy

805-888-5225

https://www.grapestakecottage.com/

And here, as a reminder, is my story from my own visit there in 2018:

Oh dear me, what kind of karma do I have? Apparently the best. I’m sitting at a dining table, in a one bedroom cottage, set apart from a large estate, perusing an antique piano turned into a display case, a couch and two armchairs – that all recline – a beautiful modern kitchen area with everything you could possibly need for a welcome stay – from coffee maker to teapot, corkscrew to sweet and salty snacks and a large fireplace, television, another seating area…and that’s just in the front room. (Ed’s taking a nap in the bedroom so we may get there later.)

I am just starting this article and it’s slow going as I find my eyes drifting to one of many windows where the sun has begun to set behind the patio, garden and vineyards. If this isn’t my heaven then I don’t know what is.

The sun has now set, but before it grows too dark I see little bitty lights in the tree on our patio. I’m itching to go out and sit at the table and open a bottle of wine. But we’re in Paso Robles. And since Grapestake Cottage is so inviting, I forget for a minute that I have winery appointments. I made a quick evaluation of our calendar and decide that on at least one of our nights, Sunday, we will be bringing in a pizza, opening one of the many wines we’ve purchased to enjoy on the patio, watch that sunset again, and then retreat inside when it gets cold to flip on the fireplace, take our shoes off, don one of the provided terry robes, put some popcorn in the microwave, put our feet up and get cozy.

We also made sure to set some time to get to know Nancy and Owen Belletto, our hosts, a wee bit better. “It all started with a tractor” was the joke Owen made when we first met, and that tractor – and everything that came after – was the turning point that soon meant building a cottage, an incredible garden and…vineyards.

The name Grapestake has a meaning as well. I learned that Owen used 40-year-old wooden grapestakes – now grapestakes are all made of metal – to repurpose them as fencing for the cottage just as he had seen in some homes in Carmel. After meeting Owen, and seeing the amazing property, I could easily visualize him as he “spent countless hours cutting, sanding and measuring” just for the beauty it would provide for guests…

As we were told to “please feel free to wander the vineyard and grounds” we did. But as I didn’t want to run into any gophers, I waited until our set interview time with Owen and Nancy to learn more about the Bellettos and their home. I learned that when they chose the property that the estate home was already built, which had formerly been a B and B and required no more work, a stipulation Nancy required before moving in.

That requirement was really more of a model, as within a short time the gravel parking area become the base of the cottage, the grounds now included olive trees, and the same designer that had built the home was called upon to build Grapestake Cottage – however in the original plans the cottage was only built to house Owen’s tractor. But Owen needed a bathroom near the tractor…but why just have a bathroom without a bedroom…and Grapestake Cottage began to really take shape, literally.

All in all there are 8 acres on the property under vine, 7.5 of those acres are Syrah – they are estate growers for Justin, and were named the grower of the year in 2016 – and the remaining .5 acres are for Grenache and is reserved for Owen’s winemaking alone. Owen has a background in agriculture – the pair met while in studies at UC Davis – where they were starving students for a short time, enjoying wine tasting in nearby Napa valley back in the days when it was free to taste.

Fast forward to present day in Paso. They have met welcoming and charming people in the Paso wine industry. Any local winemakers, they feel, are very free with answering any wine question put to them without a nuance of elitism.

“Paso Robles is where Napa was 30 years ago,” Owen began. “insofar as how people are treated.” And a good way to explain why so many wine people may prefer tasting and touring in Paso over Napa. It’s not just the difference in the cost of wines, but also in how Paso treats its guests.

As far as how they treat their own guests, and circling back to how we felt our accommodations were far and above the standard, Nancy explained, “I’ve traveled with Owen on many trips and have often been irritated by asking to pay for items like water bottles and snacks. So we put a lot of thought into what a guest would like that we would also appreciate.”

Come check then out for yourself, and remember to use code wine101 before July 31: https://www.grapestakecottage.com/

https://www.instagram.com/grapestakecottage/

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 15k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Yellowstone Tours From Jackson Hole

April 20, 2020 by evebushman

JACKSON HOLE, WYO. (PRWEB) – Imagine driving on a paved road in a national park, and suddenly a black sow with three cubs cross the street. Or let’s say a tour guide with tourists, are driving in the park, all of a sudden one black wolf emerges in the wilderness. He or maybe she runs casually towards a herd of bison. As the tourists watch, another wolf does the same. Twenty minutes later, another wolf appears and does the same thing! So many similar scenarios are replicated in Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Apart from wolves and bison, the two parks have elk, bighorn sheep and prong horn antelope.

