Linda specializes in easy, breezy destination stories focusing on what makes each destination special through it culinary and wine, beer and spirits scene and the soft adventures that surround those pursuits. She loves sharing her favorite things about the places she visits.

Her time spent as a publicist for a well-known wine region taught her it's the story behind the product and the experience of the place that makes the trip memorable. Her readers prefer the short getaway (2-5 days)nationally, the long stay abroad, and have the money to make their travel plans a reality.

She never knows if a story will end up being based on finding the perfect latte, ordering Pommes Frites with Parsley Butter in a small French bistro, searching for an Internet cafe in Sicily, or attending a wine seminar aboard a cruise ship. She never travels without a notebook, camera and a great pair of Brighton flats. She has an addiction to personable people, interesting wines, gourmet coffee, fabulous chocolate and spicy foods. Anyone who knows her will tell you that she loves traveling anywhere, by any means, and is somewhat obsessive about jewelry and a good taco.

Published Books

A Recipe for Temecula Wine Country
Buy it at Amazon
Conceived by authors Linda Kissam and Tom Plant to celebrate the luscious foods and premium wines of the beautiful Temecula Valley Wine Region located in Southern California. It is a testament in words, recipes, and pictures to the talented chefs, winemakers, growers, and farmers that make each day in Wine Country so special and tasty. This is a story of the love and inspiration found in each bite and sip you take here. Its a way to bond with what makes the taste of this place so memorable. That abundant love and inspiration is here in the following pages - a thoughtful labor; a gift honoring the earth's natural bounty; a celebration in recognition of local foods and wines; an appreciative nod to gifted and artistic souls, and gratitude for an attainable scrumptious lifestyle.

Published Articles

Discovering a Sensual Czech Republic
I am one lucky Wine Chix. I received an invitation from the Czech Tourism Department to explore the wine, food and activities of the trending Czech Republic via Prague and South Moravia. It was a short trip - just five days, but oh what a great five days it was. I had the opportunity of a lifetime not just to explore, but to discover the soul of this sensual country.

Affordably Good Wines with Unique Names and Labels
I'll be the first to admit that I am a sucker for an attractive wine label and an intriguing name. I had my "m"oon" phase where I only purchased wines with a moon on them. Then there was the phase of being sure that any name that had a reference empowering artists or horoscopes was a good indicator of great wine. Well...lesson learned... fun labels and names are not such a smart way to purchase wine.

Chinese New Year Dumplings (Jiaozi)
Dumplings, called "jiaozi" in Mandarin Chinese are served during the Chinese New Year. Resembling the golden ingots used as currency during the Ming Dynasty, they symbolize wealth. Serving them at Chinese New Year brings the promise of wealth, good luck and prosperity. Personally I looking for some good luck this year. I'll have some of that lovely symbolism thank you very much; I want a trip to South Africa for a little Safari and wine tasting R & R (and Peace on Earth of course). Heck, I'll take all of the lucky symbolism that I can get. How about you?

Chefs Recipes: Pan Seared Halibut with Cherry and Poblano Salsa
Foodies interested in chefs who abide by the Farm to Fork / Buy Local mantra, will enjoy this wine and food pairing from a Washington State chef who sings that same song. All ingredients should be easily sourced at your local supermarket or Farmers Market.

The Spa "Ahhh" Experience Aji Spa, Phoenix, Arizona
I've been to many spas, but it''s the ones that offer their own special twist that makes a memorable experience. Spa junkies everywhere should be writing the following name down on a piece of paper..the Aji Spa at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, in Phoenix, Arizona. It offers the world's most authentic Native American spa services. If they sold spa condos there, I'd be interested, that is how good it is.

Death by Chocolate Cupcakes: A 'Cupcake Wars' wanta be
Ever wonder what it takes to be on one of the Food Networks shows? According to a press release from the Food Network as they cast season 4 of their hit new competition show, Cupcake Wars,  If you think you and your cupcakes have what it takes to compete against the best bakers in the country, then we want to hear from YOU! So, it appears to be as easy as some serious baking talent and sending the producers an e-mail with your name, phone number, photoand hey why nota video.

International Wine Travel: Eco Tourism in the South of France
I've interviewed my share of winery owners, winemakers and growers. Some have passion for the wine, some have dedication for the business of wine, some for the pleasure of wineand then there are those that have the vision not only for the wine they make, but for the place that wine comes from. It does not take long to understand that I was in the presence of a man who could easily be called a wine visionary for the South of France. The man, his wines, and his wine region have presence, passion, and potential oozing from him.

Iron Skillet Cornbread with Honey Lavender Butter
While in Downtown Napa recently, I had dinner at the trendy and engaging Grace's Table Restaurant. What an amazing evening spent spent with Chef Mauro. Dish after dish was original, sustainable and absolutley brilliant. Enjoy this yummy recipe from Grace's Tablee for cornbread with Lavender Honey Butter.

