Category Archives: Uncategorized

Our Delightful Escape to Paso Robles: Day One

Posted on April 26, 2019 by John Compisi

March is an absolutely wonderful time to visit California’s Central Coast and Paso Robles is the perfect wine country to visit during this shoulder season. We did exactly that a few weeks ago for 3 days, leaving our perch in … Continue reading →

Posted in Central Coast, Uncategorized, Wine Country, Wine Road | Tagged | Leave a comment

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: Part I – Orange and Vaison-la-Romaine

Posted on May 15, 2018 by John Compisi

It can be difficult to imagine an area of the world with more varied terrain, climate and history than Provençal, the classic spelling of Provence. Even the name Provence is indicative of its history, derived from Provincia Romana, given by … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, France, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

Three Delightful Sonoma Wine and Food Pairing Experiences

Posted on April 26, 2018 by John Compisi

Tasting wine in Sonoma County is always a delightful experience. Tasting rooms typically have very knowledgeable tasting teams whose only focus is to educate and inform the tasting public. Recently, however, some wineries and estates have decided to elevate that … Continue reading →

Posted in Day Trips, North Coast, Sonoma County, Travel, Uncategorized, Wine Country, Wine Events, Wine Road, Wineries | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Nostalgic Visit to the Reagan Presidential Library

Posted on November 29, 2017 by John Compisi

Autumn is truly a glorious time to travel the California Coast. The weather is usually agreeable with foggy mornings, glorious sun-soaked days and cool nights. Driving south on U.S. Highway 101 from the Monterey Peninsula I am astounded by the … Continue reading →

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No Lions, Tigers or Bears but ‘Oh Yes’ to Safari West

Posted on October 31, 2017 by John Compisi

If you have never been to Safari West Wildlife Preserve and African Tent Camp in Santa Rosa, California than you need to get it on your schedule now. If you have already visited this phenomenal Sonoma County treasure then you … Continue reading →

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Wine Road Barrel Tasting – A taste of the future of the North Coast

Posted on March 28, 2013 by John Compisi

The first two weekends in March witnessed the 35th Annual Barrel Tasting  Wine Road – Northern Sonoma County take place in the sun-splashed hills and valleys of the three Wine Road American Viticulture Areas (AVAs – Alexander Valley, Russian River … Continue reading →

Posted in Barrel Tasting, Restaurants, Sonoma, Uncategorized, Wine Country, Wine Events, Wine Road, Wineries | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Wine and Food Affair offers best of season for Sonoma County.

Posted on December 27, 2012 by John Compisi

The 14th Annual Wine Road Wine and Food Affair offered the best of all worlds:  two days of sunny skies, warm temperatures, glorious fall vineyard colors, the smells of harvest and, of course, great wines paired with delightful foods.  Why … Continue reading →

Posted in Sonoma, Uncategorized, Wine, Wine Country, Wine Events, Wine Road | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Mangiare, bere vino e essere felici! Eat, drink wine and be merry!!

Posted on November 27, 2012 by John Compisi

A recent trip to Puglia, (the Italians call Apulia), and an even more recent wine event in San Francisco highlighted the advances being made in quality and marketing of these complex and interesting wines.  Puglia is bounded on the east … Continue reading →

Posted in Italian Wines, Italy, Uncategorized, Wine | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

The wines of the Rhône Valley can rock your world.

Posted on November 27, 2012 by John Compisi

Rhône wines are not especially recognizable to many Californians.  Of the French varietals, clearly Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne are the most recognized,  consumed and understood in the United States. There are California wine makers (Cline Cellars) who do specialize in these … Continue reading →

Posted in Day Trips, French Wines, Uncategorized, Wine, Wine Events | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Home in Umbria – Fondo le Teglie

Posted on October 2, 2012 by John Compisi

Northern California is a Mecca for lovers of  great food and wine.  So much so, that there is little or no incentive to travel away.   Residents of Italy, however, can likely say the same.  Certainly France has a claim to … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments