This one is for you my champagne-loving-friends.

Dom Pérignon Vintage 2004 was released a few weeks ago, and the word goes that the champagne-enthusiasts in Europe have been buying this vintage out from wine sellers cross Europe. Many also already now recommend that the Vintage 2003 is for drinking – but Vintage 2004 is for keeping.

Chef de Cave of Dom Pérignon, Richard Geoffroy, is the man who gets to decide not just the mix of grapes used and the fine-tuning of the champagne-making, but he gets to decide when a vintage should see the light of day. The Dom Pérignon Vintage 2004 was aging for eight years on the lees, and this spring it was finally the time to release it.

Richard Geoffroy says about creating champagnes:

It is similar to creating a piece of fine sculpture. In some years, the generous maturity of the wine requires that it be carved from the outside to refine and purify its structure. In the case of Dom Pérignon Vintage 2004, the ethereal balance of the vintage needed to be sculpted from the inside to respect its subtle dynamics. The 2004 vintage has Dom Pérignon’s harmony and streamline, and also its particular embracing quality. It is all there, expressed in a way that enhances its classicism.

Dom Pérignon Vintage 2004 is a perfectly balanced blend of 53% Pinot Noir and 47% Chardonnay and the tasting notes promise aromas of almond and powdered cocoa and white fruit with hints of dried flowers. Classic toasted notes give a rounded finish and denote a fully realized maturity. The full taste lingers with the utmost elegance on a sappy, spicy note.

Dom Pérignon celebrated the release of the Dom Pérignon Vintage 2004 in Hautvillers, France with a visual and musical show displayed on the walls of the Abbaye. “The Expanding Universe” visual projection was designed by Leo Kuelbs and it was an artistic representation of a journey through time for Dom Pérignon. Watch the video below for the stunning show.

My three favorite things to do in my leisure time as a resident of Sonoma Valley, California are hiking, wine tasting and picnicking. There is one place in the Sonoma Wine Country where I can do all three at one location.

Bartholomew Park Winery in Sonoma offers miles of hiking trails on their 37-acre winery property, located in the heart of the 400-acre Bartholomew Memorial Park.

When you first arrive at Bartholomew Park Winery, known as ‘Bart Park’ to locals, you will see a detailed map with a list of guidelines to follow while visiting this free of charge park. Take a look at the map first and decide where you’d like to hike.

You have a few choices as the hills behind the winery in the Mayacamas Mountain range have several miles of marked hiking trails, some sections even have handy stairs!

On the trails, expect to see a variety of indigenous California vegetation like Oak, Manzanita, Madrone, and Redwood trees along with fields of spring wildflowers, a few ponds and streams. Bring a camera along and be watchful for poison oak, pictured below right, which is seen frequently on the trails.

Buena Vista Winery, founded in 1857, is California’s oldest commercial winery, is visible from the trail through the trees. You may want to wine taste there after you’re visit to Bartholomew Park.

The trail passes Buena Vista Winery then winds down a large hill and into an expansive park. Large trees, a fountain, picnic tables and a gazebo can all be found in the scenic park. It’s an ideal place to take a rest during your hike.

Continuting toward the winery, you will come upon a stately white villa perched on a hill surrounded by mature trees, vineyards and manicured lawns. It’s a replica of Count Agoston Haraszthy’s mansion that was built in the 1860′s, destroyed by fire around the turn of the century, then re-built by Antonia Bartholomew in 1987.

Haraszthy, a Hungarian-American traveler, writer, winemaker, and pioneer, is credited with being the “Father of California Viticulture” as well as the founder of California’s first winery, Buena Vista.

At the end of the trail you will arrive at Bartholomew Park Winery where you can taste certified organic and estate wines. Cheeses, sausages and other picnic items are available in the tasting room. My husband and I found a quiet place to relax after our hike while enjoying our picnic and bottle of Bartholomew Park Sauvignon Blanc wine.

If you’re looking to get in touch with history and nature, take in a little exercise, and enjoy some quality California wine and a picnic, then Bart Park is your ideal place!

