5 Reasons to Add a Food Tour to Your Next Travel Itinerary

Posted on by caitlin

I’m not one for touristy travel experiences. Aside from a few must-see stops in the cities, my typical M.O. is to get off the beaten path when I’m exploring a new place. And when I am exploring, you won’t find me trotting along with a tour group! There is, however, one exception to this rule: a food tour.

I’ve done a few food tours now, and the experience has been phenomenal. For anyone remotely interested in understanding the intersection of food, culture, and history, a food tour is the way to do it.

Still don’t think it’s for you? Read these five reasons to add a food tour to your next travel itinerary. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Two hands holding gelato cones in Italy.
This isn’t one of the five reasons, but it could be if you want it to! Food tours in Venice teach you how to find the authentic gelato, not the fake stuff!

  1. Food tells a story.

Have you ever thought about how much you can learn about a country from its cuisine? The ingredients, cooking methods, and presentation of food can give you insight into the history and traditions that the locals live by.

During a food tour in Venice, Italy, we learned about the significance of the sea in Venetian culture. Our food tour started with a Caffe Corretto (a shot of espresso with a shot of Grappa), which is a traditional drink served to fishermen in the early morning hours when they return from their overnight fishing excursions. As you can imagine, the fishermen are pretty cold when they return to land, and a Caffe Corretto plays a crucial role in warming them up. Who would have thought? I learned all of this on our Venice Bites food tour…I don’t think I would have learned about this cultural tradition if it weren’t for that!

A spread of seafood at an Italian market.
The Mercati di Rialto (Rialto Market) will give you an idea of how important local fisherman are to the Venetian economy. I’ve never seen so much seafood in one place! Visit early in the morning to see the day’s fresh catch, and channel your inner fisherman with a caffe corretto while you’re at it!
You learn more than just food history on your tours…you’ll also learn lots of history about the city itself! Check out these little tidbits we learned in Venice:
A door shaped like a keyhole.
I probably would never have stopped to look at the strange shape of this door if I were on my own, but luckily our Venice tour guides stopped to explain its origins. Back in the day, before dolly carts came to be, wine barrels were rolled down city streets to get to their destinations. As heavy as they were, it was near impossible to lift them into a home. To solve the problem, this family cut their door to fit a wine barrel through it!
A small Italian alley with arches joining the buildings.
See those little arches between the buildings? These arches are seen throughout Venice, and are a symbol of love and friendship in the city. If an arch is built between two homes, it signifies a familial bond between the households, or sometimes just a strong friendship between the families. Essentially, it is a visual symbol of “don’t mess with us”! The more arches, the stronger or more numerous the bonds.

  1. You learn the best places to eat in the city…and you can go back to the restaurants after!

I always recommend that people book food tours at the beginning of their trip, as you’ll likely be pointed in the right direction for both food and other local experiences during your tour. If you plan for a food tour as one of your first activities, you’ll be able to take what you learn from the locals and prioritize your activities for the rest of your time in the city.

In Stockholm, we were able to take the advice of our tour guide and go explore a neighborhood known for smaller, less touristy restaurants. We even got to check out an upscale “food court”, where we tried a dish from Magnus Nillsson’s restaurant (my Chef’s Table and Mind of a Chef fans will know that name!). We wouldn’t have ventured to that area of the city had it not been for our tour guide’s recommendation, but doing so made for a wonderful afternoon!

Caitlin at a food court in Sweden.
Dining at Korvkiosk in Stockholm. Think Magnus Nilsson’s take on upscale hot dogs…sounds strange, but I assure you it is delicious. They also served some of the best beer we tried in Sweden!
Loafs of bread at a Swedish bakery.
This was a bakery we visited in Sweden that was absolutely delicious. We snagged some Cardamom Rolls from this bakery for breakfast the following day. They just couldn’t be beat!

  1. You’ll never get stuck in a tourist trap.

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve found a restaurant that I thought wasn’t touristy, only to realize part-way through a meal that I had once again fallen into a tourist trap.

Tourist traps sound so simple to avoid when you’re traveling, but the fact is, it’s actually quite difficult, especially in big cities. The most unassuming of places tend to be the best places to grab a bite. They also tend to be quite hidden, and food tour guides can tell you exactly how to get there. More often than not I’ve been directed down small alley ways or to quiet parts of the city to find these delicious eats!

Fresh fish on a platter.
This restaurant was recommended to us by our food tour guides in Venice. We told the waiter we were referred by our tour guides, and they told us they would bring us something delicious off the menu. Then, this showed up! They also brought complimentary grappa at the end of our meal. Local restauranteurs truly appreciate the business, and we got 5-star service as a result!
An old Swedish bar.
We had the privilege of eating in one of the oldest restaurants in Stockholm, and having some of the most authentic Swedish Meatballs. This is a restaurant that I could eat at everyday and never get tired of it!

  1. You get a local’s perspective of the city.

Experiencing a place as a tourist is one thing, but it is fascinating to learn about what it is like to actually live in the city you are discovering. The sense of community, the blending of tradition into modern ways of life, and the little nuances that make the city unique are all tidbits that you may not otherwise have learned by just visiting the must-see spots.

In Venice, Italy, we learned that the easiest way to spot a tourist is to look for someone who’s had a bit too much to drink. In Venetian culture, it is practically a cardinal sin to over-indulge in alcohol! Our tour in Germany taught us how to spot a locals-only biergarten…locals would never be caught dead in Hofbrauhaus. In Stockholm, we learned about Fika Hour (check out my post about it here), and discovered that the Swede’s work-life balance is one we should all strive for! Hearing a local’s perspective on cultural nuances like these make you feel as if you’ve earned a deeper understanding of what it means to live in a place, rather than just experience it.

A bottle of German beer with the tour guide in the background.
That’s Keith. He was our beer tour guide in Munich, and gave us insight into what the city is really like!
Hofbrauhaus in Munich Germany.
Hofbrauhaus…also known as the Disneyland of Munich (in my opinion) and a total tourist trap! But worth a photo nonetheless.
Caitlin and Tucker having Fika in Sweden.
In Stockholm, we were taken to one of the most authentic Fika Hours in the city! This former-jail-turned-cafe gave us the opportunity to enjoy our Fika in a “castle” that dates back to the 18th century. The line was out the door, which is always a good sign. The coffee was delicious, and the sweet treats were even better. We would have never found this place had it not been for our tour. Plus, how many people can say they’ve enjoyed Fika Hour inside a jail?

