Travel + Lifestyle
Travel + Lifestyle News from Libation
Enjoy our write-ups and reviews — from restaurants to travel getaways.
The Best Wines for Thanksgiving: Bottles That Play Well With the Whole Feast
Turkey is only part of the pairing puzzle. Discover versatile wines that can handle buttery potatoes, savory stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, and all the delicious chaos of Thanksgiving dinner.
The LINE DC: Historic Architecture, Thoughtful Design, and a Burger Worth Returning For
A Libation review of The LINE DC in Adams Morgan: historic architecture, thoughtful guest-room design, and a memorable burger and parmesan fries at No Goodbyes.
Whiskey 101: Your Friendly Guide to Bourbon, Rye, Scotch and More
Whiskey’s big family includes sweet-leaning bourbon, spicy rye, smoky—or not-so-smoky—Scotch and plenty more. Here’s how to decode the styles, understand the labels and find your next favorite sip.
Oktoberfest at Home: Great Beer, Good Food and a Little Gemütlichkeit
Bring the beer-garden spirit home with malt-forward lagers, hearty food and easygoing hospitality. Here’s how to tell Märzen from Festbier—and build a celebration around both.
2026 American Heritage Wine Competition Winners Announced
Thirsty Owl Wine Company earns Winery of the Year, with Stuck Lizard Vineyards taking label gold and 18 wines receiving Double Gold Best in Class honors.
2026 Southwest Winemaker Challenge Announces Top Winners
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2026 Southwest Winemaker Challenge Announces Top Winners Dolce Estivo Winery Named Winery of the Year The 2026 Southwest Winemaker Challenge has announced its top winners, recognizing standout wines
2026 Southeast Winemaker Challenge Results Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Arrington Vineyards Named 2026 Southeast Winery of the Year at the Southeast Winemaker Challenge Southeast Winemaker Challenge Announces 2026 Best in Class Double Gold Winners The 2026 Southeast Win
2026 Great Lakes Winemaker Challenge Announces Winners
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2026 Great Lakes Winemaker Challenge Announces Winners Two K Farms Named Winery of the Year The 2026 Great Lakes Winemaker Challenge has announced this year’s top award winners, recognizing outstand
2026 Mid-Atlantic Winemaker Challenge Announces Winners
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2026 Mid-Atlantic Winemaker Challenge Announces Winners Stone Farm Cellars and Vineyard Named Winery of the Year June 23rd, 2026 - The 2026 Mid-Atlantic Winemaker Challenge has announced its top win
2026 NATIONAL SMALL PRODUCER WINE INVITATIONAL RESULTS ANNOUNCED
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Libation Awards Email: info@libationawards.com
The Best Wines for Spring Weather
Spring arrives not with a bang but with a gentle shift in light. The air softens, markets brim with green vegetables, and the palate begins to crave something brighter. After months of brooding Cabernet and densely layer...
Repeal Speakeasy - Our Review
Prince William County’s dining scene has a new standout, and it’s the kind of place you don’t just visit—you discover. Repeal Speakeasy is a masterclass in atmosphere, hospitality, and elevated comfort food, blending the...
Wine Pairing Your Super Bowl Snacks
Wine Pairings for Super Bowl Snacks: A Game Day Guide
The Science of Wine and Chocolate Pairing
Wine and chocolate pairing may sound indulgent, but beneath the romance lies a surprisingly rigorous bit of sensory science. Both wine and chocolate are chemically complex, packed with hundreds of aromatic compounds and ...
What Does “Terroir” Really Mean—and Can You Taste It?
Few wine terms are used as often—or debated as passionately—as terroir. The word appears on tasting notes, wine labels, and sommelier lips with an air of quiet authority. But what does terroir actually mean, and is it so...
Key Wine Industry Challenges and Opportunities Entering 2026
As the global wine industry turns the page into 2026, it finds itself at a pivotal moment—defined by seismic shifts in consumer behavior, climate realities, technological innovations, and complex economic landscapes. For...
A New Year- How wine fits into a balanced lifestyle
As a new year begins, many of us take stock of how we live—how we eat, how we work, how we rest, and how we celebrate. The idea of balance often rises to the top of these reflections, especially after a season marked by ...
