Who is Suzanne?

Life Abroad

So, who is Suzanne?  Let me tell you a little about myself.

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A more formal shot with my muse, Arneis.
Headshot - 1 - vineyards
In the vineyards of Nicolas Bagnoud in Valais, Switzerland, one of my favorite viticulture regions.

After living in Switzerland for most of my adult life, I returned to the United States in 2007.  I didn’t exactly repatriate with bells on – actually quite grudgingly in response to my husband’s desire to live in Colorado.  But I love Dani (my hubby since October 1987) dearly, so it was back across the Big Pond, this time to the Rocky Mountain High Country.

Dani and I at the top of Mt. Bierstadt in the central Colorado Rockies.
Dani and I at the top of Mt. Bierstadt in the central Colorado Rockies.
Skiing with my best best buddy and love of my life in Beaver Creek.
Skiing with my best best buddy and love of my life in Beaver Creek.

While in Switzerland, for over 20 years we had a chalet in the small, picturesque village of Bluche on the Haut Plateau in the wine growing canton of Valais.

Chalet Petite Tara in Bluche, Valais, Switzerland
Chalet Petite Tara in Bluche, Valais, Switzerland
Summer view of the Crans-Montana ski domain from Chalet Petite Tara
Summer view of the Crans-Montana ski domain from Chalet Petite Tara
The stunning early autumn view of the upper Rhone River Valley from Chalet Petite Tara in Bluche, Valais.
The stunning early autumn view of the upper Rhone River Valley from Chalet Petite Tara in Bluche, Valais.

After volunteer work with a Geneva-based United Nations NGO, in 1995 I moved to Zurich where I worked for Swiss Reinsurance.  Back to Geneva in 2002 made the distance between work and play in Bluche shorter, but soon we were traveling frequently to our tiny home in Vail Valley, Colorado.

Meadows

Since 1999, we traveled frequently to Piemonte where we developed cherished friendships with winemaking families who trace their roots back many generations.  We continue to travel to Piemonte and maintain our close contacts with Switzerland and Piemonte.

A sweet cow in the mountains near Castelmagno, Piemonte. She and her sisters produce the rare, world famous Castelmagno cheese.
A sweet cow in the mountains near Castelmagno, Piemonte. She and her sisters produce the rare, world famous Castelmagno cheese.

Reformed Attorney

So here I am, a reformed attorney who now delights in writing food, wine and travel stories for my blogs and my weekly Vail Daily column about the places I love, the talented people I know and my behind the scenes experiences cooking with some of the finest chefs in Colorado.

My passion - promoting charities through dining experiences. Roundup River Ranch, A Grateful Harvest 2014, with Chef Paul Ferzacca of La Tour Vail.
My passion – promoting charities through dining experiences. Roundup River Ranch, A Grateful Harvest 2014, with Chef Paul Ferzacca of La Tour Vail.
Suzanne making Merguez Stomboli with Pomodoro Sauce. Photo by Kristin Anderson
Suzanne making Merguez Stomboli with Pomodoro Sauce at Toscanini in Beaver Creek, CO.
Photo by Kristin Anderson

My first book, Labor of Love: Wine Family Women of Piemonte is my homage to the indomitable spirit of the wine family women 22 families of Piemonte’s Langhe, Roero and Monferrato regions.  Only in the last 40 years have these courageous women been allowed to step from the shadows into roles in the family wineries that long were prohibited to them.  Women like Chiara Boschis, Ornella Correggia, Giovanna RizzolioLivia Fontana, Francesca Vaira, Elisa Scavino and Paola Grasso are making their own valuable impact on this world famous wine region. RELEASE DATE: JUNE 2, 2016.

Ornella Correggia (right) and her daughter, Brigette
Ornella Correggia (right) and her daughter, Brigitte
Four generations of the Grasso Family in the winery's tasting room.
Four generations of the Grasso Family in the winery’s tasting room.
One of Barolo's first women winemaker's, Chiara Boschis, at home amongst her treasured nebbiolo vines
One of Barolo’s first women winemaker’s, Chiara Boschis, at home amongst her treasured nebbiolo vines

This book is merely the first in my “Labor of Love” series of wine families across the globe.

One of the most endearing couples of Valais' vineyards, Antoinette Maye and her dearly departed husband Simon.
One of the most endearing couples of Valais’ vineyards, Antoinette Maye and her dearly departed husband Simon.

Writing and travel planning for clients seeking under-discovered adventures in Piemonte and Valais keeps me busy and acts as a virtual umbilical cord with my cherished Valais and Piemonte.

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Come along with me as we explore the under discovered stories of the world’s wine regions. You probably know them well, but there is so much more yet to be discovered.

If you love wine.

If you love people.

Travel with me.

Otis the Wine-Loving Dog
Otis the Wine-Loving Dog
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Wine is an expression of culture made by man, not just by nature. Wine families are the ultimate vinous artisans.

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