In 2012, I decided to get more intimate with the contents of my wine glass. I applied for a WSET course, Wine & Spirit Education Trust and my world changed. I must be totally honest here; after the first two weeks I was doubting myself with all the info my brain was trying to cope with. I battled, thinking should I or shouldn’t I quit. I love a challenge, so I studied and read and of course sampled an extensive variety of vino.
Acing the exam encouraged me to fall more in love with a deep passion for the precious liquid. A genuine respect for the winemakers and all the people that make that wow factor special in your glass.
I didn’t recognize how at a very early age, food and wine would become an extension of myself in adulthood. I discovered cooking to be a culinary adventure. Over the years I have trained chefs, set up a restaurant and offered freelance menu and food consulting, besides organizing cooking demonstration classes at home. These classes always ended with a three course meal and of course a bottle of wine. The satisfaction my students give me of replicating my recipes is indescribable.
Today, combining wine, food and travel is a heavenly blast. Every country I visit, even if it is a three day trip I try to include a vineyard, cellar, wine and food tasting on the premises.
Should you decide to follow my blog I will share with you my experiences of European vineyards, international wine, food and maybe some of my recipes.
The last thing I feel I should mention is I am also in the final stages of self publishing my book, titled ‘My affair with the Loire Valley.’ This dream holiday changed my perspective on the French and the type of accommodation we stayed in.
Cheers, buon appetite & buon viaggio!
Annaliza