You will find Bodegas San Román, of Bodegas y Viñedos Maurodos, here in Toro amongst country that would have been wasted on anything less than the vineyards where stunning wine gets its start. San Román and its cousin, Prima, are remarkable characteristic examples of what makes wine from this region so unique: Delightful fusions of Old World grapes and technique with the big and bold qualities so loved by many wine drinkers.
Read moreReview: Great experience in AirBerlin business class Berlin to New York... with wine tasting notes
I rarely pay to sit in business or first class, though I don't love a good experience up front, which I take via upgrade or use of miles when the stars align. My recent flight in AirBerlin business class from Berlin to New York was one such moment, and it was quite good. This was a fun post to write for its rare opportunity to bring together my geeky love of wine and commercial aviation in a single piece for, yes, I have tasting notes below!
Read moreExpand your wine knowledge with "Tuesday Wine Nights", any day of the week
The rules were simple. Everyone brings one bottle of whatever is good, red or white, and reasonably priced. If you didn’t know what to pick, you are allowed to ask for suggestions from others, including people at the wine shop. The variety in both people and theme week to week meant we tasted many different wines-some we liked and some we didn’t.
Read moreElegant and intimate, new Joselito Spanish restaurant is an instant best of Washington, DC
The great European cities -- and much of the American variety they inspired -- are marked by their great restaurants, places of elegance or intimacy that wrap you up inside, and treat you to an irresistible menu of food and drink. Step through the door of newly open Joselito: Casa de Comidas in Washington, DC's Eastern Market neighborhood on Capitol Hill, the essence of a classic city in a delightful restaurant serving all Spanish food and wine.
Read moreLast chance for 100,000 points and $1,500 of free travel with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card
If you've been putting off signing up for the new(ish) Chase Sapphire Reserve (dubbed CSR) credit card released in 2016 -- and the 100,000 point signup bonus (ahem, a minimum of $1,500 worth of free travel) that comes along with it -- now is the time to get it done. Highly reputable The Points Guy reports this week that Chase plans to end the 100k signup promotion this coming Wednesday, 11 January 2017.
Read moreDig in for winter with our top five wines for January
Casual wine drinkers, aficionados, and beginners alike: Each month we expose you to new things, educating and diversifying your palate with a lineup of our monthly wine picks. It's January, so we've looked for wines that we want to drink watching the snow fall, in a wine bar with friends after trudging through that snow, by the fire, with those great winter meals you eat long after the sun has set, or as you dream of spring.
Read moreHow to get a second date with Kathleen: Be willing to try new things
To get a second date with Kathleen, you must be willing to try new things. The guy in question got a second date but didn’t last much longer than that for one simple reason: he wasn’t willing to move past boxed wine. Anyone can learn to enjoy a glass of wine. You just have to be willing to try new things and expand your palate beyond the boxed wines out there.
Read moreFrugal travel tips as you make plans for a new year
Guest blog post by Jason Mueller, of Things to do in Santa Cruz (CA) and Costa Rica Vacation Rentals, on this second to last day of December when plans are being laid for adventures in the year to come. Some will work for you, and some may suit you less well. Travel should be an adventure that is uniquely yours. Enjoy!
Read moreStunning wine, breathtaking view, attention to detail at Quinta do Pôpa on Portugal's Douro River
Perched high on a strikingly steep mountain rising above the winding Douro River in northern Portugal -- one of the most stunning sites I've ever seen -- terraced rows of vines etched into the hillside lead up a winding road to the Quinta do Pôpa winery. They could trade on the scenery alone, but offer guests to the visitor-friendly tasting room excellent wine and an inspiring family story. This is mustn't-miss wine in the countryside east of the city of Porto.
Read moreImprove your airport experience by knowing what you like, and making a plan to do it
I board my last airplane of 2016 a few days after Christmas, joining the throngs of people who make this one of the busiest times of year for air travel. I'm OK with these high volume travel periods in part because I employ these five strategies that take the stress out of airports and air travel, but also because -- when it comes to airports -- I know what I like, and I go in with a plan.