New year, New palate
As a new year begins, many of us feel the familiar urge to reset—to rethink routines, refresh habits, and gently challenge ourselves to grow. In the world of wine, this impulse offers a perfect excuse to do something bot...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2025 MISSOURI WINE INVITATIONAL WINNERS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2025 MISSOURI WINE INVITATIONAL WINNERS ANNOUNCED December 12, 2025 — Winners have been announced in the 2025 Missouri Wine Invitational. After several days of spirited judging, Wild Sun Winery too
2025 PENNSYLVANIA WINE INVITATIONAL WINNERS ANNOUNCED
December 9, 2025 — Winners have been announced in the 2025 Pennsylvania Wine Invitational. After several days of spirited judging, Folino Estate Winery took the top prize as the 2025 Pennsylvania Winery of the Year. “Bei
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2025 VIRGINIA WINE INVITATIONAL WINN
December 9, 2025 — Winners have been announced in the 2025 Virginia Wine Invitational. After several days of spirited judging, 600 Vineyard and Winery took the top prize as the 2025 Virginia Winery of the Year. “We are h
2025 SOUTHEAST REGIONAL WINEMAKER CHALLENGE WINNERS ANNOUNCED
December 9, 2025 — Winners have been announced in the 2025 Southeast Regional Winemaker Challenge. After several days of spirited judging, Three Strands Family Vineyard & Winery of Georgia took the top prize as the 2025
2025 NATIONAL SMALL PRODUCER WINE INVITATIONAL RESULTS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Libation Awards Email: info@libationawards.com
Host Like a Somm: Throw an Unforgettable At-Home Wine Tasting
Wine tasting doesn’t have to be reserved for vineyard visits or sommelier-led events. With a little planning, a curated selection of bottles, and a relaxed atmosphere, you can host a wine tasting party at home that’s bot...
Sipping in the Sun: The Best Wines to Beat the Summer Heat
When summer arrives in full force, bringing sweltering afternoons and balmy evenings, it’s time to trade in those bold reds and oaky whites for wines that refresh, invigorate, and cool you down. Whether you’re poolside, ...
The 2025 MICHIGAN VINTNER INVITATIONAL RESULTS ANNOUNCED
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Libation Awards Email: info@libationawards.com
2025 FLORIDA WINEMAKER CHALLENGE RESULTS ANNOUNCED
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Libation Awards Email: info@libationawards.com
2025 GEORGIA WINE INVITATIONAL RESULTS ANNOUNCED
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Libation Awards Email: info@libationawards.com
2025 TEXAS WINE INVITATIONAL RESULTS ANNOUNCED
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Libation Awards Email: info@libationawards.com
2025 MID-ATLANTIC WINEMAKER CHALLENGE RESULTS ANNOUNCED
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Libation Awards Email: info@libationawards.com
The Heritage of Portuguese Wine: The Douro Valley and Beyond
When people think of Portuguese wine, Port often comes to mind. However, Portugal offers far more than just its famed fortified wines. The country’s diverse winemaking regions—from the steep terraces of the Douro Valley ...
The Biggest Trends Shaping the Wine Industry in 2025
The wine industry is constantly evolving, driven by shifts in consumer preferences, technological advancements, and environmental factors. As we step into 2025, the landscape of winemaking and consumption is transforming...
The Science of Wine Aging: Why Some Wines Get Better Over Time
Wine is one of the few consumable products that can improve with age, developing complexity, depth, and unique flavors over time. While many wines are best enjoyed within a few years of production, certain varieties can ...
Limmat - Marseille, France
When visiting Marseille, Limmat is a necessary destination if you can get a reservation. Recommended to me by a friend that met the chef at a food convention in Mallorca, Limmat’s executive chef Lilian Gadola turns out p...
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The Ten Bells - New York, NY
If you are looking for an extremely solid and unpretentious natural wine bar with nice ambiance and great snacks, as I often am, then check out The Ten Bells in NYC’s Lower East Side. This bar has been open since 2008, a...
A Journey Through Portugal’s Wine Regions: From Lisbon to Ferragu
Intro: Portugal is renowned for its long and storied history of winemaking, offering a diverse range of wines that reflect its rich cultural heritage. For many travelers, exploring Portugal’s wine regions is as essential...
