Wine and Spirits Travel

It was an exciting day for many as the America’s Cup final was about to take place in Newport, Rhode Island . I had come along with a few other select journalists as the guest of Moet & Chandon Champagne , a sponsor of the event. It had been a whirlwind trip and that was not about to change. I slept until 8:00 and took a walk downtown on the unusually warm New England day. I was back in time to meet the group in the lobby of the Hotel Viking to head to 41 North for a champagne brunch with the Moet & Chandon executives. It was a beautiful scene and I enjoyed my quiche with the bubbly, while others raved at the Lobster Eggs Benedict. We talked about the boat we were going to get on to watch the races and I had to admit I was a bit nervous. The words “small vessel” and “strong waves” did not exactly get me motivated. My fears dissipated when I saw the actual boat – or should I say, yacht. It was a beautiful boat that had plenty of room and comfy couches. We als

When it comes to sports, I’ve covered tennis and a little gymnastics. My knowledge of yacht racing was non-existent, but what’s a gal to say when she’s invited to play (and drink champagne) with Moet & Chandon at the America’s Cup Finals in Newport, Rhode Island? Yes, of course. I was due to arrive at Boston airport late afternoon, but weather problems (a threat of storms, not actual rain) kept my flight grounded a bit longer than expected. By the time the car service got me to Newport, the rest of my group had already left for the America’s Cup Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner. This was not just a “dinner,” it was in the back of the Marble House Mansion, built in the late 19 th century for the Vanderbilts. The evening was being hosted by Louis Vuitton and the tables were flowing with Moet & Chandon Champagne. Everyone who had ever participated in the world of boat racing was there and the ceremony for this year’s inductees had already started by the t

It was our first visit to Telluride, Colorado , and my friend Lisa and I were blown away by its beauty. Fortunately, we had a full day to explore it all. We started with a fresh and healthy breakfast at LumiereTelluride of yogurt, fruit and just baked bread. We enjoyed it out on the patio, admiring the mountains in the background. We were up early waiting for our guide from San Juan OutdoorSchool to take us on a hike. I’m definitely not as experienced a hiker as Lisa and was in fact having a bit of trouble with the altitude, out our guide Lexi said it wasn’t a problem as there was plenty to see without getting into difficult territory. It turned out she was telling the truth and we enjoyed the river, mountains and even the butterflies along a path just outside of downtown. We could see Mount Wilson, best known as the mountain in the Coors logo, and Lisa took off a little further for a look at Bridal Veil Falls. After the hike, we were starving. We found a Me

Aspen was a lot of fun, but I was ready for a bit more rest and relaxation.  It was about to come my way on my very first trip to Telluride, Colorado . Lisa and I took the scenic drive late morning to Mountain Village, the area we were staying in at the Lumiere Telluride . I had heard nothing but good things about this boutique property and I was more than ready to check it out. Lumiere Telluride is a hideaway among the ski resorts. With only 11 rooms (there are also 18 residences), its intimate yet includes all that you would need, such as a restaurant; bar; three outdoor soaking pools; a Jacuzzi and sauna; and spa. The staff is also knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to anything you might need in Telluride. We settled into our two bedroom suite, which had a spacious living room, a kitchen and perfect views from the balcony, and kicked back a bit. (Isn’t that what you are supposed to do in the Colorado Mountains?) Dinner was set up with Emily from the Tell

It was the final day of the Aspen Food & Wine Classic . My friend Lisa and I headed down to the Grand Market for one last run of tasting, and then were off to a most unusual brunch. Inspirato invited us to one of their Aspen condos for a Sommelier Brunch. Many don’t realize how hard these wine experts work all weekend and it was a chance for them to unwind a bit. Capture Wine Ben Shapiro brought some of his wines (including the delicious Sauvignon Blanc) and grilled cheese egg sandwiches permeated the air. It was a beautiful day and the views of Aspen from the duplex we great. We enjoyed the wine, food and company for a few hours before taking off with the last swag bag of the trip. Inspirato definitely out did themselves with beautiful tote bags, NIKE Jackets and hats, as well as a water bottle, though the entire week had been filled with gifts from sponsors like I had never seen before. Among the treats we went home with were Godiva Chocolates, Riedel Wine Gl