Kitty Deschanel | Food, Wine, and Travel Adventures Across the USA

Update: Was that the Culligan water man or not? More Than Beer at the (AMAZING!) NM Brew Fest My husband and I have seen ads for the New Mexico Brew Fest, which coincides with Albuquerque's world-famous Balloon Fiesta, year after year. Why haven't we ever gone? Obviously, we are ridiculous fools because the New Mexico Brew Fest was the best time ever ! It's our all-time favorite beer festival. (Don't tell the Fall Ale Fest . It was only their first year. They'll get there.) You know you're in for a great time when it's socially acceptable to wear food. For a mere $25 per person, New Mexico Brew Fest patrons receive an entire day of unlimited craft beer from top local breweries, including Boxing Bear, Toltec Brewing, Canteen Brewhouse, and almost 2 dozen more. There is extra-hard cider from Sandia Hard Cider (yes, extra. You'll see what I mean below) and, one of my favorites for food and drinks, Hollow Spirits Distillery will mix you something s...

Were you one of the lucky few to join us last weekend? Move over elephant seals because the Santa Lucia Highlands Sun, Wind & Wine Festival at Mer Soleil Winery was the highlight of our trip to California. To be honest, I almost hate to share this one. There were no crowds and no lines, which is rare for a festival of this caliber. I want to keep it a secret all to myself. I'll let you in on it, but don't tell anyone else, okay? SN and I attend food and wine events around the world. Although not as well known as others, such as the Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta and Cherry Creek Al Fresco, the Sun, Wind & Wine Festival is one of the best we've had the pleasure of joining. Sun, Wind & Wine Festival: The Setting The Santa Lucia Highlands is located inland from Monterey, CA in an area rich in farmland. The cool, windy climate is ideal for producing wine, especially pinot noir and chardonnay.  Here, multi-generational winemakers from different families focus on sust...