Thus, Argentina is one of the two southern-most countries of South America – sharing the southern exposure with Chile (and it’s entire western border).   It shares northern borders with Uraguay, Brazil, Paraguay, and also Bolivia while the Atlantic Ocean dominates it’s eastern border.

Major population centers Beunos Aires and Cordoba are in the mid 30′ degrees south, or about equivalent with the length Los Angeles and San Francisco are from the equator.  The well known wine country of Mendoza is also around 35 degrees south and sits up against the Andes Mountain range, close to the Chile border.

So, as I learn about new cities and regions, its always important for me to start with a map.  You can make plenty of assumptions about people and places if you first understand their spot on a map. Neighbors, topography, and climate are huge factors in culture.

Looking at the map, one can draw plenty of similarities between British Columbia and California.  Both are shaped in the same skewed upright rectangular shape, both have hundreds of miles of Pacific Coastline.  Both are dissected by impressive inland mountain ranges.  Both have enviable wine country real estate and thriving wine and tourism industries.

The similarities may end there. One is inhabited by 4M people and the other by 37M.  California’s GDP is $1.85T, while all of Canada is $1.3T.

More to come on this fascinating land over the next few weeks.

The name Champagne is derived from the word Campagna, a region in Southern Italy.  The story goes that the Roman soldiers thought that the hills looked the same.  After they planted grapes , they must have quickly learned that the climate and terroir was quite different from their hot and dry homeland.

The region is located less than 100 miles northeast of Paris and directly west of Alsace at the 49th Parallel North (which is the same latitude as the U.S./Canadian border in Washington state).  The official controlled appellation (AC) contains five distinctly identified districts: the Aube, Côte des Blancs, Côte de Sézanne, Montagne de Reims, and Vallée de la Marne.  Taking a closer look at the above map of Champagne, I’ve circled the general location of these districts, although some smaller ones exist within the region. The Aube is disconnected from the rest southeast of Troyes, making the geography of Champagne rather interesting.

Not all vineyard land is valued the same, of course, and for many years going back to the 1940’s an organization named CIVC rated the grapes from each village and stack ranked them.  The Grand Cru vineyards, the highest classification, got 100 percent ratings. Premier Crus were vineyards with 90 to 99 ratings and the Deuxième Crus in the 80–89 range.  Once the price was set for the grapes, each buyer would pay a percentage of that price to the grower depending on the village in which the land was located based on their classification.  Complex and controlled, or simply French.  In the past 10 years, growers and buyers have moved to a more capitalistic system of trading goods, but many of the previous rating are still honored.

All of the land that was approved for the AC boundaries in 1927 has been planted, and a proposal is currently being reviewed to expand the official boundaries.  This is serious business and has the potential to make a E5,000 hectare soar to a value of over E1,000,000. It’s clear to me that the ability to legally use the word Champagne on a bottle of wine, makes it one of the most powerful words in modern use.

I pulled the picture below from Bing Maps showing the fascinating quilt-like division of properties.  Over 19,000 individual growers take to the fields every year and less than 10% of the land is owned by the big houses.

A few tips for traveling with a baby:

· Sack of potatoes- A Baby Bjorn (or another type of sling or carrier) is a “must have” given it allows you to easily carry your baby, frees your hands for carrying luggage and also makes meal time easier, given your hands are free. Clara spent a lot of time in it while we were in Europe and did great. Also, it’s a great way to get your baby to go to sleep; they love the motion and being close to your chest.

· Extra clothing- Take additional clothes for both you and your baby. You never know when your little one is going to spit up, and you could be hours away from a change of clothes. So, take an extra outfit (or two) for both you and baby on the airplane. 

· On-the-go medicine cabinet- Take along children’s Tylenol and Benedryl, both of which will help the baby relax and sleep better. Also, any pain due to elevation on the plane will also be addressed.