  1. Let’s be honest, you get to eat (and drink) for like two hours straight.

Okay, so if those other four reasons don’t get you excited for a food tour, this one will. I haven’t met anyone that doesn’t like to eat and drink on vacation. A food tour basically guarantees you’ll be eating and drinking the best bites and sips the city has to offer for a few hours. You’ll end your tour full and happy, and with any luck you’ll also have a better appreciation of the city’s culture and traditions.
A bowl of fried seafood.
I’ll go ahead and make your mouth water with some of these bites. This is Fritto Misto (fried seafood) from Venice, served in a cone with polenta on the bottom! Still one of the best food bites I’ve ever had.
Small Italian desserts.
Some amazing desserts we tried in Venice. The one in the background is called a Rum Baba (think cake soaked in rum), and was to-die-for.
A tour guide and a chef explaining the fish courses in Sweden.
Sampling three types of Herring in Stockholm. Our guide (on the left) assists the chef (on the right) in explaining the how and why of each recipe!
A plate of Swedish cheese.
May I interest you in some Swedish cheese? Fresh from the farm no less.
A small sampling of German beer.
Did you know there is an Oktoberfest Museum in Munich? Touring this museum also gives you the opportunity to sample authentic German beer.

The food tour industry is exploding right now, and more and more tours are popping up all around the world. If you’re traveling abroad, I highly encourage you to look into what tours are offered in your destinations. If you live near a large city, look to see what food tours are offered near your home. Taking a food tour with the family makes for a great stay-cation or weekend activity! Los Angeles is my next stop!

Want to take any of these food tours? Links to their websites are below!

Bavarian Beer and Food Tour

Food Tours Stockholm

Venice Bites

Have you ever taken a food tour? Where was it, and how did you like it? Let me know in the comments below!

 

Mediterranean Farro “Salad”: Your New Go-To Recipe

Posted on by caitlin

If you’re looking to be transported to the Mediterranean for an upcoming meal, look no further than this recipe! This “salad” of sorts is healthy, filling, and loaded with whole foods.

Fun fact: all of the produce used in this recipe happens to be a fruit!

Here’s what you’ll need to make 4 portions:

All of the ingredients for the recipe.
Ready for some meal prep!

8 ounces of Farro

1/2 English cucumber

6 ounces mini heirloom tomatoes

2 ripe avocados

Approximately 30 medium-sized shrimp (more if you like bigger portions)

1 lemon

1/2 tsp. garlic

1 teaspoon Herbs de Provence

1 tablespoon ghee

2-4 ounces freshly crumbled feta cheese (to taste)

Salt & Pepper to taste

 

Here’s what to do:

Cook the farro in boiling water until tender. It cooks like pasta (just dump it into a big pot of water!), so no need to measure out the liquid. Strain out the water, and then place the farro in a bowl to cool. While the farro is still warm, add the garlic, the juice of half a lemon, lemon zest (if you desire), Herbs de Provence, and Salt & Pepper to taste. Mix well and let cool.

Wondering why the French masterpiece that is Herbs de Provence is making an appearance in a Mediterranean-inspired meal? This unique blend of herbs (which consists of Thyme, Marjoram, Rosemary, Basil, Sage, and Lavender) really does make the dish. The lavender and marjoram compliment the sharp taste of the cucumber perfectly, and, strangely, add a minty essence to the salad. Sure, you could add an Italian seasoning blend instead, but I guarantee the dish won’t be nearly as tasty as it is with the Herbs de Provence!

Now, back to the recipe!

While the farro is cooling, cut the cucumber and tomatoes into bite sized pieces. I personally like quartering the tomatoes and cucumber…the triangle shapes add a nice visual appeal to the dish. Once the farro is cool, gently stir in the cucumber and tomatoes. Spoon into serving bowls and top with freshly crumbled feta (however much you desire!).

Tomatoes and cucumbers on a cutting board with avocado and lemons.
Can we take a moment to appreciate the avocado in the background? I don’t think there is a better feeling than cutting open an avocado to find that it has a tiny seed…more avocado for me!
A quick tidbit about farro:

Farro is a whole grain that comes from wheat. There are several varieties of Farro, and it is related to barley, quinoa, and wheat berries. Farro has a more substantial texture than quinoa or rice, which is why I like it for this dish. It’s mild, nutty flavor is really enjoyable, too. Especially with some freshly squeezed lemon juice and Herbs de Provence!

Just before you are ready to eat, preheat a sauté pan over low heat and add the ghee (you could use olive oil or butter if you prefer). Add the shrimp to the sauté pan and cook over medium-low heat. Add the remaining lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Remove the shrimp from the heat once they turn pink and opaque. Portion out the shrimp and serve over the farro salad, spooning the liquid from the pan over the top of each portion. Add 1/2 an avocado on the side of each bowl and serve!

A bowl filled with farro, fruits, and shrimp.
The finished product! It makes me hungry just looking at this picture…

This dish has become a go-to in our household, especially when I’m craving Mediterranean flavors. I hope it becomes a favorite for you, too!

Piña Croixlada: A Low-Cal Tropical Cocktail

Posted on by caitlin

If you’re looking for a dose of summer in your winter, then look no further than the tropical Piña Croixlada (made with La Croix, get it?).

I decided to become a cocktail craftswoman this week and create a new sip. I’ll be honest, I sort of grabbed what I had around the house and mixed it together to see what would happen. Turns out, it was delish. Like, maybe the best drink I’ve created thus far!

Two cocktails surrounded by fresh fruits.

Here’s what you’ll need to make 2 Piña Croixladas:

2 ounces vodka (I use Tito’s)

1 ounce Triple Sec

½ ounce Simple Syrup

12 ounces (1 can) Coconut La Croix (sparkling water)

2 tangerines

4 lime wedges

Juiced tangerines.

What to do:

Squeeze the juice of the tangerines directly into your serving glasses. Add vodka, triple sec, simple syrup and the juice of one lime wedge into each glass. Add six ounces of Coconut La Croix into each glass and mix together. Garnish with a lime wedge on each glass.

Birds eye view of the cocktails.

This super simple recipe tastes like a Pina Colada and a Spritz had a baby. It is refreshing after the first sip and practically transports you to a lounging-on-a-beach mentality. Give it a shot if you’re craving that warmth or relaxation for yourself!

Happy sipping!

