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by www.vino-con-vista.com | May 20, 2012

Thomas Jefferson was a Wine Enthusiast: Best Presidential Wine Festivals

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Did you know that President Thomas Jefferson was a Wine Enthusiast? Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743. This polymath was an American Founding Father, the principal author of the United States Declaration of Independence (1776), the third President of the United States (1801–1809), founder of the University of Virginia and the father of American viticulture.

Thomas Jefferson Memorial (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In 1768, he started construction of his Neo-Palladian Monticello mansion on 5,000 acres. Monticello was his mountaintop home in Virginia with a vista of his his former home of Shadwell. (Read more...) When he was the Minister to France from 1784–1789, he had an opportunity to see some classical European buildings and taste alot of French wine. In 1794, following his service as Secretary of State he began rebuilding Monticello based on the ideas he had acquired in Europe.

Image via Wikipedia

Monticello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark just outside Charlottesville, Virginia. An image of the west front of Monticello by Felix Schlag has been featured on the reverse side of the nickel minted sine 1938. Monticello also appeared on the reverse of the two-dollar bill from 1928 to 1966, when the bill was discontinued. The gift shop at Monticello hands out current two-dollar bills with Jefferson’s portrait as change.

Thomas Jefferson portrait on two dollar bill (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Reverse of Series 1953A $2 bill (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Charlottesville, Virginia city hall, detail of facade showing bas relief statues of James Madison, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here are some interesting Wine Festivals that honor American History:

Monticello Wine Festival in Charlottesville, Virginina is held in May. Enjoy the Monticello estate and taste Virginia’s best selection of wines. Enjoy the splendor of spring in full bloom as you savor your glass of Virginia wine on the West Lawn just like Jefferson did. Visit the restored vineyards and meet wine-maker Gabriele Rausse. Take tours of Jefferson’s home and listen to live music on the West Lawn. Local wine experts are usually available to answer questions about the region’s finest wines and how they compare to the vintages that Jefferson enjoyed.

Thomas Jefferson’s Wine Festival in Bedford on November 17, 2012. Celebrate Jefferson’s passion for wine! The festival will feature Virginia wineries, artisans and local food purveyors and musical entertainment.

Montpelier, home of fourth US president James Madison, seen in 1975 during the duPont family’s ownership of the property. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

President James Madison served as the second Rector of the University of Virginia until his death in 1836. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Montpelier (home of James Madison) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Montpelier Wine Festival is help in May and showcases 24 premier Virginia wineries on the historic grounds of President James Madison‘s residence. Live music, cooking and wine tasting classes all add to the experience.

President Barack Obama looks at a portrait of President James Madison while waiting in the Blue Room prior to his press conference in the East Room 2/9/09. Français : Le président Barack Obama regardant un portrait du président fr:James Madison alors qu’il attend dans la Blue Room avant une conférence de presse dans lEast Room, 09/02/09. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“Washington as Farmer at Mount Vernon”, 1851, part of a series on George Washington by Junius Brutus Stearns. Located at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Black and white photograph of Mount Vernon, home of United States General and President George Washington (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour at Mount Vernon in Alexandria in May.

Mount Vernon is a Georgian structure that is located near Alexandria Virginia. It was George Washington’s plantation home and is a National Historic Landmark that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The neoclassical structure is located on the banks of the Potomac River.

Mount Vernon, Virginia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Mount Vernon has a spring celebration of the history of the Virginia wine industry on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac River. Guests sample wines from award-winning Virginia wineries. You can learn about the successes and failures of our Founding Father’s wine endeavors and enjoy live music. Guests can register for an evening tour of George Washington’s home and are invited to visit the rarely-open basement cellar vaults where he stored his wine.

Washington’s room, Mount Vernon mansion, by N. G. Johnson 5 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Wounded soldiers being tended in the field after the Battle of Chancellorsville near Fredericksburg, Va. 111-B-349. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fredericksburg Area Wine Festival – Fredericksburg, October 6-7, 2012 Eight Virginia wineries have samples of their wines, as well as microbrews from Blue and Gray Micro Brewery! Food concessions, local crafters and artisans, live music, and Aubrey Treakle’s Barrel Train for the kids. Free admission to retired and active military with ID.

Click here to learn more about Civil War History.

Click here to learn more about Virginia Wine Travel, Virginia Wine and Virginia Wine Trails.

Here are some Virginia iPhone Apps

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

Taste Washington 2012: A Food and Wine Festival in Seattle (vinoconvistablog.me)
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (vinoconvistablog.me)
Top Eight Decisions That Changed the Us (pastparallelpaths.wordpress.com)
The Mount Vernon Spring Wine Festival 2012 in Virginia (vinoconvistablog.com)
Jefferson…Meet the Wine Bloggers, Wine Bloggers…Meet Jefferson (fermentation.typepad.com)

Filed under: Italy Travel Guides, Thomas Jefferson was a Wine Enthusiast: Presidential Wine Festivals Tagged: Elizabeth River, Farmville Wine Festival, George Washington, James Madison, Jefferson, Lake Anna, Monticello, National Historic Landmark, Smithfield Wine & Brew Fest, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson was a Wine Enthusiast: Presidential Wine Festivals, United States Declaration of Independence, University of Virginia, Virginia, Virginia wine

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Filed under Elizabeth River, Farmville Wine Festival, Italy Travel Guides, James Madison, Jefferson, Lake Anna, Monticello, National Historic Landmark, Smithfield Wine & Brew Fest, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson was a Wine Enthusiast: Presidential Wine Festivals, United States Declaration of Independence, University of Virginia, Virginia, Virginia wine