Bartholomew Park Winery

1000 Vineyard Lane

Sonoma, CA 95476

707.935.9511

www.BartPark.com

Haraszthy’s villa is open for tours on weekends from noon to 3:00 p.m.

Now that I’ve shown you what to eat in Paris to satisfy your sweet tooth, I want to tell you the best ways to whet your whistle and please your palate the French way!

1. Croque Monsieur

More than just a ham and cheese sandwich, a Croque Monsieur is a ham and gruyére cheese sandwich slathered with béchamel sauce then grilled with butter until crispy and golden, which is how it came to be called Croque Monsieur, or “crisp mister”. Originally served in Paris cafés around 1910 as a snack, the Croque Monsieur has become a standard lunch menu items in most casual Paris restaurants. Make yours a Croque Madame by adding a fried egg.

2. Soupe à l’oignon gratinée

Commonly know as French Onion Soup,  Soupe à l’oignon gratinée, has its origins in ancient Rome. But the modern version that you may order in any number of Paris restaurants came about in the 18th century. The soup is made from beef broth, caramelized onions, a crouton and lots of gruyére cheese melted over the top. The best French onion soup I have had was in Paris. Simple, satisfying and comforting, you can rarely go wrong by ordering it while in Paris.

3. Escargot

Snails might be considered slimy, sandy and dirty creatures to some, but to most Parisians and to me, they are tasty appetizers. Snails are first removed from their shell, then cleaned and sautéed with garlic, parsley, butter, and wine. They are returned to their shells where they are usually served in a dish specifically used for escargot, complete with special tongs used for holding the shell and a tiny fork used to pluck the snails out. My favorite place to eat escargot is Ma Bourgogne located in the Place des Vosges.

4.  Mousse au Chocolat

If you are chocolate lover, chocolate mousse in Paris is a must-do. Rich, fluffy and creamy, chocolate mousse will satisfy even chocolate addicts craving. The best place for chocolate mousse is Chez Janou in le Marais. You will be given a plate and a spoon along with a gigantic wooden bowl filled with fresh chocolate mousse. Spoon out as much as you like and leave it on your table. Seconds and thirds are encouraged!

5. Steak-Frites

The French version of meat and potatoes, steak-frites is quite simply a steak fried in butter or olive oil served with French fries and often a dollop of herb butter. It’s my husband’s go-to dinner entrée when he’s not sure what to order. If you see the word “entrecôte”, you know that’s a steak.

6. Brie Cheese

What could be more French than a wedge of fragrant, creamy and oh so rich brie cheese? Brie is named for a region in France. The soft cow’s milk cheese is surrounded by a white moldy crust and is sometimes mild in taste and sometimes strong depending on how old it is. Some older brie cheeses can be quite heady on the nose!

7. Vin Chaud

When I was in Paris last March, I warmed myself up at  Jardin du Luxembourg with a cup of Vin Chaud, or hot wine. Vin chaud is simply warmed red wine, probably pretty cheap red wine at that, mixed with a tiny bit of sugar, cinnamon, and lemon. It’s not too sweet, not too dry. Just right on a chilly Paris day!

8. Pastis

For a refreshing drink on a warm day in Paris (or anytime of year, really) have a pastis. Pastis, an anise-flavored liqueur and apéritif, is most popular in the southern part of France but you will find it in nearly every bar and restaurant in Paris. There are the famous varieties you may recognize like Ricard and Pernod, and dozens of smaller production brands, some of which are quite herbal. Pastis is served with a small pitcher of water and couple of ice cubes. Diluted is the way to drink the sweet, licorice flavored liqueur. Just add as much water as you like to your serving of pastis and watch the chartreuse colored alcohol turn a cloudy yellow once water is added. Sip and enjoy!

9. Champagne

French champagne is the real deal in Paris as real Champagne must come from the Champagne region just outside Paris in order to carry the name champagne – everything else is simply sparkling wine. Many shops carry dozens of Champagnes ranging from the reasonably priced to the très chere. My favorite place to enjoy a glass of Champagne is at the summit of the Eiffel Tower.