10 Places to Eat in Portland: The Best Bites in PDX

Posted on by caitlin

I recently spent a few days in Portland, Oregon. I had lots of preconceived notions about what I would find while I was there (I admit, many of them came from Portlandia), but what I found out was that Portland is super awesome and not at weird as I thought (LOL!). The other big surprise I found was that the food culture in Portland is OUT OF THIS WORLD!

I seriously had some of the best meals EVER while I was in Portland. So, I decided to put together a list of places that you must be sure to try next time you visit!

P.S. I saved the best for last, so be sure to read all the way through!

10. Grassa

This casual Italian eatery makes some quality homemade pasta at an affordable price. There’s no table service, so you just order at the entrance and pick your seat. There’s a variety of options available, including vegan and gluten free pasta (we are in Portland after all). I tried the Cacio e Pepe pasta, which is a traditional pasta that is usually only found in Rome! It didn’t quite equate to what I had on my trip to Italy, but it was good nonetheless. The cool thing about this restaurant is that it is attached to two other establishments (Lardo, for sandwiches, and Beer O’Clock, a taproom). You can bring your food and drinks between the three places if you’d like!

A plate of pasta with kitchen in the background.
Cacio e Pepe overlooking the kitchen at Grassa

  1. Portland City Grill

If you’re looking for more of an upscale meal with a view, this is your spot. I stopped here for lunch and was able to get a pretty affordable meal, but I was told that happy hour and dinner make for quite an experience, too. This restaurant is located on the 30th floor of one of the few skyscrapers in Portland, so you really get an unobstructed view of the city. I ordered the Raw Plate which was a good, lighter meal. They bake fresh bread to bring to the table…that stuff is dangerous!

Portland skyline
The view from my seat at Portland City Grill
A sushi plate, miso soup, fruit, and sparkling water.
Raw Plate at Portland City Grill

  1. POP Bagel

If you’re looking for a quick breakfast option, check out POP Bagel. It is in the same building as Portland City Grill, but it is located on the first floor. POP is known for making unique flavors of pretzel-style bagels and cream cheese. The bagels taste fresh and have a great, unique consistency. The one I tried was Orange Cardamom flavored, and it was delish. Other popular flavors include Cinnamon Rum Raisin bagels and Brown Butter Sage Cream Cheese. I didn’t try any other bagels in Portland, but I would venture to say these are hard to beat!

An assortment of bagels in the window.
Check out that selection!
A bagel and a cup of coffee.
Orange Cardamom Bagel from POP!

  1. Marukin Ramen

Located on the north side of town, this ramen shop is not only delish, but a quick, affordable meal, too. There are several varieties of ramen available. The broth is flavorful, the noodles are chewy and delicious, and the egg served with it is cooked to perfection. This makes for a great stop on a cold, rainy night!

The sign outside of Marukin Ramen.
The best site to see when you’re hungry from walking the city!
A bowl of ramen.
Perfection in a bowl.

  1. Cheese & Crack Snack Shop

You may have recently seen the Cheese & Crack video that went viral on Facebook, depicting a silver tray with all sorts of cheesy goodies, and of course, the star of the show, bruleed brie. I couldn’t pass this stop up, so I gave it a try for myself. Even better than the Brie was the Blue Cheese and Cana de Oveja (a Spanish cheese made with sheep’s milk). Not to mention the delicious marionberry jam! This stop makes for a good meal or snack, and it’s fun to play around with the different flavor combinations on your plate. Grab some wine, beer, or even “frosé” (frozen rose slushie) to go with your cheesy treat!

A tray with cheeses and other small bites.
Everything about this little tray is amazing.

  1. Blue Star Donuts

Forget Voodoo Donuts. Who wants to wait in a line of 50 people for a donut that tastes just like any other, but has a cool decoration on it? That’s what I kept hearing over and over again while in Portland (and even before my trip). Instead, I was pointed to Blue Star Donuts, which is known for brioche donuts. I can attest that these were the best donuts I had ever tried! I initially tried the “O.G”, which is a brioche donut with a horchata glaze. My donut was fresh from the oven, still nice and warm when I got there, and was totally amazing! Other best sellers include their Blueberry Bourbon Basil donut and the Passionfruit donut. I also tried one of their monthly specials, the Apple Butter donut. The apple butter was sourced locally and was full of flavor. I highly recommend it!

A glazed donut and cup of coffee.
The “O.G.” and some pretty awesome coffee.
A purple donut with a bite taken out of it.
Blueberry Bourbon Basil, the bestseller.
A donut cut in half with apple butter inside.
Check out that apple butter! Note: these three donuts were consumed over the course of several days, not all at once!

  1. Luc Lac

If you like pho, then you will love Luc Lac. This trendy restaurant is full of personality, and their pho is full of flavor. The broth is perfectly salty and savory, and with the addition of some Sriracha, it has the perfect heat. The noodles are made to perfection, too! I tried the round steak and lean brisket pho, which I would highly recommend. It was a perfect lunch portion. If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, order “The Train”, which comes with four types of meat! Other Vietnamese favorites are available to order, too. And don’t be surprised if you have to wait in line (even at an off hour) to get a seat…in my opinion, that just goes to show how good the food really is!

The outside of Luc Lac restaurant.
Keep your eye out for this lighted sign!
A ceiling filled with pink umbrellas at Luc Lac.
Pink umbrellas on the ceiling, this place has tons of character!
A bowl of Pho with the busy restaurant in the background.
Pho for the win on a cold, rainy day!

  1. Salt & Straw

This is, hands down, the best ice cream shop ever. If you’re a traditionalist when it comes to your ice cream and chocolate chip cookie dough is your go-to flavor, then maybe you disagree. If you’re willing to try something new (that is probably MUCH better than your traditional go-to flavor), then you will likely agree with me.

Salt & Straw makes small batch, uniquely flavored ice creams, and all ingredients are locally sourced, too. Ever heard of Pear and Blue Cheese ice cream? You can try it here. Olive Oil ice cream? Also delicious. Honey Lavender? Check. Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache? Heavenly. Sea Salt ice cream with caramel ribbons? To die for. As I’m sure you can tell, I could go on and on about these flavors. My final pick after trying many was Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper. Yes, that is a real ice cream flavor. And I highly recommend it! I’ll finish by saying that Salt & Straw is totally worth the wait (as there will likely be a line out the door!).

