Travel and wine are deep rooted in history and tradition and offer a bounty of treasures around the globe. Wine enthusiast John Lerias from Claremont, who I first met via our Rotary Club many years ago, has been interested in the nectars of the vine for 40 years.

“It all began with a friend introducing me to a glass of Beringer Chenin Blanc,” said John, who has enjoyed wines in 50 of the 92 different countries he and Carolyn his wife have toured.

In their travels, they have discovered delicious vintages in regions near and away.

“As far remote as Madagascar (Africa), Central Otago (New Zealand) and as close as the wineries of the Cucamonga Valley,” said John.

“The cellars of Cricova in Moldova (Eastern Europe) have been most interesting. It’s the second largest cellar in the world with 75 miles of underground storage. It is virtually an underground city.

“Wine is the No. 1 economic product of Moldova and the 7th largest wine exporter in the world. Incredible when you consider Moldova is about the size of the state of Maryland. And more importantly, the wine product is decent and very reasonably priced.”

John’s favorite bottles?

Rhone-Style Reds from Paso Robles, Shiraz from Stellenbosch (South Africa), Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River in Western Australia; Whites - Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough New Zealand and Albarino from Rias Baixas (Spain).

What are you enjoying now?

Primarily Cabernets, Shiraz and Malbec for Reds. Sauvignon Blanc and Albarino for Whites. Carolyn loves French Rosé wines from Provence.

Having traveled around the globe, John shared that there’s a whole world of wine to explore and enjoy.

“I find that there’s a lot of wine aficionados that are not willing to experiment beyond Napa Valley and Bordeaux, nor try other brands or vintages from other countries. They are truly missing out. As Gino would say, Enjoy a glass of wine tonight!” Gino L. Filippi is a fourth-generation Cucamonga Valley Vintner. Gino can be reached at Ginoffvine@ aol.com.