Apart from wildlife, there are scenic locations for all to behold. From the Teton Mountains, to Snake River Overlook (where Ansel Adams took pictures), to the Oxbow Bend Turnout, Jenny Lake, there are may fascinating places in the Tetons. In Yellowstone, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Fountain Paint Pots, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone lower and upper falls are places to admire and take pictures. Artist’s Point, Hayden Valley, Mud Volcano and Lake Yellowstone are also places visitors can see.

Certain tour outfits also know and talk about the history of the parks, including geological history. According to Moses Yamtal, owner of Yellowstone Tours From Jackson Hole, whose company recently received a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, “There is so much to see in Yellowstone and Teton’s 2.5 million acres. We also provide tours outside of the two parks. Our guests are not only impressed with the wildlife they see. But they also love the geology and history of this unique part of the world.”

Mundo Cuervo’s Tequila Train is making new stops in sustainability, culture, culinary tradition and more

March 11, 2020 by evebushman

Here is a quick overview on the Tequila experiences with Mundo Cuervo which await you in 2020.

Weddings – Something old, something new, and something agave blue: Yes, all those Insta-worthy spaces to show off couple goals, the sunset cocktails in the infinity pool overlooking the town of Tequila after a dual massage, and the custom-bended bottle of Tequila love to take home. But even more exciting: Would you take on the challenge of living through a real 3-day Tequila Wedding? Trust us, it’s not for the lighthearted.

Culinary – Would you try this 1,000 year-old recipe? In December 2020, Mundo Cuervo will welcome guests to the fourth edition of Fogones y Metates (Ovens and Fans), which aims to preserve and celebrate centuries-old rural cooking techniques of the women of Tequila. Each edition of this annual event features a special ingredient – from the rare blue mushrooms which grow at the base of the Volcano of Tequila, vibrant chilis which bring flavor to moles and more, to homage of the spicy, nutty pipián or pumpkin seed, which serves as the base for numerous dishes.

Sustainability – From straws to surfboards: Late last year, parent company Jose Cuervo presented The Agave Project, including the launch of the first drinking straw made from the agave plant. In Tequila, guests can explore in situ the many uses of the spiky, robust plant which serves as local artisans who turn agave into paper, handbags, and even surfboards! Sustainability efforts continue at Solar de las Animas hotel which reuses glass water bottles for lamps and jewelry, as well as with new sustainable ‘Tequila Sunrise’ experiences including a harvest with local farmers at the El Chiquihuitillo ranch.

Culture – This train takes you back from the dead: Spirits of all types come alive at night in Tequila with this very special celebration of life and afterlife. Shrouded by the night, on November 1 guests will take a deep dive into the culture and history of Tequila with tales from spirited storytellers, tastings, theater, and the lighting of the altar. After a deep sleep at hotel Villa Tequila or Solar de las Animas, guests can enjoy a visit to the La Rojeña Distillery, visit the agave fields and travel back to Guadalajara on the Jose Cuervo Express Sunset train.

Adventure – Horseplay: Tequila has a full experience for lovers of four-footed adventures. Ride through the agave fields and along the foothills of the extinct Tequila Volcano on horseback, learn of the UNESCO-protected art of the charrería at the newly opened exhibition at the Juan Beckmann Cultural Center, visit the artisanal saddle-making talabartería shops of Jalisco, and stay in a room at the newly renovated Villa Tequila Hotel which has been artfully converted from a colonial carriage house to welcome visitors.

There is also a mushroom festival in August, International Tequila Day festivities on July 24…and much more!

Culinary and Cultural Journey through the Tennessee River Valley

February 23, 2020 by evebushman

KNOXVILLE, TENN. (PRWEB) – According to the World Food Travel Association, “food tourism is the act of traveling for a taste of place in order to get a sense of place.” The Tennessee River Valley region, while an outdoor mecca with its beautiful scenery and endless recreation opportunities, is also very much a place for a cultural and gastronomic adventure with its diverse culinary scene.

