Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences

In this new podcast episode, meet Rodrigo Soto, a Chilean winemaker who is passionate about biodynamic viticulture and carved a path that has taken him from Chile to California and back multiple times.

The former winemaker at Matetic Vineyards & Veramonte in Chile and Benziger in Sonoma, he now is the Estate Director at Quintessa Winery in the Napa Valley. Join us to go behind the scenes to meet the man who has transformed these wine projects with the power of his conviction that biodynamic agriculture ultimately yields a better, finer wine.

Listen in iTunes or on your favorite podcast player.

Wine and art are one and the same. A vision, a creative expression, an interpretation meeting a medium. This shot is from the beautiful , a project between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and to make a Premier Grand Cru style wine in Chile. 👌

This past year has been a roller coaster, right?

The pandemic is far from over but the faint outline of the shore in this stormy sea of uncertainty is emerging.

Certainly what has kept me going is dreaming. We can’t travel but I can dream. We can be curious. We can embrace discovery wherever we are. Travel extends beyond the trip itself...it is a mindset and way of approaching life.

One of the ways we are navigating through these times is by pivoting how to bring our travel experience in South America to the world—into the home. How can distill what we do on the ground and continue to support and connect amazing artisans and the fruits of their labor with you to keep the taste of travel alive.

Today is the last chance to sign up for our South American bean-to-bar workshop next Thursday (March 18 at 6pm EST) with the founder and chocolate maker of Obolo Chocolate. It’s a chance to go a ‘trip’ and an experience that will turn your (chocolate) world upside down.

Http://www.lizcaskey.com/shop/tasting

In this workshop co-hosted with the 'chocolatero' of Obolo Chocolate in Chile, we go on a journey into the world of Bean-to-Bar chocolate that will forever shift your palate.

Details!
-March 18, 2021 at 6pm EST
-The workshop will take place in a private online space with time for Q&A.
-The focus of the workshop is to dive into the many nuances of bean-to-bar chocolate, the art of tasting chocolate, and many practical tips to pair the bars and enjoy them.
-You will receive a selection of (three) full-sized chocolate bars imported directly for the event.
-Shipping is free in the continental US. Canadian friends, add US$10 for international shipping at checkout.
--Limited number of spaces to keep the group size intimate.

Look forward to seeing everyone!

PS: If you haven't yet listened in, in Episode 15, we have a great conversation with Mark Gerrits of Obolo to whet your appetite for the tasting.

Yesterday the south of Chile and Argentina had a front row seat to a total solar eclipse, the second in South America in two consecutive years. We will never forget how the sky darkened and the shadows of the eclipse danced on the ground. This is gorgeous photo by .fotografia captures those magical minutes framed by native monkey puzzle trees.

A highlight of spending our weekend in Bogota is shopping around and admiring the wares of Colombian artisans. We are obsessed with these stunning handmade cowboy hats called "sombreros vueltiaos," which are a national icon.⁠

Bogota, Colombia is akin to New York City when it comes to art, culture, fashion, design, and FOOD. The culinary scene is hot 🔥⁠
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Local chefs are exploring Colombian flavors with refined technique and bold combinations. When you decide to go, we will be sure to hook you up with the right addresses—and tables.⁠

How about a jaunt to Colombia's capital, Bogota, this weekend? Once we touch down, the perfect place to start your exploration is in the colorful, historical area of La Candelaria around the main civic center. The colorful facades and vibrant street life make for quite the scene. ⁠

Do you take pleasure seriously?

Quite literally that could mean enjoying the glass of wine in hand, but these words are also a reminder to pursue what you love and enjoy every step of that exploration...to play in the process.

Today we relaunched our newsletter and Liz shared an anecdote about she tapped in again to finding pleasure in a pivot. You can sign up (link in bio) to join our delicious space there--and stay in the know about many announcements forthcoming.

Have a great Sunday, guys!!