· Be resourceful- Leave the pack-n-play at home. Use a suit case as a bed for your baby. Fold clothes, towels or a robe from your hotel room, for cushioning. I took along a crib sheet and placed over padding.

· Flexibility is key- Don’t plan too much and take time to relax. If you’re nursing, it forces you to do this which is great.

· Ward off germs- Take along lots of hand sanitizer and keep in handy places (i.e. diaper bag, pocket, car). Also, wash your hands any chance you get.

We went to two wineries: Becker and Torre de Pietra. Critique #1: having a huge tasting room jam packed and with pourers who know little if anything about the winery or the wines is lame. Critique #2: a portfolio of over a dozen wines is a bit much, right? Both places committed these errors.

That said, the chenin blanc and reserve cab from Becker were solid wines at good prices – $16 and $24 respectively. The vintage port from Torre was a nice surprise too.

There still much to be discovered in the world of Texas wines, but my hope is we can find a place that cares more about their craft than simply offering $5 tastings to folks excited about having an excuse to drink before noon.

1. the beaches.  get out, get some sun, watch the surf and get wet.  Kauai has gorgeous beaches, some busy, some quaint, some difficult to get to.  Our favorites include Poipu Beach, Anini Beach, and Mahalapu Beach. 

2. Waimea Canyon.  the drive up the canyon takes you from the plains through the forest and into the mountains.  Along the way views of the canyon, surrounding landscapes, and the distant ocean provide for a great day trip.  Throw in some hiking and you will feel like you are on another world.

3. North Shore.  This is where Kauai gets interesting.  The little town of Hanalei (where Puff the Magic Dragon resides) can feel a little touristy, but is quaint enough to be interesting.  The drive takes you through rice patties, farming villages, one lane bridges, and ends up at a beautiful beach park.  Its densely forested and tropical, get a convertable.

4. Golf. Kauia provides an incredible range of golfing opportunities.  Truly something for every type of golfer, from a $9/ 9 hole course to the fomer home of the Grand Slam of Golf, golfing in Kauai provides a great way to see the island and spend a few hours somewhere beautiful and new.

5. Ocean Kayaking.  there is not a better way to see nature than to get closer to it.  Kayaking provides opportunities to see dolphins, sea turtles, and maybe even whales.  If you are on the island during the summer, you can also see the Napali coast when the surf is low.

Below you will find a handful of reviews to provide a taste for the multitude of dining options available within a short walk or drive from the Kauai Beach Rental Homes in Poipu Kai on the south shore of Kauai.

Located at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort, Dondero’s is an award-winning Italian restaurant that offers a fusion of sensations will delight you at our award-winning Italian restaurant. Dine al fresco under the twinkling evening stars overlooking the ocean, or choose the intimate indoor settings with beautiful murals and floor tiles reminiscent of an Italian villa. This enchanting scene is complemented by the delicate and flavorful selections of our creative menu, served by our attentive yet discreet staff. Here, in the restaurant chosen as “Kauai’s Best Italian Restaurant”, each meal becomes a celebration. Reservations are highly recommended. Phone: 808-240-6456

Serving Pacific Rim cuisine The Beach House Restaurant is one of the best restaurants on the south shore and surely one not to miss. Located on Kolopa point right on the ocean guests can enjoy fine dining with a wonderful, romantic atmosphere. As you sit and enjoy an excellent dinner, you can hear the sounds of the waves, feel the fresh ocean air, and if dining at sunset, have a beautiful view of the setting sun. Seating for sunset begins at 5:30 and the kitchen opens at 6:00. Make your reservations well in advance for this is a busy place (call before leaving the mainland). Reservations are highly recommended. Phone: 808-742-1424

