#605-Outaouais Discovered

Located in Southern Quebec right across the river from Canada’s capitol of Ottawa, Outaouais has so much to offer.   I’ll showcase the four star cuisine of Le Baccara, take a ride on an authentic steam train featuring gourmet dining, and go inside a restored mill that has its own great food.   There’s also the Canadian Museum of Civilization and Restaurant Henry Burger, the oldest in the region.   It’s a little slice of French culture that can actually be experienced in English-you can’t beat that!

Additional information can be found at the following websites:
www.outaouais-tourisme.ca, www.casino-du-lac-leamy.com, www.civilization.ca, www.steamtrain.ca, www.wakefieldmill.com, www.fougeres.ca

#606-Chile’s Alto Maipo

I love Chile.   This year’s shows mark my third trip to this beautiful and delicious land, which I enjoy more each time I go.   This program highlights Chile’s original winemarking region, the Maipo Valley south of Santiago, and the efforts to establish a new appellation within the Maipo-the Alto Maipo.
I’ll visit Santa Rita, Carmen, Concha y Toro, and Cousino-Macul in a quest for the essence of the Alto Maipo.   Along the way, we’ll learn of the history, pride, and passion that goes into making today’s wines from four of the finest wineries in Chile and the world!

#607-The Orient Express-The Pacific Explorer

Come along on a romantic and delicious journey on the American Orient Express as we wind our way from Portland to Sacramento.   The trip is called the Pacific Coast Explorer, and we’ll certainly do plenty of exploring.   In Portland, I’ll hop off for a peak at Caprial’s Bistro, learn what it takes to make Pear Brandy at Clear Creek Distillery, and have a cup of tea or two at Portland’s Classical Chinese Garden.   On the train, meantime, come behind the scenes for the creating of gourmet cuisine in a rolling kitchen, and discover the essence of the American Orient Express.   It’s one beautiful episode you won’t want to miss!

On this program, I start my wine explorations on California’s Central Coast, home to some of the true rising stars of the state’s wine industry.   In Paso Robles, I begin with Tablas Creek, which was founded by a joint American-French venture.   Tablas Creek is turning out some of the best “Rhone Ranger” wines you will find.   At Opolo, a couple of fun guys from Los Angeles have created the perfect party winery, while crafting some pretty darned good wines.   I’ll show you their weekly Sunday barbecue and sample a few of their wines.   Moving up north to Sonoma County, I’ll introduce you to the wines and cuisine of Chateau Souverain, where the two go hand in hand.   Then, I’ll finish with a trip to the Alexander Valley and Simi-a producer of award-winning wines that express the true terroir of their Sonoma County vineyards.   Wine and food lovers alike will not want to miss this episode!