Christmas in Philly: A Holiday Tour of Lights, History & Festive Cocktails

On Friday, I traveled up to Philadelphia to meet my friend Cindy, who was visiting from California with one mission: to experience all things Christmas in Philly. Hard to believe, but after being married to a Philly guy for 37 years, I had never seen the Liberty Bell. This was my day to change that.

🎄 A Start at City Hall & A Fascinating Tour of the Masonic Temple

Our day began at the City Hall Christmas tree, glowing beautifully against the chilly sky. From there, we made our way to the Masonic Temple, and I can’t recommend this tour enough.

I had no idea that George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and President Gerald Ford were all Masons. Each room inside the building is uniquely themed, filled with ornate artwork and symbolism.

✨ Wanamaker Light Show & The Magic of Dickens’ Village

Next stop: the iconic Wanamaker Building for its holiday light show. It was lovely — but the real surprise was waiting upstairs.

Dickens’ Village on the third floor was pure magic. This walk-through retelling of A Christmas Carol felt almost Disney-like, with animated scenes that pull you right into the story. Best part? It’s free — just don’t forget to reserve a ticket. The village ends with a visit with Santa Claus, making it perfect for kids and adults alike.

🕰️ Historic Philly, Finally Checked Off My List

Since I’ve somehow avoided many Philly sights for decades, Cindy and I headed for the classics:

• Independence Hall (closed for renovations)

• Congress Hall, where I learned what “passing the bar” really means

• The Liberty Bell, which I admit I expected to be bigger

• Carpenters’ Hall

• The Betsy Ross House

I’m glad I got to see the historic places I’ve heard about my entire life.

🍸 Holiday Cocktails at Craftsman Row Saloon

After hours of sightseeing, we needed a festive break. And wow — Craftsman Row Saloon might just be the most Christmas-obsessed bar I’ve ever walked into.

Think: holiday overload in the best way.
Ornaments everywhere. Lights. Cheer on full display.

The cocktails were creative and fun. Cindy even chose her drink based solely on how cute the decoration was — honestly, the right approach in a place like this.

🍽️ Dinner at Sampan & A Touch of Holiday Giving

Dinner was at Sampan, one of my favorites in the city. We ordered the tasting menu, which came with more food than two women could hope to finish. We boxed up our extras and gave them to someone who needed a warm meal — a gesture that felt especially meaningful during the holiday season.

🎅 Ending at Miracle on 13th Street

Our final stop of the night was Miracle on 13th Street, where an entire block transforms into a glowing display of holiday decorations. Very cheerful and festive.

By the end of the night, my feet were screaming, so we called an Uber back to Cindy’s hotel. My watch (step counter) revealed the final surprise of the day: We walked 10 miles. Ten miles of Christmas lights, historic sites, shared laughs, and a whole lot of fun.

And finally — after 37 years — I can say I’ve seen the Liberty Bell.

Have you experienced Christmas in Philadelphia? What are your must-see spots? Share your recommendations in the comments below! 

Where Do I Go From Here? A New Chapter Begins

 I’ve been a little quiet lately. Life has been full, busy, emotional, and reflective, and I’ve spent a lot of time asking myself one big question: Where do I go from here?

For the past eight years, I’ve been a restaurateur—an unexpected chapter that became one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I loved welcoming guests, sharing my wine knowledge, and guiding people toward bottles that offered discovery, comfort, and joy. When we finally secured our liquor license in 2024, a whole new world opened up. Suddenly, I was able to curate wines that were approachable, food-friendly, affordable, and expressive. Wines with a story.

One of my favorite memories came on our very last day of service. A regular walked in and ordered a bottle of our 2022 Garzón Tannat Reserve from Maldonado, Uruguay. My distributor told me he’d never known a restaurant to bring in a Tannat—yet there we were, pouring it proudly. This guest had first tasted it in one of my wine flights, fell in love with it, and walked out with the final four bottles we had left. That moment told me I had done exactly what I set out to do: introduce people to wines they may not have discovered on their own.

Moments like that remind me of something I believe deeply: wine should be fun.
It should spark conversation and create memories. It shouldn’t matter if you can pronounce the grape or the region on the label. What matters is finding something you love—and sharing it with people you care about.

