On the road and at home, it's always about food and fun!
For over 1,000 years, civilizations have produced quality wine in the Tokaj region of modern-day Hungary. This area’s deep winemaking history and cultural significance in Central Europe have led it to be listed as one of the country’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The most revered wine from this area is Tokaji wine, a sweet dessert wine that is even mentioned in the country’s national anthem.
The region is comprised of 5,500 hectares of vineyards stretching across 27 municipalities, with volcanic soil that provides the ideal conditions for grapes to develop noble rot, a fermentation process characteristic of Tokaji wine that contributes to its distinct taste.
Today, these vineyards allow visitors to taste their wine straight from the source while taking in the views of Hungary’s historic rolling hills.
Here are a few of the vineyards that make Hungary’s Tokaj Wine Region special:
Exploring Tokaj is not only a journey through one of the world’s most historic wine regions, but also an invitation to experience Hungary’s living cultural heritage firsthand. With its award-winning vineyards, historic estates, and unforgettable flavors, Tokaj offers travelers a truly timeless taste of Central Europe.
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Let us help you find your favorite at the Indiana Wine Fair, a day-long event in historic Story, Indiana. Sample the best of Indiana’s wines while enjoying live music and perusing the arts and crafts of Hoosier and regional artisans and the offerings of local food vendors.
Featured wineries offer 1-oz samples but also sell glass pours, merch, and bottles for carry out. Some wineries claim to sell so much to become unable to open their own shops until their inventory is replenished.
That’s why it’s a privilege to continue the tradition, as experts tell us the event is directly responsible for the market growth of Indiana wines.
Support your local vintners and seize the opportunity to build your wine cellar!
Story is thrilled to announce the return and participation of:
Carousel Winery – Mitchell, Indiana
Huber’s Orchard, Wine & Vineyard – Borden, Indiana
Winzerwald Winery – Bristow, Indiana
Holtkamp Winery – New Alsace, Indiana
Easley Winery – Indianapolis, Indiana
Ertel Cellars – Batesville, Indiana
The Rejoicing Vine Winery – Indianapolis, Indiana
And more wineries:
Oliver Winery – Bloomington, Indiana
Harmony Winery – Knightstown, Indiana
Lost in the Woods Meadery – Gosport, Indiana
Range 46 Wine Co – Nashville, Indiana
Salt Creek Winery – Freetown, Indiana
And more to be announced.
Each guest receives a Story Inn keepsake wine glass, tote bag, and sample pours all afternoon. $30 presale tickets and more information are available at Indianwinefair.com
Free parking is available at Story. Free parking with free shuttle service is also available at Range 46 Wine Co in Gnaw Bone, with pickup/drop off at the Brown County CVB on Washington Street in Nashville. Shuttles run from 11am – 8pm.
| Contrary to popular belief, wine is not only made in California or France. In blind tastings, Indiana wines compete with the best because of our diverse geographic regions, climate, and soils. Decades ago, Purdue University genetically engineered grapes to thrive in harder clay soils, which have found root on the Story hillside. Tour the orchard, vineyard, and nature trail on your next visit! |
| Indiana Wine Fair 12-6pm; Comedy Show 8:30-10pm Wine Fair guests receive admission to the monthly comedy show Saturday May 31 evening from 8:30-10pm. Enjoy the afternoon wine, live music, and support local arts, crafts, and food vendors. Plan to stay for the evening comedy show/fundraiser sponsored by 812 Farms. |
Known as the “Garden of France,” the Loire Valley has a rich and varied gastronomy, garden-to-plate experiences, and unique culinary specialties. From goat cheese to Michelin-starred experiences to traditionally made vinegar to Tarte Tatin, below are some of the many quintessential culinary experiences of the Loire Valley.