Tagged as George Washington

by www.vino-con-vista.com | May 20, 2012

Thomas Jefferson was a Wine Enthusiast: Best Presidential Wine Festivals

Image via Wikipedia

Thomas Jefferson Memorial (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Image via Wikipedia

Thomas Jefferson portrait on two dollar bill (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Reverse of Series 1953A $2 bill (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Charlottesville, Virginia city hall, detail of facade showing bas relief statues of James Madison, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here are some interesting Wine Festivals that honor American History:

Montpelier, home of fourth US president James Madison, seen in 1975 during the duPont family’s ownership of the property. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

President James Madison served as the second Rector of the University of Virginia until his death in 1836. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Montpelier (home of James Madison) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“Washington as Farmer at Mount Vernon”, 1851, part of a series on George Washington by Junius Brutus Stearns. Located at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Black and white photograph of Mount Vernon, home of United States General and President George Washington (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour at Mount Vernon in Alexandria in May.

Mount Vernon, Virginia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Washington’s room, Mount Vernon mansion, by N. G. Johnson 5 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Wounded soldiers being tended in the field after the Battle of Chancellorsville near Fredericksburg, Va. 111-B-349. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Click here to learn more about Civil War History.

Click here to learn more about Virginia Wine Travel, Virginia Wine and Virginia Wine Trails.

Here are some Virginia iPhone Apps

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

Taste Washington 2012: A Food and Wine Festival in Seattle (vinoconvistablog.me)
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (vinoconvistablog.me)
Top Eight Decisions That Changed the Us (pastparallelpaths.wordpress.com)
The Mount Vernon Spring Wine Festival 2012 in Virginia (vinoconvistablog.com)
Jefferson…Meet the Wine Bloggers, Wine Bloggers…Meet Jefferson (fermentation.typepad.com)

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Filed under Elizabeth River, Farmville Wine Festival, Italy Travel Guides, James Madison, Jefferson, Lake Anna, Monticello, National Historic Landmark, Smithfield Wine & Brew Fest, Thomas Jefferson, United States Declaration of Independence, University of Virginia, Virginia, Virginia wine

Tagged as George Washington

by www.vino-con-vista.com | May 20, 2012

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Portrait of Thomas Jefferson, founder of the University of Virginia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) was a polymath: America’s “first distinguished viticulturist,” an architect, author of the American Declaration of Independence and third president of the United States. Thomas Jefferson was a talented architect of neo-classical buildings and he designed his Virginia plantation home, Monticello (Little Mountain) as well as the buildings on the campus of the University of Virginia. Construction of Monticello began in 1769. Jefferson was inspired by classical European architecture. The 43-room mansion has 13 skylights.

Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson writing the Declaration of (Read more...) (1776) were all of British descent. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Monticello is situated on the summit of an 850-foot peak in the Southwest Mountains that run parallel to the Blue Ridge Mountains. In 1987, Monticello and the nearby University of Virginia, also designed by Jefferson, were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Monticello from the west lawn. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Jefferson was inspired by the principles of the Venetian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio who was active in the Republic of Venice. Monticello is a relection of Palladian proportions on the pedimented portico. Jeffersonian Architecture is an American form of Neo-Palladianism that was very popular between 1790 and 1830 in America.

Architect Andrea Palladio (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Andrea di Pietro (1508-1580) was known as Palladio. Palladio was influenced primarily by Vitruvian design principles; symmetry, perspective and values of the formal classical temple architecture of the Ancient Greeks and Romans.

Palladio was a stone mason’s apprentice who became the most influential architect of his generation. Palladio’s urban dwellings and villas are scattered throughout the Venato. His Palladian architectural principles gained world-wide prominence in the 18^th century.

A villa with a superimposed portico, from Book IV of Palladio’s I Quattro Libri dell’Architettura, in a modestly priced English translation published in London, 1736. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Statue of Palladio in Vicenza (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A Palladian Villa is characterized by pillared porticos and arches. Unfortunately, fourteen of his villas were destroyed by World War II bombs. The city of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

American Palladianism: The Rotunda at the University of Virginia, designed in the Palladian manner by Thomas Jefferson. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For over 40 years, Monticello was designed and redesigned, built and rebuilt. Thomas Jefferson is buried on the grounds and this area is designated as the Monticello Cemetery.

Jefferson’s tomb at Monticello (Photo credit: Chris Devers)

Monticello (Photo credit: willandbeyond)

At one time, Jefferson’s plantation included “quarters for domestic slaves along Mulberry Row near the house; gardens for flowers, produce and Jefferson’s experiments in plant breeding, plus tobacco fields and mixed crops. Cabins for field slaves were located further from the mansion.”

Il Pantheon di sera (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Comparison of the ground plans of the Pantheon in Rome (left) and Thomas Jefferson’s Rotunda of the University of Virginia (middle: ground floor, right: dome room). The plan of the Pantheon is the one by Andrea Palladio in its reprint by Giocomo Leoni—i.e. the plan that Thomas Jefferson had access to while designing the Rotunda. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Monticello and the key buildings of the University of Virginia are directly related to American Palladianism using principles from classical architecture. The similarities between the Pantheon in Rome and the Rotunda of the University of Virginia are apparent when the photos ante pictured next to each other. Jefferson’s rotunda houses the library.

