Food, Wine, and Travel with IFWTWA

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Go around the world and across the country with Big Blend Radio’s ”Food, Wine & Travel” Show that features travel writers, photographers, and authors, as well as destination, tourism, and hospitality members of the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). New episodes air every second Tuesday & Friday, and every third Monday.

  1. 6D AGO

    Sip, Savor & Explore Steuben County: Wine, History & Small Town Life

    In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we welcome back Dave DeGolyer of Explore Steuben to explore the rich wine culture, fascinating history, and small-town charm of Steuben County in New York’s Finger Lakes region. The conversation traces the evolution of winemaking in the Finger Lakes — from early table grape production in Hammondsport dating back to 1829 to today’s award-winning wineries that are earning national and international attention. Dave emphasizes the philosophy of “sip and savor,” encouraging travelers to slow down, engage with winemakers, and appreciate the stories, people, and sense of place behind every bottle. Beyond wine, the episode highlights Steuben County’s notable historical legacy, including its connection to aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss, who helped shape American aviation from Hammondsport, and author Mark Twain, whose presence adds a literary thread to the region’s cultural story. These layers of history underscore why the Finger Lakes is not only a wine destination, but also a place where innovation, creativity, and community intersect. Listeners will also discover how Steuben County offers scenic outdoor adventures, welcoming small towns, vibrant local cuisine, and meaningful human connection — making it an ideal getaway for travelers seeking authenticity, reflection, and renewal. 🌐 Plan your Finger Lakes adventure with Explore Steuben:  https://exploresteuben.com/  🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/  🌐 Follow the Food, Wine & Travel Show: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/  📰 Check out the brand-new Big Blend Radio Travel Food & Wine Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1

    50 min

  2. JAN 14

    Winter Wonderland of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands

    In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) we explore the winter magic, rich history, and culinary heritage of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands with Eric Knopsnyder, Director of Public Relations & Community Outreach for GO Laurel Highlands. Located just an hour from Pittsburgh and within a day’s drive of nearly a quarter of the U.S. population, the Laurel Highlands is a four-season destination known for its mountain landscapes, charming small towns, outdoor adventures, and deep cultural roots. Eric shares insights into the region’s winter sports scene, including four downhill ski areas, luxury experiences at Nemacolin, unique lodging options, and why skiing here often extends into March. The conversation also dives into the Laurel Highlands’ role as the birthplace of American rye whiskey, its vibrant craft beverage scene, award-winning dining, and community-driven events like the Fire & Ice Festival and the Pour Tour passport program. From Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and wildlife conservation to road trips, history, and slow travel, this episode highlights why the Laurel Highlands offers far more than a typical winter getaway. 🌐 Plan your Laurel Highlands adventure: https://www.golaurelhighlands.com/  📰 Check out the brand-new Big Blend Radio Travel Food & Wine Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1  🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/  🌐 Follow the Food, Wine & Travel Show: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/

    53 min

  3. JAN 10

    Morgan Hill, California: Where Agriculture, Wine & Community Thrive

    In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food Wine & Travel" Show with International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association, travel writer and photographer Cori Solomon joins the show to explore the rich agricultural roots, evolving wine scene, and vibrant community of Morgan Hill, California. From its early farming history—including the once-thriving mushroom industry—to today’s sustainable wineries and farm-to-table dining culture, Morgan Hill reveals itself as a destination deeply connected to the land. Cori shares insights from her travels and reporting, highlighting how local winemakers, chefs, and growers work together to shape the region’s identity. The conversation also touches on the role of the International Food Wine Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) in fostering professional connections and storytelling that brings destinations like Morgan Hill to life. Cori Solomon is an award-winning writer and photographer based in Los Angeles. Her blog, The Written Palette, features eclectic stories focused on travel, wine, art, architecture, and pets—always uncovering the story behind the chef, winery, winemaker, or artist. She serves as President and Membership Chair of IFWTWA and is a member of NATJA, SATW, CWA, and DWAA. Learn more about Cori and her work: https://writtenpalette.com  📰 Cori’s Morgan Hill story is also featured in the brand-new Big Blend Radio Travel Food & Wine Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1  🌐 Plan Your Morgan Hill Adventure: https://visitmorganhill.org/  🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/  🌐 Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/  🌐 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station" and "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

    25 min

  4. 12/16/2025

    Uncorking Turkey: Exploring One of the World’s Oldest Wine Cultures

    On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we’re joined by Andrea Lemieux, author of "The Essential Guide to Turkish Wine – Edition 2: An Exploration of One of the Oldest and Most Unexpected Wine Countries." Andrea shares her journey from Michigan to Turkey and how she became immersed in one of the world’s most ancient wine cultures. The conversation explores Turkey’s 8,000+ years of winemaking history, its astonishing 1,400+ native grape varietals, and the modern renaissance shaping today’s Turkish wine industry. From evolving wine tourism and export challenges to food pairings and legendary hospitality, this episode offers a fascinating look at why Turkish wine deserves a place on every wine lover’s radar. 🌐 Learn more about Andrea’s writing, books, and wine experience services: https://thequirkycork.com/  🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/  🌐 Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/