Photo: Sean Pavone

“Dining out should be much more than just eating and drinking. Here in the Tennessee River Valley, living is centered around meals and this should be no different when visiting a destination. Mealtime should be about creating memories while offering an authentic and unique experience that cannot be obtained anywhere else,” said Julie Graham, spokesperson for the Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council.

The Tennessee River Valley Mapguide has put together a must taste and experience list to showcase the region’s diverse culinary scene. Each of these locally owned establishments provide a unique culinary experience while connecting visitors to the local culture.

Housed in a historic 1800s log home, Old 23rd Restaurant in Big Sandy, Tenn. is a unique destination for visitors looking for authentic southern fare. Meals are made from scratch using old family recipes and local antiques and memorabilia are displayed throughout the restaurant.

Serving homestyle favorites, Clinch Mountain Lookout Restaurant’s claim to fame is its vinegar pie. For almost 60 years, the restaurant has been serving this unusual treat. The pie first appeared during the depression when lemons were relatively rare and expensive and resourceful homemakers learned to substitute vinegar for the tart flavor found in lemon pie.

Litton’s Market and Restaurant is a Knoxville favorite dating back to the 1940s, and today, the old-time diner style restaurant is known for its burgers featuring freshly-ground beef and buns made in house.

Located in a historic trolley barn in downtown Chattanooga just steps away from Ross’s Landing on the Tennessee River, Big River Grille and Brewing Works pays tribute to the riverboat heritage of the city and features made from scratch regional cuisine and beer made on-site by the on-site local brewer.

Dinner on the Diner allows patrons to enjoy fine dining while the train travels through the scenic Tennessee countryside on a railroad excursion.

Dutch Maid Bakery in Tracy City is on the historic registry for being the oldest family owned bakery in the state of Tennessee. Serving breakfast and lunch daily, the bakery uses the same traditional recipes that the Baggenstoss family has carried on for several generations.

While in Murray, Kentucky, stop by the Maple Street Market for unique made in Kentucky products and locally produced goods. Cooking classes featuring locally grown produce and goods are also offered throughout the year.

Led by chef/proprietor Sara Bradley, runner-up on season 16 of Bravo’s competitive cooking show Top Chef, Freight House’ s rotating menu features locally sourced meats, dairies, fruits and vegetables and Kentucky Blue Snapper sourced from the region’s rivers for a farm-to-table dining experience. The building that houses the restaurant was originally a freight depot.

This fifth-generation German bakery features traditional Old-World methods and family recipes. With roots dating back to 1873, Kirchhoff’s Bakery, Deli and Market has been a part of Paducah’s history, supplying the daily bread for locals’ tables through 1957. The deli reopened in 1997 and uses ingredients from the local farmer’s market to make fresh artisan breads, pastries, sandwiches, soups and salads.

Located in Grand Rivers, Ky., Patti’s 1880’s Settlement is famous for their two-inch thick pork chops, mile-high meringue pies and flower pot bread. With six gift shops in a recreated log cabin village, beautiful gardens, winding streams, miniature golf, remote control boats and a 26-foot tall rock wall, the restaurant is a destination in itself.

Nestled in the valley between the Cumberland and Blue Ridge mountains, downtown Dalton is Georgia’s fifth largest downtown district. From Southern cuisine, to pizza and beer, to quaint cafes, to Mexican and fine dining, Downtown Dalton has no shortage of culinary offerings to tickle any taste bud.

With its focus on nature and fresh ingredients, Wildflower Café is the go-to place in Mentone, a cozy little town located atop Lookout Mountain. The restaurant is featured in the book “The Southern Foodie: 100 Places to Eat in the South Before You Die.” Be sure to visit the Country Store for local artwork, handmade cards and other gift items and mementos to take back home.

Main Street Café is housed in the town’s old City Hall in downtown Madison, a suburban-Huntsville city. Enjoy lunch in one of the two previous jail cells while feasting on homemade casseroles such as Poulet de Normandie, Georgia Chicken and Cheesy Meatloaf.

Rattlesnake Saloon is a unique eatery nestled beneath a natural stone bluff that once sheltered Native Americans in northwest Alabama. Known as the watering hole under the rock, this is a place the whole family can eat, relax and enjoy connecting to local history.

The Freight House, located in the historic L&N freight depot in downtown Hartselle, Ala., offers views of passing trains and an opportunity to learn about the role of the railroad industry in North Alabama.

