​After an uneventful three-and-a-half-hour train journey through the Portuguese countryside from Portimão, I arrived in Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Évora is steeped in history and nestled within the Alentejo region’s golden plains. The walled city is iconic for it's remarkably intact Roman ruins, it's whitewashed buildings, cobblestone streets, and hilltop perch. You can see for miles. But why not see for yourself. Travel with me October 13 - 19, 2025 for the  Insider's Guide to Southern Portugal.  It's a trip of a lifetime.

Portugal is more than a destination; it’s a feeling. It’s the way the light reflects off the tiled buildings in Lisbon, the way a glass of port warms your soul, and the way the waves crash against the cliffs in Nazaré. Every moment and place felt like discovering a small piece of treasure—each adding to the brilliance of this puzzle - this pearl. Portugal isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a place to return to, again and again. If the world is your oyster, then Portugal truly is the pearl—a rare and luminous gem that leaves you enchanted and yearning for more.

​This wine gal is deep in the hospitality side of things at Invictus Games 2025 hosted in Vancouver and Whistler in beautiful British Columbia. It is February and a cold one at that. In fact, snow still sits on the side walks and parked vehicles that don’t see much action, for more than a week. 

The games host 24 countries, with over 500 competitors, their support team and their friends and families. There are 1800 volunteers supporting a small but mighty core group of 140. The Vancouver Convention Center has been turned into a “home” with amenities that offer comfort and space looking out towards Burrard Inlet and the North Shore Mountains. These cold sunny days have made the setting glorious and the photo ops  unbeatable. 

They say you should start with the end in mind, which, when I joined IG 2025 in early January, I did. I was thinking about what we would be sipping when the games come to an end - on that final day? Bubbles is the only answer. It has to be bubbles. Not just any bubbles. The best bubbles. Oh, and my saber. There’s no better way to get a party started than blowing the top off a chilled bottle and hearing that perfect sound - a kind of delicate thunder of whosh-pop followed by cheering laughter as the fear of failure and the joy of success collide. The moment when the blade and the bottle become one only for that perfect split second brings immense reward. Streams of bubbles spilling over into glasses, sipping from flutes to quickly capturing the first fresh sips before the memory and the energy fades feels fabulous. Let’s sip and then toast and enjoy all that Invictus Games have inspired. I am thirsty.

​Let the celebrations this December 4th ring out the good news and good taste that Cabernet Franc offers wine lovers everywhere. Cheers to BC wine. Use hashtag #cabfrancday and post your pics on social. 

Rustling vine leaves are turning from green to golden, as breezes turn cool and temperatures drop. Fall has arrived. It's a light grape harvest this year for BC's Okanagan vineyards. The arctic chill of the last two winters has resulted in scant bunches of berries and vine death broadly across wine country . Despite this, the community is resilient and there is much for which to be thankful including the visionary pioneers who first planted grapes, from vines that were smuggled into the country as clippings, inside suitcases and even coat pockets. Brazen for sure. But without audacity and dreams, Pinotage, for example, would not be here. What is Pinotage, you ask? Why South Africa's signature red grape variety and a style that loves life here in BC. All you have to do is taste and you'll agree, this is a style for that Pinot lovers can get behind. Here are my recommendations from The View Winery & Vineyard  and Stoneboat Vineyards - two BC wineries that embrace Pinotage.

Where did the time go? Have you asked yourself that question? I know I have. In what may have been the hottest July on record, the days went by quickly with early morning hikes up Knox Mountain and afternoon swims in the lake. I found myself living as if I were in Spain, surviving the heat between 4 pm and 8 pm with a siesta. With 38C temperatures for many weeks in July and early August, I was not sure I would survive and thought often of those helpless grapes (what few there are) hanging from the vine, hoping they had enough canopy to protect them. Vines do shut down at 35C and roots tend to go deep in search of moisture for survival. After the deep winter freeze that killed many vines (including the old vine Syrah at Nichol), the incredible heat units this summer definitely challenged  grapes survival. If you are a winelover then you are like me, worried. 

​Summer is here, and the time is right—right now! With perfect weather in Kelowna, there's something for everyone. Whether you love the lake, the vineyards, hiking, or fine dining, you’ve got options. Here’s a curated list of events, restaurants, wineries, and stories you won’t want to miss if you’re in Kelowna or planning a visit in the next few weeks. Follow the links, book online, and cheers to you and a hot summer in Kelowna! 

Portugal is an historic country on the Atlantic seaboard of the west coast of the Iberian peninsula and it has captured the world's attention. Whether the attraction to Portugal is for its affordability, beauty or history, it seems that Taylor’s Port has also found its moment in the sun. Taylor's is an iconic brand with a storied past, making tawny, ruby, white and vintage port - most especially the sweet, powerful, age-worthy, collectible vintage wines. Tradition aside, Taylor's recently launched Portonic, a port based cocktail in the ready-to-drink category (RTD), available only in recyclable aluminium cans. Will Port be rolling off the tongues of new, young enthusiasts? With sustainable practices on one hand and consumer focus on the other, Taylor’s is looking to the future.