But now that the restaurant has been sold, the question remains—how do I continue sharing my love of wine and the stories behind every bottle?

A two-week cruise with a high school friend gave me time to breathe, unwind, and think. And somewhere between ocean sunsets and long conversations with myself, I realized something simple:
I want to keep sharing what I love… and bring you along for the ride.

If there’s a story worth telling, I want to tell it.
If I come across a cocktail that excites me, I want to share the recipe. (I got my crash-course in bartending this past year!)
If I open a wine that delights me, I want you to feel confident picking up that same bottle and enjoying it with the people you love.

I’m planning to travel a bit more—to explore, taste, sip, and experience—and I want you to be part of it all. I’ll share my discoveries, from cocktails to wines to recipes to restaurants. And as always, I’ll sprinkle in a little education along the way.

My mission remains unchanged: take the intimidation out of wine and make it welcoming, fun, and accessible—one glass at a time.

Here’s to the next chapter.
Here’s to more stories, more adventures, more flavor, and more connection.

And here’s to having you right there with me. 🍷✨

Dream, Build, Pour: The Passion Behind Hampton Roads Winery

 

Starting a winery isn’t for the faint of heart—and David Sheldon, owner of Hampton Roads Winery in Surry County, Virginia, knows that better than anyone. After 25 years running a plastics factory in Massachusetts, David and his wife, Diane—a research chemist—decided to retire into something they both loved: wine. What they didn’t realize at the time was that their “retirement project” would become a full-blown adventure filled with heat, hurricanes, high humidity, and a few “Green Acres” moments along the way.

Their journey—and all its triumphs and tribulations—is chronicled in David’s engaging new book, You Can Wine Too, a must-read for anyone who has ever dreamed of starting a winery from scratch.

Finding a Home—and Learning the Hard Way

When David and Diane traded snowy Massachusetts for the warmer climate of coastal Virginia, they imagined a longer growing season and an idyllic life among the vines. What they found instead was humidity, challenging soils, and a crash course in viticulture.

“We thought Virginia would have a longer growing season—and we were dead wrong,” David said with a laugh. “The heat and humidity determine when we pick. And hurricanes do too!”

Armed with advice from Virginia Tech’s viticulture program and a lot of determination, the Sheldons planted their first vineyard on less-than-ideal land: flat, poorly drained, and heavy with silt. They learned by trial and error which grape varieties could survive the Tidewater region’s extremes—and which couldn’t. Over time, they discovered what truly thrived on their farm, including Norton and Muscadine, two grapes perfectly suited to Virginia’s climate.

A Winery Built on Persistence—and a Little Humor

In the early years, David split his time between Massachusetts and Virginia, commuting back and forth while the vines slowly matured. When harvest finally arrived, the couple faced a new challenge: making wine.

Their first attempt was, as David puts it, “a disaster.” Trying to ferment Norton in an air-conditioned carport under the Virginia sun was, in his words, “like trying to make wine in a sauna.” The heat spoiled the batch, but it also ignited a new sense of purpose. The Sheldons got serious, built a proper winery, and began producing wines that reflected their hard-earned lessons.

That commitment paid off. Hampton Roads Winery is now celebrating its 10th anniversary, producing a range of wines including Norton blends, Vidal Blanc, and their best-selling Hog Island Sweet White, made from Muscadine grapes.

The Tallest Goat Tower in the World (Really!)

Of course, no story about Hampton Roads Winery is complete without mentioning its famous Goat Tower. Inspired by a winery in South Africa, David decided to build one of his own—by hand and with local craftsmen. The result? A four-story brick structure that has become the winery’s signature landmark.

“When people come to visit us, they remember us for the Goat Tower,” he said. “You come for the wine, but you stay for the goats.”

The tower even inspired the winery’s popular Goat Tower wine series, featuring wines like the Goat Tower Chardonnay (a crisp, fruit-forward, unoaked white that perfectly suits Diane’s style as a chemist-turned-winemaker).

From Calves to Cabernet: Farm Life at Its Finest

Hampton Roads Winery isn’t just about grapes—it’s a true farm winery, complete with cattle, goats, and plenty of stories. One of the most touching in David’s book is about “Nicholas,” a calf he rescued on a freezing December night.