Save trip ideas and plan a trip easily with the Tennessee River Valley Geotourism MapGuide, an online guide of authentic places and adventures that have been recommended by locals. For additional dining options, click here.

Visit Napa Valley’s Welcome Center to Relocate to First Street Napa

February 19, 2020 by evebushman

NAPA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Visit Napa Valley’s official Napa Valley Welcome Center will open in First Street Napa in the Fall of 2020. Buildout is underway on the new 2,550 square-foot visitor center that will be located adjacent to Makers Market and across from the Mayacamas Downtown tasting room.

“The diversity of shops, restaurants and amenities make First Street Napa a must-visit stop for any Napa Valley trip. Now, with the addition of the Napa Valley Welcome Center, it will become an even more natural starting place to explore all the region has to offer,” said Todd Zapolski, principal and managing member, First Street Napa. “Visit Napa Valley has created this exceptional asset for tourists and business travelers, and we look forward to working with them to warmly welcome visitors.”

Since first opening at the Napa Riverfront in 2011, the Napa Valley Welcome Center, which is managed by Visit Napa Valley, has welcomed more than one million visitors. More than 80 volunteers and five staff members collectively speak more than ten languages and provide local expertise, as well as complimentary concierge services, maps, magazines, and other collateral materials. The Mercantile retail shop features locally crafted gift items as well unique home décor.

“We’re excited to have the Napa Valley Welcome Center be an integral part of First Street Napa – making this valuable resource more accessible for both visitors and local residents,” said Linsey Gallagher, president and CEO, Visit Napa Valley. “The Welcome Center is often the first stop for many visitors who are either unfamiliar with the Napa Valley or for those seeking new and unique experiences. It’s also extremely beneficial for locals who are planning itineraries for visiting friends or family, or just wishing to explore their own backyard.”

The Napa Valley Welcome Center, which is open daily, 360 days a year, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., also offers a public restroom and is pet friendly. With the move will come improvements to the Center’s offerings designed to inform and motivate visitors to explore all parts of Napa Valley. Given that the Welcome Center is a resource for travelers and locals alike, new experiential, education and technology-driven offerings are intended to enhance the region’s position as both an attractive travel destination and a dynamic place to live and work for all who visit the Napa Valley Welcome Center. During Cabernet Season, which takes place November through April, wine tastings are offered Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring select wineries from the Napa Valley. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the featured wines, meet the wine educators, and learn more about the winery.

“The opportunity to engage and communicate directly with more visitors was the ultimate factor for our Visit Napa Valley board in making the decision to relocate,” said Gallagher. She added, “We gave this a lot of thought and we are confident this is the right move, to the right location, at the right time, and it will pay off by getting more people to explore all regions of the Napa Valley.”

Located between Franklin and Coombs on the north side of 1st Street, First Street Napa is home to Archer Hotel Napa, Brown Estate Wines, Charlie Palmer Steak Napa, Compass Realty, Compline wine bar + restaurant, CYCLESOCIETY, Eiko’s Sushi, John Anthony Family of Wines, Kalifornia Jean Bar, lululemon, Macbella, Makers Market, Mayacamas Downtown, Mecox, Napastäk Napa Valley, Napa Valley Jewelers, Overland, Silicon Valley Bank, Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar, State & First by Maris Collective, Tommy Bahama and Toy B Ville.

About First Street Napa
First Street Napa is a 325,000-square-foot mixed-use development located in the heart of Downtown Napa. Spanning three city blocks, First Street Napa features fashion and specialty retailers, innovative restaurants and wine bars, creative office space, and Archer Hotel Napa, the tallest building in Napa Valley with 183 guestrooms and 39 balcony-clad suites. Catering to the local Napa community and visitors alike, First Street Napa invites people to shop, dine, relax, work, and indulge in an environment complete with exceptional landscaping, living walls, seating areas, amenities, and locally curated art and design. First Street Napa’s retail, agrarian landscaping, approachable dining, and wine country charm make this destination unmistakably Napa. For more information, please visit FirstStreetNapa.com, or follow @FirstStreetNapa.

About Visit Napa Valley
Visit Napa Valley is the official destination management organization for the Napa Valley, with a mission to promote, protect and enhance the region’s position as an attractive travel destination and enhance its public image as a dynamic place to visit, live and work. The Napa Valley, conveniently located just an hour from the San Francisco Bay Area, consists of the following distinctive towns, including, from north to south, Calistoga, St. Helena, Rutherford/Oakville, Yountville, the city of Napa, American Canyon, and the outdoor recreation area of Lake Berryessa. For additional information on the Napa Valley, or to plan your Napa Valley experience, please explore VisitNapaValley.com, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @VisitNapaValley.