Casa di Amici is located on Nalo Road past Brennecke’s heading toward the Hyatt. Enjoy grand piano music and great food at this Poipu restaurant. Small and intimate, the food is delightful and portions are large. Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood above Po’ipu Beach, this “House of Friends” has live classical piano music on weekends and an outside deck open to sweeping ocean views. Entrées from the internationally eclectic menu include a saffron-vanilla paella risotto made with black tiger prawns, fresh fish, chicken breast, and homemade Italian sausage. When you call for reservations, you may want to ask for a table on the lanai although it only tables for 2. Very nice!! They have a good, reasonably priced wine list. Phone: 808-742-1555

Keoki’s Paradise is located in Poipu Shopping Village, Keoki’s has a main dining room and a more informal area, both of which serve outstanding food, including seafood, burgers, and BBQ ribs, for a reasonable price. Known for its tropical decor with waterfalls and greenery, Keoki’s gets an “A” for both quality and quantity. Bargains are available like fish tacos for under $5.00. If you take along a coupon (usually on the counter at the nearby Whalers store), they will give you a large free ice cream “mud pie” dessert, which itself has a $4.00 value. Enjoy local live entertainment in the lounge Thursday and Friday evening, and Sunday afternoon. Phone: 808-742-7534

Cascading waterfalls and koi-filled ponds surround you at Ilima Terrace, which is 3-minute walk from Kauai Beach Rental Homes. Gentle tropical breezes and lush greenery create the feeling of dining in a secluded sanctuary. Serving breakfast and lunch daily, this open-air casual restaurant at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort is the ideal spot to plan another perfect day in paradise. Enjoy fresh banana pancakes and a fresh fruit smoothie for breakfast or a grilled ahi sandwich before a game of tennis. On Sunday the terrace features an extensive buffet offering a sumptuous array of all your favorite breakfast treats although it’s a pretty pricey. Phone: 808 742 1234

Joe’s on the Green is located at Kiahuna Golf Club Joe’s is a great place for breakfast whether you have just finished a game of golf or are simply craving a traditional breakfast. Phone: 808-742-9696

For more than five years, the Kalaheo Steak House has been serving some of the best, most reasonably-priced steaks on Kauai. The cozy, knotty-pine interior is both pleasant and informal, with comfortable booths along the wall and roomy tables set with fresh flowers and candles. The restaurant prides itself on the finest of ingredients. The “Steakhouse Combo” with top sirloin and Kalaheo shrimp, sautéed in butter, garlic and topped with parmesan cheese were so delightful on the palette. Every meal is served with a fresh salad and we highly recommend the house dressing and blue cheese crumbles. Kalaheo Steak House offers one of the best values on Kauai, as two can dine in style for less than $50. Phone: 808-332-9780

Situated on Kalapaki Beach in front of the Kauai Marriott Resort, Duke’s is a popular open-air restaurant dedicated to surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku. In addition to stunning ocean views, guests at Duke’s enjoy a modern menu of fresh Island fish and prime steaks, complemented by tropical ocean breezes and spectacular views. A casual menu, tropical cocktails and contemporary Hawaiian entertainment are featured in the downstairs Barefoot Bar. Phone: 808-246-9599

Specializing in local cuisine, Hamura’s is known for the best Saimin on the island and for a great price too! Hamura’s is a Kauai institution — and is something that needs to be experienced when you are in Kauai just like snorkeling or scuba diving. Phone: 808-245-3271

Coeur d’Alene’s natural beauty is easily it’s most attractive asset, but not the only draw in town.  A world class resort, spas, endless recreational opportunities, golf courses, skiing, restaurants, wine bars, and small town quaint-ness bring in the tourists and inland empire neighbors year round.

I grew up spending summer weekends on the lake at my grandparents cabin, and spent my college summers as a caddy at the Resort Golf Course, so I have plenty of fond memories associated with this place. Liz and I headed over to CDA from Spokane earlier this summer for a Sunday brunch and drive.

We stopped and walked around the resort, boardwalk, and Sherman Street Shopping area, but wound up coming upon a cafe, Le Piastre, that pulled us in. We enjoyed a brunch of rustic potatoes, a crab sandwich, and blt with avacodo.  If I lived in CDA, I’d be a regular here.

