Four things to pack for wine tasting during harvest in Napa, California, or Middlesbugh, Virginia.

My beat up collection of Kate Spade handbags and shoes

If your summer plans don’t include the beach, you can find inspiration for future surfing and sailing adventures in these tomes about two of the most exhilarating water sports. Even if the idea of wiping out on a wave or beating upwind in a storm doesn’t appeal to you personally, the writing and photography will give you a taste of the action.

Although not a New Orleans native, my preconceived notions about Mardi Gras long ago disappeared. This is not bawdy reverie. This is a neighborhood block party meets “The Greatest Show on earth.” This is magic.

Raise a toast to Sean Connery as James Bond with one of his two favorite sparklers.

Dhows are the lifeblood of the Middle East. They transport everything from timber to dates to fish along the ancient shipping lanes that connect the ports of the Indian Ocean and Red Sea.

Sorting the grapes - so to speak - with South Africa's wines.

Wine movies are a wonderful way to escape. You can embark upon your own virtual road trip à la the alternately sad and funny movie Sideways while sitting on your own couch and enjoying a wine from the region featured in the movie. From big-budget films with beautiful cinematography to documentaries that peel back the layers of winemaking, these movies will inspire future adventures in wine and travel.

Insuring vintage investments may be hard to swallow for some, but it's absolutely essential if you don't want to become the next "Big Wine Caper."

Welcome to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the greatest car show on earth.

As the song goes, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful. ‘Tis the season for winter cocktails around the fire pit.