Where to Eat and Drink in Eugene, Oregon Oregon’s second largest city––I’m looking at you Eugene––doesn’t garner the praise anywhere close to Portland in the culinary category. But there’s an array of restaurants and wine bars in Eugene, a fun, funky town on the southern edge of the Willamette Valley. In fact, I spent aRead More
Roero, Italy, the Region Every Wine and Food Lover Should Visit
On my trip to Roero, I immersed myself in Nebbiolo, Arneis, and the gastronomy and culture of this fertile, often unsung subregion of Piedmont. I left with a greater appreciation and understanding of the depth, diversity, and beauty of Roero.
What to See and Do in Quito, Ecuador
Things to Do in Quito, Ecuador This article was updated on August 28, 2026. The capital of Ecuador, Quito is a gem of a city tucked in the Andean foothills. The town is known for its unspoiled colonial center, dating to 1534. Quito is an excellent place to begin a journey in South America. ItRead More
Fun Things to Do in Downtown Portland
This article was updated on April 28, 2026. Fun Things to Do in Downtown Portland, Oregon On my first visit to the Pacific Northwest, I spent four days in Portland, Oregon. I wandered around downtown Portland, ate plates of great food, drank my share of local wines, and explored beautiful parks. I experienced a lotRead More
What to See and Do in Ottawa, Canada
This article was updated on August 28, 2026. Here’s What to Do in Ottawa, Canada’s Capital City Someone from Toronto once told me that there’s nothing much to do in Ottawa. Obviously, he hasn’t visited the town in years. I made the trip alone and experienced Canada’s capital city for myself and I ran outRead More
My Top Ten Wines at Concours Mondial de Bruxelles in Yerevan, Armenia
I was a judge at the 2026 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles in Yerevan, Armenia. These were my top ten wines out of more than 125 I tasted. What a thrill and an honor it was to be a judge at the 2026 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, one of the most prestigious wine competitions in theRead More