Thomas Jefferson’s design of the “Rotunda”, the library at the heart of the University of Virginia. “South Elevation of the Rotunda, begun 1818, completed March 29, 1819. Ink and pencil drawing.” (according to Library of Congress) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Statue of Thomas Jefferson at the Monticello Visitors Center. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Thomas Jefferson was a wine enthusiast and he had two vineyards at

Monticello & Gabriele Rausse – Charlottesville, VA Photo by Amy C Evans, SFA oral historian. A fence is being used as trellising. June 2008 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Monticello. However, “the successful cultivation of Vitis vinifera, the classic European wine species, was virtually impossible until the development of modern pesticides controlled such destructive pests as black rot and phyloxera, an aphid-like root louse.”

Monticello & Gabriele Rausse – Charlottesville, VA Photo by Amy C Evans, SFA oral historian June 2008 Individually numbered wine bottles (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“The Southwest Vineyard was replanted in 1993 entirely with the Sangiovese grape, a variety documented by Jefferson in 1807 and the principal ingredient of Chianti in Tuscany. There is an annual Wine Festival at Monticello in May. Several vintages have been made with harvests from this vineyard which are sold from the Monticello Museum Shops. Gabriele Rausse, one of the founders of the modern Virginia grape industry, oversees the production of wine as well as the care of the restored vineyards, which continue to serve as experimental gardens of unusual varieties of vinifera.”

Thomas Jefferson Building, Library of Congress, Washington, DC, USA. General decor. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In Washington, D.C. you can visit the Thomas Jefferson Building in the Library of Congress.

: Monticello Vineyards & Winery (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For more information about Monticello’s wine production visit: http://www.monticello.org/site/house-and-gardens/vineyards

Monticello Wine Company (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

Thomas Jefferson Quote (mountainrepublic.net)
The Most Popular Monuments In America (businessinsider.com)
Jefferson’s birthday anniversary, April 13 (timpanogos.wordpress.com)

Filed under: Italy Travel Guides, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Tagged: Andrea Palladio, Blue Ridge Mountains, Jefferson, Monticello, Pantheon Rome, Republic of Venice, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, UNESCO World Heritage Site, United States Declaration of Independence, University of Virginia, World Heritage Site

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Filed under Andrea Palladio, Blue Ridge Mountains, Italy Travel Guides, Jefferson, Monticello, Pantheon Rome, Republic of Venice, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, UNESCO World Heritage Site, United States Declaration of Independence, University of Virginia, World Heritage Site

by www.vino-con-vista.com | May 20, 2012

Assisi is a UNESCO Site in Umbria Italy

: Image by S Moses via Flickr

The town of Assisi in Umbria is a fascinating place to view Franciscan sites in the Perugia region of Umbria. Assisi is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Italy.

St. Francis of Assisi (circa 1182-1220) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Assisi is the birth and burial place of St. Francis, founder of the Franciscan order. The Franciscans take the vow of poverty. St. Francis and St. (Read more...) Catherine are the patron saints of Italy. Assisi is located at the foot of Mount Subasio. This medieval city is built on a hill. It is closely associated with disseminating the work of the Franciscan Order throughout the world; the universal message of peace and tolerance.

“Its medieval ensemble of artistic masterpieces, such as the Basilica of San Francesco and paintings by Cimabue, Pietro Lorenzetti, Simone Martini and Giotto have significantly contributed to the development of Italian and European art and architecture.” UNESCO

St. Francis (1182-1226) was canonized by Pope Gregory IX on July 16, 1228. The basilica was founded in 1228 after his canonization. Completed in 1253, it has an upper church and a lower church and is frequently visited by religious pilgrims from around the world. The frescoed basilica is a monument to St. Francis. The Franciscans offer free guided tours in English.

Giotto di Bondone – Saint Francis and Saint Clare – WGA09163 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Simone Martini, fresco detail depicting Saint Clare of Assisi, (1322–26), Lower basilica of San Francesco, Assisi (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pietro Lorenzetti fresco detail, Assisi Basilica, 1310-1329. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Why Giotto Is a Man of His Time… and Ours (bigthink.com)
The Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence is the “National Pantheon” (vinoconvistablog.me)
Art at the Pinacoteca Vaticana in the Vatican Museums (vinoconvistablog.me)
Bernini’s Church of Santa Bibiana in Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)

Crucifixion (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Franciscan Allegories: Allegory of Obedience (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Why Giotto Is a Man of His Time… and Ours (bigthink.com)
The Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence is the “National Pantheon” (vinoconvistablog.me)
Art at the Pinacoteca Vaticana in the Vatican Museums (vinoconvistablog.me)
Bernini’s Church of Santa Bibiana in Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)

St. Francis of Assisi renounces his worldly goods in a painting attributed to Giotto di Bondone. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dansk: Giotto: Udfrielsen af hæretikeren Pietro,San Francesco basilikaen, Assisi English: Giotto: Liberation of the heretic Peter,Basilica of Saint Francis,Assisi (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of the Legend of St. Francis frescoes at Assisi, the authorship of which is disputed. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Prayer of Saint Francis

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen”

To learn more about Italy read www.vino-con-vista.com Travel Guides and Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites

Now available for your iPad!

