Karen Gregory: Uncorking Culture with Global Wine Tales

"Wine is bottled poetry." - Robert Louis Stevenson

Guest Introduction: 

Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, and it’s an absolute joy to share this adventure with you.

Travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about who you become along the way. And I’m so glad you’re here, ready to start this journey together.

If you love today’s episode, I’d be so grateful if you shared it with your friends, spread the word on social media, or left a quick rating and review. Your support means everything—it helps us reach more travelers and dreamers just like you.

Let’s keep inspiring meaningful journeys together. Thanks for being part of the Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition community!

Now, it’s my pleasure to introduce today’s guest, Karen Gregory.

Karen Gregory is a lover of travel, good food, and great wine!  Her wine travel adventures have included Italy, Spain, Greece, Croatia, Canada, Argentina, Uruguay, California, Oregon, and Washington, as well as little hidden gems in Rhode Island, the Ozarks, and Door County.  Through her travels, her passion and appreciation for culture, ambiance, and wine experiences have grown and she's here to share that with us!

Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: 

3:22   I've developed a deep appreciation for a wide variety of wines. It wasn't something I grew up around or knew much about in my twenties. Even in my thirties, I was just beginning to explore and try wines from different regions.

6:34 Five years later, most of my go-to wines are either from biofarms or biodynamic producers. They're organic, and many are even natural, which is considered the highest standard if you're looking for completely clean wines.

9:45 You've probably heard me mention Chateau Ste. Michelle many times. I’m not paid to promote them—I just genuinely love their wine. Even though they’re conventional, I enjoy them, and I feel good when I drink them.

10:37 Here’s the deal with Old World and New World wines. When I think of Old World, I automatically think of Europe—places like France, Italy, Spain, and naturally Portugal. Those regions just embody what we consider Old World.

16:01 Everyone loves the idea and ambiance of drinking wine in Tuscany—it sparks so much imagination. But Italy has so many incredible wine regions, and Tuscany is just one of them. That said, it does produce some truly great wines.

19:27 Here’s the big takeaway for anyone listening: get out there and try some wine! If you love a good Cabernet Sauvignon, start by buying bottles from different regions. Try at least two to compare, then maybe add a third or fourth. Keep experimenting and refining your preferences, because every Cab is unique, and this process will help you discover what you truly like and don’t like.

21:32 I’m probably not the best person to ask since I’m not a certified sommelier.

BREAK: We’re going to take a quick 30-second break—don’t go anywhere! I have something truly special to share. Picture this: a magical winter wonderland where enchanting Christmas markets come alive. Join us December 3rd to 9th, 2025, for an unforgettable festive getaway to the Christmas Markets of Montreal and Quebec City with Collette. And here’s a highlight you won’t want to miss—on Day 6, we’ll visit the breathtaking Montmorency Falls (maant·mr·en·see faalz), a true winter masterpiece. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and holiday magic, ideal for friends and empty nesters alike. For all the details, visit PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com. Don’t miss out—this is a holiday adventure you’ll treasure forever!

27:00 What really clicked for me is that most people familiar with Willamette Valley, Oregon, know it’s renowned for Pinot Noirs. But what stood out is that the region also produces some excellent whites, particularly Chardonnays, as well as other varieties like Syrah and Gamay.

You can find Karen Gregory at:

TheWinederer | Instagram

Thank you for joining me on Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan—your host, travel advisor, and transformational coach. It’s been an absolute joy to share this adventure with you today. If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to subscribe, share with your friends, and leave a review—it helps us reach more travelers just like you. Until next time, remember, life’s a journey—keep exploring!