Read moreBest wine of 2016: Top 10 picks for the ultimate Wine Flight
We've tasted some extraordinary wine together with you, Wine:Thirty Flight readers and writers, in 2016. Today, the second-to-last Wine Wednesday in December, we're sharing our top ten wine picks for the year. These are the best that we've reviewed the last twelve months, and we hope you'll move meticulously-terraced mountains upon which vineyards grow (and wine shops) to find them yourself!
Read moreNew Chimichurri Grill on Upper East Side expands our favorite New York dining experience
Whether you seek irresistible steak, a delicious all-around menu, the warmest hospitality, or Argentine cuisine in particular... Chimichurri Grill's new location on 61st between Park and Lex in Manhattan is where you need to be. Same great menu as the original at 43rd and 9th, same warmly candlelit ambiance, but with much more space and a toasty fireplace!
Read moreWhere are you a local?
It's tough for me to define "where I'm from". How indeterminate, for it only begs more questions. Is being from a place is about having been born there? Having grown up there? Having one's family roots there? Is it the place one chooses as an adult? Several years ago, author Taiye Selasi helped answer some of these questions in her TED Talk during which she suggested that the question "where are you a local" is far more valuable than the question "where are you from".
Read moreFive tips for picking great wine to give as gifts during the holidays and year-round
Wine makes a great gift during the winter holidays, or for birthdays and special occasions year round. It has the advantage of being easily getable yet also encompassing a lot of diversity to satisfy the eclectic tastes of both the gift giver and recipient. But it's not as easy to give a good gift as it is to find just any bottle; too run of the mill and you come off as unthoughtful, but too exotic takes you into risky territory. These five tips will help.
Read moreHow to get away with thirty-six wonderful hours in beautiful Grundsund, Sweden... winter or not
Sweden is a wonderful country to which I plan to return next year. I am a big advocate of modern city dwellers taking the time to get out of the city and into the beautiful country the world has to offer; thirty-six hours in Sweden certainly fits the bill, though is not nearly long enough. Grundsund on Skaftö is about as far away from tourists as you'll find. You'll be pleased with the quiet, the people, and the sea.
Read moreNavigating Lisbon Airport: A mixed bag with some great deals on trans-Atlantic flights
Lisbon Airport (LIS) is relevant for intra-European and trans-Atlantic travelers alike because it's home and hub of the airline TAP Portugal, and TAP is rather good at offering competitive prices to, from, and inside of Europe... if you are willing to take a layover in Lisbon, often times at roundtrip fares from the U.S. to various European destinations offered at less than $500.
Read moreBodegas Elias Mora are brilliant Toro wines from this Spanish region known for striking reds
You will find the winery Bodegas Elias Mora at the end of a narrow road up the hill from the tiny town of San Román de Hornija in Spain's Toro DO winemaking region. There's a purity to the winemaking here, all made from Tinta de Toro grapes grown in vineyards no more than a ten minutes drive from the winery. Happily, Elias Mora wines are available in the United States. Go try for yourself.
Read moreReview: AirBerlin economy class Sweden to Germany is solidly functional, but don't expect frills
Recent experience flying AirBerlin economy class within the European Union - Gothenburg, Sweden to Berlin, Germany - says the airline's economy experience is a good option. OneWorld Alliance membership adds extra convenience. Numerous destinations throughout Europe, combined with service to eight American cities and a smattering of others in Latin America and Africa make it a compelling option for cost-sensitive travelers to / from / inside of Europe.
Read moreTop five December wine picks to celebrate holidays and keep warm in the winter that follows
Casual wine drinkers, aficionados, and beginners alike: Each month we expose you to new things, educating and diversifying your palate with a lineup of our monthly wine picks. We've had a lot to balance in making our December wine recommendations, namely which incredible bottles to choose from our winery travels in Spain and Portugal, how best to satiate the palate of cold or white wine drinkers, and -- of course -- the best with which to celebrate the New Year. Enjoy!
Read more"Your Guide to Washington, DC-Area Airports" out in the "Washingtonian" last week
Washingtonian magazine was out last week with a DC-area airports guide that we want to share. We've made no secret of our love for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), we think one of the nation's very best, but there's great history and interesting things happening in the near future for travelers through all three of the airports serving Washington, DC. Locals and passers through read on.
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