10. Paris Picnic

I love to picnic wherever I travel. While in Paris, it’s nice to get out of the habit of always eating in a café or restaurant and enjoy the sights, people watch and get some fresh air and sunshine. Pick up a baguette from a bakery, a piece or two of fruit, a wedge of brie, some salami or ham and a nice bottle of wine. Find a comfortable spot at the Tuilleries, on the banks of the Seine or in Jardin du Luxembourg, just to name a few of my favorite Paris picnic locations. I guarantee it will be one of the more memorable meals from your trip.

Welcome our new writer Dana Bach Johnson.

Wonderlust: The Great Gatsby

We are so excited about the ”The Great Gatsby” movie! This new lavish version by Baz Luhrmann is set to make the Jazz Age sparkle and prove F. Scott Fitzgerald still shines bright. The beloved novel showcases glamorous lifestyles amongst turmoiled relationships. Leonardo DiCaprio is so dapper as Jay Gatsby and the beautiful Carey Mulligan twinkles as Daisy Buchanan. The story is so timeless and the movie promises to be full of great drama, stylish clothes, and amazing parties. Get inspired and go see “The Great Gatsby”! Here are some of my favorites inspired by The Great Gatsby movie, what I really recommend though – read the book as well!

The quote

The style

Are you loving this style as much as we are? Luckily there are now many Great Gatsby and 20s’ inspired collections available and out hot tips to check out now include: Warby Parker’s  1922 limited edition eyewear collection, Modcloth’s 1920s inspired accessories and clothing,  Out of Print’s Great Gatsby Collection and that fabulous mens Great Gatsby Collection by Brooks Brothers. Once you seen the movie and stocked up on your own fabulous 20s ensembles it’s time to throw your own The Great Gatsby garden party!

The movie

Enter the world of glitz and glamour, parties and beautiful houses of The Great Gatsby:

Paris – Sweet Tooth’s Paradise

Having visited Paris four times in the last six years, I have had my share of Paris’s best sweets. From cookies to frozen delights, pastries to beverages, I have a list to suit everyone’s sweet tooth!

1. Macarons
Few people can visit Paris and not at eat a French macaron. You see the colorful treats everywhere you turn. A macaron is a sandwich cookie – ganache, buttercream or jam between two almond merengue cookies. They come in a wide variety of  flavors and countless colors that are often vivid. Macarons are not for everyone’s palate as they are quite sweet but they are worth a taste to find out if they suit yours. You can buy your macarons at world famous and always crowded Ladurée and even at Paris McDonald’s! I like to buy mine at Gerard Mulot in the Marais neighborhood.

2. Crème Brûlée
Crème Brûlée literally translated from French means “brunt crème”. Smooth custard awaits you under a thin crust of scorched sugar that you can gently crack with your spoon. I always order a Crème Brûlée when I dine at Ma Bourgogne, located in Place des Vosges. Crème Brûlée is quite rich. I suggest sharing with someone. Just ask for “deux cuillères, s’il vous plait” (two spoons, please)!

3. Crêpes
Hot, freshly made-while-you-wait Crêpes are available in many locations throughout Paris. It’s a Parisian street food that is served both savory and sweet. My favorite is a Nutella, banana crêpes drizzled with Grand Marnier. I like them for dessert, a snack or anytime! They are especially wonderful on a cold Paris night.

4. Gelato
Enjoy a little Italy while in Paris and have a gelato. Amorino is a chain of gelato stores located throughout Europe. Their signature rose-shaped scoops on comes make your already fantastic gelato even more of an experience! Coconut is, in my opinion, the best flavor at Amorino. I could eat an entire gelato bouquet of them!

5. Tarte au Citron
Tarte au Citron, or lemon tart, is sweet, tangy and creamy with a lightly sweetened crispy crust. It’s a delight to enjoy, especially as an afternoon treat after sightseeing all day, and goes well with a cup of hot French tea. I think the best are found at Gerard Mulot.

