JPC Ventures Travel

Italy does not have one wine story. It has dozens. A glass of Barolo from the foggy hills of Piedmont feels nothing like a sun-warmed Nero d’Avola from Sicily, and both are completely Italian. That is what makes planning a wine trip here so rewarding, and a little confusing. Every region grows grapes. Many towns have their own prized bottle. The best trip depends on what you want to drink, what kind of scenery you want around you, and whether you prefer harvest energy, quiet cellar visits, or...

Lebanon is small on the map, yet its wine story stretches across thousands of years, from ancient traders on the Mediterranean coast to modern cellars tucked into mountain slopes. Few wine countries carry that much history in such a compact place. The country’s vineyards grow between sea, valley, and mountain. Some vines face snowy peaks. Others sit above the blue line of the Mediterranean. Many rest in the Bekaa Valley, where dry summers, cool nights, and high altitude help grapes ripen with...

A good red wine pairing does not need to be fussy. The best ones often come from one simple idea: match the mood of the wine to the mood of the food. Carménère, with its dark fruit, green pepper, smoke, and soft spice, loves savory appetizers with a little char and earthiness. For fall, a lesser-known red like Blaufränkisch brings bright cherry, pepper, and fresh acidity to richer seasonal dishes without weighing them down. Below are two recipes built for that kind of pairing. One is a small,...