Haven’t we had enough of 2020? Of course we have… Let’s celebrate! Now that holiday shopping is in full swing, consider wrapping yourself and special wine lovers with surprises that offer instant joy and the indulgence of wine travel. This year, forget the cocktail napkins, cheese boards and aerators… you can’t use them anyway since no one is dropping by. What we really need are gift ideas that inspire us to travel once again.
Enjoy These Gifts and Start Planning
John Taylor, author of the latest page-turner Pairs with Life ($14.99), is a self-proclaimed “writer, musician, wine geek, sci-fi nerd and Certified Master of Failure & Redemption.” He’s also a graduate of the USC School of Journalism and a member of the One-Hit-Wonder club thanks to his “nine minutes of its allotted fifteen minutes” of fame with his participation in the alternative rock band, The Uninvited. Wine lovers may recognize him as the voice of Pairs with Life podcast which combines raunchy humor, wine nerdiness and a fair dose of “what the %*&#. His newest book, Pairs with Life (sent as a product sample), reflects John’s style of all of the above with a terrific, gripping story. Honestly, I couldn’t put this book down as I followed the unexpected (well, some were expected…) antics of Corbett Thomas, former band member, sommelier and dreamer of all things wine especially in Napa Valley. Add some twists and turns, romance and intrigue and you’ll discover a story that pushes Corbett’s boundaries as he has to make some very difficult decisions. A happy ending? Read and find out, then take a road trip to Napa Valley.
Photo Credit: Pairs With Life
Anyone up for playing The Wine Game ($25)? Sent as a product sample, this fun card game is about as easy as it gets. The aim is to gain sets of 4 cards (a “wine family” consisting of a specific country or part of the world) by requesting them from other players. The player with the most families at the end of the game is the winner. Along the way learn more about wines thanks to a handy booklet that gives plenty of information about countries around the world and their wine regions. For example, did you know that in Bulgaria “Mavrud is an indigenous variety that produces chunky wines, while the grape known as Melnik 55, grown in the Struma alley in the southwest of the country delivers lighter reds akin to Pinot Noir or Gamay?” Right! These are just a few of many bits of fascinating information to discover as you’re playing… while sipping a new-to-you bottle of wine, of course! Which region do you want to visit next?
About that wine travel… The Wine Lover’s Bucket List ($35) (sent as a product sample) written by Simon J. Woolf with a Foreword by Eric Asimov outlines “1000 amazing adventures in pursuit of wine.” And adventures they are. Beautiful photographs chronicle all the choices we have in this wide world of wine in order to fuel our passions. As examples, “find bubbly with no added sulfites” in Champagne, “relax in an easy going wine bar” in Lyon (duly noted for the AmaWaterways group lunch we’ll have when we arrive in Lyon…keep reading for more about that) or “visit a winery in an old quarry” in Eger, Hungary. This inspiring book explores the globe with experiences like no other. You’d like to “feast among the vines” in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand or “discover the oldest winery in the New World” in Coahuila, Mexico? Simon J. Woolf has you covered with locations where festivals, tours, restaurants visits, and so much more are waiting for us. Read, dream, and plan your next trip.
An Appetite for Wine Travel? Indulge in Luxurious Experiences
Don’t tell, but I’ve already purchased a gift card for my brother and sister-in-law to The Chef and the Dish, a Toronto based company that has received international accolades. This brilliant concept is simple: book a cooking class with an award-winning international chef, make three regional dishes as he or she teaches about the process, learn fascinating facts about each ingredient and regional traditions along the way, and engage in fun conversation throughout as we travel to a new region with whisk or skillet in hand. By the way, the chef is in his or her own country (and kitchen) while you’re in yours… it’s via Skype! A couple of years ago, I “invited” Chef Paula Martinenghi into my kitchen for a class centering around Northern Italian cuisine. To read about my experience, see “Best Cooking Class Ever: An International Chef Skypes with YOU” by following the link here.
A few days before your class, you’ll receive a list of ingredients to purchase and utensils, pans, etc. needed for cooking. After the completion of the class, a recipe booklet is sent so you can make the dishes again and again. The cost begins at $299 for two with an additional $50 per person if more than two want to join the fun. Gift e-cards are available for any amount over $50. This is a perfect way to celebrate food and each other in the relaxed atmosphere of your own home and create a memory that will last forever. Just don’t forget the wine!
Who’s ready to travel again? I see that your glass is raised as high as mine! Now’s your chance to join my group on AmaWaterways’ Colors of Provence Rhone River Cruise from Avignon to Lyon from April 7-14, 2022. For one glorious week, we’ll more than satisfy our love for international travel, swirls and sips at world-class wineries, gastronomy, biking, hiking, and visiting fascinating places steeped with history and culture. I can’t wait to board the AmaKristina and settle into my magnificent cabin, then have a drink on the sun deck with you!
Everyone in our group receives a $250 per person discount no matter when you book. However, if you put down your $425 per person deposit before December 31, 2020, you’ll receive another $250 per person discount. In essence enjoy a $500 per person (or $1000 per stateroom) discount if you’re booked before December 31. The final payment is due December 27, 2021.
Click here for a link that offers detailed information on room styles, prices, pre-cruise land package to Barcelona or post-cruise land package to Paris and other facts you’ll want to know. As a bonus, I’ll be planning a few special experiences for just us depending on the number of the guests in our group. Email me at cindy@grape-experiences.com, contact our Travel Advisor Carol Wolniakowski at info@cuveewinetravel.com or call her at 630-418-6121 if you have other questions. By the way, everyone at AmaWaterways has assured us that our “Colors of Provence” river cruise will strictly adhere to all guidelines for our health and safety. My husband and I are already booked, as are others. Pop the champagne – let’s do this!
The Rhone River at Avignon – Photo Credit: AmaWaterways
Cheers to the Holidays! ~ Cindy
For more Grape Experiences and a free infographic “4 Keys to a Stellar Wine Pick” click here.