6. Chocolate Chaud
Chocolate Chaud is French for “hot chocolate”. But this is not your everyday powdered mix hot chocolate. An authentic chocolate chaud is something special. Using steamed milk and bits of semisweet chocolate, chocolate chaud is a warm cup of sweet richness!  Most Parisian cafes serve chocolate chaud but Angelina is world-famous for theirs.

7. Croissants
If there is one food on this list that I eat every day I am in Paris it’s a croissant. I immediately scout out a bakery near my hotel that appears busy and popular. I head there each and every morning to buy a few fresh, warm, buttery, flakey croissants and a cup of coffee. Often, I will choose an almond or chocolate croissant instead of plain if my sweet tooth requests it. I have no problem declaring croissants found in Paris are the best in the universe!

8. Fresh Fruit
If sugary treats get tiresome (as if!) visit your nearby produce market or even better, find an outdoor food market by searching online for days and locations. Some of the best tasting and best looking fruit I have ever eaten I purchased in Paris.  I always buy a basket or two of strawberries whenever I visit. They make a nice accompaniment to a glass of French champagne!

9. Luxury ice cream
Have you ever tasted luxury ice cream? Once you have a scoop of Berthillon luxury ice cream, you will never want to eat ‘regular’ ice cream again. Berthillon is a family-owned business which began in 1954. They pride themselves on using only natural ingredients and make approximately sixty flavors are produced throughout the year that change with the seasons.

10. Bon bons
Candy lovers will be in candy paradise in Paris. Bon bons, or candy, can be chocolate, hard candy, or any small confection. If you’re looking for a sweet treat to bring home from your trip, candy would be a good choice, especially hard candies

Which sweet would you indulge in while visiting Paris?

Exquisite French food, wine tastings, delicious appetizers, regional cheese selections and cocktail hours – this is the culinary heaven you’ll experience on board – and on excursions from L’Impressioniste, the river barge in Burgundy. From the moment we boarded the barge and were handed our champagne flutes and nibbles of little Dijon mustard-filled savory bits it was nothing short of a taste buds heaven.

For each meal there were carefully chosen red and white, or sometimes rose wines depending on the meals on offer. What I found refreshing was the fact that the dinner wouldn’t start until all guests and the captain were seated down. The chef and the lovely staff would then takes turns to introduce the courses of the meal, as well as describe the wines and their history. And one cannot forget the cheese platters, served after the main course and prior to the dessert. It seems that every village has their own special cheese, and therefore we had plenty of new cheese varieties to try!

The passengers were treated for cocktails and savory nibbles during the cocktail hour that preceded the dinner, and true to the French style the drinks were refreshing but more towards the bitter than overly sweet in taste – such as this typically English summer cocktail made of gin-based Pimms above. The cocktail hour provided a much-needed moment  to relax after a day of sightseeing and wine-tasting and also gave an opportunity to have a little chat with fellow passengers and enjoy the views of the passing Burgundy countryside waking up to spring.

Our first trip destination was Château André Ziltener where we had wine tasting session both in the cellar and the tasting room with instructions for newbies on how wine tastings work and how the taste of the wine can be described. Prior the tasting we toured the vineyard itself and learned how local wine quality was ranked based on where in the valley the grapes were growing. I loved the multi-coloured glass tabled that was used for the wine tasting, and it came with an interesting story, according to which historically “in order to better the quality of wine the monks used to test it through the luminosity of the glass panes.”

Château André Ziltener is located in the picturesque village of Chambolle-Musigny, where you can literally walk from one wine tasting room to another as good quality wine is the specialty of this village. They are also an accredited four-star hotel with a total of ten charming, yet luxurious rooms, suites and apartments and have been called as the most beautiful hotel in Burgundy. This trip certainly is a heaven for those who want to stop and smell the flowers and take a moment to relax, enjoy great food, wine and sightseeing historical little towns and villages!

