Category Archives: Road Trip

Stories from the wine trail

Beyond the Tasting Room: My SOMM Summit Wine Journey, Part 2 — Woodinville Wine Tour

Posted on August 23, 2017 by cbournel

On August 4th I posted a story about a trip for two that I won to the 2017 SOMM Summit International Wine & Spirits Symposium in Seattle, Washington. My story highlighted the symposium sessions and events that had the most … Continue reading →

Posted in Road Trip | Tagged Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley, earth, food, Grüner Veltliner, Januik, Merlot, Novelty Hill, Patterson Cellars, pepper, Pondera Winery, Seattle, Syrah, W.T. Vintners, Washington, wine, Wine country, Woodinville, Yakima Valley | Leave a comment

Beyond the Tasting Room: My SOMM Summit Wine Journey, Part 1

Posted on August 4, 2017 by cbournel

When I got the call from Alexandra Pace at the San Francisco Wine School telling me that I had won two tickets to the 2017 SOMM Summit, International Wine & Spirits Symposium last month in Seattle, Washington—plus lodging—I was speechless. … Continue reading →

Posted in Road Trip | Tagged appellation, Bordeaux, British Columbia, Bubbles, Caberne Sauvignon, Champagne, College, Columbia Basin, Columbia Valley, Hotel, Hungary, Italy, Medoc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Pinto Gris, Port, Portugal, Reception, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Sauvignon Blanc, Seattle, Sherry, SOMM, South Africa, Space Needle, sparkling wine, Spirits, Summit, Syrah, Tannins, Uruguay, Walla Walla, Washington, wine, Wine Folly, Wine School, Woodinville | 1 Comment

Skinner Vineyards & Winery Puts the “Aah” in Syrah—and in So Much More

Posted on August 12, 2015 by cbournel

Based on a recommendation, I found myself driving along windy roads through the Sierra Foothills with my friend Cathy in search of a winery called Skinner Vineyards & Winery in California’s El Dorado County. We weren’t sure what to expect … Continue reading →

Posted in Road Trip | Tagged acid, acidity, AVA, blends, El Dorado, Fair Play, Grenache, Placerville, red wine, Rhone, Skinner, Syrah | 2 Comments

Get Your Groove On in Moss Landing

Posted on November 7, 2013 by cbournel

As a contributing writer to WineFoodExplorer, I took a day trip to a place that is close to my hear, where the wildlife is abundant, the food is fantastic and the hospitality is always welcoming. Read more here, Get Your … Continue reading →

Posted in Road Trip | Tagged dine, Elkhorn Slough, explore, fresh fish, harbor, Haute Cusine, hike, humpback whales, kayak, kelp forest, mola, Monterey, Moss Landing, Moss Landing Cafe, Pot Spot, sand dunes, Santa Cruz, sea lions, sea otters, seals, smoke stacks, sunfish, watsonville, wine | Leave a comment

Road Trip – At Long Last Lodi

Posted on February 6, 2013 by cbournel

It’s 10 a.m. and I’m entering Lodi. Lodi, California, that is and not to be confused with Lodi, Wisconsin, home of the town’s mascot “Susie the Duck.” Lodi, California is home to old vine Zinfandel. As I near the heart … Continue reading →