Destinations

Sonoma County Grape Camp, a behind-the-scenes three-day wine and food adventure, is designed to explore the fine craft of taking winegrapes from the vineyard to the bottle and more.

Produced by Sonoma County Winegrape Commission and Relish Culinary School, this event offers consumers hands-on experience harvesting grapes and blending wine to take home, as well as exclusive access to influential winemakers and chefs who help make Sonoma County Wine Country a world-class destination.

The second annual Sonoma County Grape Camp will take place during the exciting harvest season, Sept. 29 - Oct. 1. Camp highlights include an outdoor vineyard reception dinner overlooking the Dry Creek Valley at Frei Brothers Reserve Winery, featuring a kickoff toast by Gina Gallo, winemaker of Gallo Family Vineyards. Noted chefs Duskie Estes and John Stewart of zazu restaurant and farm will prepare dinner.

Campers will also enjoy a “Cooking with Sonoma Wine” workshop under the direction of renowned Chef/Author John Ash. Other camp activities include a private dinner feast in the Kunde wine caves, and a picnic lunch in Saralee’s Vineyard featuring a top Sonoma cheesemaker and premier coffee roaster, Andrew Barnett, of Ecco Caffe. There will also be visits to Jordan Winery, Tandem Winery, Valdez Family Winery and Francis Ford Coppola Presents Rosso and Bianco Winery.

Featuring a unique consortium of mountains and valleys, coastal breezes and oceanic fog, Sonoma County’s varied topography and climate make it one of the most diverse winegrowing regions in the world. Sonoma County Grape Camp embraces this distinction, offering campers memorable experiences in several growing regions within the county.

Tuition is $1,500 per person for each couple ($200 single supplement) and includes two nights hotel stay at the luxurious Vintners Inn, as well as all meals, seminars, transportation and activities listed on the camp schedule.

I recently spent a week in Aspen experiencing its glamour, cuisine and lots of snow! There’s still time for Spring skiing! For the non-skiers there are snowshoe expeditions and dog sled rides, sleigh and snowmobile rides, fly-fishing and cross country skiing. For those who are not adventurous there are numerous shops, and art galleries Aspen is not only a wonderful winter destination, but locals think summer is even better with its music festivals, food and wine events, and hiking and biking excursions.

Skiing:

• Aspen Mountain elevation 7945 ft. – is known as much for its social scene as for it terrain. You might share a ski lift with Michael Douglas. For a light lunch try Bonnie’s on the mountain or the Sundeck. Slope side the best people watching is at The Tavern at The Little Nell.
• Aspen Highlands has the most backcountry style in-bounds skiing you’ll find anywhere. Base elevation 8040 ft. On the mountain dining try the Merry-Go-Ground.
• Buttermilk elevation 7870 ft. is considered one of the best learning mountains in the world. For lunch try Bumps at the base area or The Clifhouse at the top of the Summit Express lift.

Luxury Accommodations:

• The Little Nell blends the virtues of a country inn with the indulgences of a grand hotel. A member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux. There are 92 rooms and suites featuring contemporary architecture and a private heated pool, located at the base of Aspen Mountain.
• The St. Regis Resort delivers a benchmark of personalized service and unending attention to detail. There are 179 guestrooms and suites, a heated outdoor pool, and the 15,000 sq ft Remède Spa that offers a comprehensive menu of spa treatments. A treatment includes a glass of champagne and the opportunity to experience the relaxation room equipped with oxygen machines.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Olives – St. Regis – Chef Todd English brings his award-winning cuisine to Aspen with hearty portions of Mediterranean-inspired delights. The Taglitelli Bolognese is delicious.
• Social – Small plates with delicious flavors from Asia, Europe and the Americas.
• D19 – Chef Deana Marino is known for Italian flavors and top quality ingredients.
• Elevation – American Cuisine. Modern and chic with warm atmosphere.
• Montagna –The Little Nell Hotel – Serving contemporary farmhouse cuisine and an award winning wine list.
• Pinons – 20 years old and still going strong. A favorite for locals.
• Brunelleschi’s – pizza and pasta’s.
• La Cantina – Traditional Mexican cuisine including tacos and enchiladas as well as fish and meats.

From guest blogger Jeanne Parrent, Founder of Boom Voyage.

Chase the winter blahs with a visit to Buenos Aires. Posh hotels, wonderful restaurants, the tango, and it’s one place in the world where your dollar can still go farther. Buenos Aires is home to almost half of Argentina’s people. Visitors often describe the city as reminiscent of Paris with its European-style squares, broad streets and lively cafes. There are excellent shopping and great museums by day, and a very active night scene including the city’s famed tango clubs, where you can watch or dance as you fancy.

Of course, one of the best things to do in Buenos Aries is eat. The city is known for its vibrant restaurant scene with more than 3,500 eateries. World-famous Argentine beef is showcased in parrilladas (open fire cooking) and asadors (steak houses). Along with standard steaks are organ meats and sausages, all set off by the traditional chimichurri sauces. Try Cabana Las Lilas for a wonderful and upscale dining experience, but come hungry! While eating here is not cheap, Argentine wines offer excellent value for the price. When you’ve had enough beef, the city also offers lots of ethnic dining options.

This city almost does not sleep. Dining is late by US standards, and dancing and fun go on in the city’s bars and tango clubs until dawn. An excellent and historic tango show is offered at Esquina Carlos Gardel, named for the popularizer of the national dance. Find your own favorite spot to tango among the many clubs in Palermo Viejo.

Where to stay? There are lots of upscale choices, but the undoubted grande dame of the city is the Alvear Palace Hotel, which has reigned undisputed since the 1930s. She has kept up with the times, though, opening a new 8,000 square foot spa last June. There are also excellent Park Hyatt and Four Seasons properties here.

If you want to take in more than just the city of Buenos Aires, consider a visit to one of the many estanchias (guest ranches) within a few hours of the city for a taste of true gaucho life. If you are a nature lover, the Tigre Delta offers islands, beautiful scenery, bird watching, and trails. Finally, take a ferry ride to Uruguay and the city of Colonia (a day trip) or only three hours travel time, but a world away in relaxation, add a stay at the Four Seasons Resort Carmelo in Uruguay. Here you enjoy unmatched privacy, romantic ambience, and a host of activities including spa, golf, horseback riding and pools while you unwind after your urban adventure in Buenos Aires.