Discover Lehigh Valley Releases 2020 Guide

February 13, 2020 by evebushman

LEHIGH VALLEY, PA. (PRWEB) – Discover Lehigh Valley®, the destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting tourism in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh and Northampton counties, unveiled its annual visitors guide. The 2020 Guide to Lehigh Valley seeks to inspire travelers to discover the region’s unique tourism events and attractions, while showcasing profiles of local communities, the foodie scene, arts and culture, and more.

“We’re excited to share our latest guide with locals and travelers alike as it is packed with things to do and insider tips for making the most of your visit to Lehigh Valley,” says Alicia Quinn, vice president of marketing and strategic alliances for Discover Lehigh Valley. “From experiencing living history to exploring our great neighborhoods and family-friendly festivals, the region offers a varied mix of unforgettable events and attractions that appeal to everyone.”

Included in the 2020 Guide to Lehigh Valley are features on outdoor recreation, arts and culture, Lehigh Valley’s American Viticultural Area, world-class events, and more. Readers will learn firsthand from locals on why they love living, working, and playing in Lehigh Valley. The guide also helps travelers maximize their experience by finding the best places to stay, shop, and dine while offering exclusive special offers.

“This year’s guide is also the first in Discover Lehigh Valley’s history to be fully written, designed and developed in-house. The playful guide pairs inspiring content with a sleek design to highlight stories that are only made possible in Lehigh Valley,” added Quinn.

View, download or request a copy of the guide at DiscoverLehighValley.com/VisitorsGuide and stay tuned in to @LehighValleyPa on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more insider tips and information.

About Discover Lehigh Valley
Discover Lehigh Valley®, the official destination marketing organization of Pennsylvania’s Lehigh and Northampton counties, is dedicated to driving economic growth and strengthening local pride through tourism to the region. Just 60 minutes north of Philadelphia and 90 minutes west of New York City, Lehigh Valley is home to must-see attractions and festivals, world-class sporting events, thrilling outdoor recreation, renowned colleges and universities, and historic sites including Bethlehem, a National Historic Landmark District and nominee on the U.S. Tentative List for World Heritage Designation. Many of America’s favorite brands such as Crayola®, Peeps®, Mike & Ike®, Martin Guitars, Mack Trucks and Olympus reign from Lehigh Valley. Visit DiscoverLehighValley.com and follow @LehighValleyPa.

Cheese, Chocolate and Brews Getaway to the Netherlands and Belgium

February 12, 2020 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Cheese Journeys – a bespoke culinary tour company – brings its signature mix of culture, craft, and luxury travel to cheese, chocolate and beer-aficionados as they spend eleven hedonistic days exploring and tasting the rich bounty of artisan and world-renowned products of Amsterdam and its environs, as well as Bruges, Brussels and Antwerp, September 24- October 4, 2020.

While travelers meet in the iconic capital of the Netherlands, the journey truly kicks off in the lush countryside north of Amsterdam at Beemster Dairy, where cows graze upon the nutrient-dense Beemster Polder – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – producing some of the finest milk in the world which Beemster Dairy uses to handcraft the most flavorful Goudas and other cheeses.

Guests will spend time with cheesemonger and affineur, Betty Koster of Fromagerie L’Amuse. Considered Holland’s ‘Julia Child of Cheese,’ Betty’s deep, long-established relations with Dutch farmers, cheesemakers and other affineurs give her – and Cheese Journeys! – access to the region’s most interesting, innovative cheeses, including Wilde Weide – which is based on a lake-island where only seven 25-pound wheels of cheese are handcrafted each day.

An educational evening of artisan beer and cheese pairings at the Jopenkerk Brewery will further one’s appreciation of award-winning, small-scale producers of Holland’s best blue, goat, and Gouda-style cheeses, while an afternoon at the beach with Koster explores the secret of matching cheese with tea – a surprising combination.

Time will be spent with the energetic Martijn Bos, owner of Boska Holland Cheese & Chocolate wares. This innovative family-run company has been crazy about cheese since 1896, making every tool needed for the cheese enthusiast and professional. Travelers will tour
Boska’s headquarters before partaking in an exclusive cheese & chocolate party showcasing Boska’s wares in use.