Filed under: Assisi, ebooks, Franciscans, IPad, Italian Architecture, Italian art, Italian Food, Italian Food and Wine, Italian Wine, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Francis of Assisi, St. Francis of Assisi, Umbria, UNESCO, World Heritage Sites Tagged: Assisi, Christianity, Francis of Assisi, Franciscan, Franciscans, Italy, italy travel, Pietro Lorenzetti, Prayer of Saint Francis, Religion and Spirituality, Renaissance, Simone Martini, The Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi, Travel Guide Umbria, Umbria

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Filed under Assisi, Christianity, ebooks, Francis of Assisi, Franciscan, Franciscans, IPad, Italian Architecture, Italian art, Italian Food, Italian Food and Wine, Italian Wine, Italy, italy travel, Italy Travel Guides, Pietro Lorenzetti, Prayer of Saint Francis, Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi, Religion and Spirituality, Renaissance, Saint Francis of Assisi, Simone Martini, St. Francis of Assisi, The Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi, Travel Guide Umbria, Umbria, UNESCO, World Heritage Sites

by www.vino-con-vista.com | May 19, 2012

Rockin for Rescue at the Trio Animal Foundation Benefit

Rescued dog in Cernavodă, Romania (Save the Dogs and other animals) (Photo credit: harvest breeding)

The Trio Animal Foundation is hosting its 2nd annual Rockin’ for Rescue event to benefit Chicagoland homeless pets. The Trio Organization helps to “improve the lives of homeless pets by facilitating and paying for quality medical care.” There will be live music by Dr. Bombay and the Purple Appple rock group.

WHEN: Saturday, May 19th, 2012

WHERE: Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood, valet parking available

TIME: 7:30 pm www. (Read more...)trioannimalvoundation.org

TICKETS: Tickets are $100 each. Price includes gourmet appetizers, dinner, dessert and late night snacks and an open bar serving cocktails, beer and wine; specialty prices are available when bought in couples ($190) or tables of 10 ($900).

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

Filed under: Rockin for Rescue at the Trio Animal Foundation Benefit Tagged: Animal welfare, Rescue dog, Rockin for Rescue at the Trio Animal Foundation Benefitv

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Filed under Animal welfare, Rescue dog, Rockin for Rescue at the Trio Animal Foundation Benefit, Rockin for Rescue at the Trio Animal Foundation Benefitv

by www.vino-con-vista.com | May 19, 2012

Campfire Ball 2012 in Chicago

Bug Juice (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Join Children’s Oncology Services as they host the Campfire Ball. The 5th Annual Campfire Ball raises money to send kids dealing with cancer to a summer getaway. Additionally, an anonymous donor has pledged to donate $10,000 if they can raise an additional $10,000. So get out your camp gear and head over to Venue One.

WHEN: Saturday, May 19, 7-11 pm

WHERE: Venue One, 1044 West Randolph, Chicago

TICKETS: $85 / $100 at the door

Support the program tonight. There will be spiked bug juide and camp-themed food all night long Dj’s, slilent auction items, (Read more...) raffles!

For Registration Information, To Make a Donation, or for Sponsorship Inquiries, please CLICK HERE!

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

19th Annual Bear Tie Ball 2012 Benefits Pediatric Cancer Foundation (vinoconvistablog.me)
Ladybug Bash 2012 in Chicago (vinoconvistablog.me)
Be a Hero! Nationwide Cycling Event in Chicago (vinoconvistablog.me)

Filed under: Campfire Ball 2012 in Chicago Tagged: Campfire Ball, Campfire Ball 2012 in Chicago

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by www.vino-con-vista.com | May 19, 2012

Enjoy a Vino con Vista in New Mexico Wine Country near Albuquerque

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In 1598, Don Juan de Onate led a band of Spanish colonists from New Spain (Mexico) northward to settle the fertile valleys of the upper Rio Grande. The Franciscan monks accompanied the colonists to spread Christianity to the Native Americans.

In 1598, wine was introduced to New Mexico by the Spaniards. The monks needed wine for their daily masses and for about 30 years they imported the wine from the Old World because a SPanish law enacted in 1595 did not allow the production of wine in the New World. The wine was transported from Spain in (Read more...) jugs and sealed with a cork plug.

Eventually, the Franciscan monks decided to plant grapevines in New Mexico for sacramental wine. The first vines were planted in 1629 at the Piro pueblo just south of Socorro; New Mexico has the oldest grapevies in the country. The cuttings brought by the missionaries were Vitis vinifera, the “mission Grape” and the variety is still grown in New Mexico today.

The Spanish colonists led by conquistadores also established the vineyards along the Rio Grande and wine production began in 1633. By 1800, wine became one of the three top exports from New Mexico. By 1884, New Mexico was the fifth leading wine producer in the U.S.

Today there are about 43 wineries and tasting rooms in New Mexico with over 900 acres of vineyards. The high desert elevation, rich soils, sunny days and cool evenings coupled with controlled irrigation produce a wide variety of interesting wines.

Albuquerque has more than 300 years of history and culture and has been inhabited by American Indians for hundreds of years.

Francisco Cuervo y Valdes

The present day city was founded in 1706 when Governor Francisco Cuervo y Valdez penned a letter to the Duke of Albuquerque reporting that he had founded a villa along the banks of the Rio Grande. Since then, the city that was originally named after the Duke has grown from a tiny settlement to a rich, multi-cultural metropolis of more thatn 753,000 people.

There are many wineries between Albuquerque and Santa Fe that offer amazing vino con vistas with opportunities to taste New Mexico Wine.

