It’s summer and almost everyone is ready to bust out of their regular routine. Perhaps you’ve already planned a beach vacation at a small town with a remote stretch of sand, a long-awaited river cruise with generous views of castles or chateaux or a hiking trip to your favorite idyllic spot. Sounds good to me! But don’t forget to bring a few of these travel-ready items (sent to me as samples) that will satisfy the luggage packing expert, wine lover, book aficionado or your puzzle-obsessed left brain. Summer vaca suddenly got better – Enjoy!
Start Packing for Your Next Adventure
To be honest, I’m obsessed with the VinXplorer Backpack (starting at $199.99). Not only does it have a 2 bottle removable hard shell zippered case insert and disposable plastic bladder with nozzle for storing and pouring liquids (another glass of wine, please), the VinXplorer Backpack has a generous main compartment for carrying daily items such as snacks, notebooks, change of clothes if you’re going backpacking or swimming, a couple of wine glasses and more. Plus, there’s a separate compartment for your laptop, chargers, cell phone and other tech items for on-the-go social media efforts. I’ve already taken this on a trip to the beach and plan to use it again on the boat in a week or two.
Read Your New Favorite Books
Once again, Rebecca Rosenberg entertains with the latest addition to her historical fiction series about Champagne widows. This time, the story of Madame Pommery – Creator of Brut Champagne ($17.99) is told with fascinating details that make readers feel Madame’s presence from the first page to the last. Set in swoon-worthy vineyards of France, Madame Pommery’s relentless perseverance to create her champagne legacy (with sides of love interests, fashion statements and mouthwatering food) is so compelling that I couldn’t put this book down… or the Pommery champagne in my glass.
The book, Wine People – A Novel ($17.99 paperback) by Michelle Wildgen, hit the book mark for me. The novel begins in New York City where the two main characters, Wren and Thessaly, land an exclusive position at a well regarded boutique wine distribution company. As you may expect, prolific imbibement is the norm and expectations are to sell it all and sell it well are of paramount importance. However, a business trip to Europe becomes a game changer for the company as well as Wren and Thessaly. Before the trip, the two are business colleagues, but afterwards, the course of their careers change. Both become fast friends, establish a lucrative business together but eventually find different paths. From New York City to Madison, Wisconsin to Paso Robles, California, Michelle Wildgen keeps the reader always wanting more. Pour a glass of Grenache from Paso Robles and settle in for a good page-turner.
Are you considering a visit to wine country anywhere in the world? Grab a copy of Wine Trails, Second Edition ($19.83 hardcover) and plan your trip with insider information. Published by Lonely Planet, this guide covers Burgundy, Margaret River, Sonoma Valley, Tuscany, Mendoza, Champagne and regions you may (or may not) have heard of. Specific information within each region include its unique history, suggested wineries, where to stay, where to eat, what to do and dates of regional celebrations. Going to Champagne? Stay at Les Crayeres, built by the family of Madame Pommery (see above!), have lunch at La Grillade Gourmande and visit Notre-Dame de Reims. In Central Otago? Rest at Villa del Lago, check out Cromwell Farmers & Craft Market and hike the Queenstown Trail. You get the idea. And if wine travel isn’t on the agenda for this year, enjoy the beautiful photos, detailed descriptions and inspiring tidbits. There’s always next year!
Discover the World of Wine in a Puzzle
Water & Wines has figured out how to lean in to wine education in a fun, interactive way. Their series of puzzles lets us “play into the world of wine” as we explore grapes, aromas, food pairings and more from countries around the world. I’ve been having a blast putting together this puzzle while referring to the wine map featuring grapes and blends, natural landscapes, native animals, and so much more. Find the puzzle, Western Cape of South Africa ($54), and sip Chenin Blanc or another stellar wine from the region.
Have a terrific summer!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