Cheese travel to the Netherlands would not be complete without a visit to the Alkmaar Cheese Market for the most Dutch of cheese experiences. This bustling market is filled with vendors and cheese-hauling carriers, upholding the tradition of weighing and selling local cheese for over 500 years.

Heading south to Belgium for the remainder of the tour, guests will spend time in the medieval city of Bruges. A UNESCO World Heritage City, Bruges overflows with history, including that of beer. De Halve Maan Brewery is the last brewery operating in the city’s center where travelers will enjoy a sip of Straffe Hendrik as well as an amazing meal in the brewery’s restaurant and gardens.

A day in Antwerp visiting some of Belgium’s top culinary trendsetters at De Konick- Antwerp City Brewery. We’ll enjoy a cheese tasting and lunch with the highly-regarded affineur Kaasaffineurs Van Tricht, taste sweets with chocolatier JITSK, and pair beer with charcuterie from the butcher De Laet & Van Haver. We’ll wrap up the day dining at the mouth-watering Michelin star restaurant The Butcher’s Son.

In the rolling hills of southeast Belgium we’ll take a deep-dive into the Trappist-style beer and cheese experience. Guests will enjoy exclusive, private tours of the Chimay brewery and creamery and learn of Chimay’s unique commitment to high-quality products, agriculture, sustainability, and caring for the future of their employees. Tour the beautiful Chimay Castle, currently home to the Prince of Chimay, a true lover of Chimay cheese! Experience fine Belgium chef-prepared meals featuring local recipes and ingredients…and of course cheese!

We conclude our tour in Brussels after a visit to one of our favorite Lambic-style beer producers. To ensure our guests have time for last-minute cheese, chocolate, and antique shopping, we’ll spend our last day exploring a very desirable and historic neighborhood of Brussels- Sablon, all before returning home.

This trip is co-hosted by Cheese Journeys founder and CEO, Anna Juhl, and Samantha Kane, CCP and cheese expert. Cheese Journeys is privileged to be hosted by Holland’s ultimate cheese experts: the makers and sales team from Beemster Dairy; Martijn Bos, owner of Boska Holland; and cheesemonger and affineur Betty Koster, owner of Fromagerie L’Amuse.

About Cheese Journeys:
Cheese Journeys was founded in 2013 to take food enthusiasts and professionals on custom tours designed to deepen their knowledge of artisan products, learn about customs and trends, and connect with producers and other food lovers during a relaxing and tasty adventure. These tours provide insider access to explore worlds that few culinary travelers discover on their own. Anna Juhl, founder and CEO of Cheese journeys, is a dedicated food professional and cheese enthusiast, offering a warm and personal style of hospitality which lies at the heart of Cheese Journeys, an ASTA member. For more information visit CheeseJourneys.com.

The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley Association announces a full-year Wine Trail Pass

February 9, 2020 by evebushman

Santa Clara Valley – The Santa Clara Valley association that represents the winery members of the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley, announced they discontinued their Spring and Fall Passport and have replaced it with a year-long Wine Trail Pass.

Young woman is drinking a glass of wine on a wine tasting together with friends

“Introducing a full-year Wine Trail Pass is something we’ve been wanting to do for some time.” said Stacy Giannini, Director of Marketing for the association. “We started with single weekend Passports when we had 20+ wineries. When we grew to 30+, we introduced the month-long Spring and Fall Passports. Both months were successful, but expecting visitors to wine taste 3-4 wineries every weekend including a few weekdays for a full month is a bit overwhelming for any wine lover. With a full year Wine Trail Pass, you’ll now have time to plan out your visits that work for your schedule.”

Whether you’re an avid wine lover, need a gift for friends, family, a high-end client or an employee is deserving recognition, the annual Wine Trail Pass is perfect purchase. Come out and discover new wines in a wine region that is older than the more popular California regions – and just came home with 106 medals from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition including 3 awarded Best of Class!