A Tasty Napa Christmas
Looking for a truly unique pre or post-Christmas getaway in a magical setting? Is it innovative cuisine, a romantic hotel, Christmas activities, and amazing Napa Valley premium wines that are on your mind? Well, I think I may just have found that place for you. You might have missed this place in your last visits to Napa Valley, or if youre new to the whole Napa scene, then I think I am about to become youre new BFF.

Dunning Vineyards Wine Review
Dunning Vineyards is located in California. Wines this special need to be shared; so I scheduled them for a Womens Wine Council tasting. I could have guessed by what was sent which wine would be selected as the groups favoritebut I was wrong, wrong, wrong. This tasting reminds me that great wines can show up at any time despite serious competition and pre-conceived notions.

Italian Sausage Soup and Chateau Julien Merlot
Heres a yummy fall pairing youre sure to love. The sausage soup is to die for and when paired with the Chateau Julien affordable ($15) 2009 Barrel Select Merlot  we definitely have a fall time winner

Salmon Picatta Served with Risotto Cakes
Yummy recipe for Salmon Piccata with Risotto Cakes from Lombardis Italian Restaurant one of the best restaurants in the City of Everett, WA (the largest city in Snohomish County, about 35 miles north of Seattle). Chef Christopher Viner pays homage to the seven honored ingredients of Italian food: olive oil, garlic, pasta, tomatoes, olives, basil, and love. But, he does it with a modern twist. Chef Viner recommends Banfi San Angelo Pinot Grigio to accompany his dish.

Terra dOro Wines
Literally meaning gold country the name Terra dOro pays homage to the Italian immigrants who helped build California and its wine industry partner, Amador County. To be honest, it was the bottle that had me at first sight. Four of the six wines we tasted came in the most lovely vine covered bottles. Classy, a bit of reserved bling, affordable, and oh so ready to be presented as the perfect hostess or holiday gift. Its a good thing the wines were as good as the bottle design.

Slim Man, Thornton Winerys Michel Demma
Sitting in front of me is Michel Demma a trim 31 year old Temecula man with a big smile, an amazing spirit, and an inspiring story. Looking at him now would never lead me to believe he was ever anything but slim, energetic, and a leader in his field. But two years ago it was a different story. Think 400 pounds, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, depression, heart issues, 8 pills a day, and a life being driven by food addiction.

A Chef, a Fish, and a Slim Man.
Chef Anthony Bartolotta of Thornton Winery shares a recipe for healthy Broiled Lemon & Herb Crusted Sea Bass with SautŽed Arugula, Tomatoes & Zucchini  a favorite of Thornton Winerys Michel Demma  the Food and Beverage Manager who proves that you can have a healthy lifestyle and eat it too

Salmon with spicy honey sauce and Loredona Riesling
This dish is low maintenance and can be prepared indoors or outdoors which is great for those of us who experience year round temperate climates in the SoCal area. For cooler days or a dinner party, you can serve the filet baked in the oven. For warmer days make it outside on the BBQ. For a little change up, use chunks of salmon steak on skewers (Dont forget to put on the grill over foil). Pair with Loredona Vineyards 2010 ($12)

Discovering the Spirit & Style of Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is a place that exudes charm, character, sorrow and a spirit that inspires visitors to live their lives more meaningfully. I spent three fascinating days in this city meeting with other journalists and tourism representatives and like others who came before me and those who will follow my soul was changed forever.

Traditional Czech Garlic Soup
The Czech Republics culinary scene is noted for its hearty comfort food featuring lots of meat and high carb foods. This is not light dining, but it is delicious. You wont find the average Czech sitting in a cafŽ sipping Pinot Gris and nibbling at a crab salad. So when in the Czech, indulge a bit and enjoy the robust dishes.

Pomegranate Wines: Tart, Sassy & Oh-So 21st Century
About a year ago on a TV show I was involved with, I came across twin winemakers, 26-year-old Nick and Brian Davis and their refreshing pomegranate wine. Born and raised in Californias Central Valley, theyve been farming most of their lives. They both graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with degrees in viticulture, enology, and marketing. They have the necessary degrees and experience to produce a decent wine line, but could they actually sustain it and make a fruit based wine line grow? Well, lets just say that a year ago they were promoting one wine, now they have three. Remarkable progress Id say, especially in a down economy.

Discovering a Sensual Czech Republic
I am one lucky Wine Chix. I received an invitation from the Czech Tourism Department to explore the wine, food and activities of the trending Czech Republic via Prague and South Moravia. It was a short trip  just 5 days, but oh what a great 5 days it was. I had the opportunity of a lifetime not just to explore, but to discover the soul of this sensual country.

Wine, Jazz, Food & GŽrard Bertrand in the South of France
Who would know that there are still some wine regions and vintners in France that Americans dont know enough about? I do now, and soon you will too. I got an intriguing email on a Monday evening asking if Id like to come meet one of the most influential and visionary French vintners  GŽrard Betrand  on his turf  in the South of France, and by the way would I like to attend his annual Jazz Festival while I was there? The catch was I would need to drop everything and hop on a plane in 24 hours. Could I do that? Would my own wine world fall apart without me? Not so much. I was able to rearrange my schedule, ask some fellow wine writers to step in for me here and there, and poof! I was off from San Diego, California on a big plane in business class to meet one of the most extraordinary men ever.

