Competition, controversy, and land that sell for 1M an acre! Napa Valley is the quintessential American wine region. It helped the USA gain the recognition it deserved in the wine world, and to this day still brings the thunder; but do you know the story of how it came to be? Find out on this premiere episode of V is for Vino.
Santa Barbara is my favorite California wine region for the money. Dollar for dollar, nothing competes, especially if you love cool climate wines like Pinot Noir and elegant, restrained Chardonnay. And our restaurant on this episode has a spot close to my heart: it was the place I envisioned for V is for Vino when I came up with the idea years ago, and doggone-it, I got it done. Find out why Santa Barbara is the getaway for the celebs on this episode of V is for Vino.
Paso Robles still feels like a farm community at heart. If it can be sourced local, it is. Everyone knows each other at the local bar. And the locals are proud of the region, even if it doesn't get the recognition it absolutely should: Paso makes some incredibly undervalued grape juice. Go local on this episode of V is for Vino.
Sonoma County is not only the birthplace of the California wine industry, it's one of the most diverse wine regions in the entire USA! From the coast to the mountains, Sonoma County's wines are as varied as its terrain. In addition to it's incredible wines, it's agricultural roots provide the perfect backdrop for a wine and food scavenger hunt. Get lost in laid back wine country on this episode of V is for Vino.
For our first stop in Italy, we're exploring the bubbly wine loved around the globe; Prosecco! Whether it's drank as an aperitivo in the afternoon, with meals over sunsets, or just with friends, Prosecco pairs with everything. Find out why Prosecco is the most popular sparkling wine in the world on our first international episode of V is for Vino!
Mountains, valleys, bridges, gorges, rivers, cities, and countrysides: if you name it, Oregon has it! In this episode, we'll explore why the Willamette Valley has established itself as a premier growing region for Pinot Noir, the difference between sustainable/organic/biodynamic, fish on the Columbia River, make art in downtown Portland, cook some amazing fish dishes at Ned Ludd restaurant, and explore the Columbia Gorge. Time to venture outside of California on this inaugural episode of Season 2!
The Walla Walla Valley is the epicenter for Washington winemaking. It's a hub for production in the state, has a great hospitality and restaurant scene, and its soils are 17 million years in the making! Take a closer look and you’ll find camaraderie and a wine culture that rivals any other long standing wine community in the world. More importantly, outside of California, Washington produces more wine than any other state in the US - and did I mention the quality? Yeah, it’s fantastic! Learn why so many winemakers call Walla Walla, Washington home on the season 3 premier of V is for Vino!
V is for Vino is going south of the border to Ensenada, Mexico! Never heard of Mexican wine, you say? Well, get ready. The area we’re heading to, called the Valle de Guadalupe, has been called the “Napa Valley of Mexico” and has been producing wine for hundreds of years. Ensenada is full of the spirit and passion the Mexican people are known for, and it permeates into every aspect of life; the food, the tenacity of the people, the culture, and the wine. Learn about this up-and-coming wine region on this episode of V is for Vino!
The Finger Lakes in New York is the perfect destination for fishing, boating, hiking, and outdoor activities! Unless of course, you come to New York wine country in the dead of winter, at which point your activities may change a bit. But don’t panic! The Finger Lakes are just as enjoyable and breathtaking in the winter cold as they are during the hot summer months. More importantly, they’re home to one of the most iconic, misunderstood, and versatile grape varieties around...and, much like the midwesterner in me, it happens not to mind a little cold weather. I’m talking of course about Riesling. Learn why cool-climate wines are all the rage in the Finger Lakes on this episode of V is for Vino!
Vince takes a road trip through Portugal to explore one of the hottest European countries for wine and tourism!
Vince visits the Galician wine region of Rías Baixas in northwest Spain, which produces one of his favorite white wines, Albariño!
In Provence, France, the birthplace of rosé, Vince travels through Mediterranean paradise with his friend JF Ott.
Vince visits his favorite U.S. city, Chicago, to explore the consumer side of wine and eat his way through the Windy City.
In the rolling hills of northwest Italy, Vince explores Piedmont, home to the world-famous Barolo and Barbaresco.
Vince visits Bordeaux, France, one of the world’s most famous and historic wine regions!
Vince explores the history of Port wine and the stunning landscape of the Douro Valley.
Ever wonder what wines to pair with your cheese board? Hosting a wine and cheese party? Look no further. Vince has got you covered. We're going to The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills to meet with Norbert, the best cheesemonger on this side of the Atlantic. His store is equipped with over 600 cheeses, and Norbert knows each and every one. Then, Vince and Kristen break down the main groups of cheeses with their ideal wine pairings. Get funky on this V is for Vino special feature.