The wineries closest to Albuquerque are between Corrales and Bernalillo. Here’s a list of some Vino con Vista opportunities near Albuquerque New Mexico:

1. Anasazi Fields Winery www.anasazifieldswinery.com

The winery sits on the Western edge of the old village of Placitas, New Mexico between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The vineyards are surrounded by orchards watered by a spring-fed irrigation system that dates back over 1000 years to a time when the Anasazi People farmed the Placitas Valley. These wines are crafted by fruits and berries other than grapes and include plum wine, apricot wine peach wine and blackberry wine. We also make a slightly off-dry Cranberry wine and three grape-based wines enhanced by one of our old fruit wines. All of our wines are aged on oak for one to four years. with an annual Placitas Studio Tour for mother’s day weekend

Wine grapes grown in New Mexico. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

2. Casa Rondena Winery was established in 1995. It is located in the North Valley of Albuquerque in historic Los Ranchos de Albuquerque www.casarondena.com. You can sample the entire portfolio of hand-crafted wines made on the premises at and Tasting Room including:

Viognier – A dry white wine with bright melon flavors and lingering Apricot on the finish. Viognier is the perfect expression of the Southwestern high desert growing region showing its rich mouth-feel and crispy acidity.

Meritage – This classic Bordeaux-style table wine is a blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. A bit complex with a lingering finish, our Meritage shows flavors of vanilla and currant.

Sangiovese – A silky, medium-bodied Chianti-style wine, our New Mexico Sangiovese is aged for 12 months in American oak. The perfect table wine with pasta.

Clarion – A delectable Spanish-style blend of 70% Syrah, 28% Tempranillo, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cabernet Franc – The original red wine of the Loire Valley in central France, Cabernet Franc grows well here in New Mexico. It exhibits fruit-forward flavors of blackberries, dark cherry and chocolate while being medium-bodied and soft on the finish.

La Sobrina’s Table – An approachable and comfortable blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. A great everyday wine for everyone. Aged in oak 3 months and stainless steel for 9 months.

Founder’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – This is the winemaker’s reserve selection of our best Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 2 years in French Oak barrels. This wine exhibits earthiness and hints of some black cherry, briarwood and peppers.

Rosé – A luscious off-dry Merlot-based wine with crisp hints of strawberry and plum.

Serenade – With its floral bouquet and lively fruitiness, the blend of 87% Riesling and 13% Gewurztraminer give a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.

Animante (Port) – A deep ruby red port-style dessert wine made from New Mexico Cabernet Sauvignon aged in French and American oak for two years.

3. Corrales Winery is one of New Mexico’s newest wineries, founded in 2000 www.corraleswinery.com and produces award winning Muscat Canelli dessert wine, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery incorporates an Indian Pueblo and overlooks the scenic Sandia Mountains.

Gold Medal – 2002 New Mexico State Fair – 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon

Gold Medal – 2002 New Mexico State Fair – Francs

Silver Medal – 2002 New Mexico State Fair – 2000 Riesling

Silver Medal – 2002 New Mexico State Fair – 2000 Muscat Canelli

Bronze Medal – 2001 Connoisseur Classic, SW Wine Competition – 1999 Muscat Canelli

Gold Medal – 2000 New Mexico State Fair – 1999 Muscat Canelli

Peoples’ Choice Award – 2000 Bernalillo Wine Festival – 1999 Muscat Canelli

4. Gruet Winery www.gruetwinery.com was awarded the very prestigious title of the United States Wine Producer of the Year! The International Wine and Spirits Competition promotes the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. The IWSC was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. This honor was accepted by Sofian Himeur of Gruet Winery at the Guildhall, City of London IWSC Awards Presentation and Banquet, on Wednesday 17th November 2010.

5. The St. Clair Winery and Bistro opened in the summer of 2005 near the heart of “Historic Old Town” in Albuquerque on Rio Grande. It is the perfect location to enjoy lunch, dinner and a wine flight that will allow you to compare and contrast wines while sitting on the patio and listening to live music on Friday or Saturday night www.stclairvineyards.com

Their “Signature Flight” consists of six, one ounce tastes of your choice from the flight list. They have over 20 wines to choose from including:

St. Clair Malvasia Bianca - Honey & tropical flavors with unforgettable floral aromas

Blue Teal Muscat Canelli - Luscious & rich with tastes of raisins, pears and a spicy finish

St. Clair Riesling - Tropical fruit complimented by a pleasant, crisp acid, semi sweet

Blue Teal Riesling - Pineapple, honey & pear flavors with lively acidity..

St. Clair Gewürztraminer - Ripe apricot, spice and hints of green apple

St. Clair Chardonnay - Nose of oak, citrus and a fruity vanilla finish

Red Wines

St. Clair Mimbres Red-A delightful sweet red with lush lingering berry flavors

St. Clair Nebbiolo - An intense red, nice fruity aromas and a tannic finish

St. Clair Cab-Zin - Lightly oaked Cab blended with a young well-mannered Zinfandel

Blue Teal Rio Rojo - Fruity, with lots of luscious berry flavors, low tannins and nice acid

Blue Teal Pinot Noir - A medium body with hints of cherry, pepper & earth

Blue Teal Shiraz – A full-bodied red with juicy berry notes and subtle oak undertones

My absolute favorite was the St. Clair Reserve Zinfandel - Robust red with ripe berry finish with an opulent texture

DH Lescombes Syrah - Nose of pepper, cassis & cherry, with herb & toasted oak finish

Blue Teal Merlot - Nicely rounded with flavors of smooth berries and light oak

St. Clair Reserve Merlot - Pleasant tannins with raspberry and black currant notes

De La Cruz Malbec - Velvety smooth with deep plum, raisin and a hint of oaky vanilla

St. Clair Meritage - Subtle red cherry and dark berry aromas lead to medium body

Blue Teal Cabernet Sauvignon - Lightly oaked character, ripe berry flavors mild tannins

DH Lescombes Cabernet Sauvignon - Notes of black currant, chocolate, herbs accents

Try the refreshing Champagne Style St. Clair Mimosa, a delightful combination of fresh orange juice & dry champagne or order a slushy Wine a Rita at the bar.