A Taste of St. Augustine, Florida
Why is it that small towns seem to possess a sense of place and taste all their own that a big city just cant compete with? Dont you love it when you stroll a citys downtown area poking your head into one place, sampling cuisine from another place and you immediately get the feeling that youve arrived at a very special destination?

Road Trip! San Diego to Sonoma
I miss those carefree days of the quintessential road trip. No airport screenings, no late or canceled flights, no stale peanuts, no limits on my luggage; just a relaxed schedule, hassle-free lodging, culinary exploration, fine wines, quality shopping, and enough room in my SUV to bring back anything my credit card can accommodate. So, I decided to be a bit self-indulgent last month and plan a 5-day road trip with my husband from San Diego, California to Sonoma wine country.

Couples Northwest Getaway
Our flight from San Diego to Seattle was on time, we found our ride without issue, and we were being whisked away on a beautiful sunny Seattle day by EastSide Town Car & Limousine. What could be a better start to a short couples getaway than that?

Chef Michael Cragg: Catering to Wine Country
Top wine country catering tends to require a little more creativity than a few shrimp on a simple silver platter. Catered food should do more than just fill you up. It should be stimulating, edifying and satisfying, bringing the event to another level through the pleasure of experience dining.

Wine Tasting Etiquette
Tasting wine has an etiquette all its own. Whether youre at a winery or wine bar the rules pretty much are the same. Expect to pay for the tasting. Free wine tasting seems to be a thing of the past, but on occasion you can still find a free tasting or two. The price will be somewhere between $1-$30 per person. Sometimes you will receive a souvenir glass, other times not. Sometimes youll be standing at the tasting bar, other times you will be seated. Often you can share your tasting with another guest, ask your server.

Missouri Wines & Recipe for "Missouri Meatballs"
Well...I am impressed. America's first wine country not only boasts some solid wines, but also has its very own state grape glass - the Riedal Crystal Norton Wine Glass. Hardly anyone gets that, let alone a small wine district in the middle of the country.

A Memorable Wine Adventure/ Rutherford Dust Society Cabernet Tasting
I receive a ton of email every day; offers for this, suggestions for that, questions on all sorts of topics. So its not uncommon for me to face off with my computer each morning fortified with a triple latte and a blueberry muffin wondering what the Internet has in store for me. A few weeks ago, somewhat bleary eyed from a week-long fam trip and an all-nighter writing up an article for a new editor I received an invitation to attend The Rutherford Dust Societys media and trade annual tasting taking place on July 13, 2011 at Rubicon Estate in Napa Valley, CA. I now know what can wake me up faster than a triple shot of caffeine.

Sip, Swirl, Certify
Tons of California wine bottles are now touting the SIP Certified Seal (Sustainability in Practice) so that green (and not-so-green) wine consumers can select wines made from grapes grown by eco-conscious, community-minded grape growers.

The Business Side of Supporting Creativity
Not far from Temecula Wine Country sits a modern-day artists refuge in transition, the 300-acre Dorland Mountain Arts Colony. Designed by its founders Ellen Dorland and Barbara Horton, "To provide creative people simple living facilities for work and reflection within a setting of natural beauty" the founders hoped to instill in artists of all sorts living within its boundaries, an experience impossible under normal urban conditions.

Spotlight on Temecula Creek Inn's Executive Chef Salvatore Giuliano
Layers of flavors, generational recipes, and some sassy nouveau cuisine all seem to mix and mingle with ease. That being said, there's another side to Chef Sal that brings big smiles to the home office guys a profitable bottom line month in and month out.

Couples Getaway: Artist Retreat Dorland Mountain Arts Colony
There are all types of getaways. The choices are limitless from big adventure to soft adventure, romantic to family, glamping to camping. The key to getting it right is understanding what your heart and soul needs.

Couples Getaway: Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
I love exploring destinations that dont always get the media attention they deserve. Places that include all the amenities and adventure a traveler could want, but done in a style that is all their own. Sometimes finding these places is as easy as a recommendation or invitation from a friend, a chance article on the Internet, or a blind stab at a map. Mine was an invitation.

Missouri Wines
Well, I am impressed. America's first wine country not only boasts some solid wines, but also has its very own state grape glass -- the Riedal Crystal Norton Wine Glass. Hardly anyone gets that, let alone a small wine district in the middle of the country. I had a chance to taste some great wines in that glass and spend a few days in Lake of the Ozarks and Columbia, Missouri, hanging out at some great wineries, tasting and talking with owners, winemakers, and chefs.

Men's Wine Council Review for Folie a Deux Wines
At the Men's Wine Council tasting we tasted 4 Folie à Deux wines and an impulse add on, a Mead wine from Hawaii. Prices ranged from $18- $24. Folie à Deux is a French term meaning shared fantasies. According to their Web site the, Wines represent the fulfillment of a dream to create a beautiful dance of flavors and true varietal expression. Not sure every wine lived up to that promise, but I found some I could definitely bring to a party or sip on my patio.

