Just because the leaves are changing color and the air is getting crisper doesn’t mean that you have to switch up your usual white wine to a red one. In fact, there are plenty of amazing white wine options that’ll work with flannel and cooler weather.

Some of my faves for this season include Viognier, a lightly oaked Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Gewürztraminer. So let’s dive into all of these a little deeper!

It’s the last stop on the most beautiful adventure through Vinho Verde. Nestled on a mountain top in the subregion of Baião, Quinta de Santa Teresa is a sight for sore eyes - and honestly, arriving here at dusk was the icing on the cake and the most perfect way to end the trip!

Now this is a name I think most people will recognize. It’s the number 1 selling Vinho Verde producer in the world, exporting to over 80 countries!

For our final full day in Vinho Verde, we started at Quinta do Ameal, located in the subregion of Lima. This is a picturesque spot that’s lush with oh-so-much greenery. Honestly, every turn you take, you’re mystified by its beauty.

The next stop on our Vinho Verde adventures was Quinta de Lourosa. This family-run winery also runs a bed and breakfast and it’s the cutest, quaintest little spot.

Quinta da Raza is nestled between granite mountains and 2 rivers. It’s a plateau vineyard in one of the hottest regions of Vinho Verde that’s been family owned and run since 1769 - and it is stunning!

Where do I even start with this place - the name really says it all: it’s a wine experience. From delicious local food and stunning hotel rooms to winemaking experiences and an on-property spa, this place really does have it all. I only got to stay here for 1 night, but given the choice, I probably would’ve wanted to stay one more night to really take in the whole experience.

Our second stop of day 2 was Soalheiro. This is yet another family run winery, however this one is located in the subregion of Melgaço - that’s one of the most northern points in Portugal - in fact, you can see Spain from the Soalheiro property!

After checking out of our hotel in Porto, we headed to our first stop of the day - Quinta das Arcas. This is a beautiful property (honestly, they all are) that’s about 250 acres in total. And fun fact, they also make cheese on the property!

I couldn’t decide where I wanted to start with everything that I have to share from this trip - so I figured, I might as well take it day by day!

The leaves are changing, the air is getting crisper, the days are getting shorter... This just means it's time to re/introduce some delicious new options into your bevvie repertoire. There’s no time like the present to start getting adventurous with your drink choices! Enjoy!

Move over Chile and Argentina, there’s a new burgeoning wine region in South America that’s ready for the limelight. While small in size (about the same size as Washington State), Uruguay is mighty when it comes to wine.

When you think about the US’s wine regions, chances are your mind likely automatically goes to California. But there are so many other regions scattered throughout the US - almost every state has winemaking to some degree. One of the more burgeoning states is Oregon. No surprise considering it’s just north of California, but keep in mind that Oregon is a cooler and rainier state, so vineyard management is often very different from what you might find in California.

The weather is getting brighter, the days are getting longer, and that just means more white wine coming into your rotation, right? But instead of always reaching for the same Riesling or Sauv Blanc (no offence to either of those grapes!), how about switching things up and keeping it interesting? Here are a few patio-worthy suggestions next time you’re feeling adventurous at the bottle shop.

Ahhhh… Pinot Noir. A beautiful and temperamental grape - you never really know what side you’re going to get. So when you find one you like, why wouldn’t you stick with it? It’s such a roller coaster trying new pinot noirs.

I stayed in Europe this week with my wine choices, but I did pick up very cool finds. Between Grape Witches and the LCBO, I got my hands on a couple reds and a white that I think will be dynamite!

Austria may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think about wine. It might not even be the fifth country you think of. But Austria is definitely a country you should keep in mind for both whites and reds. The most common wine associated with Austria is the white grape variety of Grüner Veltliner - but there’s so much more than just that.

Sometimes I feel like Sauvignon Blanc is an all-too-often overlooked grape varietal. Even though it’s a super aromatic grape, climate and winemaking really does have a huge influence on the finished wine.

Spring is almost here! And with that, perhaps it’s time to change up your go-to wine/bevvie for the season? Here are a few fun wine suggestions and a mocktail recipe that you can incorporate into the upcoming longer days and into the Summer.

It’s so easy to get caught in a rut when it comes to wine. You find something that you love, and you keep buying it over and over again. Now, don’t get me wrong - it’s great to know a couple bottles that you know you’re gonna love and always have those in your back packet, but how do you know what to pick when you’re feeling just slightly adventurous?