Navagating to Nekeas in the Navarra
So just what is Nekeas anyway? A winery making excellent wines in the Navarra region of Spain. Although I’m home now, not continuing to share more of my amazing adventures would be withholding great information. Who knows when one may decide to venture off to Northwest Spain! To give a quick overview of the Navarra, it experiences climatic effects from both the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, and has 15,000 hectares (roughly 38 acres) in five sub-regions: Valdizerbe, Baja Montana, Ribera Baja

The Jewish Julie and Julia?
If you haven't seen the movie "Julie and Julia" by now, or read the book, then just know that it's the story of a love affair with a cookbook. Many of us have them: a little crush here, a major obsession there. But how many times have you actually cooked even half of the recipes from a single book? Pretty rarely, I'd bet. So when Julie Powell decided to cook her way through Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking (

Mushroom Maddness
In the mood for something fun before the holidays? November 6th through the 15th brings the annual Mushroom Festival to Mendocino, highlighting everything mushroom. Choose from mushroom cooking classes, wine and mushroom tastings at several Anderson Valley wineries, mushroom exhibits, guided mushroom walks, and/or attend other non-fungi items; musical performances, beer and wine tastings, the mushroom train,

Navarra Wine, Historic Town: Bodegas Irache and Estella
Bodegas Irache is located in Ayegui, two kilometres from Estella. It was established in 1891 however it’s vineyards go back to the 12th century. The Monestary de Irache, also 12th century, is literally right next to the winery. The monestary was the first hospital for pilgrims on the Way to Compostela. Irache built a new facility within the current structure which was inaugurated in 1991. This new aging hall, which holds 10,000 oak casks and

Wine, Almonds and Hiking in Spain
Hiking in Spain is absolutely beautiful. In addition to our food and wine adventures this trip, we’ve gone on several hikes. Starting in Barcelona, you’ve got Montserrat, a short train ride from the city. From this monastery dating back a few hundred years, (who’s counting centuries!) you have magnificent views of the surrounding area. Depending on your preference, you can take an easy stroll or a long, strenuous hike lasting hours, the latter, our choice.