Blog Posts — WILL DRINK FOR TRAVEL

On my 2016 travel wish list, there was Napa Valley, Colombia, London and Thailand. While I went to other places too, I ended up in San Francisco (kind of close to Napa Valley) and Colombia. My 2017 travel wish list consisted of Ghana, Miami, Canada, and Cuba. In 2017, I went to Ghana, Miami, Vancouver, and more. There's no denying that my theory works! Put it out in the universe and it will come to you. This year is no different. I've thought long and hard about what travel goals I want to accomplish in 2018 so here we go!

Confirmed Travel

I don't have any. LOL. I have no flights booked. None. Nada. Not a single one. Shocking, I know. I have a few personal things going on right now and my schedule is a bit uncertain. So I've intentionally not made official travel plans. But don't get it twisted. Travel will definitely occur. Lots and lots of travel!

Wish List
(in no particular order)

Los Angeles

I visited LA in 2016 after road tripping from San Francisco and loved it so much. Beaches, warm weather, and laid back vibes...all things that make me a happy Ashlee. I'm putting this on my wish list because I want (read: need) to go back sooner rather than later.

Budapest and/or Croatia

Both of these places have been in my thoughts for years. YEARS. I hear they are beautiful countries, with amazing architecture, history and nightlife, all things I love to explore when visiting a new destination.

Budapest Photo Credit: Lonely Planet — Budapest
Photo Credit: Lonely Planet

Thailand

It's high time I get to Asia. Seriously. I'm not sure what's taken me so long, but I definitely need to get to Asia soon and what better place than fan favorite, Thailand? I put it on my wish list for 2015 travel, but everyone and their mother booked trips over the last few years which was a bit of a deterrant for me. Still, everyone who goes to Thailand seems to love it so I'm sure I'll be no different.

Spain

Spain seems to be one of those countries that everyone needs to visit at least once in their lifetime. Art, history, city life, and amazing food are amongst the great things I've heard about Spain. I'd also like to visit a few of its islands, including Ibiza, San Sebastián, and Valencia.

Sri Lanka

This one may be a little far fetched but I am putting it out there in hopes I can actually make it happen! I've heard this island country is beautiful, with tons of wildlife and amazing beaches. And because it's a gateway to Southeast Asia, there are a few other countries I can visit before or after.

South Africa

Because I can always go back. Again, again and again!

What places are on your 2018 list? Start thinking and planning!

“Natural” and “organic” are two commonly used adjectives that preface many gastronomic items. Just when I thought I’d heard them all, wine has now been added to that list. Natural wine seems like an abstract concept; however, thanks to Stacy Khoury-Diaz, Washington D.C. now has a hub for it: Dio Wine Bar. Located on the H Street corridor ((904 H St NE 20002), the woman-owned bar boasts an industrial finish and intimate space, while offering a short selection of wines, cocktails, and locally sourced bites and snacks.

While natural wine has no legal definition, Dio’s website describes it as “grapes farmed in a sustainable, organic, or biodynamic manner (as few pesticides and chemical sprays as possible). It also means that there are little additives and mechanized processes for removing components from wine, like alcohol and acid.” At a recent opening reception, I sampled 3 of the 30 wines served in the bar: Sparkling Rosé (France), Skin-Fermented (Italy), and Cabernet Franc (France). All three were delicious and savory, providing fresh flavor to delight the senses. The Skin-Fermented is unique with its orange-ish color (a result of fermentation with the grape skin attached) and bitter tang.

Small bites were provided to pair with the wines offered. A board of cheese, charcuterie, marinated olives, and spiced nuts were placed on various points of the bar to bolster the flavor notes in the wine. Attendees were also given samples of the menu including bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese, gougères, and my personal favorite, toasties with mushrooms and micro-arugula.

I would give this bar 5 out of 5 cocktails (or, in this case, wine glasses). I loved the cozy atmosphere and the wines were divine. Stacy did a phenomenal job of constructing a space that is modern, welcoming, and not too “stuffy” where you feel out of place if you’re not an oenophile. If you’d like more information on Dio Wine Bar, be sure to check out their website diowinebar.com and tell them we sent you!

- Andrea Williams

Where Am I Headed in 2018?

Confirmed Travel