Teaching Children to Eat Well
There's a fast rise in the Slow Food movement everywhere you look. Don't know what I mean? No, its not another food or garden club. What it is, is concerned people right in your own area creating a better way to live life to the fullest - at a deliciously slow pace. The Slow Food movement celebrates, educates, and strengthens awareness of our food: from the farm to the fork

A Day at Le Cuvier Winery in Paso Robles, CA
One of the treats of visiting the Far Out Wineries group in Paso Robles, CA Wine Country is finding that one very special, family owned, small lot undiscovered gem of a winery. For me it was Le Cuvier Winery.

Free Wine App is Noteworthy
I tend to go on overload when I walk into a wine store if I dont have a buy list. Yes it can be fun to whirl and twirl my way through racks and racks of wine, but in the end I need to purchase some great wines and get on with my life. So I am thanking wine guru Natalie MacLean for her new wine ap.

Bordeaux & Bordeaux Sup'erieur Wines
A Women's Wine Council Review ~ I am finding that coming together with a group of fellow wine buffs is a creative way to really understand wine. A group atmosphere offers the opportunity to share opinions and conclusions, shaping and strengthening each individual's appreciation and education of the wines under discussion. The concept is similar to most any club. Sure, you can enjoy a special interest on your own, but getting together with a group of people who love what you love enhances appreciation and understanding.

Temecula Old Town Wine Walk Tour
Powered by the GPS technology, this walking tour offers narrated accurate turn-by-turn directions and insights to tasting rooms found in Old Town Temecula. It's as if you had local guide and wine afficianado Linda Kissam walking with you.

Citizen's Guide to California Wine Country: Temecula Valley
Book Review:Just received a copy of the brand new guidebook Citizen's Guide to California Wine Country: Temecula Valley . I think you're going to like it! At around $17, it's an excellent book to have on hand as a reference guide or to give to friends and business partners coming to the Valley. You can pretty much hand newcomers the book and they'll know exactly what to do.

The Casino High Life
Today's casino is a rich tapestry of poker, entertainment, food and wine. There's a seductive aurora that greets you at the door, staying with you until you retrieve your car from valet parking. Somewhere between Pai Gow, the Comedy Club, and the wee hours of the morning you're likely to want to stop for dinner and a drink or two.

Slow Food Sets a Delicious Pace
I am all about life in the fast lane. Scheduling, rushing here and there, coffee dates, Facebook & tweeting into the wee hours of the morning , catching planes, trains and boats to exotic destinations, and eating too much fast food between appointments pretty much describes my life at this point in time. I sense a nod or two from the readership, some eye rolling and a head spin or two. Been there, done that yourself? Then like me, you're probably looking for an alternative.

Enchanting Milagro Farms Vineyards & Winery
WINE: Milagro Farms Vineyards & Winery - Linda Kissam 'Food, Wine & Shopping Diva' shares her wine tasting adventures and visit with Jim Hart, Executive Winemaker for the enchanting Milagro Farms Vineyards & Winery in northeast San Diego, CA.

Milagro Farms Vineyards & Winery
The Wine Chixs love to visit emerging and under reported wine regions. So we were delighted to get an invitation from Jim Hart, Executive Winemaker for Milagro Farms Vineyards & Winery in San Diego County. Milagro is located approximately 35 miles north-east of San Diego in the Ramona Valley American Viticultural Area

The Business Side of Being a Chef
There's absolutely no doubt that Temet Grill's (Temecula,CA) Executive Chef Sal Giuliano is an amazing culinarian. This boy can cook with the big dogs. If you've been to the Temet Grill at The Temecula Creek Inn you know I speak the truth. If you haven't, you're missing a profound treat

Santa Rita Hills Wines
Linda Kissam was interviewed on Big Blend Radio on February 27, 2011 about the wineries in the Santa Rita Hills.

Wine Trippin' Santa Rita Hills Style
Ooh, ooh, ooh, how I love discovering underappreciated wine regions. The next best one just might be (it certainly gets my vote) Santa Barbara Countys Santa Rita Hills. Located about 30 minutes from Santa Barbara, think Highway 246 off the 101 Freeway and the cities of Buellton, Lompoc and Los Olivos. Total acreage is 30,720 acres. About 2,500 acres are planted in wine grapes. The appellation is spelled Sta. Rita Hills on the wine labels so as not to step on the toes of the Santa Rita wine region in Chile. Id be more direct and spell it G-R-E-A-T

A Recipe for Temecula Wine Country Radio Interview
Linda Kissam interviewed on Big Blend Radio about her new book. The cookbook was conceived by the authors to celebrate the luscious foods and premium wines of the beautiful Temecula Valley Wine Region located in Southern California. It is a testament in words and pictures to the talented chefs, winemakers, growers, and farmers that make each day in Wine Country so special and tasty

The Business Side of Being a Vintner
Ever have the occasional dream to start your own winery? You know the dream -- make exactly the wines you love, spend all day wandering through perfectly manicured vineyards, have people flock to your winery from far and near, sipping and admiring your efforts. Life would be simple, prestigious, and easy. How hard could it be?

