12 Lovely Small Towns in European Wine Country

Vacation among the vines at these small-in-size but big-on-wine destinations in France, Italy, Portugal, and beyond. Full article published on AFAR.

France's historic Saint-Émilion claims a viticultural history dating to Roman times.

What’s better than a perfect pour of vino? Enjoying it in a scenic wine-centric European town or village, where you’ll feel like you’ve wandered off the path just enough to have been let in on a wonderful secret. Hit any of these 12 small-scale spots for the best of the continent’s riches—history, art, food, local tradition, and, of course, the vineyard backdrops and nectar of the gods you need to truly satisfy your wine-fueled wanderlust. (Take note: Appointments when visiting European wineries are advised.)

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Austrian Wine Country

I had so much fun on the Austrian wine trail along the Danube last January that I thought I’d write about it for AFAR magazine. It’s such an easy day trip from Vienna, but it’s worth a longer visit too; I was based in Krems, which is an adorable and centrally located town. Here are a few of the wineries I’d recommend to give an overview of the Wachau, Kamptal, and Kremstal. Oh, and the Austrians are the nicest people to boot! Published on AFAR.com.

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A Passion for Sicily with Passopisciaro

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It was a delight to be interviewed for the blog Somm’s Table about my work and love for the island of Sicily. Part 1 is all about the history of the island and some of my favorite general food and wine pairings, the changes in the Sicilian wine industry at large, and I how I found myself working part-time in Sicily. Part 2 dives deep into the work we do at Passopisciaro, one of the leading estates of the Etna wine revolution.

 

Drinking for a Cause

Originally posted on Departures.com

Starting next week, I’m heading down South to pour, drink, and bid for good causes at great philanthropic wine auctions: the Triangle Wine Experience in Raleigh,Heart’s Delight Wine Tasting & Auction in D.C., and The High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction, one that is particularly dear to my heart (pictured below, my mom Louise Bray, left, and Sara Steinfeld, 2001 Auction co-chairs at last year’s event in Atlanta).

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