Wine Travel Stories

In-depth Tales of Winery Visits Around the World

Napa Valley’s First Growth Vineyard Arrives: Inside the New To Kalon Collective

The Legendary To Kalon Vineyard at Robert Mondavi Winery. Photo Credit: Adam Potts When I interviewed Robert Mondavi chief winemaker Genevieve Janssens in the early 2000s while writing a chapter on the To Kalon Vineyard for the book Call of the Vine, I remember being struck by her words: “It is a privilege to work in To Kalon. I have been here since 1978 and it is my driving reason – raison d'être – for working at Robert Mondavi Winery. To me, To Kalon is the superstar of Napa Valley. It is a First Growth vineyard.” Today, Genevieve has transitioned [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2026-10-21T14:45:00-07:00October 20, 2026|

How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Wine Weekend Getaway You’ll Love

For couples craving a wine-country weekend that still feels special, the hardest part usually isn't picking a destination, it's managing the budget challenges that sneak in fast. Lodging can eat the weekend fund in one click, tasting fees and meals add up. The good news is that an affordable wine getaway doesn't require luck or sacrifice; it requires a clear plan that keeps choices simple and spending visible.

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2026-10-09T14:26:57-07:00October 9, 2026|

Inside Gloria Ferrer Winery’s 40-Year Sparkling Wine Legacy in Sonoma

Gloria Ferrer Winery 40th Anniversary Dinner Celebration. THACH It was a picture-perfect Sonoma evening for the 40th Anniversary Celebration of Gloria Ferrer Winery. The winery opened its doors to a vibrant gathering of wine club members and select media guests, and I was thrilled to be invited. The celebration began in the tasting room lobby, where we were greeted with a crisp, refreshing glass of Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs or Rosé. Outside on the terrace, a stunning array of passed and station appetizers awaited us. Gloria Ferrer Winery – Steeped in Romance The winery's history is steeped in both [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2026-10-20T08:31:06-07:00October 6, 2026|

California Wine Experiences – Uncork the Fun This Harvest Season

Forest Bathing & Wine Tasting at Bartholomew Estate in Sonoma, CA. PHOTO CREDIT: Bartholomew If you love wine travel, like me, here are a few fun events that are happening in California Wine Country this harvest season 2026. Remember that September and October mark the height of the harvest in wine country. It is the most energetic time of the year, as grapes reach peak maturity and are rushed from the vines to the crush pad to begin their transformation into world-class wines. To celebrate this season, wineries across the state host exclusive tours, hands-on workshops, and festive gatherings that [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2026-09-29T14:09:10-07:00September 29, 2026|

Kosta Browne Winery’s Love Affair With Burgundy

Inside Kosta Browne Winery in Sonoma County, CA. PHOTO CREDIT: Kosta Browne Located just 30 minutes from my Sonoma County home, Kosta Browne Winery is a standout destination for exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Nestled in the charming town of Sebastopol, the winery's origins trace back to 1997, when two waiters pooled their tip money to start a winemaking venture. Co-founders Dan Kosta and Michael Browne later became industry legends after selling a controlling interest in the brand to Vincraft for nearly $40 million. Today, Kosta Browne is part of The Duckhorn Portfolio. A few years ago, the team made [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2026-09-22T12:55:42-07:00September 22, 2026|

Inside an Exclusive 7-Course Cristal Dinner at Atelier Crenn

To celebrate 150 years of Louis Roederer’s flagship prestige cuvée, three-Michelin-starred Restaurant Atelier Crenn hosted an unforgettable retrospective featuring rare Vinothèque releases.

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2026-09-15T12:59:42-07:00September 15, 2026|

New Online Guide to Napa Valley from Wine Spectator

Welcome to Napa Valley Sign. Photo Credit: THACH Here's some good news for wine travel enthusiasts. Wine Spectator has just launched a new online travel guide to Napa Valley. This will make planning a getaway to Napa Valley a whole lot easier, and it is completely FREE! As someone who has lived in the Napa/Sonoma wine regions for more than 20 years, friends are always asking me which wineries to visit, where to stay and restaurants to visit, so this makes my job a little easier. Thanks Wine Spectator! Entitled the Ultimate Guide to Napa Valley, it is available at [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2026-09-01T12:43:52-07:00August 31, 2026|

Celebrating Mexican Wine: Inside the Vibrant Vendimia Harvest Festival

Each August The Major Mexican Wine Region of Valle de Guadalupe Holds a Famous Wine & Food Festival. GEMINI Every August, wine and food lovers from around the world travel to the Valle de Guadalupe wine region of Mexico, located on the Baja Peninsula. There, they spend several days or a week enjoying wine from more than 150 wineries, paired with delicious Mexican cuisine. Advance event tickets are available at Provino and through individual wineries. I had the chance to spend a week in the Valle de Guadalupe as a wine judge and was very impressed with the beauty of [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2026-07-22T16:08:49-07:00July 23, 2026|