The Vineyard express offers delightfully tasty all inclusive day tours to the wineries and micro breweries of New Mexico on Saturdays April through October www.thevineexpress.com or call the Vineyard Express Tours at 505-292-3657.

Plan to attend the Southern New Mexico Wine Festival over Memorial Day Weekend located 5 miles west of Las Cruces of the I-10 or the New Mexico Wine Festival at Bernalillo over Labor Day Weekend.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides and they may be purchased at www.vino-con-vista.com

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Wine Festival 2012 in Mexico (vinoconvistablog.me)
Cancun Riviera Maya Food and Wine Festival 2012 in Mexico: “Taste the New World” (vinoconvistablog.me)
20th Annual Paso Robles Zinfandel Wine Festival 2012 (vinoconvistablog.me)
The Mount Vernon Spring Wine Festival 2012 in Virginia (vinoconvistablog.com)

Filed under: Albuquerque New Mexico, vino con vista, Vino con Vista Albuquerque New Mexico, Wineries in New Mexico, Wines of New Mexico Tagged: Albuquerque, Albuquerque International Sunport, Albuquerque New Mexico, American wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, Drink, Food, Merlot, Mexico, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, New Mexico, New Mexico wine, Oak, Placitas New Mexico, Recreation, Rio Grande, San Diego, Things to do in Albuquerque New Mexico, United States, Wine, Wine Festivals in New Mexico, Wine tasting descriptors, Wineries in Albuquerque New Mexico, Winery

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Filed under Albuquerque, Albuquerque International Sunport, Albuquerque New Mexico, American wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, Drink, Food, Merlot, Mexico, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, New Mexico, New Mexico wine, Oak, Placitas New Mexico, Recreation, Rio Grande, San Diego, Things to do in Albuquerque New Mexico, United States, vino con vista, Vino con Vista Albuquerque New Mexico, Wine, Wine Festivals in New Mexico, Wine tasting descriptors, Wineries in Albuquerque New Mexico, Wineries in New Mexico, Winery, Wines of New Mexico

by www.vino-con-vista.com | May 19, 2012

Sotheby’s sells Italian Artist’s Painting for almost $69 Million

: Image via Wikipedia

Amedeo Modigliani‘s 1917 painting of “Nude Sitting on a Sofa” (The Beautiful Romanian) sold for $68,962,500 at Sotheby’s auction the first week of November in New York. This picture of a World War I era scantily-clad brunette set a high for the artist who lived between 1884-1920. Five buyers competed for the painting and bid up the price. The painting sold for $16.7 million in 1999, quite a nice return considering the economy.

Amedeo Modigliani’s “Nude Sitting on a Sofa”

“Blue-eyed Boy” by Modigliani

Amedeo Modigliani (Photo credit: KUUNSTKUULTUR)

Portrait of Leopold Zborowski by Amedeo (Read more...) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I recently saw his 1916 painting “The Blue-eyed Boy” at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park. The elongated faces in his paintings are very distinctive. He was born in Livorno, Italy and moved to Paris in 1907 after studying art in Florence and Venice. He was influenced by the work of Toulouse-Lautrec, Picasso and Paul Cesanne.

Portrait de femme, painting by Amedeo Modigliani, c. 1917-18 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides to Italy and Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites.

To learn more about Italy visit www.vino-con-vista.com

‘The Scream’ Sells for $119.9 Million at Sotheby’s (jdjournal.com)

Filed under: Amedeo Modigliani Italian Artist, Balboa Park, Italian art, Italy, San Diego, San Diego Attractions, San Diego Museum of Art Tagged: Amedeo Modigliani, Arts, Auction, Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, Italian artists, New York, Painting, San Diego, San Diego Museum of Art, Sotheby's

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Filed under Amedeo Modigliani, Amedeo Modigliani Italian Artist, Arts, Auction, Balboa Park, Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, Italian art, Italian artists, Italy, New York, Painting, San Diego, San Diego Attractions, San Diego Museum of Art, Sotheby's

by www.vino-con-vista.com | May 18, 2012

Ten Reasons Why I Love Palermo Sicily

: Image via Wikipedia

Palermo is a sumptuous open-air museum with Norman-Arab architecture. It is the capital and administrative center of the independent region that was established in 1847. The city’s name is derived from the Greek “Panormus,” which means a large port. It was through this port that the city came into contact with centuries of external influences and invaders. It was founded by the Phoenicians in the 8^th century B.C. Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Ostrogoths, Longobards, Byzantines, Arabs and Bourbons have left their marks on Sicily. These cultures have contributed to the eclectic splendor of the (Read more...). Here are some of the sights that I love http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlCs66BO8Jc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbFYZPzvq30&feature=related

The various civilizations that have inhabited Sicily contributed to the magnificence of her art, architecture, viticulture, culture and cuisine. The city came under Norman rule in 1072. The Byzantine heritage is evident in the brilliantly decorated churches of the Martarano and the Palatine Chapel in Palermo.

There are many reasons why I love Palermo. These are the Top Ten:

1. When I checked my grandfather’s “Certificato di Nascita” it said that he was born on Apriles 5, 1894 in Comune di Castronovo di Sicilia in the Provincia di Palermo. Castronovo di Sicilia is about 50 km southeast of Palermo. My grandfather Antonino’s parents were Illuminato and Colombo Coneetta, both from the same town. My dad was named after his grampa but everyone called him Lenny. My dad was the best guy in the entire planet so I LOVE PALERMO!!!