A line of people waiting to order ice cream.
This is a line worth waiting in!
The Salt & Straw ice cream label.
You can’t go wrong with any ice cream here.

 

  1. Shalom Y’all

To be perfectly honest, it was a difficult decision of how to order my top two favorite eateries in Portland. And no wonder! Both restaurants have the same executive chef, John Gorham.

Shalom Y’all is an Israeli restaurant that serves small plates meant for sharing. It is a tiny hole in the wall with awesome service. When I was there I enjoyed the Lamb Chops and Braised Greens (per the bartender’s suggestion). This was arguably one of the best meals I’ve ever had! And although I’m not one to order dessert, I had to try the Yemenite Sundae, with Yemenite spiced ice cream, orange blossom honey, and beharat ginger cookies. I think it will be my life’s mission to try and replicate this dessert, it was so simple but absolutely amazing!

To top it off, I enjoyed a glass of Gilgal Cabernet Sauvignon from Galilee, Israel. It was unlike any other red wine I’ve ever had…it’s amazing how wine from a different region stands out.

This restaurant gets five stars in my book, and I would happily make a point to go back there the next time I’m in Portland. In fact, I might go back to Portland just to eat at Shalom Y’all.

Two lamb chops on a plate.
The most perfectly cooked lamb chop I’ve ever had, courtesy of Shalom Y’all.
Braised greens and olive oil on a small white plate.
Braised greens never tasted so yummy!
A bowl of ice cream topped with two cookies.
Heaven in a bowl.

  1. Tasty n Alder

Sharing the same brains behind the operation as Shalom Y’all, Tasty n Alder brings more of an Americana vibe to the restaurant and the food it serves. Featuring shareable small plates as the basis of the menu, Tasty n Alder takes traditional dishes and turns them on their heads with additions of unique flavors and ingredients. I actually indulged at Tasty n Alder for two different meals—first for dinner, and then again for Sunday brunch.

I’ll start with my dinner experience!

I wanted a light meal for dinner, so I ordered Ryan’s Steak Tartare with a side of Delicata Squash (the server’s suggestion). The tartare was perfectly mild and fresh, and was served so you could make little lettuce wraps with it. Yum! Even more delicious was the delicata squash, which was served with goat cheese, hazelnuts, and a chili oil for a perfect kick of heat. I think I could have eaten that squash for every meal and died happy. I also tried some homemade Mandarin Orange Sorbet for dessert…they will even serve it with a small glass of Cava to make a “slushie” of types if you’d like!

A plate of steak tartare.
Steak Tartare plate at Tasty n Alder.
A small plate filled with delicata squash and goat cheese.
How perfect is that delicata squash?
A bowl of sorbet with a glass of Cava in the background.
Who doesn’t enjoy a good sip with their dessert?!
Brunch was another amazing experience.

There was a line out the door before the restaurant even opened, which shows how much people love to come to this place! I ordered a Cheddar Biscuit Sandwich, a side of Cornmeal Pancake with Jalapeno Butter (per a friend’s suggestion!), and the most amazing Maple Cumin Glazed Yams. Food coma soon ensued, but every bite was worth it (and way too good to pass up!). The biscuit on the sandwich was the best I’ve ever had. The cornmeal pancake was creamy and delicious. And the yams, which were easily the star of the show, were out of this world. They had a crunchy maple cumin crust, and were sweet and spicy all at the same time. This is a spot that you don’t want to miss if you’re a breakfast lover!

A biscuit sandwich cut in half.
The Cheddar Biscuit Sandwich…look at those flaky layers!
A cornmeal pancake in a small cast iron pan.
The Cornmeal Pancake with Jalapeno Butter served in a mini cast iron skillet.
Three small yams on a small white plate.
The star of the show: Maple Cumin Glazed Yams
A glazed yam cut in half.
Look at the little baby yam!

My Final Thoughts

All in all, I came to learn that the cuisine in Portland features a very international variety of restaurants that go above and beyond in terms of flavor and experience. Lines out the door at restaurants are not uncommon, and a sign of how appreciated these eateries are by locals and tourists alike. Since returning from Portland, I’ve had several people comment about their own experiences there and how much they enjoyed the food, so while these are my personal top ten picks, I have no doubt that there are dozens of other five-star experiences just waiting to be had!

So, next time you’re in Portland, take a step outside of your comfort zone to try a type of cuisine that may not be familiar. You never know, it may be some of the best bites you ever have!

Do you have any Portland food favorites? Let me know in the comments below!

3 Misconceptions About Travel (And 9 Tips for Overcoming Them)

Posted on by caitlin

Traveling is my favorite thing to do. I not only enjoy experiencing new places, I absolutely love the planning process, too. You can learn an incredible amount through travel, and I think it’s ultimately one of the most rewarding ways to spend your time and money.

Now, with that said, I also know there are plenty of reasons that people choose not to travel. Expenses, difficulty getting time off work, and (what can be) an overwhelming planning process are just a few of those reasons. Luckily there are plenty of resources available these days that help the average person (just like me) accomplish their travel dreams, keeping in mind these limitations!

I put together 3 common misconceptions you may have about traveling, and have provided some resources that (I hope) will help you get exploring! Note: these are not sponsored resources. All opinions are my own!

The bay in Applecross, Scotland
If you want more views like this in your life, keep reading! (Photo taken in Applecross, Scotland)

Misconception #1: You need to be rich to travel.

Sure, travel can be expensive. No doubt about that! But if you make traveling a priority, and need to do it on a budget, there are ways to make it happen.

Consider investing in a credit card with travel benefits.

Some will offer pretty big points bonuses if you spend a certain amount in your first month or two. Tucker and I invested in a credit card like this shortly before we were due to make some big purchases…we earned the 50,000 points bonus, and between that and our regularly monthly purchases, ten of our 13 nights of hotel stays in Europe last year were covered! Just for buying things that we needed to purchase anyway.

White car driving through forested road.
As an added bonus, saving on hotels made things like renting this little car possible!
Flights can be one of the most expensive parts of travel.

