Wining Through California And Not Going To Napa Or Sonoma

Planning on a wine-infused vacation in California?

Don’t do your palate an injustice by only doing the tastings in Napa and Sonoma. 

No doubt their vino is superb, but so are the many diversified varietals from the far north to southern portion of the Golden State. In addition, some of the less-popular regions hold wine tastings for less than $10.00 or even better – for free.

Raise your glasses, pirates! There is nothing to whine about on any of these places.

Sierra Foothills

Where the Gold Rush began and the Sierra Nevada foothills begin lies a host of award-winning wineries. Here in the AVA’s five counties (Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado as well as Nevada and Placer), are 1,000s of microclimates. 

Hot summer days followed by nights of cool mountain air give the grapes distinctive hardiness. Typically, Big Reds like Barbera, Sangiovese and Syrah are the region’s output in addition to full-flavored Zinfandel. Great winery towns include Placerville, Plymouth and Murphys.

Boeger Winery - Placerville

Inland Valleys

This is America’s garden. Agricultural riches like almonds, asparagus and tomatoes feed millions grown from the Sacramento and Central Valleys to Lodi and the Delta down to Madera County. Grapes have meant big business for over a century. Their wines are extremely diverse. Big jammy-like Zinfandel from Lodi with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot coming from the region of the Delta. Towns with wineries include Acampo, Oroville and Clarksburg.

Lodi winery signs

Southern California

If Hollywood, Malibu and Disneyland is all you think when you hear Southern California…be prepared for some grape adventures. Since the 1700s vineyards have grown in the Temecula and Cucumonga Valleys, across the San Diego and Los Angeles area. Now tasting rooms serve Italian and Rhône varietals such as Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Zin and port-style wines. Towns with wineries include Ramona, Warner Springs and Lancaster

Milagro Winery by Russ Harris

Far North

In the land of towering redwoods and the Pacific crashing against rocky coastlines, wine is created in quieter, sometimes eclectic, wineries. Grapes grow under diverse conditions. The interior of the six counties in Shasta Cascades region is warm, while cold harsh weather predominately occur on the coast. The wine is equally varied. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir remain oenophiles’ favorites as does Brut sparkling wine. Towns with wineries include Trinity Center, Eureka and Arcata.

Pinot noir grapes

Central Coast

California’s largest wine region has the longest history, starting with the 18^th-century Franciscan monks. Vineyards were planted as they established missions along the famed El Camino Real. Fog trapped between the ocean and mountain ranges means a longer hang time for the grapes garnering superior tasting Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Roussanne. Towns with wineries include Paso Robles, Livermore and Santa Maria.

Morning fog in Paso Robles

North Coast

The scenery is as gorgeous as the wines found here. Napa and Sonoma are joined by the counties of Lake and Mendocino in producing highly esteemed Cabernet Sauvignon, among other varietals like Pinot Noir and Syrah. Tastings, unlike other regions, can be pricy, But, if you chalk it up to one-in-a-lifetime experience the money might be worth it. Towns with wineries include Hopland, Ukiah and Lower Lake.

North Coast vineyards

Eating Scandinavian – Interesting Foods From The Top Of the World

Eating Scandinavian – Interesting Foods From The Top Of the World

Like their Viking ancestors, modern-day Scandinavians eat from the sea, the plains and the mountains of their respective countries. While the kingdoms of Denmark, Sweden and Norway naturally fall under the Scandinavian banner, Iceland and the Faroe Islands are also included. 

Discover this multi-national smorgasbord of gastronomic delights and culinary oddities anytime of the day.

Breakfast

Øllebrød (Denmark)

Made of old rye bread and a light beer, this thrifty porridge is sometimes enjoyed with a dollop of citrus fruit-flavored whipped cream instead of plain milk.

Laks og eggerøre (Norway)

Open faced sandwiches start many a Norwegian’s morning. When bread is topped with this smoked salmon and eggs combo, the day is bound to be special.