2. The Porto Nuova is crowned with a majolica figure on the roof that represents the eagle of the Senate of Palermo. It is located at the beginning of Corso Catalafimi. The archway is decorated with four telamons with turbins. The arch was built in 1583 to celebrate the triumphant entrance of Charles V into the city.

Palermo, Palazzo dei Normanni, the Yellow Room. Fresco by Giuseppe Patania (1830) with Roger of Sicily Receiving The Keys of the City. Italiano: Palermo, Palazzo dei Normanni, Sala Gialla. Affresco di Giuseppe Patania (1830) con Ruggero di Sicilia che riceve le chiavi di Palermo. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Palazzo dei Normanni, seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

3. The 17^th century Palazzo dei Normanni is known as the Royal Palace and stands alongside the Porta Nuova. It was the seat of the rulers of Sicily. Since 1947 it has been the seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly. The main entrance is home to the majestic marble coat of arms. The courtyards are lined with beautiful Byzantine mosaics.

The unique illuminating effect of golden tesserae, Cappella Palatina in Palermo, Sicily, 12th century (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

4. The piazza in front is dominated by the Baroque Monument to Philip V, surrounded by elegant gardens and palm trees. Palermo’s Palatine Chapel (Cappella Palatina) at the Royal Palace is adorned with mosaics, marble and gold. The mosaic image in the apse of the chapel depicts a magnificent mosaic of Christ as Pantocrator in the classic Byzantine style surrounded by angels and the four Evangelists. Work on the chapel began in 1130 when Roger II was crowned king of Italy and was completed in 1143.

Italiano: Fianco della Cattedrale di Palermo, visto dal lato della facciata. English: Flank of the Cathedral of Palermo (Sicily), as seen from the facade side. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

5. The Cathedral of Palermo is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. It was founded in 1184 and has been transformed over time into a magnificent blend of architectural styles from Norman to Gothic. The eighteenth century statue which crowns the fountain in the piazza represents Saint Rosalina, the patron saint of Palermo, defeating the plague in Messina. My aunt was named after Rosalina. The silver urn in the Chapel contains her mortal remains.

As a result of radical charges in the 18^th century, the interior is primarily Neoclassical. It houses the tombs of famous Sicilian kings and emperors including Roger II and Henry VI who died in 1154 and 1197 respectively. The Roman sarcophagus contains the remains of Constance of Aragon. The Praetorian Fountain is from 1573.

Italiano: Fianco della Cattedrale di Palermo. English: Flank of the Cathedral of Palermo (Sicily). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

6. The Museo Archeologico’s extensive collections are housed in a 17^th century former monastery. Palermo is an intriguing city with a wide spectrum of art, entertainment and culinary options. The museum’s collections provide an overview of the various contributors to the cultural spectrum from Phoenicians to Carthaginians and Greeks to Romans.

San Giovanni degli Eremiti, red domes showing elements of Arab architecture. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Detail of the bell tower. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

7. San Giovanni Degli Eremiti (St. John of the Hermits) was built in 1132 under Roger II, the first medieval king of Sicily. He spoke Arabic and had a harem. It may have been built over a mosque from the period of Arab domination. The cloister is part of an ancient Benedictine monastery with lush gardens. Climb to the top for a breathtaking view of Palermo.

San Giuseppe dei Teatini (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

8. Quattro Canti (Four Corners) is located in the heart of Baroque Palermo. It was built as part of an urban planning effort during Spanish domination. At street level, each corner has a fountain with a statue of the four seasons by Gregorio Tedeschi and Nunzio La Mattina.

DSC00456 – PA – Quattro Canti -1608-1620- – Foto G. Dall’Orto (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Above the fountain, the niche contains a statue of Phillip II of Spain and Emperor Charles V sculpted by Giovanni Battista D’Aprile. In the upper parts of the structures, the four guardian saints of the city Agatha, Christina, Nymph and Olivia, watch over the Piazza Vigliena. The Church of San Giuseppe Dei Teatini is located in the “Four Corners,” built in the 17^th century. It has a gleaming majolica dome built in the 18^th century by Giuseppe Mariani.

9. The Piazza Pretoriais behind the Four Corners and was the seat of the local senate. The Fontana Pretoria was sculpted between 1554 and 1555 by Francesco Camilliani for a Florentine’s Tuscan residence. It was dismantled into 644 pieces and the allegorical and mythological figures were re-erected on this site in Palermo. It is known as the “fountain of shame” because many of the statues are nude.

Palermo piazza pretoria (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Piazza Pretoria (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

10. Mercato della Vucciria is glorious open-air market that carries everything from pigs, tuna, squid and sardines to eggplant and tomatoes. The ingredients are anxiously awaiting placement into those incredible Sicilian specialtieslike pasto con le sarde and Norma. This market was immortalized by Renato Guttuso in his 1974 panorama of the food market in central Palermo, “La Vucciria.” Guttuso was the most popular painter in 20th century Italy.

