#705-Wine Country Explorations
Raymond, McMurray Ranch, Five Rivers, Bridlewood

I can’t think of too many places in the world I enjoy visiting more than California Wine Country.   And, with good reason-the wines, cuisine, and scenery are among the best in the world!   Come along the California wine trail as I explore four wineries, and four wine regions across the great state of California.
There’s Raymond in the Napa Valley, McMurray Ranch across the way in Sonoma County, Five Rivers in Paso Robles, and Bridlewood in Santa Barbara County.   From the classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons at Raymond, to the tongue-teasing Pinot Noirs of McMurray Rancy, to the classic varietal expressions of Five Rivers, to the beauty and elegance of the offerings at Bridlewood, these are four stops, and one show, you don’t want to miss!

Additional information can be found at the following websites:
www.raymondvineyards.com, www.fiveriverswinery.com, www.bridlewoodwinery.com

#706-Florida’s Forgotten Coast

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!

#707-The Spirit of South Africa

I’ve wanted to travel to South Africa for as long as I can remember.   I’ve known for a long time how good their wines were, and in recent tastings, I’ve seen them get even better.   But, this trip wasn’t about wine-it was about a discovery-the discovery of a magical elixir called Amarula Cream Liquor.   Created from the indigenous Marula fruit, and harvested by native tribesmen, Amarula Cream Liquor is like no other spirit I’ve ever tasted.   See the elephants who eat the Marula and spread the seeds, meet the natives who gather and sell the precious fruit, and see the process that turns the fruit into something I can only describe as
“otherworldly.”   From the sophistication of Capetown to the unforgettable experience of a real African safari, this show has a little something for everyone.

#708-Ontario’s New Gem
Prince Edward County

Everyone knows of Ontario’s Niagara on the Lake region: its wines, its rustic charm, its excellent cuisine.   But, here, I’m going to introduce you to the new kid on the block-the emerging wine and tourism region known as Prince Edward County.   Right on the lake, Prince Edward County has it all: great wine, great scenery, and, of course, excellent cuisine.   It’s another reason to head north of the border, and one more chance for me to get back to one of my favorite destinations the world over-Ontario, Canada!