2024 VIRGINIA WINE INVITATIONAL RESULTS ANNOUNCED
2024 VIRGINIA WINE INVITATIONAL RESULTS ANNOUNCED December 20, 2024 — Winners have been announced in the 2024 Virginia Wine Invitational. After several days of spirited judging, Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery took the t
2024 PENNSYLVANIA WINE INVITATIONAL RESULTS ANNOUNCED
2024 PENNSYLVANIA WINE INVITATIONAL RESULTS ANNOUNCED December 23, 2024 — Winners have been announced in the 2024 Pennsylvania Wine Invitational. After several days of spirited judging, Adams County Winery took the top p
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A Luxurious Journey on the Esmeralda Nile Cruise
In March of this year, I embarked on the Esmeralda Nile Cruise for a 7-day excursion that promised both luxury and adventure. As I stepped aboard, I was immediately struck by the elegance and comfort of the ship. This st...
Discover Missouri Wine Country and Its Hidden Gems
Are you a wine lover with a thirst for adventure? If so, Missouri Wine Country might just be your next dream destination. Missouri isn't just known for its jazz, barbeque, or the Gateway Arch—it's also home to some of th...
The Ultimate Guide to Wine Glasses: Choosing the Perfect Glass
Wine enthusiasts know that the experience of savoring a good bottle extends far beyond the liquid itself—it encompasses the ambiance, the company, and importantly, the glassware. Wine glasses aren't just decorative; they...
Sip and Wander: Discover the Perfect Beer for Every Destination
The Intersection of Beer and Travel Picture this: you're exploring a charming European city, and you stumble upon a cozy pub nestled in a cobblestone alley. You order a pint of the local brew, savoring every sip as the r
Wine Terms to Know
Whether you’re an aspiring sommelier or just enjoy a good glass of wine, knowing some common wine terms can impress your friends and enhance your wine experience. Check out these key wine terms and get ready to sound lik...
The Perfect Pint and Popcorn Pairing Guide
Imagine this: a crisp IPA in one hand, and a bowl of spicy, gourmet popcorn in the other. This might sound unconventional, but pairing beer with gourmet popcorn is an emerging trend that beer enthusiasts and foodies are ...
Blended Wines are Here to Stay
The Rise of Blended Wines A Toast to Modern Winemaking
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The Inn at Little Washington
Nestled in the scenic town of Washington, Virginia, lies a gem that has captivated the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide—Virginia's Inn at Little Washington. This charming establishment isn't just a res...
The rise of the Microwinery
Savoring the Unique Flavors of Micro Wineries
Wedding Oak Winery Award-Winning Rosé Wine is the Star of Summer
July 3rd, 2024 – There is nothing more refreshing than a chilled glass of rosé wine on a hot summer day. Make award-winning Wedding Oak Winery rosé the star of your summer.
This Virginia Hotel Is America's Oldest Resort- With a Facelift
Here's a piece of trivia you may not have learned in history class: America's first resort predates the United States. In 1766 — a decade before the signing of the Declaration of Independence — a land surveyor named T...
Hidden Gems: Introducing Vita Nova Creatives & Coffee
A Cozy Corner for Coffee and Creativity: Introducing Vita Nova Creatives & Coffee
Visit Northern Virginia Wine Country
Looking for a fun weekend activity? Why not go on a tour of some of the best wineries in northern Virginia? Our region is home to many outstanding vineyards, and wine tourism is a growing industry. Whether you're a wine ...
New to beer? We've got your covered!
How to enjoy beer for the first time We've all been there. You're out with friends and they're ordering rounds of beer, but you have no idea what to do. Do you just drink it? Do you pour it into your mouth from the bottl
Take a Trip to Pennsylvania Wine Country
If you’re looking for an amazing getaway, why not check out Pennsylvania’s wine country? The Keystone State is home to over 200 wineries, and each one offers something unique and special. From lush rolling hills to stunn...
The Perfect Whiskey and Book Pairing
It’s the age-old question, “What should I pair with my book?” Some people prefer coffee or tea, but for those who are looking for something a little more unique, whiskey is always an excellent choice. It can add a certai...
Cult Wines to Offer Olivier Bernstein Romanée-Saint-Vivant 2017
The first public release of this incredibly rare and highly acclaimed vintage from Olivier Bernstein
Francis Ford Coppola Winery Enters Fast-Growing Prosecco Category
New Prosecco DOC and Prosecco Rosé DOC Launch Under Coppola's "Diamond Collection" Tier as Part of Multi-Phase Investment in Coppola Brands