Liquid Bliss (lik’wid blis)

As I prepare for my upcoming Yoga & Wine retreat to Sicily in August, I am excited to introduce the pleasures of ‘la dolce vita’, or ‘the sweet life’, to my students! In Sicily, and in Italy in general, taking time to enjoy the little pleasures of life is something that happens on a daily basis. From the long, leisurely lunch with family on a Sunday afternoon to the evening walk through the piazza, eating a pistachio gelato with someone special…it is all about the simple pleasures.

One of the pleasures that we will be experiencing is a visit to renowned winery, Donnafugata in Marsala. Donnafugata is one of Sicily’s top wineries, known for creating wines that express the emotion of Sicily as well as for the iconic image of the ‘fleeing woman’ on their labels. I spoke with Stefano Valla, winemaker at Donnafugata winery in Sicily to learn more about the winery, ‘la dolce vita’ and his passion for winemaking. (more…)

From taking yoga classes and eating organic foods, to reusing and recycling, the ‘green’ lifestyle has become the norm. There seems to be a yoga studio and organic market on every corner, but what if you could get it all under one roof? At newly opened Ubuntu Restaurant and Yoga Studio in the heart of Napa’s wine country you can do just that.

Gone are the days when vegetarian dining meant brown rice and tasteless tofu. Downstairs, Chef Jeremy Fox replaces them with lavender dusted marcona almonds, decadent ‘mushroom bianca’ pizza with baby shitakes and grilled peach panzanella. (more…)