In the Loire Valley, more than 170 “Maîtres Restaurateurs” utilize the local produce and ingredients of the region to create their own unique mark on the local gastronomy, while honoring traditional French art de vivre. Les Jardiniers, located in the heart of the Loire Valley’s Rabelais region along an old railway line, received its first Green Michelin Star in 2024. Chef Martin Bolaers brings a true “garden-to-plate” experience, using produce from their extensive vegetable garden and truffle farm to create creative, seasonal dishes.
The Auberge du 12ème Siècle, a 12th-century inn and restaurant located in the charming village of Saché, was awarded a Michelin star in March 2024. Led by chef Kevin Gardien, the restaurant features locally sourced ingredients and innovative cuisine served in a beautifully preserved, medieval dining room.
Culinary specialties of the Loire Valley include the famous upside-down apple tart, Tarte Tatin; slow-cooked meat from the 19th century, Tours rillettes; toasted almonds dating back to the 17th century, Pralines de Montargis; and Orléans vinegar. Orléans vinegar dates back to the Middle Ages, when the city became a hub for vinegar production due to its strategic position as a major wine trading center.
As wines were transported to Paris, some would spoil during the journey and instead of discarding these wines, local merchants in Orléans began converting them into vinegar. Today, Martin-Pouret, a master vinegar-maker since 1797, still makes the famous Orléans vinegar in its traditional method, which allows wine to ferment slowly in wooden barrels. As of October 2024, travelers can now visit Martin-Pouret’s new vinegar factory located right outside of Orléans in Boigny-sur-Bionne, which has just opened to the public for the first time. Visitors can attend workshops to see how the vinegar is made, as well as participate in cooking and mixology classes using the vinegar.
Some of the most unique wine tasting experiences in the Loire Valley take place in historic troglodyte caves. “Troglo Degusto” at Domaine des Tabourelles includes an underground tour of 22 miles of historic troglodyte galleries, located below the village of Bourré. After the underground tour, guests can try the domain’s wines along with food pairings.
At Caves Monmousseau, visitors can try sparkling wines that have been perfected for over 130 years, while experiencing a very unique art show in the underground cellars: images are illuminated on the tunnel walls, telling the story of the châteaux of the Loire through a spectacular sound and light show.
The Loire Valley is celebrated for its diverse and high-quality goat cheeses with notable varieties include Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, recognized by its rye straw center; Selles-sur-Cher, with its ash-coated rind and hazelnut flavor; Chavignol, also known as Crottin; Valençay, a pyramid-shaped cheese; and Pouligny Saint-Pierre.
Additionally, the region has introduced Trèfle du Perche, a four-leaf clover-shaped cheese gaining popularity in the region. Open since 2019, Les Passerelles, located in Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, is a museum dedicated to showcasing the region’s heritage and goat cheese. The museum includes an immersive experience into the world of cheese-making, showcasing the history, techniques and traditions behind the production of some of the most famous cheeses in the area.
Dana Point’s most anticipated wine weekend is almost here! California Wine Festival brings two days of premier wine tasting, gourmet food, ocean views, and live entertainment back to Orange County. The two-day festival will take place on Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa and the Sea Terrace Park, set above the picturesque Dana Point Harbor.
Event Details
Friday, April 25 | 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Guests will enjoy a sunset wine-tasting experience featuring rare and reserve wines from top producers across California. The evening includes a sparkling wine reception, gourmet pairings, live music by Adam Lasher, and a charity auction benefiting Sandy Feet Initiative.
Saturday, April 26 | 1 – 4 p.m.
The signature outdoor tasting event features wines from 60+ California wineries, bites from top OC restaurants, and a Caribbean soundtrack from steel drum band Upstream.
Festival Highlights
California Wine Festival is a 21+ event. Tickets for California Wine Festival Dana Point are available for pre-sale here. For more information, please visit CaliforniaWineFestival.com.
