Dena Roche

This summer, I, an American who has visited Rome three times before, had the pleasure of introducing my Italian citizen husband to his own capital. Despite being an Italian who grew up in nearby Switzerland, he had never been to Rome. Clearly, we needed to fix this travesty!

Besides being the capital of Italy, Rome, or Roma as the Italians call her, is at the center of world history. Strolling through the cobblestone streets is like walking through my high school history book. The old and the new coexist side-by-side, creating a dizzying contrast as I imagine Julius Caesar at the Roman Forum

Battling through the jet lag that comes from being up for over 24 hours, I nervously pushed open the door to Au Pere Louis wine bar in Paris. This was the moment of truth.

I scanned the small bar until my eyes settled on him. Dressed in a black shirt and jeans at a table by the window, his eyes locked on mine and a smile filled his face. The butterflies in my stomach fluttered for a different reason now.

For decades farm-to-table has been a mantra in the culinary world. Chefs and foodies clamor for local ingredients and purveyors, so why doesn’t that same mentality translate to grapes? Arizona has over 120 wineries, but only a handful of local restaurants are putting these homegrown bottles on their wine lists. Why hasn’t vineyard-to-table caught on in the Grand Canyon State?
“We’re baffled by it,” said Scott Stephens, co-owner of Bec...

The first time someone asked me if I wanted to spend the day going wine tasting in Switzerland I was in Zurich and assumed we were heading to Germany. Instead, we stayed in the canton sampling the Swiss wine Blauburgunder (Pinot Noir) from a variety of producers.
Wine in Switzerland? At first, I thought, “No way,” but then I started to think of the countries bordering this tiny neutral nation-Germany, Italy and France, and it quickly made sense.

100 years after it last hosted the Olympics, all eyes will again be on Paris as it hosts the 2024 Summer Olympics from July 26-August 11. The City of Lights is one of the most popular destinations anytime, but it will shine even brighter as the world’s best athletes take center stage.
With more than 9.7 million spectators expected to attend more than 329 events during the ...

One thing I love about wine and travel is that there are always new things to explore. This past weekend I had the chance to virtually travel to Bordeaux during a wine blending class taught by Master Sommelier Michael Jordan at the Wrigley Mansion’s annual Festivin wine event.
Jordan is one of only 273 Master Sommeliers in the world. For a wine lover, this is akin to being taught how to throw a football by Aaron Rodgers.

Thanks to the wildly popular White Lotus television series, Americans are obsessed with all things Sicily. Just in time for fall and winter fashion unveilings, Sicilian brands Dolce & Gabbana and Donnafugata Wine have teamed up to bring wine and fashion lovers a specially curated collection of Sicilian wine.

The Grand Hotel Victoria, Lake Como’s newest five-star property, makes a great base for exploring cute villages, gourmet dining, and spas.
For years, jet setters have come to Lake Como attracted by picture-perfect Italian towns, superb Italian cuisine, luxury villas and hotels, celebrity residents, and sparkling water. With the opening of the area’s newest five-star hotel, The Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa, by R Collection Hotels, travelers have a new place to call home on the lake.
Just...

Nestled in the mountains, THE OMNIA is a luxurious mountain ski chalet in the Swiss Alps. With stelllar views, it’s Zermatt at its best.
After arriving in car-less Zermatt by train, my husband and I are picked up in a vehicle that I joke looks like a tuk-tuk station wagon. We’re whisked through the crowded streets before turning down a small side road and barreling towards a glass door that opens at the last minute and deposits us in THE OMNIA hotel’s cave-like entrance. I must say I felt lik...

Big passion. Big hand gestures. Big food. Big wine. And just a big love for life. To me, it’s the perfect country (sorry France) for big romance. So, for Valentine’s Day I had to highlight 4 affordable Italian wines.

The ICONIC Burgenstock Resort celebrates its 150th birthday welcoming guests to its stunning perch above Lake Lucerne.
Since its opening in 1873, Switzerland’s Burgenstock resort has played host to A-listers, celebrities, politicians and jetsetters. From the beginning, the ICONIC resort has been at the forefront of innovation, and as it celebrates its 150th birthday, that spirit of imagination and creativity is alive and well.
Burgenstock History
Back in the 1870s a grand hotel at the top of ...

Even just 2 days in Florence will stir your creative soul with its renowned art, stunning architecture, and innovative culinary scene. Read on for what to do when you have 2 days in Florence.
The first time I was in Florence was on a Monday—the day all its famous museums are closed. The second time I was determined to see the David and the air conditioning broke in the Galleria dell’Accademia, and the museum closed. This time, I let go of any expectations of the city, made no plans, and fell ...

A 60-year home in Corstorphine, Scotland looks to America for design inspiration during a recent remodel.
Mid-century Modern design may have originated in America in the mid 20th century, but its popularity is both global and enduring. When a young family of four in Edinburgh, Scotland wanted to update their home to increase its functionality, they looked across the pond for design inspiration.
In the United States, their 1,200 sq. ft. 1960s terraced home in Corstorphine, an Edinburgh suburb,...

Only have two days in London? Check out our Ultimate Guide to 2 Days in London for insider tips to maximize your time.
London is the land of royalty, history, afternoon tea, and fish and chips. It’s also my favorite city in the world. Since I first visited as a 16-year-old, I felt at home here. If we lived past lives, I was lucky enough to live one in London. Even though he grew up in Europe, my husband never visited this amazing city.
On a recent whirlwind two-day trip, I enjoyed introducing...

If you love bubbles, you no doubt know all about Italy’s famous Prosecco. But if you’re looking for a Champagne alternative, you need to raise a glass of Italy’s lesser-known bubbly, Franciacorta.
Franciacorta is Prosecco’s older, more sophisticated sister. While Prosecco is fruity and easy, Franciacorta is more complex and made in the methode champenoise tradition, rendering a sparkling wine that is similar in structure, aromas, and tastes to Champagne.
What's in This Article:
History of Fra...