The nuanced airline industry with ever-changing flight prices makes it difficult to know whether or not you’re actually getting a good deal on your airfare. Enter: Scott’s Cheap Flights. In a nutshell, Scott’s Cheap Flights scours the internet looking for cheap flight deals. For free (or for a minimal fee for the premium subscription), you can subscribe to Scott’s email list and receive notifications whenever a cheap deal arises. I jumped on a cheap flight deal from Scott’s Cheap Flights last year when I booked two round-trip, direct flight tickets to Stockholm for under $800.00. (That’s less than the cost of what one ticket would normally cost!) The cheap flights allowed us to jet set to Europe and check some more destinations off of our bucket list. Once in Europe, it was pretty inexpensive to jump on some commuter flights and hop around the continent! Scott’s Cheap Flights has enabled me to travel more often that I previously thought was possible. To learn more, visit scottscheapflights.com.

Sunset over Sweden's archipelago from an airplane.
The view of Sweden’s archipelago from the air…a view I wouldn’t have seen without Scott’s Cheap Flights!
Let’s face it: cities are tourist traps.

Prices are higher on everything from food to fuel. One way that you can stay within your budget is to limit the amount of time you are spending in big cities. Add a few off-the-beaten-path locations to your itinerary as well. Hotel prices, the cost of food, and even the cost of activities decrease greatly as soon as you leave major cities. On our trip to Europe last summer, we spent several days traveling through Bavaria, staying in small towns along the way. Our hotels were a fraction of the cost of those in Stockholm, Munich, and Salzburg (all the big cities we hit along the way).

An old monastery tucked in the mountains.
This was our view from our hotel in Ettal, Germany. This off-the-beaten-path location was beyond charming, and affordable too!
Another way to save big in the cities is by splitting your meals with your travel partner(s).

Tucker and I make a habit of trying to split plates, especially in countries where we know that portions are normally HUGE (hello, Germany). The benefit of this is that you pay half of what you would have normally paid for a meal. Worst-case scenario, if you’re still hungry after splitting a meal, then you have the chance to pick up a snack from a street vendor or a scoop of ice cream at the corner shop. Another opportunity to try local bites! Note: I do not recommend splitting your beers…because, why would you do such a thing?

Caitlin & Tucker at a biergarten in Germany with a plate of food.
Splitting some brats and a pretzel in Munich. Not splitting any beer.

Misconception #2: To have the best possible travel experience, I need to travel to far-away places.

This could not be more false. As an avid domestic and international traveler, I can say that some of the most fun trips have been ones where we are just a few hours away from home. If you’re looking to save money by staying close to home, then a road trip will be your best friend!

Caitlin, Tucker, and Oakley on a camping trip in the desert.
We camped at this little place called Giant Rock, and it was only a couple hours away from home!
Look and see if there are any state or national parks within driving distance of your home.

If camping is something you’re interested in, then take the opportunity to spend some time in nature. I find that this is often a more relaxing getaway than a bustling international trip. Not to mention it is a huge cost-saver! Take a look at my post on Road Trippin’ Tips for some more ideas of how you can make the most of your time on the road.

Caitlin, Tucker, and Oakley at the Grand Canyon.
One of my favorite trips was to the Grand Canyon. We found this secluded overlook where we watched the sunset over the canyon all by ourselves. It was incredible! (Also, trying to get a puppy to sit still and look at the camera for this photo was very difficult.)
A screenshot of the Northwestern US/Canada showing a planned road trip route.
P.S. Have you seen our road trip itinerary for June 2018? Check out more details on Instagram @sips_n_tips, or read my full recap post here!!
Staycations have become a popular term as of late, and rightly so!

Living in the LA area, there are countless experiences I’ve never taken advantage of, even though they’re in my backyard. Take a look to see what opportunities are around you. Maybe you could seek out a food tour in your nearby city (these are becoming very popular, and are AWESOME experiences!), or stop into a museum or two that you haven’t seen before. Dig into the history of your area and look for clues into the decades past through architecture, monuments, or traditions. Immerse yourself in what is in your own backyard!

Closeup photo of fried seafood from a food tour.
Our food tour in Venice, Italy was a highlight of our trip. My mouth waters just thinking of this Fritto Misto we sampled along our tour!

Misconception #3: Planning an itinerary in another country is like finding a needle in a haystack.

It’s easy to see how planning a travel itinerary can be daunting, especially considering language barriers, foreign currency, or customs that are different than your own. If you don’t enjoy the puzzle of planning a trip, I can guarantee there are plenty of others who can help!

Travel bloggers galore publish their own travel itineraries as a guide to help others have similar adventures.

A couple of my favorite blogs are Bruised Passports (whose post on The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary in Bavaria was major inspiration for our trip to Europe last year!) and Helene In Between, who has an awesome story of moving to Germany from Texas to explore the world and blog about her experiences. Both of these bloggers post dozens of sample itineraries for trips all over the world. These can serve as a great starting point for your own travel plans. If Ireland is in your future, you can check out my post on 5 Days in Ireland (For the Adventurous Soul) as a starting point, too!

Caitlin posing on the top of the alps in Germany.
Thanks to Bruised Passports, we knew that we had to make a trip up the Karwendelbahn in MIttenwald, Germany. This was the highlight of our trip!
One thing I don’t recommend is relying solely on TripAdvisor reviews for your travels.

TripAdvisor has its place, but some reviews or recommended activities are sponsored or fake, and can therefore lead you in the wrong direction. Try instead to read reviews from independent bloggers or locals from the area you are traveling to. Dig a little deeper than the first google result to figure out what you really want to see!

The outside of a restaurant called The Pie Maker in Galway, Ireland.
The Pie Maker is a perfect example of why you should dig deeper to find unique places when you travel. Check out my post on 5 Days in Ireland (For the Adventurous Soul) to learn more about this hole in the wall!
While there is something to be said for spontaneity when you travel…

…I do highly recommend doing at least a little bit of research on each location before you arrive. Having a general idea of what the area has to offer will help you make the most of your time. I try to do a little research, or gather intel from friends and family who have visited the location, on reliable restaurants in the area. Tucker and I have gotten burned more than a few times trying to find a bite to eat late at night. Depending on the area you are in, it may not be customary to keep restaurants open late! Having restaurant options in my back pocket has been a lifesaver when we find ourselves crunched for time.

P.S. Check out my blog post about food tours and how they can help out in this area, too!

Tucker at an Indian restaurant in Austria.
One of the best meals we have ever had while traveling was in Salzburg, Austria, where we had the BEST Indian food. Random? Yes. But when we were in a pinch, we knew that this was a reliable option (and it proved to be delish, too).

All in all, travel is what you make it. If you want a luxurious, high-end trip to a private island, that opportunity is out there. But, if you have limitations (like most normal humans do), there are ways to make travel happen within the parameters that you set. So, go ahead, dream up your ideal vacation…then use the resources around you to make it happen!