Finding Your Pink Moment in Ojai, California
A pink moment occurs as the sun is setting, when the fading sunlight creates a brilliant shade of pink for several minutes on the Topatopa Bluffs at the east end of the Ojai Valley. This pink moment translates into the personal instant when you take a deep breath, relax, and let go.

Riding the Branyon Back Country Trail in Orange Beach, Alabama
Love tourist places that think outside of the box? Buckle up in an electric cart with two or more friends for a two-hour guided eco-tour on the Hugh S. Branyon Back Country Trail in Orange Beach, Alabama.

The Wine Chixs Blog
Check out Linda's daily blog on the finer things in life: food, wine, and shopping!

Big Blend Radio Interview- Gulf Shores, Alabama
Linda Kissam is interviewed on Big Blend Radio about her Gulf Shores experience. In this 30-minute interview she talks about the great food, wine and shopping experience she had and how the Gulf Shores appears to be fully recovered from the BP spill.

Exploring Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama
It's not often I get the opportunity to right a wrong or set the record straight while thoroughly immersing myself in sugar white beaches, clear blue ocean waves, and warm tropical breezes. Pair that with total engagement in culinary nirvana, a high-end waterfront condo stay, art, music and eco-friendly golf cart tours and I can truly say Ive lived the life of an oil-free Diva in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.

Holiday Side Dishes & Today's Wine Picks
Share some wonderful meals and fine wines with family and friends. Included today are two side dish recipes you may like to use for the holidays. Taste Tip: Sightly sweet Garlic your thing? Mix in Pomegranate Balsamic Vinegar with Fiore Garlic olive oil and wow! the Pom BV adds a bit of sweetness without being overpowering, and the Garlic mellows out just a bit. I love it!

The Southern Spirit of St. Simons Island, Georgia
Theres a lot to be said for Southern hospitality. Theres much more to be said experiencing it for yourself. I was very fortunate to do just that in a five-day trip to St. Simons Island, Georgia. For a traveling wine aficionado and foodie like me, this has got to be one of my top three trips this year. Its quite clear that Southern hospitality focuses heavily on food and the role it plays in daily life and social interaction. Add some great wines, amazing beaches and fun activities and Voila! I found Southern nirvana.

In The Pink Moment
Since Ojai is lined up with an east-west mountain range, it is one of few towns in the world to have a Pink Moment. This occurs as the sun is setting, when the fading sunlight creates a brilliant shade of pink for several minutes on the Topatopa Bluffs at the east end of the Ojai Valley. This Pink Moment tends to describe the personal moment when you take a deep breath, relax, and let go. Read on as I describe our moment and encourage you to find yours in this very special place.

Wine Tasting, Nova Scotia Style
Nova Scotia is so much more than I expected. It's a delight to the senses, a city that speaks to the soul. I went there to learn about the wines, and came home with a wider appreciation of their dynamic and intriguing mix of heritage and culinary mastery. It's such an easy trip to get there, and there is so much to do that you should definitely think about adding it to your must travel to- list. I am glad I did.

The Wines & Treasures of Picturesque Nova Scotia
My nights lodging was in a box car. Yup, you heard me right, I stayed the night in Box Car Jane at the century old Train Station inn at Tatamagouche. The station was lovingly restored in the 1980s with train cars and furnishings reflecting its railway past, and continues to this day with new additions arriving all the time. The station itself and its spacious cabooses offer a unique Bed & Breakfast and dinner experience. Each one of our writers had a different car to stay in. What a treat. Each car featured a living room, kitchen, private bath, bedroomand yea! wireless Internet. Dinner found us in the dining car ordering pre-dinner drinks (local wines & cocktails such as the Pink Caboose). Dinner was an amazing food & wine experience. This is truly the epitome of The Romance of the Railroad. Lodging rates are reasonable in the $150 range. Train buffs out there  this is YOUR stop.

Big Blend Radio Interview - Ventura Wine Country
Big Blend Radio - Linda Kissam was a featured guest on Champagne Sundays on October 17, 2010 talking about the emerging Ventura County wine district.

Wine Trippin' in Ventura County, California
When you can just hop in the car for a short drive from the LA, Inland Empire or San Diego area, experience year round temps in the 70's, and take an easy, breezy 2-day break -- what could possibly be keeping you back? My stay was an eye-opener to say the least, and you'll see why when you read on about wine trippin' in Ventura County, California.

The Wines of Ojai
We love visiting emerging wine regions with small lot, family-owned wineries that just don't seem to get the press they deserve. So it came to be that we left fast paced So Cal and headed north two hours to Ojai. What's that? You didn't think Ojai had a wine region of its own? Yes it does, thank you very much. Read on as we introduce you to an incredibly unique 2-day wine tasting trip  Wine Chixs Style.

