The Beauty of Benanti – A Legacy Etched in Lava
If there was ever a moment on Etna that crystallized the soul of the volcano, it happened during our visit to Benanti. Tucked into the...
03 June, 2025
Nicosia – A Southeast View and a Sparkling Welcome
After our visit to the organically focused Terra Costantino, our Etna adventure continued with a stop at Nicosia Winery, located on the southeastern slopes of...
29 May, 2025
Inside the Mountain: A Visit to Terra Costantino on Etna’s Eastern Slope
You do not just visit Terra Costantino; you descend into it. The winery is built ten meters underground, deep in the belly of Mount Etna....
27 May, 2025
In the Glass and On the Ground – Four Wineries in Western Sicily
Last year, I wrote about my first taste of western Sicily’s wine scene. It was a trip that took me from Palermo to Marsala and...
01 May, 2025
Sicilian Native Grapes and the Wines They Make
In my story the other day, I offered a look at Sicily’s dramatic landscape, its viticultural legacy, and the remarkable transformation of its wine industry....
29 April, 2025
Sicily in a Glass: An Introduction to the Island, Its History, and Its Vines
With a plan to return to Sicily this May, I’m remembering my trip last spring. It was my second time to the island, but this...
24 April, 2025
Please The Palate April 2025 Newsletter
Spring is here and I am coming up for air after having just completed the 2nd annual Festival of Forgotten Grapes. I spent most of...
03 April, 2025
Discover Two Unforgettable Wine and Food Pairing Experiences in Downtown Santa Barbara
Wine and food on their own are delightful, but when paired together, they can elevate each other in unexpected ways. A sip of wine can...
27 March, 2025
The North Adriatic – Twelve Regions, Three Countries, One Destination
On a recent trip to Italy I visited the North Adriatic. The North Adriatic refers to the northernmost part of the Adriatic Sea. When I...
04 February, 2025
Please The Palate January 2025 Newsletter
Happy New Year! Happy 2025! Looking back at 2024, there was a lot of travel. I traveled a total of 135 days, which was 1/3 of...
07 January, 2025