Skinka (Sweden)

Like its western neighbor, Norway, open-face sandwiches often are the first meal of the day. Skinka (ham) is a popular choice to place atop knäckebröd a crispbread – round and made from rye.

Skyr (Iceland)

Grab a spoon and delve into some Skyr. The soft, yogurt-like cheese originated in Norway, but have been an Icelander’s breakfast item for centuries. It was first mentioned in old sagas of this island nation. Now commercially- produced, Skyr comes in different flavors.

Lunch/Dinner

Tvøst og spik (Faroe Islands)

Pilot whale meat often ends up on restaurant menus and locals’ tables of this country strewn over a dozen islands. It is typically boiled, with its blubber and cold potatoes. Health authorities have some concerns over whale consumption, especially for pregnant women, so perhaps skerpikjøt (dried mutton) might be a better choice.

Fläskpannkaka (Sweden)

Chase away the chilly temps dining on thick pancake with diced and delicious pork tucked in the middle.

Reinsdyrkjøttkaker (Norway)

Reindeer live throughout the Nordic countries and are often used as venison in many recipes. This dish is meatballs often accompanied by oven-baked potatoes and lingonberries.

Leverpostej (Denmark)

Danes love their sandwiches. This liver paste (usually pork) is spread over slices of rye and white bread

Pylsur (Iceland)

Icelandic hot dogs are a combo of beef, pork and lamb. To eat like a local, order it "eina með öllu.” It means with everything and includes ketchup, onions both raw and crunchy deep-fried, the tang of remoulade and a sweet brown mustard. To be more gastronomically adventurous – try smoked lundi. That’s puffin to most of us.

Desserts

Rødgrød med fløde (Denmark)

The Danes stew summer fruits like rhubarb, strawberries and raspberries until they are thick and pudding-like. Cream is sometimes poured atop for a refreshing end to a meal.

Ostkaka (Sweden)

Although it translates to “cheesecake”, do not order this expecting the American version. Served as a square, instead of a slice, it is lukewarm and topped with jams such as cloudberry or lingonberry.

Vínarterta (Iceland)

You’ll stay regular with this Icelandic dessert. Five or more layers of cake alternate with sweetened prune jam.

Pikekyss (Norway)

Light and airy, these baked meringues translate to “girl’s kiss.”

Happy Nordic eating!

Sensational Stowe

Stowe Village/www.topnotch.com

Among tall trees and wooded acres in the resort town of Stowe, Vermont is an extraordinary retreat perched on a 120-acre sprawl.

Topnotch Resort and Spa, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, houses capacious guest rooms and suites plus a collection of resort homes with an array of impressive amenities.

A sweet European élan coupled with a classic country motif characterizes each hotel chamber, and the freestanding homes with their gourmet kitchens are ideal for multi-generational travel.

Accommodations are varied and well-suited for nearly every purpose, whether you are traveling on a romantic getaway or plan to bring the entire family.

Click here to read more

Fashionable Castille Paris

Junior Suite/Coco-style www.castille.com

The City of Light beckons to you - from the Seine and the Eiffel Tower, to the Champs-Élysées, this amazing city will win your heart. In the center of this wonderful and historic destination is Castille Paris.

Nestled in the heart of the exclusive 1st Arrondissement, this bright and vibrant hotel is as luxurious as it is inviting.

Choose from traditional or contemporary room styles, each equally beautiful and elegant. Crafted with bright whites and bold accent colors, and decorated with amazing 18th and 19th century works of art, you will be greeted by a peaceful atmosphere and spacious luxury.

Plush accommodations, Carrara marble bathrooms, and city views will take your breath away. At Castille Paris the wonders of the city and the comforts of the hotel will create an experience you will remember forever.

Traveling at Any Size

www.fit-journey.com

Traveling is a broadening experience.

Reality is – you are already broad.

Although your horizontally challenged silhouette is shrinking, its current state might keep you from the joys travel brings.

Free yourself from such negative thinking!

At present, you might not scale Mount Everest and perhaps running with the bulls at Pamplona will wait. However, temporary rotundness is no reason not to grab your car keys or passport and go.

Continue reading here.