Spring tours, that’s a wrap. La Dolce Vita’s 2012 tour calendar, just posted. So now it’s time for a summertime hiatus.

I’m heading to Alaska for a rare personal vacation: 12 days of kayaking, hiking, and biking in the Kenai Peninsula and Juneau. I’ll eat fresh salmon on the beach, watch glaciers calve, and paddle amid wildlife. Better yet, I’ll get my turn at being the pampered guest and having a guide deal with all decisions and logistics! (I’ve booked an excellent-looking 6-day Kenai Peninsula tour through Austin-Lehman Adventures.)

Rest assured, there will be a day devoted to wine. I’ve strategically planned a 24-hour layover in Seattle in order to hit up the wineries in the Woodinville Warehouse district. I’m homing in on boutique spots with good reputations, such as DeLille Cellars and Januik. I’d welcome other suggestions, readers!

This blog will resume in August. I’ll kick off with that power tasting of Washington State wines. (Syrah, mmm.) Then I’ll be heading to the Society of Wine Educators’ annual conference and will write up some scintillating dispatches.  Shortly thereafter, I’m organizing a tasting of Riviera wines for my local wine club. We’ll compare the sibling grapes Vermentino, Pigato, and Rolle, quaff some pale rosé, and savor the herbal perfumes of Rossese di Dolceacqua. (If you live in the New York area and want to join the club, send me an email at info@dolcetours.com.)

Let's all raise a glass to summer! And see you next month.