Taking life one sip at a time
Stunning views no matter the angle.
Perched atop a picturesque hill in the heart of Napa Valley’s Carneros AVA, Artesa Winery offers far more than a wine tasting experience—it’s a destination where art and winemaking converge in stunning harmony. Steeped in tradition yet guided by modern innovation, Artesa seamlessly blends its Catalan heritage with the vibrant spirit of California’s wine country, captivating visitors with feast for the senses before they even lift a glass.
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Spectacular views on the way to ‘paradise’ (the lighthouse).
Buenos Aires is a city of grand architecture, but few buildings tell a story as intricate as Palacio Barolo.
Rising 100 meters above Avenida de Mayo, this early 20th-century masterpiece is more than just an office building—it’s a love letter to literature, an architectural marvel, and, for those in the know, one of the most spectacular places to take in the city skyline with a glass of wine in hand.
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The coolest of the Napa Valley AVAs.
The Carneros American Viticultural Area (AVA) holds a unique place in California’s winemaking landscape. Straddling both Napa and Sonoma counties, Carneros is distinguished by its cooler climate, which is heavily influenced by its proximity to the San Pablo Bay. This climate makes it ideal for growing cool-climate grape varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and the AVA has earned a global reputation for producing excellent sparkling wines as well.
Read MoreChateau St. Jean’s story began in 1973, when its three founders set out to create a winery that would capture the unique qualities of Sonoma’s vineyards.
The estate vineyard in Kenwood.
The name, inspired by Jean Sheffield, reflects her role as the heart of their circle—wife, sister, and sister-in-law to the three founders—and the only person who could keep them united with her “saintly” patience. Over the years, Chateau St. Jean has remained rooted in the spirit of community, warmth, and hospitality. Here, wine is more than a product; it’s a celebration of the good things in life, a testament to Sonoma’s character, and an invitation to gather and enjoy.
With the recent announcement of a new winemaker, this iconic winery is set to embark on a dynamic new era, building on its tradition of producing wines that capture the true spirit of Sonoma’s varied terroir.
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Scott & Marta Rich.
For over three decades, Scott and Marta Rich of Talisman Wines have dedicated themselves to producing extraordinary Pinot Noirs that are as much about place and people as they are about the grape. Their recent “Dog Vineyard” Vertical Dinner epitomized this ethos, showcasing wines from four of their beloved vineyards—Red Dog, Gus’s, Huckleberry’s, and Sadie’s—in an unforgettable evening of wine, food, and camaraderie.
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Haywire Lunar Red honouring the Year of the Snake.
As the Lunar New Year approaches—a time rich with community and celebration—there’s one bottle in particular that deserves a place on your table. Haywire Winery has just released its limited-edition Haywire Lunar Red, crafted to honour the Year of the Snake on January 29, 2025. Available for $28.88 per bottle, this special release continues a tradition that began in 2014 when Haywire became the first winery in British Columbia to create a Lunar New Year wine.
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Visiting the Douro Valley in Portugal.
It’s hard to believe that 2024 marked ten years since we started AdVINEtures. What began as a simple blog born out of a shared passion project has blossomed into a decade-long journey that has brought us experiences and knowledge we could never have anticipated. This milestone feels surreal. Ten years ago, we simply wanted a place to share our itineraries and recommendations, a resource for friends constantly asking us where to go and what to do when visiting wine country. What we didn’t know then was how our pursuit of stories behind the glass would transform our own lives and take us far beyond simply sharing “tips” on wine destinations.
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Stu Smith.
Over 50 years of winemaking, Stu Smith of Smith-Madrone Vineyards has seen more than most. From the early days of hand-clearing dense forest on Spring Mountain to cultivating a legacy of authenticity, Stu has weathered the highs and lows of an evolving Napa Valley. But no event has left a more lasting impression than the devastating 2020 Glass Fire.
“That fire changed everything,” Stuart reflects. Burned trees still stand as stark reminders of the destruction. Hydrants installed as part of proactive fire protection signal his resolve to defend against future threats. Yet the psychological and financial toll remains. “We’re still recovering,” he admits. And while the vines have proven resilient, the scars on the land – and the cost that comes with it – are not so easily healed.
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