Episode 39: Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone through Travel

In this solo episode, Liz shares about navigating an uncertain life moment and confronting that fear of the unknown. How can travel sharpen these life skills on the road and at home? We dig into that in this episode. Travel provides the ultimate opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. From immersing yourself in a new culture and language to confronting travel hassles, ‘scary’ adventure activities that awaken bravery, or swallowing your ego to become a student again and learn a new skill, the willingness to be vulnerable and adopt a growth mindset is key. We also discuss how travel sharpens your people skills, makes you more present, and helps you cultivate embracing change and uncertainty when it inevitably comes your way.  You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com  You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/ 

In this episode we discuss:Family history dating back to grandfather establishing winery in Mendoza in 1960sThe inspiration to focus on high elevation sites like Altamira, La Consulta, GualtallaryUnderstanding the valley's geology, altitude impacts creating distinct terroir identities  How he developed Zuccardi's non-interventionist approach allowing transparent expression of place using concrete eggs vs. steel to showcase vineyard character Why soil mapping via calicatas provides key viticultural insights and how clonal selection and varieties are suited to high elevation, like chardonnayThe impetus to make his own Vermouth with a group of friends, which revived theArgentine vermouth tradition Zuccardi’s dedication to wine tourism on a larger scale in Mendoza and the Uco ValleyWhat the future holds for Argentina, Malbec, wine, and the next generationResources: Instagram: @zuccardivalledeuco@szuccardiWebsite:  https://zuccardiwines.com/en/ You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com  You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/ 

In this episode we talk about: How Giuliana was “chosen” by the world of fungi The “3F’s” & basics of the Fungi Kingdom & the role fungi plays in sustaining lifeThe development of Chilean mycology and the uniqueness of Chilean fungi. The lonely road that was studying Chilean fungi at first and why Chile is classified as a “mycro-phobic” country despite being a fungi hotspot! How co-evolution with fungi have led to fungi with medicinal properties The process of looking for fungi for particular purposes - medicinal, pesticides, -- and how their co-evolution with animals have led to groundbreaking discoveries The Fungi Foundation Why everyone should see the newly-released documentary ‘Common Ground’, currently in theaters (as of March 2024)Resources:Common Ground DocumentaryField Guides to Chilean FungiFundacion FungiFundacion Fungi Donation PageFantastic Fungi Documentary @giulifungi @fungi_foundation@commongroundfilm You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com  You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/ 

In this episode:Why the holiday season goes beyond peak season and coincides with the onset of summer vacationA discussion on top destinations in South America: Patagonia, Mendoza, Buenos Aires, and the beaches of Jose Ignacio, UruguayHow to navigate the varied weather and seasonsTips on booking flights, transportation, and accommodationsThe secret on how to avoid the summer crowds and when to go (all within the summer time frame)Resources:Instagram: @lccwe, @lizcaskey77Website: www.lizcaskey.com You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com  You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/ 

In this episode we discuss:Emily’s background and how she transitioned from media to skincare with her French business partner, Garance DoréThe origin of French pharmacy skincare and how Doré set out to modernize itWhy origin and source of ingredients matter in skin care & how she & Garance formulated their products to be clean A breakdown of the big difference between EU & US ingredient safety and why Doré defers to the EUTravel hacks to keep your skin healthy and glowing while in transitResources:Instagram: @Doré, @em_note @garancedoreWebsite: www.wearedore.comGet 10% off your order with Doré:  click here. You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com  You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/ 

In this episode:Background and the origin of Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences’ group trip name called, “Romancing Colombia”Why Travel in Colombia is Safe & how to travel smartColombia's top destinations: Bogotá, Coffee Triangle, Medellín& CartagenaTips on navigating the varied climate, weather, seasons and flightsItinerary layout suggestions from 4 to 14 day itinerariesThe secret sauce to why Colombia will leave you with a post-trip glow for weeks after you get home!Resources:Instagram: @lccwe, @lizcaskey77Website: www.lizcaskey.com You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com  You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/ 

In this episode we discuss:- Ted’s experience in Burgundy and how that shaped his path in wine and a deep love for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay - The challenges of bootstrapping and growing his wine business and how Littorai grew from sourced fruit to an established, renowned, self-financed, profitable winery- The important difference between aesthetic and ‘technocratic’ wines and why aesthetic wines as a medium constitute a language- His decision to transition to biodynamic farming and how that has impacted the health of his vineyards and vision of Littorai- His pivotal role in helping West Sonoma claim its own appellation and protecting the future of this viticulture region Resources:Instagram: @littoraiWebsite: www.littorai.com You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com  You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/ 

In this episode we discuss:History and Background of CarmenereOrigin and discovery of Carmenere grapeTransitioning the vineyards and where Carmenere grows in ChileSpecific viticulture of growing CarmenereFlavor profiles of the grape and nuances across regionsChileans producers of Carmenere at all price points What to eat, and pair with CarmenereResources:Instagram: @lccwe, @lizcaskey77For bespoke travel & small group trips to South America & Beyond: www.lizcaskey.comJoin our upcoming trip to Chile in October 2024, a wine masterclass!Our cookbook on South American cuisine! Perfect for pairing wines from the region.  You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com  You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/ 

In this episode we discuss:- The early days and influences in Rodolfo Guzmán's culinary journey- Introduction to Boragó and its unique approach to Chilean ingredients- The decades-long knowledge-gathering process of Boragó- The Role of Boragó in the evolution of Chile's gastronomic Landscape- Discussion on Chilean endemic ingredients and their diversity and the uniqueness of the dining experience at Boragó- Rodolfo’s book “Coming from the South” and what’s next…Resources:Instagram: @rgboragoWebsite: www.borago.clRodolfo’s cookbook: “Coming from the South” by Phaidon You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com  You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/ 

 Timestamps:1:17 - Liz’s ‘Three Pillars’ of successful trip planning (for any trip)3:26 - Coming to visit Napa in different seasons: winter, spring, summer, fall8:33 - Travel planner hacks on where to base in Napa, the best airports for easy access, and the valley’s unique geography to consider16:44 - How to structure your trip (& wine tastings) to Napa like a pro21:24 - Final key strategy to keep in mind for a successful tripResources:Instagram: @lccwe, @lizcaskey77   Website: www.lizcaskey.com You can learn more about Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences and the trips we offer in food, wine, culture, design & beyond at www.lizcaskey.com  You can also sign up for our free weekly newsletter announcing new episodes, wine recommendations, travel intel, and much more. Sign up here: https://lizcaskey.myflodesk.com/