Sip, Savor & Travel

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," talks with Ponzi Vineyards' winemaker Max Bruening. Nestled in the rolling hills of Oregon’s revered Willamette Valley, Ponzi Vineyards continues to captivate wine enthusiasts with its dedication to crafting exceptional wines that truly reflect the essence of the terroir. With a legacy of winemaking excellence that...

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," and Chef Candy Lesher, talks about the virtual cooking class series, Cooking Like a Dame, that is now offered by the Phoenix Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI PHX). This chapter is very involved in cultivating Arizona’s future culinarians through the high school C-CAP program (Careers Through Culi...

This episode of Big Blend Radio with travel writer Linda Kissam, "Food Wine & Shopping Diva," embarks on a journey through the exquisite offerings of DANCIN Vineyards. Join us as we delve into the world of their elegant Barbera, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay wines with winemaker Chris Jiron. Nestled in the scenic Rogue Valley of Oregon, DANCIN Vineyards has distinguished itself for producing wine...

Step into a world of aromatic tranquility and delightful flavors as you explore the art of tea tasting from the comfort of your own home. This episode of Big Blend Radio with travel writer Linda Kissam, "Food Wine & Shopping Diva," talks about her recent virtual Chinese tea-tasting experience with Friday Afternoon Tea. Linda enjoyed an intellectual sensory journey that uncovered the nuances an...

This episode of Big Blend Radio with travel writer Linda Kissam, "Food Wine & Shopping Diva," focuses on the Annual Tucson Gem & Mineral Show. Held every winter this esteemed event welcomes over 65,000 guests from around the globe as they descend upon Tucson, Arizona to buy, sell, trade, and immerse themselves in rare and captivating gems, minerals, and fossils at more than 40 gem show loc...

In celebration of January being National Hot Tea Month and host to National Hot Tea Dayevery January 12th, this episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND podcast features food, wine, and travel writer Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva." Linda, a tea enthusiast, takes us on a delicious journey of tea experiences around the world and talks about tea and food pairings, gifts, destinatio...

This episode of Big Blend Radio with travel writer Linda Kissam, "Food Wine & Shopping Diva," focuses on the world of coral farming. Featured guest is guitarist and aqua-culure specialist Micha Schellhaas, owner of Desert Coral Ranch in Joshua Tree, California. WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/4aAJcrOtU4I Follow Micha's coral farming work at https://www.desertcoralranch.com/ or...

From sparkling mocktails and cocktails to gourmet holiday sets and gift baskets, this episode of Big Blend Radio with travel writer Linda Kissam, "Food Wine & Shopping Diva," focuses on Fresh Flavors for Holiday Celebrations. Read Linda's article that's chockful of suggestions: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/fresh-flavors-for-holiday-celebrations/ FEATURED GUESTS: * CAREY REILLY who share...

This episode of Big Blend Radio features travel writer Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva" who talks about the “Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King" public art project, Funded by the Scan Design Foundation, the exhibition features six giant hand-built troll sculptures by Danish environmental artist, Thomas Dambo. WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/Njf9TmtBHSM The trolls a...

From Buddha's Hands and Rambutans to Pink Pumpkins and Baby Yams, this episode of Big Blend Radio focuses on freaky fruit and fall produce trends for 2023. Featured guests are Robert Schueller of Melissa's produce and travel writer Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva." Read Linda's article with her suggestions, plus, check out Melissa's Lime Slime Punch Recipe, here: https://tinyurl.com/b...

If you are a connoisseur of afternoon tea, you know how important it is to take part in high tea at the Empress Hotel in Victoria, B.C. From the lovely teacups steaming with exotic tea scents to the tiny bites of scones, desserts, and sandwiches, this is the ultimate elegant experience in the art of afternoon tea. Place your order, take a gentle sip of tea, and wait for the magic of afternoon tea...

This episode of Big Blend Radio's EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY Show features travel writer Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva" who shares her tasting experience at Starbucks Reserve™ Roastery in Seattle. WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/_eLVjGbVf0Y Located in Seattle’s lively Capitol Hill neighborhood, and the original of the 6 now available to visit, this popular roastery is...