Wine Tasting Santa Barbara-Style, Part 1: The Urban Wine Trail
My day one goal was to experience the Urban Wine Trail (11 wineries in and around downtown Santa Barbara) using only feet, a wine guide, and local transportation. My (thirty-something) daughter Nicole joined me for this effort and was tasked to be the navigator (which in itself was quite an adventure as she has apparently inherited by non-map skills). We put on our sunblock and walking shoes, threw the gorgeous reusable tote made from sustainable materials given to me as a welcome gift from Santa Barbara Visitor Bureaus Shannon Brooks over my shoulder, and headed out from home base, the Cheshire Cat Inn and Cottages. In a couple of blocks we were on State Street and hopped the Santa Barbara Trolley (25 cents) which took us within a block of the beach and our 3-target wineries: Oreana Winery, Santa Barbara Winery, and Municipal Winemakers.

Wine Tasting Santa Barbara-Style, Part 2: Small-Lot Wineries in the Santa Barbara Hills
My day two goal was to experience the breath and width of the wineries of Santa Barbara. I asked Shannon to give me a full day wine itinerary focusing on the variety of growing regions (there are five), cherry picking only the small lot, family owned wineries that have an exceptional story to tell. Well folks, all I have to say is GREAT job Shannon andthank goodness for GPS! Fortifying ourselves for what would become an 11- hour round trip adventure, my husband and I joined several other travelers for a delightful breakfast in the gardens of our home base, the Cheshire Cat Inn and Cottages . We then programmed our GPS and headed out for our 4-target wineries: Alma Rosa Winery, Margerum Wine Company, Demetria Estate, and Flying Goat Cellars.

Wine Tasting, Ventura County, California Style
You have to love a wine tasting adventure that is nestled between a national forest and the sparkly Pacific Ocean. A destination that doesnt get the proper respect it deserves yet continues to strive to showcase its fine wineries, classic beach culture, and amazing culinary scene. When you can just hop in the car for a short drive from the LA, Inland Empire, or San Diego area, experience year round temps in the 70s, and take an easy, breezy 2 -day break what could possibly be keeping you back? My stay was an eye-opener to say the least, and youll see why when you read on about wine trippin in Ventura County, California.

Wineries, Ferries & Amazing Lodging -- Seattle Style
The Seattle experience begins in Woodinville, Washington, just about 30 minutes from Sea Tac Airport, and 20 minutes from downtown Seattle. Here youll find a combination of about 60 wineries and tasting rooms. Some serve fruit wines, some grape varietal wines, some a combination of both. Its a different wine tasting model than you may be used to. Theres a lot more tasting rooms than wineries. The tasting rooms are often clustered into strip malls, and called by some purists, loading dock wineries, meaning 98%+ of the wines offered for tasting are grown in and shipped from Eastern Washington . The wines are generally lean, crisp, and fruit forward.

Wine Tasting ~ Western Washington Style
Like most wine regions, theres always a favorite or more publicized area of a states wine region. For Washington State its been Eastern Washington. WellOk, and fine.but in my quest to find the fun, the fabulous, the unique parts of a particular wine scene, I organized an 8-day wine trip to Western Washington  specifically gorgeous Seattle gorgeous with all its water views, and the two-hour (driving or flying ) area west of it. I had such a good time, I am handing out awards. See who got what and why, as you read all about Wine Tasting ~ Western Washington Style.

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
I love Sauvignon Blanc in all its forms, but I especially enjoy the New Zealand style. So when marketing rep Catherine Seda recently sent me a sample of the Mt Beautiful 2009 Sauvignon Blanc to try, I quickly ripped open the mailer and threw the wine in the wine refir to chill it down a bit.

Wine, Art & Waves
Theres nothing better than good wine. Then again, theres really nothing more inspiring than great art. But if you think about it, what could be better than an amazing hotel near the beach? Luckily, The Wine Chixs got to experience it all in Laguna Beach

Small Lot Wines + The Perfect Wine! = Perfection!
Youve probably heard the term small lot wines and took a guess that it refers to wine produced in limited quantities. You would of course be right, but theres more to it than that. A small lot wine can be produced at a very large winery or a very small winery. As you can imagine, a wine that is made in small quantities is special

Rockland, Maine - The Best Wine Vacation Ever
I was challenged by my husband to organize a wine-themed vacation that was more than a whirl of pedestrian lodging, shops and seen-that-before wineries. Hmmmm thats quite a challenge. Lets see, I cant go back to where weve been before. I cant drag him to too many girly places. I have to incorporate (and survive) some manly activities, and I have to find an acceptable ying/yang balance of places to stay and eat at. Geeze, what kind of vacation would this turn out to be? Ill tell you what kind, the best one ever! Read on to see how I pulled off  Rockland, Maine  The Best Wine Vacation Ever.

Big Blend Radio Interview ~ Laguna Beach, California Style
Big Blend Radio: Linda Kissam was a featured guest on Champagne Sundays radio on July 25, 2010 talking about her Wine Trippin' adventure in Laguna Beach, California.