“I carried him out of the mud and spent the night on the couch next to him,” David recalled. “For three months I bottle-fed him twice a day. Every time I entered the pasture, he’d come running. Eventually, though, I had to wean him—and I think the other cows warned him not to trust me after that!”

It’s those very human moments that make You Can Wine Too such a compelling read. It’s not just about wine—it’s about perseverance, problem-solving, and the humor required to keep going when things don’t go as planned.

Lessons from the Vineyard

When asked what advice he’d give someone dreaming of starting their own winery, David didn’t hesitate:

“I wish I’d started 20 years sooner,” he said. “Don’t wait until retirement to chase your dream. This business takes time—and marketing is everything.”

Despite being “across the moat” from Virginia’s busier wine regions, Hampton Roads Winery has carved out its own following, drawing visitors from Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, and RV travelers heading south through programs like Harvest Hosts and Good Sam Club.

Visit Hampton Roads Winery

If you’re traveling through Virginia, make a point to stop at Hampton Roads Winery—home to world-class wines, a record-breaking Goat Tower, and a family that turned their dream into reality.

Hampton Roads Winery
3450 New Design Road
Surry, Virginia
📍 hamptonroadswinery.com

You can also find David’s book, You Can Wine Too, on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, or directly through the winery’s website.

Final Sip

As David put it best:

“So often people think they come into a winery, see success, and don’t realize what it took to get there. It’s not for the weak at heart.”

Listen to the full interview on the Uncork Your Mind podcast or watch the webinar for more laughs, lessons, and inspiration straight from the man who proves that yes—you really can wine too.

Webinar 

Podcast

The Game Changer Martini: How Lustau Vermut Made Me Fall in Love with Martinis

 I’ll be honest — I never drank martinis. They always seemed a little too strong, a little too dry, and just not my thing. That all changed when I discovered Lustau Vermut, and now I can say with confidence — it’s a game changer!

What makes Lustau Vermut so special? It’s not your typical vermouth. This one is dry and crafted from Manzanilla Sherry, produced by Lustau in the coastal town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Spain.

Manzanilla is a form of sherry made from Palomino grapes and aged under a veil of flor — a natural layer of yeast that gives it its signature fresh, dry, slightly saline character. Exclusively produced by the sea, it’s the most delicate and refined of all sherry styles.

That coastal freshness carries through into Lustau Vermut, giving your martini a clean, crisp lift — but what truly sets it apart is the blend of botanicals that add complexity and excitement:

🌿 Marjoram – Herbaceous with citric and balsamic notes
🌼 Chamomile – Aromatic and delicately bitter
🌿 Wormwood – Adds a touch of classic vermouth bitterness
🍊 Orange Peel – Brings brightness, citrus, and a refreshing finish

Together, these ingredients create a vermut that’s layered, aromatic, and perfectly balanced — transforming a traditional martini into something far more exciting.

My Game Changer Martini is simple, elegant, and perfectly balanced:
🍸 3 oz Grey Goose Vodka
🍸 A splash of Lustau Dry Vermut

Shake, strain into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with a lemon twist or olive. The result? A martini that’s fresh, smooth, and absolutely captivating.

If you’ve never been a martini drinker, Lustau Vermut might just change your mind. It certainly did for me.

Here is the video of me making the Game Changer Martini - https://youtube.com/shorts/I2rlGBQKGpE

2025 Hudson Valley Wine Competition Results: Celebrating This Year’s Winners

For the past 17 years, I’ve had the honor of serving as Chairwoman of the Hudson Valley Wine, Spirits & Cider Competition, held each September at the Hudson Valley Wine Festival in Rhinebeck, New York. When I look back over nearly two decades, I am truly amazed at how far our region has come.

When I first began, the quality of Hudson Valley wines was still finding its voice. Over the years, I’ve seen incredible growth, innovation, and consistency. Today, the wines, spirits, and ciders produced in our region rival those from much more established wine areas, and this competition is a wonderful way to showcase what the Hudson Valley has to offer.