European Waterways

The culinary and wine tours were part of the European Waterways river cruise in Burgundy. Prices for a 6 night cruise aboard the 12 passenger hotel barge L’Impressionniste are from $4,750 per person in a twin/double en suite cabin, including all meals, wines, an open bar, excursions and local transfers. Contact European Waterways: Toll Free 1-877-879-8808 and check out www.gobarging.com for more details.

Disclosure: I was a media guest of the European Waterways, and received a free one night stay at Hotel Westminster, and the river cruise on L’Impressionniste. All other costs associated with this visit are my own, and my opinions are always my own.

The best Mother’s Day gift I have received was from my stepdaughters. A couple of years ago, they surprised me with an afternoon tea at home sophisticated enough to rival that of Ritz Carlton in San Francisco.

Tori, my youngest stepchild, planned my Mother’s Day tea for two weeks. She carefully selected the menu, shopped for all the necessary items, then enlisted her older sister, Kayla, to help with the preparations. They set a beautiful table with our antique wedding china that was my great grandparent’s, adorned the table and the house with fresh flowers, and used cloth table linens.

We had two different French teas, champagne to accompany two types of homemade scones, an arugula salad, cucumber and smoked salmon finger sandwiches, and crostinis with goat cheese. While we enjoyed our meal, we listened to French songstress, Edith Piaf.

For dessert, we indulged in Tori’s homemade banana, Nutella, Grand Marnier crêpes and Kayla’s chocolate covered strawberries.

With the beautiful table setting, carefully prepared food, and the added element of surprise, it was a Mother’s Day I will always remember and treasure.

If you’re wondering how you can make your mother, grandmother, stepmother or wife feel special, appreciated and honored this Mother’s Day, serve her an Afternoon Tea she will never forget!

Are you ready for Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo is one of my favorite holidays, probably because I have a soft spot in my heart (er, stomach?) for fresh guacamole and salt-rimmed margaritas. However, it can be hard to dress for this holiday without ending up looking like the flag of Mexico.

For this outfit, I wanted the festive printed top to be the focal point, so I paired it with white jeans and neutral sandals. However, I love the accent details within the outfit, such as the rattan bag and the Aztec-inspired earrings. The only thing that could make this outfit even more fabulous is a margarita in hand!

Get the Look!

One: Electric Kiwi Tank by J.Crew

Two: Delilah Earrings by Kendra Scott

Three: Rattan Tote by Tory Burch

Four: White Cigarette Jeans by Adriano Goldschmied

Five: My favorite margarita!

Six: Lupe Demi Wedge Sandals by Rebecca Minkoff

Cheers to a wonderful Cinco de Mayo!

VJB Vineyards and Cellars

 VJB Vineyards and Cellars, one of Sonoma Valley’s most popular new destination, brings a bit of Italy’s Tuscan countryside to Kenwood, the small wine country town where I live about 75-miles north of San Francisco.

They opened their doors to the stunning ten thousand square foot property last summer. Prior to that, they had a small, cozy tasting room next door where they poured their wines, served Italian coffees, and ran a small gift shop for ten years.

VJB is family owned by the Belmonte family. Vittorio and Maria, longtime food and wine lovers, moved to the U.S. from Italy in 1963 with their two sons, Henry and Victor. The family lived on the east coast for several years before moving to California in 1975. Once in the Sonoma wine country, which reminded them of Italy, they decided to start a business that combined their mutual love of food and wine. They opened Caffe Portofino, an Italian restaurant in nearby Santa Rosa, that soon became a popular dining establishment. In the late 1990’s the two brothers decided they wanted to make wine to sell to their restaurant’s customers.

In 1999, shortly after the first harvest of grapes was finished and ready for bottling, Victor died unexpectedly. The family vowed to carry on Victor’s dream of winemaking and chose to label their wines and name their winery “VJB”, Victor’s initials, to honor his life.

Vittorio, Maria and their son, Henry, operate the winery. Set on nearly two acres of Montepulciano and Aglianico vines, you can’t help but feel that you’re not in California, but in a piazza in a small Tuscan village.