Do you have a favorite resource or tip for making travel easier? I’d love to know in the comments below!

Road Trip Tips: Making the Most of Holiday Travel

Posted on by caitlin

The holidays are synonymous with good food, family time, and the oh-so daunting travel. Unfortunately, the “travel” part doesn’t always get the best rap…flight delays, road trip traffic, and busy schedules have everyone more stressed than usual!

This year, Tucker and I are road tripping from Southern California up to Oregon for the holidays, and we’ve decided that we are going to make the most of the 14-hour drive. We are frequent road trippers, so we’ve put together a few tips that will take your drive from grueling and long to memorable and fun. Check them out!

Truck parked in the snow.
The Super Duty…our road trip vehicle of choice!

  1. Opt for the Scenic Route

While we could make the drive in 12-hours or less, it would be a pretty boring route up the 5 freeway to get there. Both of us have made that drive a million times, so we decided to mix things up and head up the 395 instead. The 395 takes you up the eastern side of California, and passes through places like Mammoth and Lake Tahoe. We can’t wait for some snowy, mountainous scenery, and I’m sure there will be many photo ops along the way. In my opinion, it’s well worth an extra 2-hours in the car to see parts of our state that we haven’t seen, yet!

Truck overlooking vista point.
Can’t argue with vistas like this one.

  1. Find Destinations Along the Way

There’s something for everyone on road-trips, whether you are looking for vista points or craft breweries along the way. While you don’t want to over-research your trip, take a look at the map and see if there is an area you want to be sure to stop at. Adding in these little destinations gives you something to look forward to as you drive, and also makes the drive feel more like a mini-adventure! (Check out how we did this on our epic 5,000+ mile road trip!)

Truck on snowy road.
On the road again…

  1. Pack a Picnic

One of the most time-consuming parts of road trips are the obligatory stops to fill up your tank and your tummy. Rather than pulling into a rest stop, why not pack a picnic of holiday leftovers and eat while overlooking a beautiful vista? This will save you some money while on your trip, and will likely be more memorable than other fast food options you would find along your drive. If you are a craft beer fan, it might not hurt to have a few brews or a growler in your cooler to go with your meal!

Caitlin holding Oakley outside of the truck.
Pit stop for some pictures in Sedona (back when Oakley was little enough to carry!).

  1. Mix Up Your Music

Speaking from personal experience, music on road trips has the potential to be a divisive topic…which is why we are always sure to put a lot of effort into choosing music we BOTH like. Make sure that your music selection has a mix of everyone’s styles of music, and throw in a couple new artists, too! As a kid, my family used to pick an album or two for each road trip we went on, and to this day those songs remind me of certain places along the highway that I sang along to the lyrics. Pick music that makes you happy, and know that it will likely bring back memories in the future! (P.S. don’t forget to bring along some actual CDs, especially if you are driving through remote areas where you may not have phone service!)

Tucker, Caitlin, and Oakley in the back of the truck.
Our little road trippin’ family.

  1. Get Sh*t Done

Got some online shopping to do? Planning for an upcoming event that you’re hosting? There’s no better time to figure out those details that when you’re in a car for hours on end. Put your co-pilot to work researching, communicating, etc., and feel like you’ve accomplished more than just putting hundreds of miles on your vehicle when you park it! No joke—on our recent road trip to the desert the day after Thanksgiving, I did ALL of our Christmas shopping online on our way there. It was the BEST feeling not having to worry about it for the rest of the month!

Caitlin and Oakley in the truck.
Set up and ready to get on the road, Oakley and all.

  1. Your Co-Pilot Should Be Present, Too

There’s nothing worse than having a co-pilot who sleeps through the drive or scrolls through social media the entire trip. Road trips are a great time for bonding with family and friends, and that’s not gonna happen if people aren’t paying attention! Take the opportunity to put the phone away (unless you’re getting sh*t done) and have some good conversation. It makes the drive go by quicker, and you both get to experience new scenery, funny signage, and the adventure of it all together.

Oakley in the back of the truck.
Our little Goldendoodle road warrior, Oakley, ready for another adventure!

  1. Be Spontaneous

We’ve all heard it before: “It’s about the journey, not the destination”. It’s important to remember to enjoy your road trip, rather than stressing about what time you will arrive at your destination. That means if a sign advertising “The World’s Best Apple Pie, Next Exit” catches your eye, then GO! You will be glad you checked it out, instead of passing on the opportunity and never knowing if you will be driving that route again. Even if it is a bum steer, at least you can say you tried. Enjoy the spontaneous moments of your trip, and let go of the stress that an ETA would otherwise cause you.

 

If you are road tripping this holiday season, safe travels and enjoy the ride!

Do you have your own road trip tips that you want to share? Let me know in the comments below!

Cranberry Orange Spritz: A Perfect Holiday Sip

Posted on by caitlin

The holidays are a perfect time to add a new twist to your favorite sips. In this case, I took a simple glass of Prosecco and made it into a Cranberry Orange Spritz.

This easy recipe is perfect for entertaining (it can easily be made into big batches), and its festive look and flavor is perfect for the holiday season.

Two glasses of Cranberry Orange Spritz garnished with rosemary and orange peel.

Ingredients (makes one serving)

5 oz Prosecco

¼ of a navel orange

1/8 cup of unsweetened cranberry juice

1 sprig of rosemary

Orange zest for garnish

Squeeze the juice of the orange into your glass and add the Prosecco and cranberry juice. Stir everything together with your rosemary sprig and garnish with orange zest.

Birds eye view of the glasses.

This cocktail is a perfect example of how adding herbs to your drink can really be what makes it great. In this case, smelling the aroma of the rosemary while you sip the tart Cranberry Orange Spritz gives the drink a balanced, well-rounded flavor. This is a perfect example of how aroma enhances the tasting experience! Garnishing with rosemary gives the drink a rustic, holiday look as well.

Cheers to the holiday season! Did you give this recipe a try? Let me know in the comments below!

Green Olive Tapenade: Recipe for an Easy Meal

Posted on by caitlin

I went looking in my pantry for a couple staple ingredients to put together dinner last night. I could have sworn I had the ingredients, but I quickly found out I did not. Instead, I was forced to be creative with the (very limited) ingredients I found in there. I also got to add the chore of “grocery shopping” to my to-do list. Sigh.

