I decided to stay home over the Labor Day weekend. Yes, it would have been nice to get away, but I decided that not having to deal with huge traffic jams could be considered a vacation in itself.
Staying home also gave me an opportunity to do a little research on future getaways… perhaps when traffic wouldn’t be such an issue.
The next time you have an opportunity to take off for a few days, here are three ideas that include wine in the itinerary…
- PISMO BEACH
Founded in 2010 by Ash and Lissa Mehta, the Taste of the Valleys wine bar could help people forget about Pismo Beach’s old reputation as the clamming capital of the world as they sample wine after delicious wine.
There are more than a thousand selections in all, with an emphasis on California’s Central Coast region, and customers can also enjoy flights of six 1-oz. pours that are tailored to their preferences.
Info: http://www.pismowineshop.com
- ASHLAND
Ashland is best known as the home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, but come November 6-8, it will be the Pacific Northwest’s hottest “foodie” destination.
That’s when the 9th annual Ashland Culinary Festival will be held, with local restaurants, breweries and wineries combining to present a series of workings, tours and tastings. Twelve local chefs also will compete for “Top Chef” honors.
Info: www.ashlandchamber.com/Culinary2015
- PARIS
Okay, you’ll need more than a long weekend for this one, unless they bring the Concorde out of mothballs. But when in the “City of Light,” a visit to Café Maurice is a must.
Flavor-packed sea bass tartare with citrus? Check.
Tasty, well curated wines by the glass or bottle? Check.
Wonderful olive oils to take home? Check.
People watching adjacent to an historic square? Check.
Café Maurice, situated alongside Place St. Georges in Toulouse, has it all. And to accompany that olive oil, be aware that there is an exceptional boulangerie next door.
Info: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Café-Maurice/441799696016658
