#713-The Best of Napa and Sonoma
Stags’ Leap Wine Cellars, B.R. Cohn, Ravenswood, Carneros Inn, Hotel Healdsburg

So, what does the manager of The Doobie Brothers do for a hobby?   Well, how about starting a winery?   That’s what Bruce Cohn did, and these days, the offerings of B.R. Cohn winery are some of Sonoma’s finest.   If you love Zinfandel, then you’re already a fan of Ravenswood.   If not, you’ve got to check out this eclectic producer.   Over in Napa, meantime, I’ll introduce you to wines like Petite Syrah and Viognier from Stags’ Leap Wine Cellars.   I’ll also visit The Carneros Inn in the southern part of The Napa Valley, and The Hotel Healdsburg on the square in Healdsburg over in Sonoma.   I don’t know how I’m going to squeeze it all in, but then, that’s my problem.   All you have to do is watch and enjoy!

#714-Mining for Gold
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

This is my first trip to Alberta, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.   What I got was a culinary sensation!
This program covers the city of Edmonton in this western province.   Using local products and plenty of creativity, chefs are carving out quite a niche for themselves on the Canadian plains.   I’ll take you inside Edmonton’s excellent dining scene, cook up a storm with a local chef who hosts regular cooking classes, and visit an organic farm that turns out some of the most impressive produce I’ve even seen or tasted.
It’s Culinary Travels in Edmonton-a show you don’t want to miss.

#715-Praise for Piedmont

The wines of Piedmont in Northwestern Italy are among my favorites in the world.   On this show, I get the honor of introducing viewers to two great producers: Gancia and Batasiolo.   At Gancia, the focus is on Asti Spumante.   This is my first visit to an Asti producer, so it will be fascinating to taste the grapes, and witness the process, responsible for making this sparkling Italian treat.   At Batasiolo, the grape is Nebiolo, and the wines the classic Barolo’s and Barbaresco’s.   Smooth like velvet, rich like chocolate, these are some of the greatest wines of Italy and the world!   Start with an Asti Spumante and finish with a Barolo?   There’s nothing wrong with that.

#716-Chi-town’s Finest
The Four Seasons & The Ritz Carlton

Come along as I explore two great hotels in the great city of Chicago.   With its unparalleled views and unequaled service, The Four Seasons Chicago has long been one of my favorite stop in the world.   Add in the extraordinary cuisine you’ll find at Seasons, and you’ve got an experience you’ll remember for a very long time.   At the Ritz-Carlton Chicago, I’ll take you inside one of the Chicago’s longstanding great properties-a hotel that focuses on excellence from the accommodations to the cuisine.   Two Chicago hotel classics on one great show, Culinary Travels with Dave Eckert!