This virtual wine tasting features Jodi and Josh Rosnowski from Smoky Rose Cellars in Walla Walla, Washington. We had some technical difficulties (user error) and despite our best efforts, we are unable to resuscitate a playable video or audio version of the virtual tasting. We’re gutted about this, it was a fun conversation and tasting, and will be trying to put together a follow up recording to post here later. Smoky Rose is a family-owned and operated business. Josh, a retired Air Force meteorologist is the winemaker and vineyard manager. Jodi, a food microbiologist, runs the tasting room and events side of the business. Sister Amy, currently a Cobra Helicopter pilot wth the USMC, is poised to jump in once she retires. Mom and Dad, Jill and Bill, help out with everything from harvest, errands, retail, and anything else that’s […]
Read MoreBlog Archives
Wine with MJ: Virtual Wine Tasting with The Wine Cafe, Fayetteville, North Carolina
On this virtual wine tasting, we feature Angie Malave from The Wine Cafe in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Angie chose two wines for the tasting from JOLO Winery in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, as she felt that these were representative of the fine wine selections made with the state’s grapes. We tasted a 2019 Golden Hallows (white) and a 2018 Jolotage (red). These wines are available at The Wine Cafe. May is North Carolina wine month, so put that on your calendar for future wine travels. Watch the episode below: (We had some sound difficulty at the beginning of the episode, but it resolves soon, and we’ve fixed the problem for future episodes.) We also have the episode available in an audio format. You can listen directly from the player below. Or, we’re also set up on the major podcast player platforms […]
Read MoreWine with MJ: Virtual Wine Tasting with Country Heritage Winery
Our second virtual wine tasting event featured Jennifer Lutter of Country Heritage Winery in Indiana. For the tasting, Jennifer selected two wines, a 2019 Traminette and a 2016 Marquette. The wines are available through the winery – they are currently doing pickup service and shipping – and at a number of restaurants and retail outlets in Indiana. Country Heritage Winery provided complimentary wine to us for this tasting. Watch the episode below: We also have the episode available in an audio format. You can listen directly from the player below. Or, we’re also set up on the major podcast player platforms and you can listen and or subscribe to this virtual wine tasting series there. We’re currently on: Now let’s talk about the wine! 2019 Traminette Tasting notes: A semi-dry white wine made with estate-grown fruit; soft floral notes with […]
Read MoreWine with MJ: Virtual Wine Tasting with Eternal Wine & Drink Washington State
Our first virtual wine tasting launched with guest Brad Binko, owner and winemaker at Eternal Wine in Walla Walla, Washington. Brad also owns a sister label, Drink Washington State. For this tasting, Brad has selected three wines: 2018 Drink Washington State White Blend, 2016 Eternal Foundation Syrah, and 2018 Eternal Bliss fortified Syrah. If you want to purchase these wine for the tasting, you’ll need to order direct from the winery as they only self-distribute locally in Walla Walla. Watch the episode below. We’ve also set up this wine series as an audio podcast. So if you prefer audio only, perhaps while out for a run, in your car, or while traveling, you can listen to the audio file below. We also have the feed set up in several of the major podcast players. You can find it on Spotify […]
Read MoreAwesome Things to Do in Mansfield, Ohio
Located in Richland County, Ohio, Mansfield may not be your first choice for a weekend getaway, but there is certainly enough here to keep you occupied. In fact, you may find that there are so many things to do in Mansfield that you’ll need to make a return trip. Mansfield has many claims to fame: it professes to be the haunted capital of Ohio, the number one movie of all time – The Shawshank Redemption – was filmed here, and America’s first working robot, Elektro, was built in the city, to name just a few. While we’re all taking a pause on international travel, and much of travel in general, I’m featuring smaller, perhaps overlooked destinations, that are perfect for a road trip, a slower getaway, or just don’t want to be sandwiched in with a throng of people. Of […]
Read More6 Products for Self-Care at Home and For Travel
I don’t know whether it’s because of inactivity or advancing years, but it seems the everyday aches and pains are a little more prevalent these days. We’re sheltering at home, enjoying the things we can do while in self-quarantine and unable to travel, and focusing on keeping a positive attitude about things. But there’s no doubt, I’m feeling in need of a little self-care these days. Since many of my usual self-items are not possible during our current situation – manicure, pedicure, hair cut, massage – I’m developing a keen sense of what soothes my spirit on a DIY basis. While a relaxing bubble bath, a good book, and a glass of wine are always delightful ways to relax, sometimes I need something a little more targeted. No self-care will take the place of medical advice, so call your physician […]
Read MoreSilver Dollar City’s Succotash Recipe: The Comfort Food We Need Right Now
If you’ve ever been to the Ozarks, a region made up of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and the most southeastern parts of Kansas, you’ll know it’s characterized by a distinctive culture that permeates everything from the architecture to the dialect and traditional foods in the area. It’s pretty incredible. In the heart of this region, on the outskirts of Branson, Missouri, you’ll find Silver Dollar City, a theme park known for its unique rides, delicious food, and retro Ozarks theme. While you’ll find the typical hot dogs and hamburgers on the grounds, they also serve up some of the most incredible, down-home comfort food you can find anywhere. Maybe that’s why it’s the only theme park in the United States with its own culinary school! We could spend all day looking through their impressive dining options, but today we’re going to […]
Read More51 Things to Do While Self-Isolating from the Corona Virus [with resources]
Unless you’ve been totally cut off from civilization, you’ve heard of Covid-19, colloquially called the coronavirus. People are quarantined, countries are closed off from the rest of the world, schools are closed, professional and amateur sports have canceled seasons and tournaments, travel restrictions are in place around the world, employees are encouraged to work remotely, there are restrictions in place about people gathering, and it feels like our lives are in disarray. We’re encouraged to engage in social distancing – which for a social introvert like me is my status quo when I’m not traveling. I love being home and reviving after people with a bunch of people all day long. Before we get too wrapped up in the changes in our own lives, remember that around the world people are sick and dying from the coronavirus. My home state […]
Read MoreHow to Save Money on Seattle Sights with CityPASS
If you’ve decided to take a trip to Seattle, you’ve made a great choice – Seattle is a great vacation destination. It’s a city full of cool museums, it has an understated hip cafe culture, has a vibrant live music scene, plus it’s perfectly situated to enjoy the beautiful surrounding natural landscape. However, as with all major cities, the cost of a visit to Seattle can add up fast. When it comes to saving money when visiting the top Seattle attractions, you can save money with the CityPASS Seattle. How CityPASS Works You can either buy the Seattle CityPASS online or from one of the partner attractions, i.e., the first Seattle attraction that you visit. If you opt to buy them online, the tickets are then either sent to you via email for mobile download or you can opt to […]
Read MoreHow to Update Your Bucket List for 2020
I’ve had a bucket list for years, and don’t understand the derision that the concept often receives. I’m not rushing around trying to see things before I die (kick the bucket) – I’m making lists (I LOVE lists) to serve as a roadmap to living the very best life that I can with the years I have left. Lists help keep me on track, plan efficiently, and make sure my life priorities – travel is one of them – are kept front and center. I do realize, however, that simply saying “see and do everything” isn’t really a practical approach. So, instead, I started writing down places I wanted to go, things I wanted to see and do, and experiences that caught my eye. I set a top limit of 100 things that could be on the list because, let’s […]
Read More