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.

Chris with Résonance winemaker Guillaume Large.

When we first embarked on this project, our vision was straightforward: to uncover the story behind each bottle of wine, to remove the pretentiousness that sometimes clouds the enjoyment of wine, and to speak directly with winemakers. We wanted to know how the wine we were drinking ended up in the glass, understanding that it was so much more than just a liquid. It was a narrative—a complex mix of heritage, passion, struggle, and artistry.

Our curiosity has taken us from casual wine enthusiasts to advocates for the people and stories behind each vineyard. Over time, what were once personal vacations became voyages into the soul of wine itself.

Allison with Bob Lindquist (right) and the late Jim Clendenen.

In the beginning, we weren’t sure we could keep up. We committed to earning our WSET credentials and writing one article per week, and often wondered if we’d make it beyond a year. It seemed ambitious; life was busy, and with full-time jobs and family commitments, we’d often find ourselves scrambling to publish. But as it turns out, the world of wine is endlessly rich, and a decade in, we still haven’t run out of topics to explore.

From the fascinating histories of family-run vineyards to innovative vineyard practices, from traditional techniques to cutting-edge biodynamics, each week presents a new story, a fresh insight, or an unforgettable character.

With Polkura winemaker Sven Bruchfeld.

Our travels have taken us to every corner of the world, each journey an opportunity to see wine through new eyes. We’ve explored renowned wine regions across Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Croatia and Australia; we’ve visited Argentina, Chile, South Africa and countless regions within the United States and Canada. Each visit opened up a deeper level of understanding and respect for what goes into creating wine. Whether it’s exploring the rustic elegance of the Pacific Northwest or the refined vineyards of Burgundy, we’ve walked away with knowledge—and friendships—that transcend borders.

Allison working her first harvest with Folly of Man.

In fact, the desire to experience the process firsthand led one of us to roll up our sleeves for a first-ever harvest—a truly hands-on AdVINEture that offered a fresh perspective on the labor, skill, and heart poured into each bottle. Getting involved in the hard, gritty work of picking, sorting, and punch downs added an invaluable layer of insight to our storytelling, reminding us that every bottle we’ve reviewed is a product of real passion, patience, and teamwork.

With winemaker Rollin Soles of ROCO Winery.

What has struck us most is the way wine brings people together. Over the years, we’ve met more than 300 winemakers and countless wine lovers, each sharing their unique perspective on what makes wine special. The people we’ve met and the stories they’ve shared have expanded not only our palates but our lives. From the innovative to the traditional, each winemaker brings their own narrative to the table.

At Domaine de la Romanée-Conti in Burgundy.

And no matter where we are in the world, there is a shared joy in the communal experience of wine, a magic that defies geography. We’ve learned that winemakers are among the most grounded, passionate, and generous people around, and thanks to this blog, we have friends around the globe who remind us of the bonds that good wine can forge.

Reflecting on these ten years, we are profoundly grateful for everyone who has followed along, shared a bottle with us, or encouraged us on this journey. It’s been a privilege to pull back the curtain on the world of wine and explore it through our own lens, and we’re thrilled to continue the journey. We look forward to another decade of stories, glasses raised, and the connections that wine always seems to create.

Thank you for being part of AdVINEtures. Here’s to the next ten years—and all the memories and friends we’ve yet to make. Cheers!