Wachau Wine Country, Austria

Wachau Wine Country, Austria

  Standing on the terrace of the Stift Goettweig monastery complex, you see the entire Wachau Valley unfolding beneath you. The Danube River wends its way through the valley where lush forests and vibrant fields lead to the river’s edge with the prized wine producing hills beyond. Just an hour’s … Read more

Perrier Lounge at Hotel Diva

What do you get when you pair a cool boutique hotel in the heart of San Francisco with the earth’s first soft drink?  Well, you get a little greener, bubblier and definitely more refreshing! We’re talking about The Perrier Lounge at Hotel Diva. Do you sometimes feel like channeling your … Read more

A Trifecta of Spirits Destinations

Are you curious about where that liquid libation you enjoyed at last night’s Happy Hour originated?  From sugarcane in the Caribbean, the agave plant in the Mexican desert, Russian potatoes or malted barley from the American Heartland, when it comes to spirits the scope is vast. Puerto Rican Rum The … Read more

Canada’s Mecca for Drinkers

If you’re thinking about spending some time in Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, anytime soon, beyond attending one of the numerous festivals offered to visitors year-round in Canada’s “Festival City”, you won’t have any difficulty planning the libations for a little spontaneous party in your hotel room.  Why?  The province’s … Read more

Exploring Sherry in Jerez, Spain

When most people hear the word Andalusia, they think of bullfighting and flamenco, not sherry. Often mistaken as sweet, this fortified wine might be the most misunderstood beverage around. Your grandma may have had a dusty bottle of the elegantly sweet Harvey’s Bristol Cream inside the sideboard but most sherry … Read more

Verlaine, Lower East Side, NYC

Strategically located on notoriously lively Rivington Street, Verlaine is what I’d call a diamond in the rough. Surrounded by fashion boutiques by day and nightclubs by night, the Lower East Side destination is a prime party spot for adventurous New Yorkers. Particularly recognized for legendary music venues and a laid-back … Read more

The Sun Winefest

It’s the weekend foodies and connoisseurs dream about all year, so it’s no surprise that tickets are already selling out for January 2013’s Sun Winefest. We had the good fortune to take a short trip up to Connecticut to attend this year’s extravaganza. Not only did we taste some of the … Read more

Big Apple Downtown Drink Tour

Everybody knows New Yorkers know how to drink.  This summer, play like a local and try out one of these famed rooftop bars without missing out on the sights that make this city great.  Skip the cab tab, and instead hop on and off at any of the CitySights bus … Read more

Napa Valley Wine Train

For the most part, when I want an out-of the box dining experience, I end up with a spectacle of flame eaters or samurai cooks, resulting in a high-stress meal. While they do have their own charm, sometimes we all seek a little relaxation. Enter: the Napa Valley Wine Tours … Read more

Be Your Own Bartender at the James Hotels

You’re in New York or Chicago. You want to take advantage of the famed nightlife, go out for a couple of drinks and pass out on the bed of your gorgeous hotel. You’re staying at the James, ideally located in downtown Chicago or NYC’S Soho. How about skipping the going … Read more

Koskenkorva Vodka

  Rumor has it that while on a visit to Finland, Ronald Reagan took a sip of Koskenkorva Vodka and declared that it was “very good”. Considering this from the man who got us through the age of excess, either he was an expert on quality or just fond of … Read more

Jack Daniel’s Honey

A Buzz Story Photo credits:  All Black and White archival photos: Courtesy Las Vegas News Bureau   Are you a friend of Jack, the way Frank Sinatra was? Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey was his #1 booze. Frank was a trendsetter; today, Jack Daniels is the world’s #1 top-selling whiskey brand. … Read more

Caribou

Québec’s Premium Fuel   Before Red Bull, there was Caribou. In the 17th century, loggers and colonial French-Canadian woodsmen, or coureur des bois, mixed the blood of the caribou deer with whisky or other alcohol. This mixture warmed them up and provided the necessary energy needed to hunt for the … Read more

Fort Collins’ Beers

If you’re a beer lover, you’ll love Fort Collins. Every day is Oktoberfest. The northern Colorado city’s on the cutting edge of the hand-crafted beer industry. According to David Edgar, former director of the Boulder based Brewers Association, it’s been there almost since the beginning. In Colorado, that was the … Read more

The Vines of Mendoza

Have you ever thought about owning your own brand of wine?  Michael Evans has and believe me he’s not alone.  Michael, an American entrepreneur and former political consultant, is founder and president of The Vines of Mendoza, situated in the heart of Argentina’s wine region.  Michael was so moved by … Read more