Wine Trippin in Laguna Beach, California
There's nothing better than good wine. Then again, there's really nothing more inspiring than great art. But if you think about it, what could be better than an amazing hotel near the beach? Luckily, in my search for the most unique wine venues in America, I got to experience it all in Laguna Beach, California.

Laguna Canyon Winery
Did you know there is an award-winning, 2,500 case winery in Laguna Beach, California? I do now, and so should you!

The Local Wine Buzz - July 2010 Edition
July is a great month to explore Temecula Wine Country because Mother Nature hasn't tuned the furnace on full blast yet. You're good to go to explore the wine, food, fun, shopping and music of it all. And hey'make sure you check out the vineyards. They're in full bloom now, heading toward varaison and an August harvest. Joe or Jim Hart (Hart Winery) or Don Reha (Thornton Winery) are my top three picks to ask for a private vineyard "stroll and learn."

Wine Trippin' In Mid Coast Maine
Big Blend Radio: Linda Kissam was a featured guest on Vacation Station radio on June 26, 2010 talking about the unique mid-coast wine district near Rockland, Maine.

Wine Trippin In Rockland, Maine
I am always on the lookout for unique up-and-coming wine regions that present an interesting story and a 2-7 day destination of food, wine, and fun. For heaven sakes, there must be a wine-life beyond Napa and Sonoma, and the Champagne region of France. Been there done that. So begins my search for fun, funky, deserving-of-press wine regions through the Wine Trippin series. First stop  the mid-coast wineries near Rockland, Maine.

Wine Adventure on the High Seas
Looking for some high seas adventure with a decidedly gourmet food and wine focus? Then check out the Schooner Stephen Taber for a uniquely tactile and visual experience. This gorgeous century-old tall ship takes you from Rockland, Maine on a stunning tour of the untouched islands of Maines rocky coast. Think lush green inlets and islands, lighthouses, old farmhouses, seals and dolphinsand of course the ever-present lobster traps.

Rockland, Maine - The Best Wine Vacation Ever
I was challenged by my husband to organize a wine-themed vacation that was more than a whirl of pedestrian lodging, shops and seen-that-before wineries. Hmmmm thats quite a challenge. Lets see, I cant go back to where weve been before. I cant drag him to too many girly places. I have to incorporate (and survive) some manly activities, and I have to find an acceptable ying/yang balance of places to stay and eat at. Geeze, what kind of vacation would this turn out to be? Ill tell you what kind, the best one ever! Read on to see how I pulled off  Rockland, Maine  The Best Wine Vacation Ever.

What's New In Temecula Wine Country?
Big Blend Radio: Linda Kissam was a featured guest on Vacation Station radio on June 4, 2010 talking about summer in Temecula Valley Wine Country

Summertime in Wine Country
With spring in full swing and summertime in our collective sightline, I am pretty sure were all chomping at the bit for some time off to relax and renew. Since we still have a few weeks left to go before we leave on vacation, why don't we settle in and plan what to do. Although I am not a psychic, I get the vibe that youre looking for warm sunny days, lush green vineyards, crisp white wines, fruit driven reds, outstanding food, happy smiles, and some Wine Country fun.

Meet Mr Balanced
Its really cool when I get to spend some quality time with a really smart winemaker. Such was the case when I sat down with Etienne Cowper, winemaker for Tesoro Winery in Temecula Valley to talk a bit about him, the wines he loves, the region he is such an integral part of, and his summer releases.

Meet the Twins
I like the fact I get to meet a lot of different winemakers. They're creative types, focused on crafting beautiful wines. They come in all shapes and sizes of course. They're young, they're old, they're funny, they're serious...but until this week, none of them were twins.

2008 Gioia Paso Robles Zin!
I really love a bottle of wine that is not only good, but has a story behind it too. That's why it's such a treat to introduce you to Gioia Wines and owner/winemaker Teri Love. Gioia is one of the new breed of wineries known as a virtual winery, meaning it doesn't have its own brick and mortar building to make or sell its wine. This doesnt mean it isnt premium wine, just the opposite. I think some of the virtual wineries really benefit from this format as they can spend more time, talent, and treasure on the wine and promotion, instead of on a big facility, staff and daily worries.

Keyways Welcomes New Winemaker
Time moves on, seasons change, and it seems inevitable that winemakers will come and go. So it is that David Raffaele, formerly part of the winemaking team at Maurice Car'rie and Van Roekel Vineyard and Wineries, has been selected as the new winemaker at Keyways Winery. I think this is an excellent choice for this winery and I know youll enjoy reading about this interesting young winemaker

Fly In ~ To So-Cal Wine Country
Arrive in Temecula Wine Country Via French Valley Airport. French Valley Airport is located in Southwest Riverside County, adjacent to the communities of Temecula, Murrieta and Winchester. The airport, located on Highway 79, is only minutes away from Interstate 15 and the 215 Corridor . Outstanding climate and minimal congestion make takeoffs and landings easy at French Valley Airport. The wide-open approaches and ground support services accommodate most aircraft including jets and turbo-props. The filed is composed of two runways 18 Left, 36 Right About 12 miles from the French Valley Airport and just about 7 miles off the I-15, the wine country is an easy place to fine. Take Rancho California Road east.

