Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Savor Southern Oregon: The Rogue Valley’s Premier Wine Event

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we explore the culinary, wine, and outdoor adventures of Southern Oregon with Carole Skeeters-Stevens of Travel Medford.
Located in the heart of the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon is home to a thriving wine region known for its remarkable diversity of grape varietals—more than 70 in total—thanks to the area’s unique climate and agricultural landscape. Carole shares insider tips on exploring the region’s wineries, planning a tasting route, and experiencing the highly anticipated Savor Southern Oregon event (June 12 & 13, 2026) that celebrates the area’s food, wine, and artisan producers.
Beyond the vineyards, Southern Oregon offers an abundance of outdoor experiences, from scenic hiking and river adventures to visiting nearby natural wonders like Crater Lake National Park. Carol also shares travel tips for lodging, pairing local wines with regional cheeses and cuisine, and making the most of a Rogue Valley getaway.
Whether you're a wine enthusiast, foodie traveler, or outdoor adventurer, Southern Oregon offers a flavorful destination filled with unforgettable experiences.
Plan Your Visit:https://www.travelmedford.org/ https://savorsouthernoregon.com/ 
Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
 Follow Big Blend Radio’s Food, Wine & Travel Podcast:https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/ 
Check out the new Big Blend Radio “Travel Food & Wine” Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 

Winemaking in Oregon’s Umpqua Valley with Paul O’Brien Wines

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Sip, Savor & Travel" Show, host Linda Kissam, the "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," sits down with Scott Kelley, winemaker and co-founder of Paul O’Brien Winery, to explore the distinctive wines and terroir of Oregon’s Umpqua Valley.
Often considered one of Oregon’s hidden wine gems, the Umpqua Valley offers diverse microclimates and soils that allow winemakers to produce a remarkable range of varietals—from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to Tempranillo and Fumé Blanc. Scott shares the story behind Paul O’Brien Winery, born from a decades-long friendship and a shared passion for crafting balanced, expressive wines.
The conversation dives into vineyard site selection, dry farming practices, the role of oak in winemaking, and how terroir shapes the character of each bottle. Linda and Scott also discuss wine education, tasting experiences, and the growing recognition of the Umpqua Valley as a destination for wine lovers and travelers alike.
RESOURCE LINKS: 📖 Read Linda’s article on Paul O’Brien Wines: https://bigblendfooddrink.substack.com/p/winemaking-in-oregons-umpqua-valley 
🍷 Learn more about Paul O’Brien Winery: https://paulobrienwines.com/ 
📚 Explore Linda’s NEW Big Blend "Sip, Savor & Travel" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/bssg/ 
🌐 Visit Linda’s website: https://foodwinetravelchix.com/ 
🎙 Follow the "Sip, Savor & Travel" Podcast: https://lindakissam-foodwinetravel.podbean.com/ 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" and "Vacation Station" Travel Podcast. Discover more shows on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

The Power of Peanuts: Nutrition, Snacks & Recipes

It’s National Peanut Month and National Nutrition Month, and we’re celebrating with Donna George from The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona! 
In this episode of "The Peanut Patch" Podcast on Big Blend Radio, discover surprising facts about peanuts (did you know they’re actually a legume?), the health benefits of peanut butter, and delicious ways to enjoy nutritious snacks like trail mix, dark chocolate, Medjool dates, and freeze-dried fruits. Donna also shares insights into The Peanut Patch’s famous fresh peanut brittle and how their treats are made.
Whether you're looking for healthy snack inspiration or planning a visit to sunny Yuma, this episode is packed with flavor, fun facts, and food inspiration.
🛒 Shop year-round: https://thepeanutpatch.com/ 🍽️ Recipes From The Peanut Patch Magazine:  https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/Recipes-from-The-Peanut-Patch/ 🎧 Listen: https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/ 📲 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Eat, Drink & Be Merry” and “Big Daily Blend” Podcast Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

White Wine Secrets: Acidity, Pairing, and a Southwestern Shrimp Recipe

Spring and summer are prime time for white wine—and knowing how to choose and pair it makes all the difference. 
In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Wine Time with Peggy" Podcast, Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of LDV Winery shares expert insights on acidity, balance, and how to avoid “flabby” wines that lack structure.
Peggy explains practical wine tasting techniques—how to evaluate legs and viscosity, and why serving temperature matters. She also offers vineyard updates, discusses regional white wine styles, and explores pairing strategies for everything from Asian and Southwestern cuisine to red and white meats.
Plus, don’t miss her refreshing Southwestern Shrimp Ceviche recipe, a vibrant, wine-friendly dish perfect for warm-weather entertaining.
* Read Peggy’s full wine pairing tips and get the ceviche recipe  here: https://bigblendfooddrink.substack.com/p/white-wine-secrets 
* Learn more about LDV Winery: https://ldvwinery.com 
* Check out WINE & BITES, Big Blend's "Wine Time With Peggy" Podcast & Recipe Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/fmlb/ 
* Follow the Wine Time with Peggy Podcast : https://wine-time-peggy.podbean.com/ 

