Category Archives: #Travel

Exploring Northern Sonoma – Russian River and Dry Creek

Posted on March 4, 2016 by sommeliersusie

Wednesday, February 24th, I left Chicago and the approaching snow storm for sunny warm Sonoma, California. What a glorious feeling upon arrival- bright sunshine, temperatures in the low 70’s. I decided to take advantage of my free Thursday, before the Boisset … Continue reading →

Posted in #Tasetful Adventures, #Travel, #Wine, Wine Education | Tagged #Carol Shelton, #Dry Creek Valley, #Ferrari-Carano, #Healdsburg, #J Winery, #Russian River Valley, #Sbragia, #Selby, #Sonoma, #Windsor Vineyards | 2 Comments

Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin

Posted on October 18, 2015 by sommeliersusie

“Sweetest Day…what to do with my amazing husband? Road trip! We decided to head north to Wisconsin, to Devil’s Lake State Park, to get in some hiking, take advantage of the glorious weather and revel in Mother Nature’s changing colors. Awesome, breathtaking, beautiful, … Continue reading →

Posted in #Devil's Lake State Park, #Travel, #Wisconsin | Tagged #Fall Colors, #Glaciers, #Hiking, #Ie Age, #Nature's Beauty, #North Leaf Winery, #Quartzite | Leave a comment

A Day in Dublin, Ireland

Posted on October 15, 2015 by sommeliersusie

This two week trip passed so quickly. When I made my plane reservation, many months ago, I decided to take advantage of a 25 hour layover so I could pass some time in Dublin. I am so happy I did! … Continue reading →

Posted in #Dublin, #Ireland, #Travel | Tagged #Bangors and Mash, #Christ Church Cathedral, #Dublin Castle, #Guinness, #St. Auddens, #St. Patrick's Cathedral, #Temple Bar | Leave a comment

San Sebastian, Spain and St. Jean de Luz, France

Posted on October 14, 2015 by sommeliersusie

Being so close to the border between France and Spain called for a quick day trip to two enchanting towns- San Sebastian, Spain and St. Jean de Luz, France. My guide Ana, told me we had to go to San … Continue reading →

Posted in #France, #Spain, #Travel | Tagged #Basque, #Piment d'Espelette, #San Sebastian, #St. Jean de Luz, #Tapas | Leave a comment

Château Prieuré Lichine -Margaux Appellation, Bordeaux

Posted on October 13, 2015 by sommeliersusie

The last château I visited was Prieuré Lichine. What a beautiful winery! Château Prieuré-Lichine is a Great Classified Growth located in the heart of Margaux appellation (Bordeaux area, France). With 173 acres of vineyards, the Château is produces three red wines … Continue reading →

Posted in #France #Bordeaux, #Travel, #Wine | Tagged #1855 Clasification, #Merlot, #Prieuré Lichine | Leave a comment

La Jonchée…What is this Unique Specialty from the Saintonge?

Posted on October 8, 2015 by sommeliersusie

La Jonchée– is a culinary specialty of Saintonge, north of the Charente- Maritime and south of Deux-Sèvres. (It is also made on Ile d’Oléron and near Rochefort.) A delicacy during the Middle Ages, la jonchée is a rare find today. … Continue reading →

Posted in #Artisan Cheese, #Charente-Maritime, #France, #Travel | Tagged #almond water, #bay leaf water, #Bulrushes, #Cognac, #Deux-Sèvres, #La Jonchée, #laurel water, #Middle Ages, #orange flower water, #Pineau des Charentes, #Saintonge, #Wild Artichoke Flower | Leave a comment

Beau-Séjour Bécot- Premier Grand Cru Classé – Saint Emilion

Posted on October 7, 2015 by sommeliersusie

My last scheduled château visit was to Beau-Séjour Bécot located just outside the town of Saint- Emilion. This estate has been making wine since the Gallo-Roman period! “Beau-Séjour” means “lovely stay” and was named back in 1787 by Gen. Jacques … Continue reading →

Posted in #France #Bordeaux, #Grand Cru, #Travel, #Wine | Tagged #Beau-Séjour Bécot, #Cabernet Franc, #Cabernet Sauvignon, #Chicago Events, #Gallo-Roman period, #Merlot, #Saint Emilion, #Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux | Leave a comment

Bordeaux’s Smallest Appellation- POMEROL

Posted on October 6, 2015 by sommeliersusie

Of Bordeaux’s major wines, Pomerol is the smallest appellation with just 800 hectares of vines. Pomerol is located to the northeast of the town of Libourne. Merlot, the “king” varietal here, thrives in the gravelly clay soil. Cabernet Franc, the next … Continue reading →

Posted in #France #Bordeaux, #French History, #Travel, #Wine | Tagged #Bastor-Lamontagne, #Beauregard, #Cabernet Franc, #Knights Hospitaller of St John of Jerusalem, #Libourne, #Merlot, #Pavillon Beauregard, #Pomerol, #Saint-Robert, #Vincent Priou | Leave a comment

Picturesque Saint-Georges-de-Didonne

Posted on October 4, 2015 by sommeliersusie

After a week of on and off rainy days, we took advantage of this glorious, Sunday sunshine and headed to the family’s summer home in Saint-Georges-de-Didonne. What a beautiful day it was! Saint Georges is a quaint little town. It is charming, … Continue reading →

Posted in #Charente-Maritime, #France, #Lighthouses, #Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, #Travel, Cheese and Wine, Rosé Wine | Tagged #Bulots, #Crevettes Roses, #La Cordouan Lighthouse, #La Jonchée, #Louis de Foix, #Oysters, #Royan, #Vendée, #Wikipedia | Leave a comment

Blaye- Its Citadelle, Wines, and “Le Bac”

Posted on October 3, 2015 by sommeliersusie

Le Bac de Blaye- a ferry that transports visitors and workers across the Gironde- saved me so much time during my visits to the Grand Cru châteaux located on the left bank- Margaux, Pauillac, and St. Estèphe. I was able … Continue reading →

Posted in #Blaye, #French History, #Travel, #Vauban, #Wine | Tagged #Defensive fortress, #Ferry, #Le Bac, #Les Côtes de Blaye, Les Côde Brdeaux | Leave a comment