Cognac: An Introduction

Music: “Footsteps” by VIA Available to download free on VIA’s Facebook page Click here for more articles and videos about Cognac

Cognac: Region, City, Spirit, Passion

It started in April, with an article about Cognac. Now I’m back from the city that gave the French spirit its name, following a trip organized by the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac. Cognac is so much more than just a drink — and in the articles and videos below you’ll see why. Join me [...]

Dragonette Cellars: A Must Taste in Los Olivos

Not much has changed in the town of Los Olivos since I visited in the summer of 2009.  The charming town in California’s Santa Ynez Valley is just as picturesque as I remember it. Strolling along Grand Avenue, popping into the boutiques and enjoying delicious wines at some of the numerous tasting rooms continues to [...]

A Taste of Asheville in Atlanta

Been itching for a trip out of town but can’t get away from Atlanta this month?  Let one of the southeast’s top vacation spots come to you! 30 Days of Asheville is a month of entertainment, tastings and free goodies that showcase what the western North Carolina city has to offer. From beer and cheese [...]

Where to Travel in 2011

The New York Times just published an article on the 41 places to go in 2011.  Making its list are six U.S. cities including the always popular Miami, and international destinations that range from the easily accessible London to the exotic Tanzanian island of Zanzibar. Click here to read the article online for full descriptions [...]

Explore Georgia Wine Country During Winter Wine Highway Weekend

If you’ve never been to northern Georgia wine country, the Winter Wine Highway weekend is the perfect time to see what you’ve been missing! From Friday, December 3rd through Sunday, December 5th, you can explore the region’s nine participating wineries for one low price. Visitors 21 years and older can purchase a passport for $20, [...]

Provence’s Best (and Best Hidden) Ruins

The Amateur Gastronomer spent the month of August in Provence.  This is one of a series of articles on the region. One of the greatest things about Provence is that there are ruins everywhere. From the well preserved Roman sites in Arles to the remnants of a 10th century château in Les Baux de Provence, [...]

A Guide to Gordes

Photographs are only able to capture a portion of Gordes’ beauty. There really isn’t anything quite like the first time you drive up the narrow winding road and then — through a break in the trees — get your first glimpse of the perched village. It’s no surprise that Gordes is classified as one of [...]

Ice Cream with a View

The Amateur Gastronomer spent the month of August in Provence, France.  This is one of a series of articles on the region. I’m going to let you in on a secret: the best ice cream in western, or perhaps all of Provence.  But you have to promise not to tell anyone so it won’t get [...]

Festival of Wines in Chateauneuf-du-Pape

The Amateur Gastronomer spent the month of August in Provence, France.  This is the first in a series of articles on the region. What better way to kick off a three week trip to Provence than by tasting wines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape? Our first weekend in the south of France happened to coincide with Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s annual [...]