Wine

Discover, as I did, legends of the Camino, the ancient pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, grave site of Saint James, and how the scallop shell became a symbol of the saint. The French named their scallop dish, coquilles St. Jacques, after Saint James.

Creative, Impeccable food at a world famous Spanish restaurant, with a personal touch from the executive chef.

Richard Nixon is the only U.S. president with an avid interest in French wine since Thomas Jefferson. He was partial to
Chateau Margaux. Read a rarely told anecdote about his encounter with 1961 Chateau Lafite.

An up and coming wine region in Baja California, south of the border from San Diego, delivers a fine first impression.

A priceless collection of thirty year old Heitz Martha’s Vineyard Cabernets provokes stories about Joe Heitz, a Napa Valley pioneer.

Cheap American sparklers have the word Champagne on their labels. Isn’t that forbidden? “Champagne” is supposed to be reserved for only a specific region of France. How did the Americans get away with it?

Impressions about the 2016 vintage, another great one, from a massive tasting of around 90 labels across the region.

A chic, sumptuous Christmas affair at Jordan Winery in Sonoma, the most elegant we’ve ever experienced.

Store brands may work out for peanuts or soap, but do they work out for wine?

A celebrated high-end restaurant displays arrogance with its screw up while a local unknown deals with it properly. A little humility goes a long way in building good will.