Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Family-friendly Wineries in Greater Seattle

Seattle and its surrounding areas are known for their stunning landscapes, thriving culinary scene, and world-class wines. But did you know that many wineries in this region welcome families, offering kid-friendly spaces and experiences that ensure a great time for both adults and children? 
On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA, travel writer Phylicia Stitzel, "The Backpacker Mom," shares some of her favorite family-friendly wineries in the greater Seattle region, and discusses her wine and travel writing background. Check out her article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/seattle-family-friendly-wineries/  
Phylicia Stitzel is an adventurous travel blogger, professional photographer, and wine enthusiast who explores the world with her children in tow. She’s on a mission to inspire and empower moms to embrace travel—proving that you can have incredible experiences, enjoy great wine, and make lasting memories with kids by your side. Keep up with her adventures here: https://thebackpackermom.com/ 
Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) at https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
Follow this podcast here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m 

Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 2nd Wednesday "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward features author and writer Barbara Boyle who discusses her new memoir, "Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse.” 
From a high stress career in global advertising to a simple rural life in a barn in an Italian hill town, "Pinch Me" shares Barbara's journey of transformation through love, food and community in Piemonte. Discover how she leaves her life behind in San Francisco and takes apart a 300-year-old stone barn to build a new home, a new life, in Italy. It’s a tale filled with discoveries, disappointments, pleasures, frustrations, and triumphs. And given the gastronomic excellence of the region, she shares some special recipes as well. Get the book or learn more here: https://www.barbaraboyleauthor.com/ 
More about Books Forward at https://booksforward.com/ 

Vibrant and Flavorful Santa Ana, Southern California

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station “Food Wine & Travel Show” with IFWTWA features Wendy Haase, President & CEO of Travel Santa Ana, who shares what visitors can experience in Santa Ana. Hear about this vibrant city's Public Art Guide of over 200 murals, plus its Culinary Passport and Michelada Guide. 
Centrally located in Orange County, Santa Ana is an ideal destination to stay in while experiencing all Southern California has to offer. Here you’ll discover a community rich in culture and pride. An art scene that is a mix of funky and folk. Restaurants serving authentic flavors of Mexico, along with plant-based recipes. Attractions that are hands-on and those that teach. Shopping for brand names and homemade. And events that celebrate all! More at: https://www.travelsantaana.com/ 
This Big Blend Radio show is in partnership with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). Learn more at: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 

Visit The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona

From tasting fudge and sipping on a cool Medjool Date Shake to taking a behind-the-scenes tour and seeing how peanut brittle is made, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "The Peanut Patch" Podcast with Donna George focuses on what you can experience at The Peanut Patch.
Open NOW from October-April and located in Yuma, Arizona, The Peanut Patch is a southwest tradition for farm fresh peanuts, nuts and dried fruit, locally grown Royal Medjool Dates, culinary gifts, and sweet treats including homemade fudge and peanut brittle. Shop online year-round and learn more at https://thepeanutpatch.com/  
Check out Donna's recipes that include all kinds of delicious favorites from peanut butter cookies to sensational salads: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing-category/donna-george/ 
The Peanut Patch podcast airs every 1st Friday at 12pm Arizona Time. Listen to episodes and follow the show here: https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/ 

Farms, Food, and Flower Power Fun in Tulare County

From farm fun and early spring flower power to fabulous regional food, cultural museums, public art, parks, and gardens, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast focuses on the different ways you can explore Tulare County. 
This region is home to charming art and agricultural communities as well as Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, and Giant Sequoia National Monument.
Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include * Suzanne Bianco - Visit Visalia, https://www.visitvisalia.com/ * Alida Verduzco Silva - County of Tulare, https://discovertularecounty.com/ 
Plan your visit to Tulare County, and download the new visitor guide at https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 

Pairing Wine with Sweets

Get ready for Valentine's Day and celebrate the Month of Love with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" podcast with Peggy Fiandaca who talks about pairing wines with sweets and desserts. Check out Peggy's recipe for Spiced Apple Chutney Wontons, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/spiced-apple-chutney-wontons/ 
Along with her winemaker husband Curt Lawrence Dunham, Peggy Fiandaca owns and operates LDV Winery in Arizona. Learn more at  https://ldvwinery.com/ 
"Wine Time with Peggy" airs every 1st Wednesday at 4pm Arizona time. Follow the podcast here: http://tinyurl.com/42j5zucj 
This episode is also being shared and featured on other Big Blend Radio Network Channels including the "Big Daily Blend," and "Eat, Drink & Be Merry." Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

A Tea Tasting Wellness Journey with Amu Nutrition

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," talks with Khulan Enkhtaivan, founder of Amu Nutrition, about their wellness teas. Linda's tasting experience was informative and engaging, delving into the unique flavors, health benefits, and cultural significance of their teas. Read her story about it here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-tea-tasting-journey-with-amu-nutrition/ 
Hailing from Mongolia, Khulan Enkhtaivan, founder of Amu Nutrition and entrepreneur by trade, is also a trained and certified ayurvedic nutritionist who has dedicated her life and career to supporting people’s journey to achieving optimal health. Khulan seeks to share Mongolia’s “food as medicine” philosophy with the American market, inviting consumers to experience tea not just as a beverage, but as a vital component of their self-care practices. Amu Nutrition’s Mongolian heritage is infused in every sip as the tea is made exclusively from wild harvested herbs sourced in the pristine Altai mountains of Mongolia. More: https://amu-nutrition.com/ 
Travel writer Linda Kissam appears on Big Blend Radio every first Saturday. Follow her podcasts here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1LoD5wiSJu4NM4KZxuJYoj 
Follow Diva Linda's adventures here: https://allingoodtaste.info/ 
This episode is also being shared and featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" channel. Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

World Ag Expo 2025 in Tulare, California

This episode of Big Blend Radio celebrates the 58th Annual World Ag Expo happening February 11-13, 2025 at the International Agri-Center in Tulare, California. Hear about the expo's new Women in Ag pavillion, Seminars, Wine & Cheese pavillion, Ag Tours, the Toyota giveaway, and more. Visit: https://www.worldagexpo.com/ 
FEATURED GUESTS:- Donnette Silva Carter - CEO of Tulare Chamber in Commerce: http://www.tularechamber.org/ - Megan Lausten - Marketing Director of the International Agri-Center: https://www.internationalagricenter.com/ 
More than 1,200 exhibitors display the latest in farm equipment, communications, and technology on 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space. Free seminars focus on a variety of topics important to dairy producers, farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness professionals. World Ag Expo® is a can’t miss show for anyone in Ag, and for those interested in where their food comes from. An estimated average of 100,000 individuals from over 70 countries attend World Ag Expo® each year.