April is National Food Month, and we are kicking it off with a masterclass in the "Art of the Sandwich." From National Sourdough Bread Day (April 1) to National Picnic Day (April 23), this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" Show is your essential guide to elevating every bite with the perfect pour.

Peggy (co-owner of LDV Winery) breaks down the fundamental rules of pairing: matching intensity, balancing sauces, and why a "hot" wine isn't always about temperature. Whether you're celebrating National BLT Month, PB&J Day (April 2), or National Grilled Cheese Day (April 12), we have the wine recommendations to make your lunch legendary.

What’s Inside: - The Big Four Pairing Rules: Why bread, sauce, and intensity dictate your wine choice. - Vineyard Report: The "crying" vines and what’s happening in the Chiricahua Mountains. - April Holiday Guide: Expert pairings for PB&J, Reubens, Turkey, and Tuna Melts. - A "Monumental" Recipe: Peggy’s Sicilian Grilled Cheese—a sandwich so big it’s a landmark. - April Events: Join us in Scottsdale for Library Wine tastings and Charcuterie classes.

Essential Links: - The Full Pairing Guide & Recipe: https://bigblendfooddrink.substack.com/p/wine-and-sandwiches - WINE & BITES Digital Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/fmlb/ - Learn More & Shop LDV Winery: https://ldvwinery.com - Subscribe to the Podcast: https://wine-time-peggy.podbean.com/

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

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