My biggest passion is by far traveling….and my favorite part about traveling is without a doubt the food and drinks! Unfortunately, I need to make a living, so traveling around the world non-stop isn’t always a part of my agenda….yet:).  If you have a travel itch but can’t exactly drop everything and hop on a plane to Paris, try throwing an “Around the World” party with food and wine.  Let friends join in on the fun by having everyone choose a country and bring a different dish/wine for each. This party will be sure to please all you Thirsty Girls!

First stop, Spain. 

Wine: Sherry, Alfonso Oloroso Seco, Spain
This aint yo’ gramma’s sherry..  Carmel, wood, salt, nutmeg, vanilla.. this wine pairs with everything.

Dish: Tortillas de Camarones

Next, off to Northern Italy.  Last year, I lived in the region of Piemonte where good red wine and fresh pasta were everywhere to be found.  I visited Fontanafredda’s vineyard and fell in love with their Barbera.  To go with the Barbera, cook up a traditional Agnolotti (Stuffed Pasta), a dish that can be found in almost every trattoria in northern Italy.

Wine: Fontanafredda Barbera Piemonte “Briccotondo” 2009

Dish: Agnolotti

Time to switch continents…off the South Africa. I have never been, but this destination is definitely on my bucket list. The wine was Obama’s #1 Choice for Bubbles after a Sommelier in DC recommended the wine to our now President and First Lady just weeks before the election…they bought 6 cases for election night celebrations. For the food, this yellow rice is filled with all that spice Africa is famous for!

Wine: Sparkling Wine, Graham Beck, South Africa Brut NV

Dish: Yellow Rice w/ Raisins

Back to Europe and the land of Beaujolais. Not to be confused with Beaujolais Nouveau, Cru Beaujolais is similar to a Pinot Noir; complex, elegant and balanced. 2009 is considered the vintage of a lifetime for the region. The Gamay pairs perfectly with a typical French lunch, eggs and veggies.

Wine: Gamay, Villa Ponciago, France 2009

Dish: Eggs Baked over Sauteed Mushrooms and Spinach

Now you didn’t think we were going to skip South America, did you? (of course not)… Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere come together to form Chile’s version of a french Bordeaux. Created by the muy famoso winemaker behind Napa’s Quintessa Wines.. Mr. Agustin Huneeus. And for the food, Passion translates to empanadas in Chilean, so you just can’t go wrong here;)

Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon, Primus, Chile 2008
Food: Classic Chilean Empanadas

For me, no wine party is complete without a Pinot Noir.  For this one, I’m going straight to my roots…California.  This Pinot is full of raspberry, strawberry, and pomegranate aromas and flavors followed by subtle spice. Serve up with roasted duck breast for a perfect Californian meal.

Wine: Pinot Noir, Wild Horse, Paso Robles, 2009

Food: Roasted Duck Breast with wild mushroom stuffing and red wine sauce

Bottoms up!