Inside the Newly Renovated Beaulieu (BV) Winery in Napa Valley

The 1885 Renovated Beaulieu (BV) Winery in Napa Valley. Photo Credit: BV Following an extensive two-year renovation, the historic Beaulieu Vineyard (BV)—dating back to 1885—has officially reopened its doors. Located along the iconic Highway 29 in the heart of Napa Valley, the estate features an original stone winery crafted from local stone and river-mud mortar. Officially registered as Bonded Winery No. 71 in Napa, the structure proudly retains its original 1885 signage. An international design and construction team spearheaded the restoration, retrofitting the building for seismic safety while prioritizing the reuse of original building materials. To advance its sustainability efforts, [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2026-07-14T07:56:11-07:00July 14, 2026|

Historic Ex-Cellar Auction Of Château Haut-Brion

HISTORIC EX-CELLAR AUCTION OF CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION I'll never forget my visit to the historic Château Haut-Brion. It was a bright and sunny morning in May, and I was visiting as a Master of Wine candidate to learn more about the wines of Bordeaux. The white wines of Château Haut-Brion are just as exquisite (and usually more expensive) than the great red wines from this legendary winery, dating back to the 1549. Below is exciting news from Sotherby's on a great cellar auction that will take place at the estate. PRESS RELEASE: PARIS, 8 JULY 2026 – On 1 October 2026, [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2026-07-08T08:49:39-07:00July 8, 2026|

How Viral Food Trends Are Reshaping Wine Tourism

How Viral Food Trends Are Reshaping Wine Tourism. Photo Credit: Pexels.com Contributed by Hannah Brooks: Wine tourism traditionally centers largely around tastings, cellar tours, and vineyard views. While those experiences are still central to the industry, traveler priorities are shifting, with social media allowing people to choose their holiday destinations based on the latest TikTok, YouTube and Instagram food trends. According to Skyscanner’s guide to fashionable foods and travel, travelers are looking at specific factors such as the variety of ingredients, dishes and drinks when picking the perfect place for a foodie holiday. Dining and enjoying good quality wine is [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2026-05-17T12:43:22-07:00May 17, 2026|

Treasury Wine Estates and AI Innovation

Penfolds Winery in Australia, Part of Treasury Wine Estates. Photo Credit: Treasury I have long been a fan of the wines produced by Treasury Wine Estates. These range from Beringer in Napa Valley where I learned to fall in love; to my overnight stay at Matua vineyard in New Zealand, and two fabulous tastings of Penfolds Grange at Penfolds Winery in Australia. Therefore, it was exciting for me to conduct this interview with Adele Felsch, GM of Marketing Strategy & Insight, for Treasury. She shared with me all of the exciting innovations they are doing with the assistance of AI [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2026-07-13T17:47:37-07:00April 28, 2026|

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Wine Tasting Trip To California

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Wine Tasting Trip To California. Photo Credit: UnSplash (Contributed by Harriet Martin) If you’re a wine enthusiast who’s lucky enough to be visiting California, you’re in for a treat. Renowned for its world-class wines and stunning vineyard landscapes, the state is a dream for wine enthusiasts. With over 6,000 wineries, stunning national parks and 840 miles of pristine coastline to explore, there’s a dreamy wine tasting trip for everyone in this sunny paradise. Here, we take a look at how to get the most out of your wine tasting trip to California. [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2026-09-14T13:19:49-07:00April 21, 2026|

Gruet Sparkling Wine From New Mexico Paired With Green Chile Cuisine

New Mexico Green Chile Dishes Pair Well With Sparkling Wine I have visited Gruet winery in Albuquerque, New Mexico on several occasions, and it has always been a delight. Recently I was able to interview the Gruet winemaker, Carrie Gurule, via Zoom. She also shipped me a variety of Gruet sparkling wines to try, and we had a wonderful conversation about which of the wines paired best with New Mexico green chile cuisine. “I have all of my mother’s handwritten recipes for New Mexican dishes,” Gruet Head Winemaker Carrie Gurule told me in a recent Zoom interview. “And they pair [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2026-01-25T11:51:23-08:00January 25, 2026|

Organic Wine & Food Dinner at Stanly Ranch Auberge in Napa Valley

Stanly Ranch Auberge is a New Luxury Resort in Napa Valley. Photo Credit: Stanly Ranch As one of Napa Valley’s newest resorts (2022), the Stanly Ranch Auberge Collection is making a splash with a focus on fresh, organic foods paired with local organic and sustainable wines. A perfect example was a recent wine and food pairing dinner at The Grange, their outdoor dining area surrounded by a sumptuous chef’s garden filled with rows and rows of delicious, fresh, organically grown vegetables. Featuring the organic wines of Quintessa Winery, the dinner was limited to 40 guests (including non-resort guests) and began [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2026-01-25T12:05:17-08:00October 30, 2025|