Grape Occasions:
Your guide to everything wine, travel, and spa.
These are my passions and I spend a lot of time pursuing them, whether it’s discovering a new wine, planning the next travel adventure or getting the latest spa treatment. I have a huge collection of information and experiences to share with you… everything from what spa to visit, great getaways for two or a bottle of sparkling wine for that special dinner. And that’s what Grape Occasions is all about… a place for exploration and information. We find it and share it with you!
Wine is a theme, a vine that runs through the travel and spa. From discovering the incredible world of Northwest wines while living in Seattle to exploring up close European wine countries while living in Amsterdam and now immersing myself in Virginia’s burgeoning wine industry back in my home state. It’s always a great moment every time you open a bottle!
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoy what you find and it helps you enjoy the moments…because that’s what life is about, enjoying the occasions as we go! And why not make them grape?
Cheers,
About Shannon
A little something about me, Shannon Jones, and how Grape Occasions came to be.
Wine… My wine appreciation began in 1995 working for an event planning firm in the Washington, DC area. Part of the job was enjoying delicious food tastings throughout the town at the best hotels, restaurants, and caterers…always paired with perfect wines. I moved to the Northwest, USA in 2004 which deepened my appreciation – as so many great wines were grown in Washington and Oregon. Then living in Europe for four years – the wine heart of the world… enough said! Now I’m going deep in Virginia…check it out!
Travel… I was ‘bitten by the travel bug’ in 5th grade. My mom was a flight attendant so growing up we had great, free-flying privileges. Our first big trip was a cruise to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Since then, I’ve been to 25 countries and too many cities to count… from Bora Bora to Barcelona, Istanbul to Ixtapa. Thirty years of travel adventures and many more to come!
Spa… My first massages came after a car accident in 1994. Thankfully, I progressed to day-spa visits for the pure escape, relaxation, and stress relief. In 2003, I spent four glorious days at Miraval Resort in Tucson, Arizona – my first visit to a destination spa. That was IT! I’ve been to over 50 spas throughout the Western part of the world, and have experienced more than 60 types of treatments. How many visits and how much have I spent? I shouldn’t count. 🙂 Still on the list – to go East… Thailand!
I’ve spent my career in marketing. More than fourteen of those twenty years with two global experiential brands, Discovery Channel and Starbucks Coffee Company, in positions like head of marketing & product for Starbucks Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
I’m a contributing writer to Snooth and Palate Press.
Last but not least, I’ve launched a children’s picture book series to share my love of travel…KeeKee’s Big Adventures! The first two books in the series are available now…KeeKee’s Big Adventures in Paris, France and KeeKee’s Big Adventures in Rome, Italy. Two of my favorite cities. Available for retailers via our publisher, Calithumpian Press.