Destination ~ South Park, San Diego
I love finding the hidden jewels of big city destinations, how about you? It's great fun to immerse yourself in the unsung areas that don't have big promotional budgets to entice you to discover them. So it was quite a delight when quite by chance, I was introduced to the South Park district of San Diego by a fellow cruise ship traveler. Seriously, there I was floating in the Caribbean, when Jennifer Thompson from Monkey C Media gave me the 411. Now I am passing it on to you. Read on!

Meet Mr. Smooth ~ 2007 Chappellet Mountain Cuvee
Hey aficionados ~ as you know wine prices are down, quality is up, and retailers are offering some tremendous buys. I like wines of all kinds. I see great buys often. Howeveryou know you have a winner when the owner of a local wine store is asked to choose his best red wine under $30 and with no hesitation on his part, he goes right to this wine.

Girls Night Out
We sort of hate to think about reliving the 70s - all those parental rules, cheap wine, flowers in our hair and orange jump suits kind of weigh heavy on our collective minds. But when we heard the word fondue and amazing wine list in the same sentence describing a classy place near us, we knew we had to check it out.

For All My Princesses
It may just be the event planner in me, but this Wine Chix L-O-V-E-S anything with a cool theme. So its not going to come as a surprise to anyone that I want to introduce you to Briar Rose Winery in the Temecula Wine Country. Based on a Snow White theme, this high-end boutique winery not only showcases a Disneyesque ambiance, but it delivers the goods with ultra premium wines. So any of you looking to arrange a day fit for a princess with an emphasis on amazing wineread on!

Destination ~ Warner Springs, CA
Located between Temecula Wine Country and Julian in Southern California, Shadow Mountain Vineyards & Winery, im Warner Springs, is nestled on a northeastern slope at 3400', in the coastal mountain range of northern San Diego County. This means it's about 45 minutes from Temecula, 90 minutes from downtown San Diego, and 2 hours from LA. Try to have breakfast on the way and bring your own picnic lunch for an afternoon delight of wine and food at the winery.

Sip, Savor & Sleep Over Amongst the Vines
You like wine tasting? Are you up for a little adventure? I bet you love a deal. Can I package all this for you into a rustic vineyard romantic getaway? Yup! Read on.

Fallbrook, CA Makes A Unique Summertime Destination
It's easy to discover activities for all tastes, and luxuries for all wallets in Fallbrook, CA. Fallbrook is the ultimate getaway located halfway between San Diego and Temecula Wine Country. It offers many diversions including art, wine, spas and amazing restaurants. Seriously folks, what could be better than that, all tucked into a beautiful countrified community?

Spring Break in So-Cal Wine Country
Picture this: Southern California's two most impressive wine countries, Temecula and Julian, filled with fun people, all looking to have a blast as they sip, swirl and nosh their way through the vineyards. I can promise you incredible food available all day and all night, premium wines, great accommodations, music, and fun stops, all laid out for you. Think wine tasting, hot air ballooning. Olive oil tasting, golf, hard cider tastings, glider plane rides and more. This is an ideal vacation for anyone, but I am thinking this is really perfect for those who are 35+ and really ready to get loose and have a good time on an "adult" spring break. Sound like you? Read on!

Caffe Primo is Neighborhood Favorite
Trying to find a great coffeehouse in the neighborhood is always an adventure. It's the coffee drinker's perennial quest for excellence that propels them to seek out independent coffee houses producing great new blends of coffee or well made lattes.

Meet the Executive Chef
Ponte Family Estate Winery welcomes Frank Miller as Executive Chef of the award winning Smokehouse Restaurant. Miller brings thirty years of culinary experience encompassing restaurant, hotel, catering, and personal chef practice as well as experience with entertainment, film and professional sporting events.

Annual Grape Stomp at Orfila Vineyards & Winery
Orfila Winerys annual Grape Stomp takes place on Saturday, August 29, 2009 from 4 PM - 8 PM. The afternoon event celebrates the beginning of harvest - Old World style - with grape stomping in a gigantic five-foot barrel, full dinner buffet, dancing to live music, wine tasting and winery tours...

Wine Is A Gift - Vine Times Magazine February/March 2010
Off the beaten path, but not so far from Temecula Valley Wine Country, there is a fabulous boutique wine shop in Murrieta, Ca., called Dudley's Wine & Gifts. We like it because it provides a unique, unstuffy, unpretentious experience.

The Local Wine Buzz-February 2010
Old Town Temecula's wine district features new tasting room

Lorimar Winery Opens In Old Town Temecula
Two cool brother-in-laws realize the start of their winery dream.

Finding the Perfect Wedding Site in San Diego
The search for the perfect wedding site in San Diego is over!

Lobster Salad
Delicious Lobster Salad from Executive Chef Steve Pickell, Temecula Wine Country, So-Cal