For more details, click “take a peek” in the link below to view the Trail Pass, list of participating wineries and the region map: http://www.santaclarawines.com/wine_trail_pass.html

Here’s a run-down of how the year-long Wine Trail Pass works:

Wine taste in 34 tasting rooms any day of the week/weekend that the wineries are open
One Pass per person, one visit per Pass for three 1 oz. tastings
One full year to visit
Sold online $75 (+$4 fee) or can be in any of the participating wineries listed on santaclarawines.com
Wineries located in Saratoga, Morgan Hill, San Martin, Gilroy and Hollister
Three Trail Days (Feb 1, Aug 1, Nov 7^th) celebrated in each territory shown in Wine Trail Pass .

To learn more about the winery members of the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley, visit www.santaclarawines.com.

About the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley An association representing member wineries that grow and produce wines in one of the oldest wine producing regions of California. With the first plantings at the Santa Clara Mission in 1798, the region of Santa Clara Valley represents one of the oldest growing traditions in the country. The Santa Clara Valley is home to 100 year-old wineries to long-established family operations and those that are in relatively smaller tasting rooms. On March 28, 1989, the Santa Clara Valley received AVA status; prior to this the region’s wines were typically labeled ‘Central Coast’ or ‘Santa Clara County’.

Waipapa Bay Wines Pledges Support for Whale and Dolphin Conservation With 2019 Vintage Launch

December 12, 2019 by evebushman

Sonoma, Calif. –Beginning this past November, in tandem with the launch of the 2019 vintage in the USA, Waipapa Bay Wines partnered with Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) as the nonprofit’s first wine industry corporate sponsor—a milestone in Waipapa Bay’s ongoing commitment to supporting global conservation and sustainability efforts.

The name Waipapa Bay comes from a renowned whale-watching coastal site on the South Island of New Zealand where Brent and Shirley Rawstron—who oversee viticulture and winemaking—often visit when traveling to the vineyards in Marlborough. Furthermore, the close proximity to the Pacific Ocean provides ideal climatic conditions for the vines to thrive; protecting the ocean and its delicate underwater ecosystems is paramount to producing high quality grapes in the region.

“It’s always been our intention with Waipapa Bay Wines to give back to the oceans,” says Liz Cobbold, Marketing Director. “We’ve been in search of the right partner who shares our goals and are thrilled to have found it with WDC. Plus, the partnership is a meaningful way to introduce the 2019 vintage wines to market.”

Founded in 1985, WDC is a global organization which has led the charge on protections for whales and dolphins in all our world’s oceans, an essential means to sustain the future of the planet’s climate resiliency and future. WDC has around 80 staff worldwide working in six locations dedicated to research and action to support this mission.

“We are excited to receive the support of sustainably-focused businesses such as Waipapa Bay Wines,” says WDC’s Melissa Walker. “The future of grape growing and agriculture overall are dependent on healthy oceans, so it is imperative that we unite for this common goal.”

As the organization’s first winery corporate partner, Waipapa Bay Wines will pledge to help support WDC in their four principal goals—end captivity, stop whaling, create healthy seas, and prevent accidental deaths in fishing gear—with a particular emphasis on raising awareness for the intern program, which fosters careers in conservation biology for young adults.

The 2019 vintage wines from Waipapa Bay include: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay from Marlborough, as well as a Pinot Noir Rosé from Canterbury. The wines retail at $14.99 and will be available in retail outlets. Read the full harvest report here.

Follow @waipapabaywines and @whales_org on Instagram for news and developments regarding the partnership.

About Waipapa Bay Wines

Waipapa Bay Wines reflect and respect the stunning, natural beauty of the place they take their name from–Waipapa Bay. With vineyards in Marlborough and Canterbury, we strive

to produce wines with elegance and a sense of place from grapes farmed with the utmost

attention and care. The close proximity to the Pacific Ocean provides ideal climatic conditions for the vines to thrive and gives a signature fresh character that carries through each of the four wines. To learn more visit: waipapabaywines.com.

About WDC

Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) is the leading global charity dedicated to the conservation and protection of whales, dolphins and their ocean home. Their mission is to educate people on the significant ecological role whales and dolphins play in the marine ecosystem, and inspire global action to protect them. This is not a noble gesture, but an essential means to sustain the future of our Earth by increasing the planet’s climate resiliency.

About Broadland Wineries

An international wine business with UK heritage, Broadland Wineries brings innovative and

modern wines to consumers–most recently with the wine advent calendar, which sold out at a national supermarket in less than 24 hours and created a social media buzz. Throughout its 50-year history, the mission remains the same: to offer superior service, quality, and value at all times. To learn more visit: broadland-wineries.com.