The judges—who include writers, educators, sommeliers, and international wine experts—always remark on the improvements year after year. And I couldn’t agree more. Watching these wineries evolve has been a lot like watching my kids grow up—seeing them blossom, mature, and step confidently into the spotlight.

This year’s 2025 Hudson Valley Wine, Spirits & Cider Competition was a shining example of that growth. Here are the top winners:

🏆 Winery of the Year – Fjord Vineyards
🥇 Best in Show – Robibero Winery 2021 The Stray
🌟 Best Overall Hudson Valley Wine (made with Hudson Valley fruit) – Fjord Vineyards 2024 Albariño
🍇 Best Hudson Valley Cabernet Franc – Robibero Winery 2021 The Stray
Best Sparkling – Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery Vidal Pétillant Naturel (Pet-Nat)
Best White Wine – Fjord Vineyards 2024 Albariño
Best Red Wine – Robibero Winery 2021 The Stray
Best Rosé – Benmarl Winery 2024 Dry Rosé
Best Dessert Wine – City Winery Hudson Valley 2023 Vin de Glacier

I couldn’t be prouder of the producers who entered this year. Their dedication and passion are what make the Hudson Valley such a special place to live and taste.

If you haven’t visited a Hudson Valley winery recently, I encourage you to take a trip, do a tasting, and see for yourself. You’ll be surprised—and delighted—by the quality, creativity, and character in every glass.

Here’s to another year of celebrating the wines, spirits, and ciders of the Hudson Valley.

All the winning wines and medals by winery can be found by visiting http://hvwga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-Hudson-Valley-Wine-Spirits-Cider-Competition-Results.pdf

Franciacorta Uncorked: Italy’s Finest Sparkling Wine You’ve Never Heard Of

 

Franciacorta: Italy's Sparkling Secret Worth Discovering

When it comes to sparkling wine, Champagne may get all the glory, and Prosecco has certainly earned its share of global love. But nestled in the Lombardy region of northern Italy lies Franciacorta—a sparkling wine with finesse, structure, and a pedigree to rival the finest bubbles in the world. Still relatively under the radar, Franciacorta is Italy's best-kept sparkling wine secret, and it's time the world gave it the recognition it deserves.

A Brief History

Franciacorta’s sparkling story began in earnest in the early 1960s when winemaker Franco Ziliani, working at the Guido Berlucchi estate, successfully released Italy's first traditional method sparkling wine in the region. While wine had been made in Franciacorta for centuries, this marked the start of serious, Champagne-style production. The region earned DOC status in 1967 and was elevated to DOCG—Italy's highest wine classification—in 1995.

Where Is Franciacorta?

Franciacorta is located in Lombardy, between the southern shore of Lake Iseo and the city of Brescia. The region benefits from a unique microclimate, thanks to its proximity to both the Alps and the lake, which creates ideal conditions for cultivating grapes with crisp acidity and complexity.

The Grapes of Franciacorta

The main grape varieties used in Franciacorta are:

• Chardonnay: Brings elegance and finesse.

• Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir): Adds structure and richness.

• Pinot Bianco (Pinot Blanc): Permitted in small quantities, it adds floral nuances and softness.

Classifications of Franciacorta

Franciacorta wines are made using the Metodo Classico (Traditional Method), the same as Champagne. The classifications are based on aging and dosage levels:

• Franciacorta: Aged minimum 18 months on lees.

• Franciacorta Satèn: Blanc de blancs style, only Chardonnay and/or Pinot Bianco, with lower pressure.

• Franciacorta Rosé: Minimum 35% Pinot Nero; elegant and fruit-forward.

• Franciacorta Millesimato: Vintage-dated, with minimum 30 months aging.

• Franciacorta Riserva: Aged at least 60 months; only for the most structured, age-worthy wines.

Winery Spotlight: Marzaghe - Cantico Rosé Franciacorta DOCG

Marzaghe is a boutique winery situated in the heart of Franciacorta, where they combine innovation with respect for tradition. The estate is known for crafting precise, expressive wines that showcase the terroir's natural elegance.

Cantico Rosé is a blend of 80% Pinot Nero and 20% Chardonnay, vinified using the Traditional Method. It spends at least 36 months on the lees, allowing for a round, creamy texture and complex flavor development.