We promised! Head to our story for our Chilote Native Potato Salad recipe. We know what we're having for dinner tonight. 🍽⁠
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If you try it out, tag us and show us your creation! ⁠⁠⁠⁠
📸: Francisco Ramírez⁠

Here's a shot of Valparaíso ("Valpo" to locals) for your daily dose of color! This Chilean port city is a jumble of charming architecture, bright graffiti, and impressive murals clinging to over twenty steep hillsides. We love to pass time wandering through its colorful streets. ⁠
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Home to many artists, inspiration and creativity are thick in the air. This can be seen in the multitude of innovative restaurants, food projects, and vibrant building facades within the city limits. If you've been, what aspect of Valparaíso inspired you most?⁠⁠⁠⁠
📸: Francisco Ramírez⁠

What does artisan food and fine wine have in common with a job offer, a marriage, or a graduation? They call for celebration, of course! 🎉⁠
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Last August marked the first Sunday Supper in South America. We worked with , a global communal dinner party movement, to put on a dinner party for foodies in Santiago. We partnered with chef of La Mesa Restaurant to construct a spectacular huerta-a-mesa (farm-to-table) menu featuring local produce from . The dinner was a joyous celebration of Chile's gastronomic offerings—and it was a hit! The night was full of decadent bites, splendid sips, and memories made. Head to our story later today to relive the night with us.⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Slow down, relax, and explore your connection to the earth in the desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama. This sleepy town is a mere three hour journey from Santiago and is encircled by a variety of natural wonders. Your trip will provide a welcome respite from the hustle-bustle of city life. Pictured here is a sweeping view of the Catarpe Valley from a high ridge on the Las Cornisas hiking trail. ⁠
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Days spent in Atacama lodges overflow with blissful solitude and sunshine—and, when you're ready to explore, nature's bounty is only a stone's throw away.⁠⁠⁠⁠
📸: Francisco Ramírez⁠

Potato-lovers rejoice! Take a journey with us to Chiloé, the magical, emerald-hued archipelago in Chile's southern lake district. You'll be smitten with the spud-centric Chilote cuisine. Aside from its host of native potato creations, you'll find fresh shellfish, salmon ceviche, delectable tiny oysters, and some of the tastiest sheep's milk cheese in Chile. ⁠
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Check back on Wednesday for a Chilote-inspired potato salad recipe featuring a handful of ingredients you'd find on the island! Until then, allow the cilantro, Chilean hazelnuts, and radishes pictured here to whet your appetite. 😋⁠⁠⁠⁠
📸: Francisco Ramírez⁠

Did you know that the entirety of Colombia is within the Coffee Belt? This aptly named region refers to the belt around the Earth that encompasses all of the world's coffee-growing regions. ⁠
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Add to the equation Colombia's multitude of mountains, an abundance of rich volcanic soil, and the fact that most of the beans are shade-grown and handpicked, and you have one good cup of coffee. ☕️⁠⁠⁠⁠

We know how hard it can be to unplug and take a deep breath. Our days are packed with responsibilities—work, school, social and family obligations, you name it! When we feel the need to "unplug," we head to the dune-lined beaches of José Ignacio, Uruguay. The town's low-frequency rhythm and laid back energy are a welcome reboot to our systems.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Our favorite spot to dine and unwind is La Huella, a legendary beach shack-cum-restaurant overlooking Playa Brava. On our last visit, we ordered a bottle of the local Albarino and the Caprese salad. The wine's zesty acidity was the perfect complement to the salad's juicy heirloom tomatoes and soft, tangy, handmade mozzarella. What's on your plate when you need to recharge?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
📸: Francisco Ramírez⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