I ended up settling on making a green olive tapenade to go with some pasta and chicken. Not the healthiest meal in the world, but it would do! Much to my surprise, the meal ended up being one of the tastiest I’ve made in a while.

Here’s what you need to do to make it for yourself!

A bowl of pasta
This is my pasta dish with the tapenade mixed in!

Ingredients

10 oz. Spanish Manzanilla Olives stuffed with Pimentos (or another green olive of your choice)

6 oz. freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese

½ cup extra virgin olive oil (or enough until your tapenade reaches your desired consistency)

1 tsp garlic

½ tsp salt

½ tsp white pepper

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Using an immersion blender, take half of your olives and half of your olive oil and blend them together until they have a smooth consistency. This is the base for your tapenade. Freshly grate the cheese and mix it into your base. Roughly chop the rest of your olives and stir them into your tapenade base. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and the remainder of your olive oil. The tapenade should be chunky and moist, but not soupy. Mix the tapenade into your pasta, or serve it on some bread as an appetizer.

This recipe will make about 2 cups of tapenade. I only used half for my pasta, and I froze the second half for a future recipe!

 

The sharp cheese, salty olives, and spicy pepper make this tapenade a flavor bomb. It’s a quick and easy recipe that is sure to impress whoever eats it!

Did you try this recipe? Let me know what you thought in the comments below!

Pumpkin Everything! 5 Recipes Made with REAL Pumpkins

Posted on by caitlin

It’s Thanksgiving-eve, and the height of pumpkin everything season, so I thought I would share some of the pumpkin recipes I’ve been working on over the past couple of weeks. The best part is that all of these recipes are made with REAL pumpkins!

Did you know that canned “pumpkin” is really not pure pumpkin? Even if it says “100% pure”, chances are it is actually a mixture of other squashes. The USDA is lenient about what constitutes “pumpkin”, and approves labeling a product “pure pumpkin” so long as it contains either pumpkin or squash (such as butternut, Hubbard, Golden Delicious, and Boston Marrow). So, who knows what you’re really eating when you use the canned stuff…

Learning that was reason enough for me to try my hand at roasting and baking/cooking with real pumpkin. I was curious if there would be a difference in taste and texture, and enticed at the idea that using a real pumpkin was more nutritious than the canned alternative. Which means REAL pumpkin pie can be called healthy, right?

I came up with 5 recipes made with real pumpkin, fit for all your breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert needs. Scroll down to read the recipes (and see the mouthwatering pictures to entice you to make it for yourself!).

raw pumpkins sliced in half
Fresh pumpkins ready to be baked!

Here’s a sneak peak of the recipes below:

Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

Pumpkin Pancakes

Pumpkin Butter

Pumpkin Bourbon Pie

Pumpkin Bourbon Ice Cream

How to roast a pumpkin, since you’ll need to know for each of the recipes below:

Half the pumpkin, scoop out the seeds, and season (if necessary). Place the halves face down on a baking sheet, and bake in a 350-degree oven for about 40 minutes, or until fork tender.

Roasted pumpkins on a baking sheet
Roasted and ready to be used!

Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

Credit for this idea goes to my sister, Megan. She was looking for a healthy, seasonal pasta sauce and started experimenting with some pumpkin and sweet potato. She came up with the base, and we perfected it together!

1 pie pumpkin, roasted and mashed

1 medium sweet potato

½ cup milk

1 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp salt

1 pinch of cayenne pepper

½ tsp white pepper

½ tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp Herbs de Provence

1 dollop of sour cream

1 pinch of black pepper

A bowl of pasta topped with pumpkin pasta sauce.
The ultimate comfort food.

Cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds. Season it with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast the pumpkin in a 350-degree oven face-down for about 40 minutes. Roast the sweet potato for about 20 minutes, or put it in the microwave until tender.

Add pumpkin, sweet potato, and all other ingredients to a food processor. Puree until a thick, soupy consistency forms. Serve over pasta. (We added some sweet Italian sausage and freshly grated Romano cheese…delish!)

Pumpkin Oat Pancakes

½ pie pumpkin, roasted

½ tsp Cloves

½ tsp Ginger

1 tsp Nutmeg

1 tsp Cinnamon

1 tbsp Vanilla Extract

1 tbsp Sugar

2 Eggs

1 pinch Salt

1 cup Flour

1 tsp Baking Powder

¾ cup Milk

½ cup Oats

A white plate with pumpkin pancakes
Warm pancakes ready to be eaten…

Mash the roasted pumpkin and add all other ingredients to the mash. Depending on the size of your pumpkin or how moist it is, you may need to adjust some of the wet/dry ingredients to ensure the consistency is right for pancake batter.

Scoop ½ cup of batter at a time into a buttered pan. Serve with butter and/or maple syrup.

Pumpkin Butter

2 cups spiced apple cider (I use Trader Joe’s brand…it’s got lots of spices. If you use a brand with fewer spices, you may need to increase the amount of spices you add to the recipe)

1 pie pumpkin, roasted

½ cup sugar

½ tsp nutmeg

½ tsp ginger

¼ tsp cloves

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 pinch of salt

A mini mason jar filled with pumpkin butter
A perfect little holiday gift.

Mash the roasted pumpkin in a bowl and add all of the other ingredients. Using an immersion blender, make sure ingredients are well-combined and there are no lumps in the mixture. You can also use a food processor if you don’t have an immersion blender.

Pour mix into a sauce pan and cook over medium heat for about 1 hour, or until it reduces to a thick, spreadable consistency. Makes about 3 cups of butter.

This pumpkin butter makes for an easy and delicious favor (especially packaged in little mason jars). You can also mix this into oatmeal, serve it over ice cream, or (my favorite) spread it over a bagel and cream cheese.

Pumpkin Bourbon Pie

1 pie pumpkin, roasted

12 oz evaporated milk

2 eggs

¾ cup brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ginger

1 tsp nutmeg

½ tsp cloves

½ tsp salt

2 tbsp bourbon

1 tbsp vanilla extract

Close up photo of pumpkin bourbon pie.
Fall leaves to garnish the pie!

Combine all ingredients in a bowl, and mix with an immersion blender (or food processor). Pour into pie crust (I used store-bought…we can’t do it all on Thanksgiving) and bake for about 40 minutes at 400 degrees. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream!

