Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • The Dynamic Lavico Etna Wines of Duca di Salaparuta
    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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The Louvre Complex, Paris, Courtesy of Atout France/Maurice Subervie
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Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris, Courtesy of Atout France/Daniel Thierry
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Cannes, Courtesy of Atout France/Robert Palomba
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Chateau Cheval Blanc, Saint-Emilion, Courtesy of Atout France/Olivier Roux
Renowned for its food and wine, culture and history, France has a lot to offer visitors in 2018.  From Paris, the “City of Light” (La Ville Lumière), where fashion and culture shine bright, to the beach cities of the Côte d’Azur that buzz with summer excitement, a visit to France includes all that is delightful in life.  France is the crown jewel of modern day wine, and encompasses a bounty of varietals and styles.  It’s a wine lover’s dream, from the iconic sparkling wines of Champagne, the stylistic wines of Alsace, and the nuanced Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines of Bourgogne, to the unique oxidized wines of Jura, the deep and sultry GSM wines of the Rhône, the “summer in a glass” rosé wines of Provence, the sensual earthy charms of Bordeaux wine, the rustic mouth-filling wines of Southwest France, and the cornucopia of white and red wines of the Loire.  Paired with the classic food of each region, these culinary experiences are the stuff of legend and why France is considered the “mother ship” of wine and the foundation of cooking worldwide.  But there is more to France than just these earthly pleasures; history, culture, and nature pursuits percolate through the fabric of life here, beckoning to be discovered by the first time and repeat traveler.  Here is a brief look at a few of this year’s highlights, recognizing there are many more opportunities to tour France’s gems than can be listed in one spot.  For a complete picture, visit www.us.france.fr for destinations and events throughout the year.  And for a detailed look at the best times of the year to visit, depending on which seasonal pleasures you want to indulge in, from skiing to sunbathing, visit Bookmundi.com for a complete travel guide.
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Courtesy of Bordeaux Tourism & Conventions/Christophe Bouthe
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La Cité du Vin Museum, Bordeaux, Courtesy of Bordeaux Tourism & Conventions/Arnaud Bertrande
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Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Courtesy of Atout France/Olivier Roux
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Bordeaux Wine Festival, Courtesy of Vincent Bengold
Bordeaux is known the world over as wine royalty, a port city that transformed itself into a hub of fascinating wine, begun over 1000 years ago.  Part of the region of southwestern France known as Aquitaine, today’s Bordeaux attracts 6 million visitors a year, facilitated by the high speed train, TGV Océane, only a 2 hour journey from Paris.  Landing the number one spot on Lonely Planet’s Top Cities of the World list, Bordeaux celebrates its wine roots along six wine trails and the La Cité du Vin Museum, which has become a magnet for all things wine in the city proper.  If there is any doubt how relevant Bordeaux still is to wine lovers, the statistics are stunning, 22 bottles of Bordeaux wine are sold every second throughout the world!   June’s Bordeaux Wine Festival, “Fête le Vin”, is Europe’s largest tourist attraction, based on wine.  From June 14-18, wine tasting pavilions spotlighting 80 appellations in the Bordeaux and Aquitaine region will line 2 kilometers along the Garonne River.  For 2018, the 20th anniversary of the festival, the Tall Ships Regatta, sailing from Liverpool, will add color to the event.  Wine begets fine food, and in Bordeaux, gastronomy is a passion, with over 1600 restaurants contributing to a vibrant dining scene, and a variety of markets offer an informal way to explore the riches of the region.  An eclectic musical scene and fifteen museums bring culture to life, and if you’re looking for an unusual experience in wine country, Novespace has flights where passengers can undergo weightlessness, an out of body experience not related to wine!
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Dordogne Wine Country, Courtesy of Atout France/Maurice Subervie
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Lascaux prehistoric cave paintings
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Pèrigord Black Truffles, Courtesy of Belle France
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Chateau de Castelnaud, Périgord, Courtesy of Atout France
East of the legendary wine estates of Bordeaux, in the heart of the Dordogne, the area known as Périgord is renowned for their food, historical sites, picturesque villages, and outdoor pursuits.  From the prehistoric cave paintings at Lascaux, just one of fifteen UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Vézère Valley, to the ancient castles that dot the “Route des Châteaux du Périgord”, many dating back to the 14th century, history comes alive.  Throughout the Dordogne, many charming villages are ripe for exploration, in fact, home to ten of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”.  The city of Perigueux is famous for its gourmet cuisine and its iconic food products, such as black Périgord truffles, duck and goose foie gras, Périgord strawberries, walnuts, sweet chestnuts and goat cheese.  And what is food without wine?!  Bergerac wines offer the spectrum of wine tasting experiences, with various Châteaux along the “Route des Vins” pouring white, rosé, red and sweet dessert wines.  If you need to work off all that food and wine, outdoor activities include cycling, hiking, and canoeing.  And if you just want to watch, the Tour de France passes through Périgueux in July.
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Courtesy of Oise-Aisne Cemetery
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Courtesy of Oise-Aisne Cemetery
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Aisne-Marne Cemetery, Courtesy of Horizon_Bleu
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Belleau Chapel, Courtesy of Franck-Viltart
For history buffs, it’s the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, with many events scheduled to honor the over 9 million soldiers of 42 nationalities who lost their lives in the conflict.  Aisne in northern France, referred to as the Western Front, was the scene of some of the last horrific battles.  Throughout 2018, many centennial ceremonies are set to commemorate their sacrifice, culminating in November’s Armistice signing a century ago.  Here, respect for the fallen is reflected in a land where cemeteries and monuments populate the landscape, and the scars of battle can still be found.  The most famous area, the “Chemin des Dames”, was the site of three deadly battles, where trench warfare defined the combat.  Two main events are scheduled for May 27th and July 28th.  On Memorial Day, American cemeteries at Aisne-Marne and Oise-Aisne will hold ceremonies that recognize these soldiers, free and open to the public.   At Aisne-Marne, the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood will also be observed on this day, a decisive series of battles that repelled the German offensive.  More than 2,000 Americans died here in those battles, an interesting note, the Memorial Chapel is built over the site of the front-line battle trenches.  On July 28th, Fère-en-Tardenois will host many events and a sound and light show in honor of the American soldiers who gave their lives in the Great War.
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The Vieux Port, Marseilles, Courtesy of Atout France/Cedric Helsly
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Mont Saint-Michel, Courtesy of Atout France/Pierre Torset
These are just a teaser of what is on tap for France in 2018, as you plan your vacations, put France on your radar.  With added flights from Air France and Delta for US passengers, ease of travel to and within France is better than ever.