Market in Palermo, this stand is selling fish. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Italiano: Palermo, mercato della Vucciria English: Vucciria market, Palermo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The annual “Il Festival delle Marionette” takes place during the month of December in the Museo Internazionale delle Marionette in Palermo on Via Butera. The event features puppets and marionettes from all over the world.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides to Italy and Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites

Mercato Ballarò a Palermo, Sicilia – Ballarò Market at Palermo, Sicily (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

To learn more about Sicily visit www.vino-con-vista.com

Filed under: Baroque Art, Cefalu, IPad, Italian art, Italian Food, Italian Food and Wine, Italian Wine, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Mondello, Palermo, Sicily, Sicily Architecture, Sicily Art, Sicily History, Sicily Travel Guides, St. Rosalia, Things to do in Palermo SIcily, Top Ten sights in Palermo Sicily, Travel and Tourism, Uncategorized, UNESCO, vino con vista, World Heritage Sites Tagged: Cappella Palatina, Cathedral of Palermo Sicily, italian food, Italian wine, Italy, Marionettes and puppets in Palermo Sicily, Palazzo dei Normanni, Palermo Sicily, Phoenicians, Quattro Canti in Palermo Sicily, Saint Rosalia in Palermo Sicily, San Giuseppe Dei Teatini, Street food in Palermo, Telamons in Palermo Sicily, The Fountain of Shame in Palermo Sicily, Tourist Attractions in Palermo Sicily, Travel and Tourism, unesco, vino con vista

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Filed under Baroque Art, Cappella Palatina, Cathedral of Palermo Sicily, Cefalu, IPad, Italian art, Italian Food, Italian Food and Wine, Italian Wine, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Marionettes and puppets in Palermo Sicily, Mondello, Palazzo dei Normanni, Palermo, Palermo Sicily, Phoenicians, Quattro Canti in Palermo Sicily, Saint Rosalia in Palermo Sicily, San Giuseppe Dei Teatini, Sicily, Sicily Architecture, Sicily Art, Sicily History, Sicily Travel Guides, St. Rosalia, Street food in Palermo, Telamons in Palermo Sicily, The Fountain of Shame in Palermo Sicily, Things to do in Palermo SIcily, Top Ten sights in Palermo Sicily, Tourist Attractions in Palermo Sicily, Travel and Tourism, UNESCO, vino con vista, World Heritage Sites

by www.vino-con-vista.com | May 18, 2012

New Orleans Wine and Food Experience 2012

Attend the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience. The five-day annual event often sells out many of its wine and food seminars and events. Many hotels have special festival packages. Some hotel packages include accommodations for two, tickets to the Grand Tasting and other special amenities.

The USS New Orleans (LPD-18) passes by downtown New Orleans on the Mississippi River (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

City of New Orleans montage composed of photos already freely available on Wikipedia and the Wikimedia Commons. From top to bottom left to right: Derrielle Home on St. Charles Avenue at Rosa Park, depicting typical New Orleans (Read more...). A streetcar passing by Loyola University New Orleans and Tulane University The New Orleans city skyline Jackson Square, New Orleans The French Quarter (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

WHEN: MAY 22—26, 2012

NOWFE is dedicated to fighting hunger and supporting culinary education. The 2012 beneficiaries will share 100% of the proceeds. Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana will receive 40% and the following will share the remaining 60%: the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation’s ProStart Program, Delgado Culinary Arts School, New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts’ Culinary Program, the John Folse Culinary Institute and the Edible Schoolyard New Orleans. www.nowfe.com

Hotel Package reservations may be made at www.nowfe.com/hotel. Here are some of the options:

New Orleans Marriott at the Convention Center (Headquarter Hotel): $269/night, plus taxes (no minimum night stay requirements) • Two tickets to the Grand Tasting (Friday or Saturday)

JW Marriott New Orleans: $234/night, plus taxes (two-night minimum required) • Two tickets to the Grand Tasting (Friday or Saturday) • Daily breakfast buffet for two in the hotel restaurant

Astor Crowne Plaza French Quarter: $279/one-night double occupancy package, plus taxes (additional nights $149/night) • Two tickets to the Grand Tasting (Friday or Saturday)

Hilton New Orleans Riverside: $259/night, plus taxes • Two tickets to the Grand Tasting (Friday or Saturday) • Discounted self-parking

The Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge in the Hotel Monteleone. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans. Exterior fascade over the front door. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Hotel Monteleone (Host Hotel): $595/two-night double occupancy package, taxes included • Welcome cocktail in the historic Carousel Bar for two • Two tickets to the Royal Street Stroll • Two tickets to the Grand Tasting (Friday or Saturday) $430/two-night single occupancy package, taxes included • Welcome cocktail in the historic Carousel Bar for one • One ticket to the Royal Street Stroll • One ticket to the Grand Tasting (Friday or Saturday)

Royal Sonesta Hotel: $159/night, plus taxes (Sunday – Thursday); $229/night, plus taxes (Friday & Saturday); single or double occupancy; additional adult $40 (travel dates May 22 – 27, 2012) • Welcome amenity of select wine and gourmet cheese tray

Additional nights may be reserved based on availability, and prices are set at the discretion of the individual hotel. For more about the packages, individual NOWFE event tickets, and complete information about New Orleans Wine & Food Experience visit www.nowfe.com.

NOWFE 2012 will be held May 22 – 26, 2012. In an effort to fight hunger and support culinary education, the 2012 beneficiaries will share 100% of the proceeds. Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana will receive 40% and the following will share the remaining 60%: the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation’s ProStart Program, Delgado Culinary Arts School, New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts’ Culinary Program, the John Folse Culinary Institute and the Edible Schoolyard New Orleans. For additional press information, including downloadable images, contact Liz Bodet 504.583.5550, egoliwas@bellsouth.net or visit the media center at www.nowfe.com.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com