VJB has a comfortable and inviting tasting room and offers a variety of California wines as well as Italian varietals including Sangiovese, Barbera and Nero d’Avola. They also offer a delightfully light and flavorful Prosecco which is produced in the Valdobbiadene region of Italy and imported to VJB. It’s my favorite! I also love Dante, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, a favorite combination of Victor’s and VJB’s flagship wine. It’s made in the old world style of a Super Tuscan wine.

Next to the tasting room is La Cucina where you can satisfy your cravings for all things Italian. From antipastis to imported Italian meats and cheeses to Illy espressos and cappuncinos, it’s hard to remember you’re in California.

Maria Belmonte is an accomplished cook and Executive chef for VJB. She teaches at local culinary schools, has published two cookbooks and creates new recipes to send out to VJB’s wine club members throughout the year.  Maria’s newest cookbook, Maria’s Cucina, is available for sale at VJB.

Browse the Italian marketplace adjacent to the cold cases and feast your eyes upon olive oils, including VJB’s own estate oil, Italian sea salts, dry pastas, and even Maria Belmonte’s own pasta sauces, tapenades and pestos can be found there.

With a wood-fired oven outdoors in the piazza, you can order an authentic Italian-style pizza, ribs, chicken and paninis.

Find a seat at one of their many café tables and relax while you wait for your food and sip on a glass of their Rosso blend, Primitivo or any VJB wine.

Kenwood Pasta is their newest venture. Fresh pasta will soon be handmade and sold at VJB so that customers can enjoy even more Italian flavor.

After you’ve tasted the wine, cheeses and salumis, filled up on pizza and ribs, you will want something sweet for your palate. How about gelato, a scoop of seasonal sorbetto, or local chocolates infused with wine? Wine Truffle Boutique has a wide array of gelato flavors and lots and lots of chocolate. Did you know that chocolate is an excellent accompaniment to red wine? It’s true!

If you are looking for a great Mother’s Day gift for the wine and food loving mom in your life, give the gift of Maria’s Club Cucina. Six times a year she’ll get a gift box filled with two bottles of wine, one of Maria’s sauces and pestos and a recipe. It’s $65 per shipment will call or $85 shipped. The best part? Mom might be so happy with her gift, she’ll invite you over for dinner and wine!

VJB Vineyards and Cellars is a top wine and food destination and gathering place for locals and travelers alike. Enjoy everything Tuscany has to offer in the heart of Sonoma Valley!

VJB Vineyards and Cellars

60 Shaw Avenue Kenwood, CA

www.vjbcellars.com

Food can be a source of many things; happiness, excitement, discovery, frustration or disappointment to name a few. But when traveling, it is often an adventure. The new tastes and smells connect to that exact location and can bring back memories from years gone. For me, making pasta at home always takes me back to the Emilia Romagna region in Italy, where I learned to make pasta with my daughter with help from the dedicated grandmothers of the region in Casa Artusi.

Also quite recently I went on a food adventure.

This time I had a guide. And we visited many a place, from market halls to very established restaurants, small cafes and local food stores.

It wasn’t anywhere exotic. And if you really think of it, it shouldn’t have been an adventure. I was in my old hometown, in my native land after all, on a short business trip to Helsinki in Finland.

But still, I got the tingling feeling of excitement when discovering these mainly small producers and businesses. How did I never know what was just around the corner when I lived here!

And this got me thinking, once again. You really don’t need to go anywhere far to find an adventure, something exciting and new. There are so many things in our vicinity we take for granted, without getting to properly know our surroundings until we leave, and come back almost as a tourist, with a fresh mindset. Maybe it is now time for me to go on an adventure in my new home town here in Norway. I don’t think I will find a guide though. But these kinds of adventures don’t actually require one!

I participated on a Food Sightseeing tour in Helsinki as part of a business trip to Finland. Even though it was part of a work tour, I would readily go and do it again on my own time and cost. Besides the food, we saw areas and places that you wouldn’t really experience as a “normal tourist” in Helsinki, and this was important part of the tour as well. Apparently my husband is already planning on me taking him along the next time we travel to Helsinki together!

Anyone know of similar sightseeing tours elsewhere in the world?