We're dreaming of a meal at The Singular Patagonia! 🍽 The fresh, creative food is only one reason to visit this spectacular hotel located in the charming foodie outpost of Puerto Natales. Located inside a remodeled brick factory on the Last Hope Fjord, The Singular boasts tall ceilings and large picture windows that let in beams of warm light. The locavore cuisine focuses on connections with producers and wild game. Take this beautiful dish, "liebre escabechado," wild hare marinated in a vinegary sauce, a classic of Chilean cuisine and nod to their Spanish ancestry, but with a Patagonian twist. Have you been to Patagonia? Is it on your post-pandemic travel list? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Have you ever dreamed about being on the top of the world? At Lake Titicaca, you quite literally are! On the lake are the Uros Islands, a group of floating islands made of totora reeds. These islands are home to the Uros, a pre-Incan people who hid in the lake's dense maze of reeds in their escape from the Aymaras and the Incas. The resulting floating communities are extant to this day. Each island is supported by a natural layer consisting of the reeds' dense roots and is anchored by ropes and poles driven down into the lake. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Oh, to sip espresso in a colorful cafe in Salento! If you haven't had the pleasure of sampling a high-quality Colombian roast, be sure to add it to your list. ☕️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Colombian coffee is made with Arabica beans, which produce better flavors and more complexity than the commonplace Robusta. There are numerous varieties within the family of Arabica beans; in Colombia, you'll find Castillo, Caturra, Yellow Bourbon, Pink Bourbon (pictured here), Red Bourbon, and Geisha beans. These distinct flavors are enhanced by different roasting and brewing methods, yielding a wide array of flavor profiles to satisfy every palate. What's your favorite way to caffeinate? We are partial to this espresso from Café Jesús Martín.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

If you find yourself torn between exploring Peru's natural wonders and traipsing through its culture-rich streets, consider planning a trip to Machu Picchu. The ancient Incan city demonstrates a remarkable synthesis of nature and culture.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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As you ascend the mountain, note that the slopes are stabilized by over 700 terraces used for both drainage and crop cultivation. Revel in the strategic aesthetic blueprint that oriented windows towards some of Peru's most breathtaking views: the Urubamba River and the mountain's own peak. Consider the groundbreaking feats of engineering unique to the region at the time of construction. Take a seat on a grassy bluff and appreciate both the ingenuity of human creation and the mystical force of Mother Nature. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

This spiraling staircase is the centerpiece of the spectacular Clos Apalta winery in Chile's Colchagua Valley where they craft their icon red blend. Inspired by the movement of wine in a glass, this winery is an architectural feat as it had to blast six stories into the hillside to create the gravity-flow cellar. What to do with all the excavated stone? Use it to make the staircase and floor, naturally.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

What is tastier mid-afternoon than a bite (or few) of dark chocolate? One of our favorites is this 70% organic bean and sea salt bar from ÓBOLO. As Chile's first bean-to-bar chocolate, founder Mark Gerrits embarked on his journey as a chocolatier with the intention to produce artisan chocolate that would put Chile on the chocolate-making map. He has certainly succeeded. What do we love about this kind of chocolate? It's fruity, smooth, and slightly nutty. You realize that chocolate comes from cacao, a fruit! And best of all, perfect for a Friday afternoon, it's fantastic paired with red wine like a Cabernet or Merlot blend. 🍷

Hi guys, we know it’s been a while! As the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded over the past few months, we’ve found ourselves longing for enriching experiences that we routinely find through travel. These experiences are underscored by a sense of freedom to learn and grow, to explore new cultures, and to rejoice in nature. As shelter-in-place mandates have prevented us from experiencing these freedoms, we began to consider the channels through which we feel free within our own homes.
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Today, we are excited to unveil two projects that have been in the works for many months: our podcast, In Search of Flavor, and the launch of our new website. In Search of Flavor will indulge your sense of freedom to learn and grow through the exploration of various culinary traditions. Our new website will spark inspiration for the day we are once again free to roam the world. Stay tuned for more information on their release!

A week ago, 155 days of lockdown ended. Five months inside our apartment in Santiago. It felt like an eternity.

We took the window to get out of the city and escape to the south to my in laws. What we were most missing was Nature. Green. Trees. Feeling Earth. We just aren’t meant to live disconnected from her for that long.

And what am I given as a welcome (besides a delicious rainy day)? A double rainbow. Was it a sign? Obviously.

A new chapter has begun.