Patagonia has been on our mind a lot as of late since the Torres del Paine park suffered a major forest fire in early January. Fortunately, the park is now open as is Explora hotel in the park. There's so much talk of Patagonia that people think it's...
So Close, So Far Away
Summer is the best. I wait all year for this season in Chile. Hot, dry sunshine-filled days that feel like a loving hug. The nights still dip into the mid-50s and there's light until 9pm. At 4pm, it can feel hot but find a shady tree, and that balmy summer breeze...
2011: Another Year Devoured
December. Again. This year, the months passed as if they were weeks, but it has been awesome. Busy. Productive. Fun. I´m always in favor of New Year’s resolutions and defining my yearly goals to achieve, but before setting off on that exercise, I take a moment to...
Oh Christmas Tree…plus Salmon Ceviche
Yesterday, I finally broke down and bought a fake, plastic (pine) Christmas tree. Four days before Christmas and fittingly on our summer equinox in the Southern hemisphere. Many of you wrote me that Christmas is not Christmas without a tree. I agree....
Eat Wine Santiago 2012 Debut (Want a Free Copy?)
I have been hard at work on holiday season gift for you all (no Santa nor magic elves involved though). In fact, you'll find a couple goodies in this post. Let’s start with the one that is most time sensitive Eat Wine Santiago 2012 is LIVE That’s right, Eat Wine...
Visions of Argentina’s Wild Northwest
Oh, Salta. There you go again...showing up in my dreams. As if two trips already this year weren't enough, as Kylie Minogue sang it, "I just can't get you out of my head". Visions of ruby-colored mountains, majestic cardon-covered canyons, ancient adobe towns,...
Guest Post – I Heart Santiago
Celebrating in Plaza Italia after a win for Chile in the South Africa World Cup Games, 2010. Editor's Note: Starting every Monday, we'll be inviting guest bloggers to join us on Eat Wine to bring some fresh air, and voice, to the blog. Photographers, chefs,...
Four Party Wines for Your Holidays
You guys have been writing a lot to ask which South American wines I recommend for parties, big and small, since they pack such a value-driven punch and a lot of bang for your buck. Now that we are officially knee-deep in the holiday season, here are a...
Enchanted by Estancia El Colibri
Over Thanksgiving, we said adiós to turkey, cranberries, and Chile, and jetted over the Andes to the city of Córdoba in Argentina. Never heard of it? It's the second largest city in Argentina with nearly two million inhabitants. Our destination wasn't really...
Where’s The Beef
Grill Master, "Pelado," from Estancia el Colibri in Córdoba, Argentina prepares his asado. As a cook and foodie jumping between Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay on a regular basis, it has taken me a while to finally hash out the difference in cuts between what I grew up...
Southern Cone Sampler: Sip Across South America
Love vino? Having an affair with Malbec or Carmenere? Does South America stir your imagination? This April 20-28, 2012 we'll be embarking on our Signature Journey, Southern Cone Sampler, to sip our way across boutique gems and prestigious bodegas in...
Faster, Bigger…Easier?
The U.S. is a culture of convenience and self service. Here, the great hamburger empire, McDonald’s, was born along with fast food of all kind from the transfat culprits to salad bars in the supermarket. In fact, it’s amazing to think that Starbucks was...
Wine Harvest Tour in South America, April 20-28, 2012
There’s been on-going petition by clients for me to personally host more weeklong tours. I have heard you all and shall deliver in 2012 with our Signature Journeys in Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay. I am super psyched to announce a special trip to...
Barrel Me Over
How often do I hear our clients, when putting together an itinerary, say “All we need is the wine tasting. We don’t need to see a bunch of barrels.” I try to hide my dismay. Then I gently persuade them that understanding the use of barrels, usually...
Texas & Argentina: Soul Republics
Photo by Eduardo Amorim at http://www.flickr.com/photos/bombeador/ Having just spent 10 days in Texas, a true study in a very unique subculture within the United States, I was struck by the similarities between Texas and Argentina. They seem to be two...
South American Sparklers
Hi amigos. Color me happy, I am home after a whirlwind road show in the Southern US. GREAT trip. Beyond the cooking demos, classes at Central Market in Texas, and wine tasting events, I experienced a full-on tropical "monsoon" at Disney World in Florida (the...
Women to Watch in Chilean Wine
When I drink wine, it’s not just about the juice. I tend to gravitate to projects that are personalized, often, where I know the people behind them. Sharing a product where we know and appreciate its origin, and support its owners, is important in this day and age,...
Home Sweet Home
This week I am on a flash “trip” at home in Santiago between my latest viaje in Argentina and upcoming three-week US tour starting this weekend. More on that at the end of this post. Traveling like a fiend for business this past year has made me truly understand, and...
and the meaningful