California Wine Festival celebrates the fine wines and culinary offerings of California. A nationally recognized event series, it aims to showcase the beautiful wines, foods and landscapes of California. Founded in 2004 in Santa Barbara, the California Wine Festival has grown to become one of the largest outdoor wine festivals in the state. Committed to sustainability, 90% of the waste from the festivals was diverted from the landfill in 2024. The festival has also raised funds for local charities across California, including the Foodbank of Santa Barbara, Sandy Feet Initiative and more. Join us at our four coastal festivals in Dana Point, Carlsbad, Santa Barbara and Huntington Beach:
2025 Event Schedule
For more information, visit CaliforniaWineFestival.com and follow us on social media:
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This November, taste your way through Old Mission Peninsula during the annual Mac & Cheese Bake-Off! Spend the day with family and friends touring the rolling hills and stunning views as the OMP Wine Trail Wineries once again partner with local chefs for a favorite wine and food pairing event that’s perfect for cheese lovers on Saturday, November 30th from 10am-5pm.
The Mac & Cheese Bake-off pairs the exquisite wines of Old Mission Peninsula with deliciously unique macaroni and cheese recipes from local chefs partnered with each of the ten OMP Wine Trail wineries. Each dish will be expertly paired with an Old Mission Peninsula wine from the partner winery along with special wine features, discounts, and more. Event goers are in control of the competition—each given the important task to vote for their favorites: best pairing, cheesiest dish, and best overall. Winners will receive their rightful place in history as winners of the 2024 Mac & Cheese Bake-Off.
Arriving on the heels of Thanksgiving, this annual event lets you break the monotony of leftovers to indulge in a classic, cheesy, comfort food. “Our favorite part is the creativity that the chefs show in their interpretations of macaroni and cheese, and how each pairs with the wine,” comments Caitlin Hammond, Director of Operations at Peninsula Cellars. “We love showcasing Traverse City’s great culinary talent and feel so lucky that local families and friends continue to make our wineries a part of their holiday traditions.” Tickets for the 2024 Great Mac & Cheese Bake-Off are now available. This is a sell-out event with a limited number of tickets available.
Tickets include a souvenir glass in addition to food and wine pairings. New this year, attendees can purchase the Noodle Fanatic Package to receive macaroni merchandise along with their ticket! Designated Driver tickets are also available for purchase. (DD ticket holders do not receive a souvenir glass, but tickets do include food and non-alcoholic beverages.)
Participating wineries include 2 Lads, Black Star Farms on Old Mission Peninsula, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, Chateau Chantal, Chateau Grand Traverse, Hawthorne Vineyards, Peninsula Cellars, Mari Vineyards, and Tabone Vineyards.
For additional information and to purchase tickets visit ompwinetrail.com/wine-trail-events/
The Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail, a collection of ten distinct wineries, is an unparalleled experience on the Old Mission Peninsula of Traverse City, Michigan. Stretching 19 miles into Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, the peninsula is only four miles wide at its broadest point. Old Mission Peninsula’s stunning appellation and proximity to Lake Michigan provide not only an ideal climate for growing varietal wine grapes, but a breathtaking travel destination as well.
For your enjoyment, here’s a winning recipe and wine pairing from the past.
Winner: Best Pairing
Smokehouse Mac Shack Taco Mac & Cheese with Mari Vineyards 2016
Scriptorium Riesling
Ingredients
Instructions
Add chopped onion to oil in a skillet. Cook until translucent.
Add ground beef and taco seasoning and cook through, and drain of oil and set aside.
Cook noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a new pan, add butter, flour, salt, and pepper to create a roux. Add cheddar cheese. Add heavy cream
until sauce is creamy.
Add noodles to cheese sauce & stir.
On a plate, layer corn chips. Add 1/3 cup of Mac & cheese mixture, and 1/4 cup of ground beef.
Top with chopped lettuce, tomato, and scallions.
Add a dollop of sour cream and enjoy.
