In the Delta One Lounge @ JFK Airport in NY waiting to board to Milan, Italy When my wife first appeared open to the idea of a trip to Italy, I was more than a bit surprised. More than surprised, I was very excited. Although we both mutually agreed that when the stars aligned and the opportunity was right we would surely make the trip abroad; it had never become a reality. She had not been to Europe since she was 10 years old. I had never ever traveled "across the pond". Yet

Arthur & Mary Barham from Merlot2muscadine Virtually all of my most loyal readers will tell you that I have been touting the NCRLA Chef...

When someone says they are from "Georgia" it is likely that you are going to assume that they are from the "state" made famous by the...

As a small child growing up in rural North Carolina there were few events that rivaled the majesty and spectacle of Ringling Brothers...

Allow me to introduce you to Erik Martella https://erikmartellawines.com/ , a winemaker who received his initial training while working...

I get it; I finally understand that there are many wine drinkers that don't care much for wine and products made from muscadine grapes....

During the late 1700's the term "Vive La France" became a rallying cry at the storming of the Bastille and subsequently the start of the...

Although it was many years ago, I still remember one of my favorite novels I was forced to read as part of "honors" English - Don...

Just five years ago, while in Napa & Sonoma California, celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary, my wife and I made the decision to...

For those of you that have not reached the ripe old age of 67 years, as I have, I can assure you that the day will inevitably come when...

The allure and ambiance of a crackling fire always makes the holidays special. Whether it is the welcome warmth of a fire pit outside or...

I am very excited to announce a new collaboration with a local winery for whom my admiration and gratitude are well documented - FireClay...

Imagine the Oscars, Emmys and Tonys plus Food Network Tournament of Champions all rolled into one and tied with a bow made from North...

I will be the first one to admit that I know little to nothing about Texas wine. That was true until my good friend and wine mentor Dave...

As a veteran of the many many wine tours in the Yadkin Valley I know firsthand how much fun it is to travel to various North Carolina...

With memories of last year's summer white wine experience fresh in my memory I traveled to Yadkin County to once again savor the...

I have attended so many wine themed dinners in my life it is impossible to even remotely guess the number. From my early years as the...

I will be the very first to admit that during a normal meal the part that I look forward to the least is dessert. Most of my adult life I...

No doubt you have met someone named Elvis, Tiger or Marilyn only to find out that their parents named them out of love and admiration for...

I have been waiting for the coveted Winter Reds wine tour to return to Yadkin Valley for well over a year. My readers know that if my...