An Expert's Favorite Wine Spots

Marco Pasanella is an architect turned New York wine-store owner, a story he retells in Uncorked: My Journey Through the Crazy World of Wine (Clarkson Potter; $24), out this month. Below, he reveals his top spots to browse for bottles when he travels.

Berry Bros. & Rudd, London
“Founded in 1698, this is the city’s oldest and most venerable wine and spirits purveyor. It has a two-and-a-half-million-bottle inventory, including some of the world’s rarest vintages.” 3 St. James’s St.; 44-800/280-2440.

Enoteca Vanni, Lucca, Italy
“Beneath the unassuming storefront are block-long subterranean caves filled with unexpected finds, such as 1970’s California Cabernets. The vaults are as enchanting for a child as for a wine lover.” 7 Piazza del Salvatore; 39-0583/491-902.

Kermit Lynch, Berkeley, Calif.
“The slightly disheveled shop was one of the first to bring small European producers to the U.S. Lynch has continued to unearth interesting labels—and now even has his own winery. Many a shopkeeper, such as myself, dreams of having a place just like Kermit’s.” 1605 San Pablo Ave.; 510/524-1524.

Photo courtesy of Berry Bros & Rudd

Mt. Everest the Next Gay Marriage Hot Spot?

Could Mount Everest be the next gay marriage hot spot? According to an intriguing report by Aaron Hicklin in the new issue of Out Traveler, Nepalese member of parliament Sunil Pant is commited to making gay travelers—and wedding parties—feel welcome in his country, telling Hicklin:

“If you want to do it in the Buddhist tradition, we can supply a lama to bless you, or there are shamans who can bless you in a very tantric way. Or you have a Hindu priest or even a Christian padre." He pauses. "Or you can do it in a conservation park with an elephant safari."

Luke Barr is the news director at Travel + Leisure.

Photo by iStock

Obsession: Tokyo Shopping

I love to shop in Tokyo. Especially for everyday things: housewares, stationary supplies, useful stuff. I always visit Loft (loft.co.jp), for example, in Shibuya, even if I don’t need anything, just to wander the seven floors of art supplies and hobby and craft materials and the vast—vast—selection of pens and notebooks.

Read More