Ubuy recently analyzed more than 50 countries to identify the best for wine lovers. Key factors included wine production volume, consumption per capita, vineyard areas, wine imports, and the price of mid-range bottles. The composite score was calculated considering all five metrics for each country.
| Country | Population | Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) (Markets) | Wine Consumption per Capita | Vineyard Surface Area (in hectares) | Wine Production (millions of liters) | Wine Imports (millions of liters) | Composite Score |
| France | 64,756,584 | $8.70 | 53.7 | 792,023 | 4,803 | 595 | 88.09 |
| Italy | 58,743,490 | $7.62 | 40.3 | 719,955 | 3,829 | 203 | 73.37 |
| Spain | 47,486,443 | $7.62 | 29.3 | 945,061 | 2,833 | 54 | 67.65 |
| Germany | 83,264,727 | $6.52 | 25.2 | 103,687 | 860 | 1,357 | 61.03 |
| Portugal | 10,229,884 | $5.44 | 50.3 | 182,000 | 752 | 297 | 57.78 |
| United States | 341,347,980 | $15.00 | 13.9 | 391,538 | 2,429 | 1,227 | 54.06 |
| United Kingdom | 67,903,439 | $12.05 | 27.5 | 3,800 | – | 1,233 | 50.08 |
| Argentina | 45,985,165 | $4.00 | 24.0 | 204,847 | 881 | 1 | 46.79 |
| Chile | 19,651,487 | $5.52 | 21.8 | 172,000 | 1,103 | 2 | 44.73 |
| China | 1,425,341,345 | $13.86 | – | 755,719 | 317 | 249 | 43.80 |
France ranks first among the top countries for wine lovers, with a composite score of 88.09. The country has the highest wine production, which contributes to its also having the highest wine consumption per capita at 53.7. With one of the highest vineyard surface areas at 792 thousand hectares, France secured its top spot in the list.
Italy ranks second with a composite score of 73.37. Italian vineyards, covering 719 thousand hectares, contribute to wine production, while Italians enjoy a strong 40.3 liters per capita annually. The price per mid-range bottle in Italy is $7.62.
Spain is the third country on the list for wine lovers, with a composite score of 67.65. Its high position is secured by its largest vineyard area, at 945 thousand hectares, supporting a wine production of 2,833 million liters. People drink an average of 29.3 liters of wine per person, enjoying bottles priced at $7.62.
With a composite score of 61.03, Germany is fourth, thanks to its wine imports of 1,357 million liters, which is the highest on the list. With its diverse preferences, the German market enjoys mid-range wines priced at $6.52 per bottle.
Portugal, with a composite score of 57.78, is the fifth country on the list for wine lovers. The country earned its position by having the second-highest per capita wine consumption, at 50.3 liters, with 752 million liters of wine produced from 182,000 hectares of vineyards.
The United States is ranked sixth on the list of the top countries for wine lovers, scoring 54.06. Although it has the third highest number of wine imports, the country has the lowest consumption rate at 13.9 liters per person and the highest price for a mid-range bottle at $15.
The United Kingdom comes in seventh place, with a composite score of 50.08. The country has the smallest vineyard area, at only 3,800 hectares, which explains why it has the second-highest wine import volume, totaling 1,233 million liters. The UK’s wine consumption per capita stands at 27.5 liters, with a higher mid-range bottle price of $12.05.
Argentina ranks seventh with a composite score of 46.79. It offers the most affordable mid-range wine at $4.00 per bottle. The country has 204 thousand hectares of vineyards, producing 881 million liters of wine. Argentina’s wine consumption is high at 24.0 liters per capita.
https://www.totalwine.com/wine/chile/c/000271Chile claims the ninth spot with a score of 43.80. The country offers a slightly higher mid-range wine price at $5.52 per bottle compared to Argentina. Chile’s vineyards span 172K hectares, supporting a wine production of 1,103 million liters. Although wine consumption per capita is lower at 21.8 liters, Chile effectively uses its vineyard space to produce quality wines.
China is rounding up the list of the top countries for wine lovers, with a composite score of 44.73. China’s wine production is relatively low at 317 million liters despite having a large vineyard area of 755,719 hectares.
Information courtesy of https://www.ubuy.fr/en/
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