    38 min

  5. 12/13/2025

    Justice and Comedy in Jamestown, New York

    On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer Barbara Redding explores the unexpected dual legacy of Jamestown, New York—a town shaped by both global justice and iconic comedy. The conversation highlights Jamestown native Robert H. Jackson, whose work as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice and chief prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials helped establish international accountability for war crimes. Balancing this powerful history is Jamestown’s beloved connection to Lucille Ball, whose legacy lives on through the National Comedy Center and the town’s vibrant cultural scene. From historic institutions like the Chautauqua Institute to local wineries and food experiences, Barbara shows how travel brings history, culture, and storytelling together in meaningful ways. 🌐 Read Barbara’s article, “Justice and Comedy: Jamestown, New York’s Surprising Dual Legacy,” on Big Blend’s "Vacation Station" Travel Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/vacationstationtravel/p/justice-and-comedy   🌐 Follow Barbara’s adventures: https://barbararedding.com/  🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org  🌐 Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/  🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station,” “Toast to The Arts,” and “Way Back When” podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

    34 min

  6. 12/10/2025

    Discovering Flanders: A Journey Through History, Art & Culture

    In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Jillian Sliwinski of Visit Flanders takes listeners on a journey through Flanders, Belgium, a region rich in history, art, culture, and culinary traditions. The conversation explores Flanders’ central role in European history, including its connections to World War I and World War II, and its remarkable artistic legacy as home to the Flemish Masters. Jillian also highlights a special traveling exhibition from the National Women in the Arts Museum in Washington, D.C., which celebrates the contributions of female artists and will be showcased in Ghent, giving visitors a unique opportunity to experience this extraordinary collection. Listeners learn about Flanders’ compact size and efficient train system, making it easy to explore historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, national parks, and cultural landmarks. The episode also emphasizes slow living, quality of life, and culinary experiences, making Flanders ideal for multi-generational travel, art enthusiasts, and history lovers alike. 🌐 Learn more and plan your visit: http://www.visitflanders.com/  🌐Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/  🌐Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/  🎙️This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Toast to The Arts," "Way Back When," "Women Making History," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore the network:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  Photo: Graslei, Ghent by Milo Profi, courtesy of Visit Flanders

    34 min

  7. 11/18/2025

    Exploring the World with Kids: Family Travel Insights with Eileen Cotter Wright

    On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association, travel writer Eileen Cotter Wright, founder of PureWander.com, shares practical tips, honest stories, and encouraging advice for families who want to explore the world together. From juggling toddler meltdowns to embracing kid-led adventures, Eileen talks about the realities of traveling with young children — and why the rewards far outweigh the challenges. She discusses her journey from traditional journalism to digital travel media, the importance of balancing family-friendly fun with adult experiences, and how exploring history and culture through travel helps children grow. Eileen also highlights favorite kid-friendly destinations like Grand Rapids, Michigan, offers advice on preparing children for flights, and emphasizes why travel insurance is essential for families. This episode also features some of Eileen’s recent family travel stories across the U.S., the U.K., and Costa Rica, showcasing how accessible, meaningful, and joyful multigenerational adventure can be. 📸 Follow her family travel adventures on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAgWDj5tmqp/?img_index=1  https://www.instagram.com/p/DO_Ya3zjgAR/?img_index=1  https://www.instagram.com/p/DHZM0lSzENe/  https://www.instagram.com/p/DQCQ04_APrz/  ✈️ Read her family travel stories: - London, UK – https://purewander.com/lovely-london-with-littles-best-things-by-a-local/  - Nosara, Costa Rica – https://purewander.com/spend-a-oceanside-week-in-nosara-costa-rica/  - Grand Rapids, Michigan – https://purewander.com/add-grand-rapids-michigan-to-your-adventures-a-weekend-itinerary/  🌐Explore Eileen’s travel writing at https://purewander.com/  🌐Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/  🌐Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/  🎙️As part of our National Children's Month and Family Stories Month programming, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Quality of Life," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore the network:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

    48 min

  8. 11/15/2025

    The Rougarou Fest: Celebrating Louisiana’s Culture, Cuisine & Coastal Conservation

    In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Merle Rosenstein shares her experiences at the Rougarou Fest in Houma, Louisiana, part of the Annual IFWTWA Conference in Lafayette (October 2025). Merle highlights the rich culinary culture, the legendary Rougarou in local folklore, and the importance of coastal and environmental conservation in Louisiana’s unique communities. The conversation explores how food, festivals, and local traditions connect people to heritage while fostering awareness of sustainable practices. Listeners also learn about Merle’s journey as a travel writer and her vision of SuperBubbie, celebrating active senior travel and cultural exploration. 🌐 Read Merle’s article about the festival: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/haunting-good-fun-and-coastal-preservation-at-houmas-rougarou-fest/  🌐 Visit Merle’s website: https://superbubbie.ca/  🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/  🌐 Follow this podcast, also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Vacation Station," "Nature Connection," "Big Daily Blend," and "Way Back When" channels: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m

    31 min
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About

Go around the world and across the country with Big Blend Radio’s ”Food, Wine & Travel” Show that features travel writers, photographers, and authors, as well as destination, tourism, and hospitality members of the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). New episodes air every second Tuesday & Friday, and every third Monday.

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