This episode of Big Blend Radio's GARDEN GOSSIP Show features travel writer Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva" and outreach co-ordinatr Jessica Conn who discuss the visitor experience at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. This destination features a unique garden, tea house, tea garden, a stone garden, and a courtyard garden, making it a true Arizona Find. Read Linda's...

From Charenteis Melons and Giant Portabello Mushrooms to Sugar Mangos and Coconut, this episode of Big Blend Radio focuses on summer fruits and vegetables to enjoy anytime, but especially for barbecuing and grilling, and a look at some delicious gift baskets. Featured guests are Robert Schueller of Melissa's / World Variety Produce Inc., and travel writer Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Di...

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY" Show features writer Linda Kissam and Dave and Sara Specter, owners of Bells Up Winery in Oregon. This beloved winery makes approximately 600 cases annually. Think beautiful tasting wines composed in a classically tailored style - Pinot Noir, Rosé, Pinot Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Read Linda's article and check...

From Chayote and Guava Paste to Pee Wee Medley Potatoes and Miracle Berry Cubes, this episode of Big Blend Radio focuses on produce and product trends for 2023 with Robert Schueller of Melissa's / World Variety Produce Inc., and travel writer Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva." Read Linda's article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/hot-trendy-and-new-produce-trends-2023/ WATCH T...

Instead of just offering one winery’s line of wine, the Wine Collective features a large variety of all Arizona wines. On this episode of Big Blend Radio, travel writer Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva" shares her wine tasting experience at the Wine Collective in Scottsdale, Arizona. Read her article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/arizona-finds-the-wine-collective/ WATCH THS...

A new, invitation-only experience from Princess Cruises transports guests nightly to the Mediterranean – no matter where they’re actually sailing – engaging all of their senses with the tastes, sights, sounds, touches, and fragrances of the Mediterranean. The fully immersive 360 is an extraordinary experience, especially for foodies and travelers. Hear all about it on this episode of Big Blend Rad...

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, travel writer Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," shares her bucket list adventures and detours in Edinburgh, Scotland, and in Dublin, Glendalough, Wicklow, and Kilkenny in Ireland. See her article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/enchanting-bucket-list-travels-ireland-and-scotland/ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/T2T6H68Qkoo...

You've written your book or article and now it's published. Now what? On this episode of Big Blend Radio, travel writer and publicist Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva" shares tips on how to promote your written work on social media. Promoting your book on social media is basically a 5-Step Process. Here’s what is involved in creating an action plan: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/...

From the Christmas Markets of Germany to the Historic Downtowns of America, and from handcrafted gifts to regional souvenirs, this episode of Big Blend Radio features travel writer Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva" who talks about the joys of shopping. Did you know that studies show that shopping causes your brain to release Serotonin, which is a chemical that makes you feel good? We c...

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, travel writer Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," shares her two-week cruising experience on the Viking Jupiter on a Bergen, Norway to Stockholm, Sweden route. This historic and scenic route allowed her to discover a lot of Scandinavia with stops in Stockholm, Oslo, scenic Bergen, charming Ålborg, fascinating Gdańsk, and the grand cities of Berlin and...

This episode of Big Blend Radio features travel writer Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva" who discusses her summer boating adventures in the Pacific Northwest. Linda and her husband sailed out of Seattle and visited the Scandinavian town of Poulsbo, then Port Ludlow, and Blakely Harbor. See her story: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/pacific-northwest-summer-boating-adventure/...

This episode of Big Blend Radio focuses on the farm, garden, and foodie scene in Skagit Valley, Washington. Featured guests include Big Blend writer Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," Blake Vanfield - Director of Genuine Skagit Valley, and Linda Versage - Blanchard Mountain Farm. Read Linda's article on her Skagit Valley Farm Stay experience here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/tw...

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" Show shines the spotlight on Iris Vineyards who is known for producing quality, consciously crafted wines from some of the best vineyards in Oregon. Featured guests include Big Blend writer Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," Iris Vineyards winemaker Aaron Lieberman, and wine media specialist Carl Giavanti. Read Linda's artic...