If you have extra pie crust, you can cut shapes out of it and use them to decorate your pie. Take your pie out of the oven 20 minutes early, decorate as you like, and pop it back in for the last 20 minutes of baking.

This pumpkin pie base makes for a great addition to other desserts too…I’m using it to make Pumpkin Cranberry Bars for the holiday. Recipe to come if they turn out well!

Pumpkin Bourbon Ice Cream

I can’t take full credit for this recipe—it is based off of a recipe from Bi-Rite Creamery. I made a couple small adjustments to make it my own, and I liked the way it turned out.

2 cups heavy cream

½ cup milk

½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp ginger

½ of a pie pumpkin, roasted

6 egg yolks

12 tbsp brown sugar, divided in half

2 tbsp bourbon

1 tbsp vanilla extract

¼ cup raw pecans (for topping)

A bowl with two scoops of pumpkin bourbon ice cream
It tasted even better than it looked.

Combine half of the brown sugar, egg yolks, and spices in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, milk, brown sugar, and bourbon. Heat until the mixture reaches a bare simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

Take ¼ cup of the heated mixture, and slowly add it to the bowl of egg mixture, mixing constantly. Repeat this until you have added 1 cup of the cream. Then, slowly add the egg mixture to the saucepan, mixing constantly. Once the mixture has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool. Refrigerate the mixture until fully chilled, or overnight.

Once completely chilled, add the pumpkin and vanilla to the mixture. Mix with an immersion blender.

Churn in an ice cream maker according to machine instructions. Serve immediately, or chill in the freezer if you like firmer texture. Top with some raw pecans for an extra crunch!

Happy Thanksgiving, and Happy Pumpkin Season!

Wine-ing on a Budget: Wines For Under $10 a Bottle

Posted on by caitlin

If life were perfect, we would all be able to drink nice, expensive wine all the time. But it’s not. Instead, we have budgets. Like, wine under $10 budgets.

I decided to take an adventure to Total Wine and travel around the world (read: travel through the aisles) to find wines for under $10 a bottle. I wanted to get wines from a variety of regions and see how they all compared. I picked 10 bottles, and of those, would definitely buy 9 of them again!

Without further ado, here are my thoughts on each!

 

  1. Condado de Eguren Trempranillo 2013

This wine was my favorite of the bunch, and would be my first pick to purchase again. It was great right out of the bottle, and only got better as it opened up. It has a peppery flavor to it, and ends with a touch of sweetness in every sip. If you like “big” wines, you’ll like this one. It’s well-rounded in flavor, and smells delightful, too!

Bottle of tempranillo

  1. Cren della Lepre Piemonte Barbera 2015

This Italian wine was a good one. It has a mild flavor, but isn’t sweet or fruit-forward. Lots of other cheap wines hide behind “sweetness”, but this one doesn’t at all! Even though it’s a cheap bottle, it is reminiscent of some “fine wines” I’ve had in the past that are full of body and have complex flavors. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy this one again!

Bottle of wine with glass of wine in front

  1. Kitchen Sink California Red Table Wine (Santa Rosa)

This wine is a blend of Zinfindel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Syrah. It has a smooth body too it and is an easy drinking wine. This one is also great right out of the bottle. The complex flavor of the Syrah really comes through at the end, which I love! It’s also nice to get a good California wine for under $10!

Bottle of wine with glass of wine in front
How perfect is this glass that a friend of mine gave me…my new favorite!

  1. Hermes Red Dry Wine

This wine is fruit-forward with a dry finish. It is from Greece, but reminds me of a California Pinot Noir in terms of its body. It is light in color and flavor, and goes well with light meals. It gets smoother and more flavorful the longer it is open, so this one is worth decanting.

Bottle of wine with glass of wine in front

  1. Nostrada Estate Wines Garnacha Campo de Borja 2015

This is an easy-to-drink, everyday wine. Like the Hermes, the flavor improves the longer this wine is open. It has a balanced flavor, and doesn’t overdo the fruit or tannins. This wine isn’t too dry and has a great finish overall.

bottle of rioja wine

  1. La Putere Recas (Romania)

Who knew good wines come from Romania? It’s little-known wine producing region, which may help explain the inexpensive price. This wine is very fruit-forward, and has flavors of cooked berries and blueberry in the first sip. It is a really unique wine—I’ve never tasted such distinguished berry flavors in a wine before. Even though I’m not a huge fan of fruit-forward, sweeter wines, I would buy this one again.

Bottle of wine with glass of wine in front

  1. Cruz Alta 2015 Malbec

This wine is smooth from the start, and easy to drink right out of the bottle. It’s not as full-bodied or “spicy” as other Malbec’s I’ve had, I would say it has a mild flavor overall. It’s a good weeknight drinking wine…nothing super special, but definitely not bad. I would get this again, but not for any special occasion. The tall, slim bottle is also really pretty!

Bottle of wine with glass of wine in front

  1. Domaine De Clairfont Rhine Red Wine 2015

This is a French table wine, and is light in flavor and color. This one also reminds me of a Pinor Noir. It has a peppery taste to it up front, and has a dry finish. I thought it was best the first night it was open.

Bottle of wine with glass of wine in front

  1. Happy Camper Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine is sweet on the palate in the first sip, but has a dry finish. I would buy this one again, but would be sure to drink it the first night it was open. It got very sweet the longer it was open, and some of the flavors were masked by the wine becoming overly-sweet.

Bottle of wine next to candle

Wines I would skip (but are still worth mentioning):

1. Releaf Sweet Red Wine 2015

I know the label says “sweet red wine”, but somehow, I missed that when I bought it. Anyway, I decided to give it a try, and it is SWEET. Like, Reisling sweet. I thought I would mention it because even though sweet wines are not my preference, I still thought it had good flavor. If you enjoy sweet wines, you’ll likely appreciate what this bottle has to offer!

Bottle of wine with glass of wine in front

 

I’m no expert in judging wine (I like to think I’m an expert at drinking it, though). Making grand statements about wine can be daunting, especially when the wine-tasting culture is perceived to be so stuffy. With that in mind, I thought I would end by paraphrasing from my favorite wine documentary, Somm: Into the Bottle: “One of the most important things about wine is who opens it and their experience with it… It should create joy in your life, because your perception is what makes it special. Once you pop the cork and put the wine in that glass, only one thing matters: Is it delicious?”

If YOU like the wine, that’s all that counts!

Do you have a favorite wine for under $10? Let me know in the comments below!