The vexed question of winery tasting fees
What constitutes a reasonable fee, and how flexible does one need to be?
Best of 2015: Irish spirit
Michelle Locke has picked up some of the Palate Press spirits beat, and this year her pursuit of spirits for this publication has taken her to Mexico, Scotland, Ireland, and France. Her Irish travel piece, though, stands out since it has one of the best ledes we've ever run.
Irish spirit
“Business or pleasure?” asked immigration control.
“I’m here to learn about Irish whiskey.”
“That can only be pleasure,” he said as he stamped my passport with a thump.
“We believe in Sagrantino”: The villas and vistas of Montefalco
"We’re in Umbria, we have to sell Sagrantino and we have to tell people to try the Sagrantino."
3 Things You Cannot Miss in Western Sicily
Sicily is a cornucopia of beauty, art, history, landscape, delightful food and wine. Here are three things you absolutely cannot miss, if you are going to travel in Western Sicily.
Finding Our Way to Satisfy Mind, Soul, and Palate
It is a wonder that any human being ever utters the words, "I'm bored." Are there not enough books to read? Art to consider? Music to hear? Wines to explore?
Wine Tourism Italy: Two Apps to Make the Most of Your Time
Planning a visit to Italy and its wineries in the next few months? Nice idea! And you’re lucky, because in our technological times you do not have to weigh yourself down with paper guides, books, maps, leaflets or brochures. Everything you need for your journey is in a convenient app for smartphone or tablet. As an Italian with an iPhone and an iPad, I tried out several of these apps on my own devices and found a couple that are very good.
The Things You Can Buy on Airplanes
While the airplane is taxiing, or during take-off and landing, I have to turn off the electronic devices. Sometimes I remember to bring a book, but other times that means I have to look in the seat-pocket for entertainment. If the crossword puzzles and Sodoku are done (dear airline, please change the magazines more often) I end up reaching for the SkyMall catalogue. It is guaranteed to provide entertainment, from Star of David Christmas Tree topper (seriously! I am not making that up) to a genuine Harry Potter Magic Wand.