Tasting Notes:

• Color: Delicate salmon pink

• Nose: Aromas of wild strawberries, fresh tree ripe cherries, rose petals, and a hint of brioche

• Palate: Elegant and structured, with a fine mousse and notes of red berries, stone fruit. Long, crisp, and mineral-driven

Cantico Rosé is a serious food wine, yet versatile enough for aperitivo hour. It’s a sparkling wine that feels celebratory without being overbearing—a true hidden gem.

Winery Spotlight: La Montina - Rosé Extra Brut Franciacorta DOCG

Founded in 1987 by the Bozza brothers, La Montina is a prominent name in Franciacorta, known for its extensive vineyards and historic cellars located near the charming town of Monticelli Brusati. The estate is deeply rooted in tradition while embracing sustainable practices.

Their Rosé Extra Brut is made with a majority of Pinot Nero and a smaller percentage of Chardonnay, aged for at least 36 months on lees. The low dosage (Extra Brut) keeps the wine dry and focused, highlighting the purity of the fruit and terroir.

Tasting Notes:

• Color: Vivid pink with copper reflections

• Nose: Fresh raspberry, pomegranate, hints of crushed stones

• Palate: Zesty and refined, with vibrant acidity and delicate notes of strawberry, hint of apple

• Finish: Linear and elegant, with persistent minerality

This is a wine that pairs beautifully with a boat ride, salmon, charcuterie, or even sushi. Its clean profile and firm structure make it a standout for those who appreciate precision in their sparkling wines.

The Underdog with a Sparkling Future

Franciacorta may not have the international fame of Champagne or the mass appeal of Prosecco, but for those in the know, it offers exceptional quality, meticulous craftsmanship, and expressive terroir—often at a fraction of the price of its French counterpart.

So the next time you're looking for bubbles with depth and character, skip the usual suspects and reach for Franciacorta. You just might discover your new favorite sparkling wine

Savor Summer with These Two Stellar Spanish White Wines

 

When it comes to summer sipping, Spain delivers in spades. With vineyards hugging coastal breezes and winemakers embracing crisp, aromatic profiles, Spanish whites are tailor-made for beach days, rooftop hangs, and seafood feasts. Two bottles that deserve a spot in your fridge this season? The effervescent Ulacia Txakolina Blanco and the juicy, mineral-rich Granbazán Albariño Verde.

Ulacia Txakolina Blanco (Getaria, Spain – $20)

Bright · Briny · Slightly Sparkling

From the scenic seaside hillsides of Getaria in the Basque Country, this lightly effervescent white wine is made from local grapes Ondarrabi Zuri and Ondarrabi Beltza. Hand-harvested and fermented in stainless steel tanks, Ulacia captures the essence of the Atlantic coast with zesty citrus, a touch of salinity and stone fruit, and a natural spritz.

What sets it apart? Its refreshing acidity, low alcohol (just 11%), and subtle effervescence from retaining natural CO₂ during fermentation. It's perfect with raw bar favorites—think oysters, and fresh tuna—or simply as a thirst-quenching aperitif after a day in the sun.

Granbazán Albariño Verde (Rías Baixas, Spain – $27)

Aromatic · Lush · Saline

From the lush, granite-rich vineyards of Val do Salnés, Granbazán’s Albariño Verde is what summer dreams are made of. Grown in northwest-facing micro-plots near the sea and fermented with native yeasts, this wine spends four months on fine lees, giving it complexity without sacrificing brightness.

Expect a gorgeous mix of white peach, lime zest, and sea breeze minerality with a zippy acidity on the finish, is a knockout with ceviche, grilled shellfish, or even salty snacks like edamame and olives.

With a touch more weight and complexity than the Txakolina, this Albariño offers a 13.3% ABV and vibrant acidity (7.9 g/L), making it both food-friendly and lively on its own.

Why These Two?

Together, Ulacia and Granbazán represent two distinct but equally refreshing sides of Spanish white wine: the energetic, spritzy Txakolina and the aromatic, saline-driven Albariño. Both are built for sunshine, seafood, and spontaneous summer moments.

Pro tip: Serve well-chilled and enjoy outdoors—preferably with salty breezes and good friends.