Eat, Drink and Be Merry

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel Adventures" Show, Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva" has an in-depth conversation with David Adelsheim about the rise of Oregon Chardonnay and why the Willamette Valley has become one of the most exciting regions for this classic varietal.

They explore how Oregon Chardonnay has evolved over the years, the role of climate and terroir, and how earlier picking pr...

Celebrate Chocolate Lovers Month with Donna George, store owner of The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona! In this deliciously fun episode, we dive into Valentine’s Day treats, the surprising health benefits of nuts and peanuts, smart storage tips (yes, freezing works!), and what makes The Peanut Patch such a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.

Donna shares insights into The Peanut Patch’s nearly 200 flavors of fresh, hom...

From Lunar New Year celebrations to Valentine’s Day dinners, this flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Wine Time with Peggy” Podcast explores the exciting harmony between Asian cuisine and wine. Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of LDV Winery in Arizona, shares practical tips for pairing wine with Asian dishes by understanding umami, balancing acidity and spice, and matching wine texture with food.

The conversation dives into the diversi...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Podcast, we welcome gardening expert Charlie Nardozzi, author of the new book “The Continuous Vegetable Garden” publishing February 3, 2026  (Quarto). With National Seed Swap Day (January 31) around the corner, this timely conversation highlights how seed saving, self-sowing vegetables, and perennial edibles are key to creating a low-effort, high-yield garden that sustains itself...

The World Ag Expo® is the largest annual agricultural show of its kind, and this episode of Big Blend Radio takes listeners inside its global reach and local impact. 

Featured guests Donnette Silva Carter, CEO of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, and Megan Lausten, Marketing Director of the International Agri-Center®, share insights into why Tulare County stands at the heart of agriculture—feeding communities across the nation and ar...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we welcome back Dave DeGolyer of Explore Steuben to explore the rich wine culture, fascinating history, and small-town charm of Steuben County in New York’s Finger Lakes region.

The conversation traces the evolution of winemaking in the Finger Lakes — from early table grape production in H...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food Wine & Travel" Show with International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association, travel writer and photographer Cori Solomon joins the show to explore the rich agricultural roots, evolving wine scene, and vibrant community of Morgan Hill, California. From its early farming history—including the once-thriving mushroom industry—to today’s sustainable wineries and farm-to-table dining cul...

In this thought-provoking episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Wine Time with Peggy" podcast, the conversation explores how wine is about more than what’s in the glass — it’s about savoring moments, building connections, and enjoying time with friends. Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of Arizona’s LDV Winery, discusses wine trends, wellness, and the evolving ways people experience wine today.

The episode dives into the influence of Blue Zones and...

Ring in the New Year with Donna George, owner of The Peanut Patch, in this upbeat episode of Big Blend Radio’s "The Peanut Patch" Podcast. As snowbirds arrive in Yuma, Arizona for sunshine and warm winter days, Donna shares why this desert destination is such a magical place to visit during the cooler months.

The conversation explores Yuma’s rich cultural heritage, thriving agricultural community, and farm-to-table focus, along wit...

From street food to fine wine, this lively group conversation explores the rich, diverse, and often misunderstood world of African cuisine through the eyes (and appetites) of seasoned travelers, writers, and food experts. Our guests share personal travel stories, cultural insights, and memorable meals from across the African continent — from communal barbecue traditions and local produce to food safety tips, traditional breakfasts,...

Raise a glass and join the fun on Big Blend Radio’s Annual Holiday Happy Hour Party 2025, a festive roundtable celebration filled with cocktails, travel tales, holiday foods, music, and meaningful conversations about gift-giving and community.

In this spirited holiday episode, an all-star lineup of Big Blend Radio guest experts share their favorite holiday traditions, memorable travels, and seasonal culinary delights. The conversat...

Chef Ivan Flowers—5-Star Chef and Culinary Instructor—returns to Big Blend Radio’s “Eat, Drink & Be Merry” Show to share a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer: Holiday Ham Spirals. Perfect for entertaining, this recipe highlights how simple techniques and creative flavor combinations can elevate holiday cooking.

In this episode, Chef Ivan breaks down the versatility of roulades, the role of pickling in enhancing flavor and textur...

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we’re joined by Andrea Lemieux, author of "The Essential Guide to Turkish Wine – Edition 2: An Exploration of One of the Oldest and Most Unexpected Wine Countries."

Andrea shares her journey from Michigan to Turkey and how she became immersed in one of the world’s most ancient wine ...

In this festive episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” Podcast, travel writer Jo Clark celebrates the magic of the holiday season through Christmas traditions, winter travel, and comforting seasonal flavors. The conversation explores the fascinating history of nutcrackers, including a visit to A’ Tuscan Estate B&B in McMinnville, Oregon, where the innkeeper Erin has a nutcracker collection.

The episode also highligh...

This episode of Big Blend's "Eat Drink & Be Merry" show offers a fresh conversation with Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety Produce, who discusses their most spectacular gift baskets and gourmet boxes, from the unique, low-acidity Pink Glow Pineapple Rosé Basket to the healthy, convenient Baby Veggie Basket. 

We explore the massive variety Melissa's offers (over 1,500 products!) and why their commitment to quality make...

Celebrate the holiday season with wine, food, and festive cheer in this flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Wine Time with Peggy" podcast with Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of Arizona’s LDV Winery. Hear about the joyful traditions surrounding Beaujolais—especially Beaujolais Nouveau, the iconic wine of the season known for its fresh, celebratory spirit.

The conversation also dives into holiday entertaining, the importance of support...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Garden Gossip, gardener and author Sandra Mao us to talk about her vibrant new book, “Vibrant Harvest: Cultivating a Kaleidoscope of Colors in Your Vegetable Garden.” From purple tomatoes and magenta potatoes to speckled lettuces and edible flowers, Sandra shares how colorful vegetables can transform your garden, your kitchen, and even your kids’ eating habits.

We explore the beauty and benefits...

In this festive episode of The Peanut Patch Podcast, host Donna George celebrates the store’s 48th anniversary and National Peanut Butter Lovers Month! She shares nostalgic stories of peanut butter favorites, highlights Yuma’s locally grown Medjool dates, and explores how these “Nature’s Candy” gems add a special touch to charcuterie boards and holiday gatherings.

Donna also talks about peanut butter fudge, creative ways to enjoy p...

Fall is here, and it’s the perfect season for comfort food and cozy sips! In this heartwarming episode of Big Blend Radio’s Wine Time with Peggy podcast, Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of Arizona’s LDV Winery, explores the art of pairing wine with soups. From creamy bisques and hearty stews to the classic soup-and-grilled-cheese combo, learn how to layer flavors, balance textures, and select wines that elevate every spoonful.

The convers...