European Spring

Spring in central Europe means cherry blossoms, flowers blooming everywhere and plenty of good food and wine. We are meeting in Zuerich, Switzerland on April 10th to spend our first night as a group. The next day will take us to Lake Luzerne on the footsteps of Wilhelm Tell, a famous Swiss hero. You will learn about history and delicious Swiss food and wine and some of Switzerlands most beautiful scenery by train. Continuing our journey we will spend 3 days in Alsace - Lorraine exploring the "Route du Vin" and beautiful villages such as Riquewihr, Ribeauville, Colmar and the Narcsissus Festival in Gerardmer. Next stop is Freiburg in southwest Germany, conveniently located between the Blackforest and the Rhine River, a mecca of amazing food, wine, culture and shopping. This region is known as the "Riviera of Germany" and you will experience why. In addition, Freiburg boasts a gothic cathedral known as the "most beautiful in Christanity" and an incredible daily Farmer's Market surrounding the cathedral. We will visit a small village in the Blackforest and delight in the delicacies offered. Along our journey, there is plenty of opportunity for walking, relaxtion, and personal private time.
Our groups are small (10 people max.) and personalized. For 10 days, your guide Brigitte will take you to places you will not find through guidebooks or travel agents. You will return with fond memories, new friends and culinary and cultural experiencex you will cherish.

Trip details:
meet in Zuerich Airport, Switzerland on April 10th, 2011, depart from Zuerich, Airport on April 20th. Optional is arrival or departure from other European cities, such as Frankfurt, Germany.

Included in cost of $2,200 per person in a double room or $2,500 per person in a single room:
Transportion from designated Zuerich hotel on April 10th to Zuerich airport on April 20th as a group. Overnight stay in bed and breakfast inns April 10th through April 19th, including daily breakfast and 2 group dinners (exluding alcohol). Transportation will be mostly by train or bus.
Daily guided tours and personal attention by Brigitte. Participants may choose to add time at the beginning or end of the trip with personlized suggestions and recommendations on where to go and what to do by Brigitte.

Your responsibility:
Airline/train transportation to and from designated Zuerich hotel.
Additional add on trip expenses.
Travel insurance
Personal expenses, lunch and dinner outside of above inclusions.
Non refundable deposit 0f $500.00 per person and signed contract due by January 15th, 2011 to guarantee your spot. 5% discount to participants signing up by December 31, 2010.
Balance due March 9th, 2011.

Thank you for your trust in me!
Brigitte

Christmas Market Tour

Exceitement is building! We have 3 spots left in our small, fun group travelling to Southern Germany in December, returning just before Christmas, laden with wonderful memories, magical Holiday spirit and probably some very unique gifts for our loved ones. Please read below what some of the participants from last years trip have to say about their experience:

Traveling to Germany with Brigitte Guehr is truly a once in a life time experience. Brigitte is an incredible culinary and wine expert. Her attention to every detail and personal knowledge of the area made it possible to visit sites and experience delicious foods and wines mostly unknown to the guide books. I fondly remember hiking the hills round the village Todtnauberg to find the best Blackforest Cake in the region. I can not image visiting Germany without Brigitte. Thank you Brigitte for great memories.Janet Kelleway


"Brigitte made our trip to Germany a spectacular one. With her rich background in the culture and history of the country and her expertise in food and wine, she led us through not only the sights of Germany, but also through a wealth of adventures that made me fall in love with this beautiful country and its people."
Gale Caswell

For details please visit http://www.bacchusca.com/
Brigitte

Holiday Trip 2010

We are getting close...our Holiday Trip to Germany is planned for December 8 -18/2010.
"Village Christmas Markets" is the theme and there will be lots of Holiday spirit, delicious local foods, wine , yes...and beer!
Brigitte will meet all participants in Munich and introduce everyone to some the fabulous Markets as well as some off the beaten path local attractions. We then head to Tyrolia, Austria to partake in Seefeld's holiday traditions and maybe try out the local cross country ski trails for a couple of days. From there we head west to Freiburg and the Blackforest area and experience local culinary adventures, culture, and scenery. From Freiburg we hop across the border to the Alsace Lorraine area and visit some of the small villages along the "Route du Vin". There will be plenty of opportunity to shop and relax!
Please visit www.bacchusca.com for more info and to sign up. Only 8 spaces available, we keep our tours small and personalized. So hurry!

Rock Shrimp and Stony Hill Riesling

Sorry, it's taken a while to tell you about another wonderful adventure in Napa Valley. I have been a long time fan of Stony Hill Wines, exquisite Chardonnay and Riesling they way Riesling should be made, crisp, fruity and a terrific acid balance, not easy to do in California.
Willinda at Stony Hill was so very gracious to invite me up to their home on top of the hill, surrounded by vineyards. Tasted a luscious Chardonnay and that great Riesling and chatted about food and what would taste great with it. I love shrimp, I love lemon, so Norbert was kind enough to create this recipe especially for Willinda, me and a great Riesling:

Rock Shrimp with two Garlics and crisp Ricotta Wafer:
Saute 6 oz fresh rock shrimp, 3 black and 3 white chopped garlic cloves in 1/2 oz olive oil and 1 oz butter, add 1/2 Meyer lemon juice and 1 oz Riesling. Thicken pan juices with 1oz butter.
Take 4 oz ricotta cheese, 1 oz Parmesan and 1 egg yolk, blend, flatten into 2 circles and saute until crisp, put shrimp on top, garnish with lemon zest and micro greens.

Bon Appetit! Brigitte

Back in Napa! Had a great meal at Terra last night the third time dining there it is still as good as ever. No crowds, no pretense, just exquisitely prepared, creative food, wonderful wines and impeccable serve in a sophisticated setting.
Stayed at the Cottage Grove Inn in Calistoga, wonderful, tranquil and beautifully furnished cottages where every detail has been lovingly thought of. Try the Indian Springs Spa across the street for a detoxifying mudbath and a dip in their warm mineral springs pool.
I recommend visiting/making appointments at some of the possibly lesser know wineries that have been producing quality wines for many years. My personal tour at Diamond Creek was the highlight of the week. I have a whole new appreciation of the care and skill that goes into winemaking after seeing the different terroirs there and the georfous mountain setting. Sipping that '89 Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill will be a whole experience now! Yes, I have several cases of all three vineyards, including the above as well as Red Rock and Gravelly Meadow in several vintages! You too can experience them at Mirabelle Restaurant, you won't find them anywhere else, especially at those prices!
Other not to be missed - Silver Oak, Duckhorn, Paraduxx, Darioush, St. Clement.......oops, gotta go, they're having a sale today!

Bacchus, i.e. Brigitte has been on the road from Napa to Mendocino today in the pouring rain. Started the day off with a private tasting at Stony Hill, the old greats are still great!! Must stop at Goldeneye, the pinnacle of Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs or maybe Pinot Noirs everywhere, what an experience! In addition, Anderson Valley must be one of the most beautiful places on earth!