After brunch we headed south around the west side of the lake, toward Sun Up and Windy Bay, where we spent the rest of our afternoon with some summertime hefewiezens on the dock.

The wine list is solid – French, Spanish, and Portugese focused. We started the night off with a 2006 LuisPato Maria Gomes from Portugal. It was aromatic and perfectly atypical of most whites we were used to drinking. Food wise we began with chorizo-stuffed madjool dates with smoked bacon and piquillo pepper-tomato sauce. This small plate received rave reviews around the table. 

Wine number two was a 2004 Chryseia Post Scriptum, also from Portugal. This red was deep garnet in color with a vivid violet rim (reminded me of Chianti’s ability to purple the lips). The aroma showed ripe fruit character with hints of raspberries as well as tobacco and a discreet touch of oak. The palate is full and rich, with a flavorful plumy character. The structure is well balanced, clearly held together by ripe tannins. The wine is excellent for current drinking with savory dishes (red meats and game) – so we did just that. Without any hesitation Lloyd ordered the wood oven-roasted pork shoulder with dried apricots, prunes, slab bacon and apricot mustard for the table. This might of been the dish of the night. Amazing flavor. This led Lloyd to simply state, “This chef is awesome. She knows what she’s doing. A good cab would go well with this.” Maybe so, but the night was about exploration and trying wines that most will never see in their local wine shop. So I decided to expand my buddy’s mind a bit by ordering a bottle of 2005 Finca Omblancas “Denuno” Jumilla, a Spanish blend of petit verdot, monastrell and syrah. The wine was full bodied, with lively aromas of

black cherries, ground pepper and toasted oak. It had good concentration, with savory tastes of sweet spices and plum. The moral of the story for you and my buddy Lloyd: forget the “good cab” and go with an equally strong varietal like syrah or monastell if your thinking Spanish wines.

With a theater district second only to Broadway, classic sports teams, too many museums and parks to name, and burgeoning dining scene, Chicago is a must visit in my book. Here are a few more places that are on my list to hit up when I head back in October: Sepia, Boka (home of another 2008 Food & Wine Best New Chef), and Avec’s sister restaurant, Blackbird. Until then, cheers!

The ensuing three hours at Ibiza consisted of an Abbazia di Novacella (a crisp white made from the kerner grape) and an Australian riesling called Clos Clare, paired with pan friend oysters and shimp with tasso cream, and a local goat cheese, portabella, sun-dried tomato pizza.

Later that evening we stopped into Beavers, the top spot in Houston for cocktails. The reason for this is because it also has the best bartender and mixologist: Bobby Huegel. Bobby makes the classics like they were meant to be made, like martinis and Manhattans. On top of that he creates his own dynamic drinks with everything you can think of… and it’s all great!

By this time one of Emily’s good friend, Jaffer, wine director at Del Frisco’s steakhouse had joined us. We decided to cap off the night at 13 Celsius, easily one of the best, if not the best wine bar in Houston. Jaffer selected a late vintage dessert wine from Klein – the oldest winery in South Africa. Here is some interesting background on the the wine, Vin de Constance, and tasting notes:

“These historic vineyards were first planted in the late 1600s as a part of the original Constantia estate, whose legendary sweet wines were celebrated in literature by Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and Baudelaire. It was sought after by Napoleon, in his exile, and by the courts of Europe in the 18th and 19th century. Chosen for its soil of decomposed Table Mountain granite, and its cooling sea breezes from both the Atlantic and Indian oceans, these vineyards provide the perfect terroir for premium winegrowing… Copper in colour, with abundant aromas of of dried mangos, apricots and honey. The palate is unctiously full bodied and intensely flavoured, with a thick, viscous consistency pared by pithy astringency and a fresh, mouthwatering finish.”

A great wine to finish a great day with great friends.

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