Theresa Downs

Ballyvaughan, Ireland via Wine By Appointment LLC I'd taken to rolling my eyes when friends would extol the virtues of Ireland. I had nothing against Ireland… they just don't make wine, so I had little interest in visiting. Until a very special event prompted us to visit (more about that later), I couldn't have been more wrong about a place. True, Ireland isn't known for its Pinot Noirs, sparkling wines, or zesty whites, but it does have ready access to all of them. So, in late November, we...

Left Photo - Four Seasons Hotel, London; Right Photo - New York City - all pictures used in blog via Wine By Appointment LLC Okay, we know both cities are well known for their fabulousness at Christmas. A recent trip to both cities proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt. But who wins the grand prize for overall greatness? Let's take a look. Europe has always gotten the jump on the States when it comes to Christmas. Way, way before we're even thinking about where we put last year's...

Image Healdsburg, CA via ChatGPT Healdsburg has a certain magic to it. It's chic without trying too hard, full of winemakers who are passionate (and often a little obsessive in the best way), and home to some of Sonoma's most expressive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Spend a day here and you'll understand why it's one of the most loved towns in wine country. Here's our favorite itinerary when you have just one day to sip, stroll, and taste your way through Healdsburg. Image Walt Wines via Wine By...