Wine Tasting at Souther Williams Vineyard Near Asheville, North Carolina

In this special onsite episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast, hosts Lisa D. Smith and Nancy J. Reid join regular cohosts Steve and Karen Wilson (The Lion & The Rose B&B) at Souther Williams Vineyard in Fletcher, North Carolina — just a short, scenic drive from Asheville.
During a live wine tasting with owner Ken Parker, the conversation explores the growth of the North Carolina wine industry, the impact of climate on viticulture, and what makes mountain-grown wines so distinctive. Set on 35 acres — with 8 acres currently under vine and 6,000 grape plants supported by more than 200,000 feet of trellis wire — Souther Williams specializes in cooler-climate varietals from Austria, Eastern Europe, Germany, and Russia.
White varietals include Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, and Vidal Blanc, while reds feature Cynthiana (Norton), Blaufränkisch (Lemberger), Regent, Saperavi, and Cabernet Franc. At full production, this boutique winery produces approximately 1,500–2,000 cases annually.
Beyond tastings, Souther Williams Vineyard hosts live music, Hike & Sip tours, luxury picnics, corporate events, bachelorette parties, and more — making it one of the premier winery experiences near Asheville and Hendersonville.
MORE TO EXPLORE:* Learn more about Souther Williams Vineyard: https://southerwilliams.com/ * Celebrate Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend in Hendersonville, April 30–May 3, 2026: https://visithendersonvillenc.org/cider-wine-dine-weekend * Stay nearby at The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville’s Montford Historic District: https://www.lion-rose.com/ 
LISTEN:* Check out the NEW Big Blend Radio "Adventures in Asheville" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ADVENTURES-IN-ASHEVILLE/ * New episodes air every 1st Tuesday – Listen: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/ * This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" and "Vacation Station" podcast channels! Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Jefferson Highway Travel in Greenville , Texas: Part Four - The Foodie Finale

Welcome to the final installment of our 4-day special series, "Find Your Heart in Greenville, Texas", shared as part of our Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast. Today is the Foodie Finale! Greenville’s culinary scene is thriving, blending historic atmosphere with modern flavor. 
Along with telling you about some of our favorite experiences like The Ashen Rose Bar & Grill, Peddler's Pizza, Prairie Coffee Co., and PhatCakes, we take you to Glenda’s Kitchen for authentic comfort food that feels like home. Glenda talks about her legendary chicken fried steak and 25 years of community service! 
Then we head downtown to Landon Winery, where tasting room manager Patrick Harrison walks us through their award-winning Texas wines in their historic building. 
🔗 RESOURCE & TRAVEL PLANNING LINKS:* Greenville Tourism: http://travelgrenvilletx.com/* Texas Travel Directory: https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/travel-directory/texas* Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org/* Jefferson Highway Dispatch Updates: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/* Glenda’s Cafe: https://www.facebook.com/GlendasCafe/* Landon Winery: https://www.landonwinery.com/* Peddler’s Pizza: https://www.peddlerspizza.com/* The Ashen Rose: https://www.facebook.com/theashenrosepub/* Prairie Coffee Co.: https://prairiecoffeeco.com/* PhatCakes: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093269536686* The Texan Theater: https://www.facebook.com/TexanTheater/* Comfort Suites Greenville: https://www.choicehotels.com/texas/greenville/comfort-suites-hotels/txb47
 
DON’T MISS THE OTHER 3 EPISODES:* Part One (History): https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/p/greenville-texas-part-one* Part 2 (Arts): https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/p/greenville-texas-part-two* Part 3 (Style & Stage): https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/p/greenville-texas-part-three

Route 66 Recipes & Roadside History with Amy Bizzarri

In celebration of Route 66’s upcoming centennial, get your kicks on America’s most legendary highway with travel writer and culinary historian Amy Bizzarri. In this flavorful Big Blend Radio episode, Amy shares stories and recipes from her latest book, "Route 66 Recipes: A Culinary Cruise Along the Mother Road," (out now through The History Press, an imprint of Arcadia Publishing), spotlighting the iconic diners, classic soda fountains, regional specialties, and unforgettable roadside stops that have fueled generations of road trippers. From Chicago’s famous Lou Mitchell’s to the Midpoint Café in Adrian, the Big Texan steak challenge in Amarillo, Native American food traditions, and nostalgic chili parlors, Amy blends culinary history with travel inspiration. She also discusses driving the entire Mother Road, must-try dishes like Navajo tacos and ugly crust pie, and how local culture shapes the Route 66 experience. Amy previously joined Big Blend Radio to talk about her book "Iconic Hollywood Dishes, Drinks and Desserts." Revisit that episode here: https://bigblendradio.podbean.com/e/iconic-hollywood/Whether you're planning a Route 66 road trip, honoring the highway’s 100-year milestone, or simply love Americana and food history, this episode serves up a delicious journey down the Mother Road. Follow Amy on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/amybizzarri/ 

Fresh Asian Flavors & Lunar New Year Traditions with Melissa’s Produce

Celebrate the vibrant traditions and delicious symbolism of the Lunar New Year on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Eat Drink & Be Merry" show with special guest Robert Schueller of Melissa’s Produce.
Discover the meaningful foods that bring luck, prosperity, and long life in the new year — from citrus fruits and mushrooms to Asian greens, noodles, and wontons. Robert shares easy ways to enjoy and cook with unique produce like butterscotch pears, kumquats, and gai lan, along with simple recipes that make festive entertaining fun and flavorful.
Whether you're planning a Lunar New Year feast or just want to explore fresh Asian ingredients year-round, this episode is packed with tasty inspiration and cultural insight.
🔶 Explore Melissa’s Lunar New Year Menu & Recipes:https://www.melissas.com/pages/lunar-new-year 
🔶 Robert’s Recommended Recipes:* Asian Pear Slaw: https://www.melissas.com/blogs/salad/asian-pear-slaw * Gyoza Pot Stickers: https://www.melissas.com/blogs/side-dish/gyoza-pot-stickers * Fried Won Tons: https://www.melissas.com/blogs/appetizer/fried-won-tons * Easy Egg Rolls: https://www.melissas.com/blogs/appetizer/egg-rolls * Kung Pao Noodles: https://www.melissas.com/blogs/side-dish/kung-pao-noodles 
🎁 Lunar New Year Gift Box: https://www.melissas.com/products/deluxe-lunar-new-year-gift-box?_pos=2&_sid=ab73b6945&_ss=r