Dates: September 1-9, 2023, with options coming for pre-trip and post-trip mini-tours. Suggested flights are to arrive in Madrid or Bilbao, and depart Porto. For those that arrive early or stay on, we are working on a San Sebastián pre-trip, and a Lisbon post-trip. 8 nights of top-notch accommodations 9 winery visits (including lunch at…
I had not been on a plane since the pandemic began, so I couldn’t pass up an offer from Southwest Airlines that I learned about through Thrifty Traveler: register for the promotion, take one round trip flight this season, and earn unlimited two-for-one status for travel this January and February. (For those that don’t know…
What happens when you’re a wine lover in one of the most popular destinations in the country? As you read this, we are just landing from a glorious seven day escape to Florida. We had never been to Florida before, much to the amazement of friends. We love the desert, and Arizona is our normal escape…
First, a little background on the business of wine bars. There is probably no harder way for a restauranteur to make money than to open a wine bar. Unlike a coffee shop, you can’t take it to go. Unlike a taproom, you’re making far less margin. And unlike the beer world, you can’t down three…
Some Stories from Portugal And the winners of the social media contest *** Many thanks to those that followed my journey in Portugal by liking, commenting, sharing, and retweeting the updates that came through via #douro14. I promised each action would put you in the hat for free tickets to the Champagne Masterclass. I actually…
Here’s the thing: I love eating out. I love supporting honest and true restaurants with chefs that give a damn. But I don’t like how much it costs. Always on the lookout for a bargain, I’ve figured out the perfect three day wine escape, which happens to be in Duluth, Minnesota. Duluth has one of…
