By Carl Giavanti
Susan Lanier-Graham is the founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, a Lowell Thomas award–winning travel, food, and wine website. She co-hosts Sparkling Conversations, a new food, wine and travel video podcast launched in January 2025, and serves as managing editor of North Peoria Lifestyle, a luxury print publication based in the Phoenix, Ariz., area. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles, with work appearing in AAA publications, Modern Luxury, WHERE, and outlets such as TravelandLeisure.com, Hotels.com, Fairmont.com and AmericanExpress.com. Lanier-Graham is a member of SATW and IFWTWA, where she serves on the board, and she is a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist. www.wanderwithwonder.com/
Follow Susan on Social Media:
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Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wanderwithwonder)
Blue Sky (https://bsky.app/profile/wanderwithwonder.bsky.social)
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wanderwithwonder/)
Threads (https://www.threads.net/@wanderwithwonder)
How did you come to wine and travel writing?
It all started back in 1985, when I was a broke college student and a new mom living in Germany with my husband. On a whim, I followed my professor’s advice to see if I could get paid to write. I wrote a pitch about my hometown of Steamboat Springs, Colo., as a travel destination, sent it out — and sold my first article within a month. I was hooked! My love for wine came a bit later, in the late ’80s, while working in California. I spent about two months there every year, and in my free time, I’d explore wineries. I fell in love with the culture and started learning everything I could. By the early ’90s, I was writing about wine, and it’s been a passion ever since.
What are your primary story interests?
I’m all about storytelling. I love diving into the people, emotions and experiences behind the scenes, whether it’s wine, food or travel. For me, it’s not just about what something tastes like or where to go — it’s about how it feels to be there, to meet the people and to understand their stories. I spend time interviewing chefs, winemakers and business owners to capture those deeper narratives.
What role does wine play in your publication Wander With Wonder?
Wine is a huge part of Wander With Wonder. It ties together food, travel and the cultural experiences we cover. I’ve also launched a video and podcast series, Sparkling Conversations, with my friend and fellow travel writer, Shannon DalPozzal. We’re diving deep into wineries, especially sparkling wines, which we both absolutely love.
You work with freelance contributors. How do you manage those relationships?
I rely on freelancers for both Wander With Wonder and North Peoria Lifestyle, so clear guidelines are critical. I send out detailed instructions and encourage contributors to reach out if they have questions. The biggest thing? Exceptional photos. A story won’t work without high-quality visuals. Also, following guidelines is key — those exist for a reason, and honoring them builds trust.
Is it possible to make a living as a wine and travel writer today?
Absolutely, though it takes hustle and persistence. I’ve been making a solid living for decades, earning six figures in most of the past 10 years. The key is diversifying — writing for publications, working with DMOs and brands, and constantly pitching new ideas. It’s a numbers game, so thick skin is a must. Attending industry events and honing your craft are also crucial.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I used to be fluent in German and even worked as a translator for the U.S. government in Germany. I was also offered a job with the CIA but turned it down.
You don’t have a traditional home base, but “wander with wonder” by RV. Please explain.
After 30 years in Arizona, my husband and I decided not to wait for “someday” to chase our dreams. In late 2022, we sold our house and moved into a fifth-wheel RV full-time. Now, we work during the week and explore new places every weekend. It’s a lifestyle we love — combining work, adventure and plenty of great wine.
What’s the best story you have written? Please provide a link.
One of my favorites is “Making the Dream Work: People Behind Rocky Mountaineer” on Wander With Wonder.
You’ve authored more than 75 books. What are the subjects and references?
Yes, that’s correct. The subjects vary from books about the environment to social science topics and food.
Do you work on an editorial schedule and/or develop story ideas as they arise?
For Wander With Wonder, I stick to an editorial schedule since analytics show certain topics perform best at specific times.
How often do you write assigned and paid articles (not your blog)?
First of all, I never refer to Wander With Wonder as a blog. A blog is an online log of information that someone writes about personal experiences. Wander With Wonder is a digital publication. I aim to write one article per week for Wander, but that often fluctuates.
I also still contribute to other publications. I am the managing editor for North Peoria Lifestyle, a luxury lifestyle print magazine in Arizona. While I assign most of the articles to freelancers, I typically write the food, wine and travel articles, so maybe one or two per month. I also freelance for a couple of other regular publications and occasionally still freelance when an editor approaches me.
Why is it important to post your articles on social media?
While most of my traffic comes from Google, social media reaches different audiences and is essential for a digital publication.
Do you consider yourself an influencer?
I think of myself as a writer with influence rather than a traditional social media influencer. Storytelling is my focus, so I need to talk to people, listen to them and have time to experience something slowly. In contrast, someone who is a social media influencer (without a website or publication) is interested in photo opportunities and enough general information to create informed captions. In today’s digital world, especially as the owner of my own digital publication, having a social media presence is part of the job, but it’s not my primary job.
How do you manage your day in relation to writing, publishing, traveling, authoring, etc.?
I’m a planner through and through. Trello is my lifeline — I use it for everything. Having systems in place helps me stay organized, especially with all the moving pieces in my work.
What are your recommendations to wineries when interacting with journalists?
Don’t ignore journalists when they reach out! A little effort on your part can result in great publicity. When I visit, I value meeting the winemaker or someone knowledgeable who can answer my questions. The sales pitch isn’t what I need — I’m there for the story.
What advantages are there in working directly with winery publicists?
Most publicists get it better than most winemakers or winery owners. Publicists can get me the photos, send tasting notes, background information, etc. However, while publicists make my job easier, they are not substitutes for getting access to the winemaker.
What frustrates you most about working on wine and travel stories?
Photos! Getting high-quality visuals is always the hardest part. Another challenge is convincing people that comped experiences aren’t freebies — they’re essential for creating authentic stories.
What is your most memorable wine or wine tasting experience?
In 2018, I attended the International Wine Tourism Conference in Champagne, France. From the Veuve Clicquot caves to the welcoming gather room at Champagne Drappier to Champagne Collet’s Art Deco mansion, it was magical. The highlight was tasting champagne under the stars in Äy and sipping bubbles with Michel and André Drappier, hearing stories of farming the land and making their beautiful Champagne.
What’s your favorite wine region in the world?
Champagne, hands down. But I also adore Oregon’s Willamette Valley for its sparkling wines and Pinot Noir, and for creating some of the only Chardonnay I will drink.
Do you have a favorite wine and food pairing?
One standout was a sparkling wine dinner at Delmonico Steakhouse in Las Vegas — truffle Parmesan chips paired with Moët & Chandon was unforgettable. Another was Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella with filet at Beccafico Guna Restaurant in Campo Santo Stefano in Venice, Italy. Location definitely enhanced that one!
Carl Giavanti is a Winery Publicist in his 16th year of consulting. Carl has been in business marketing and public relations for over 30 years; his background in tech, marketing and project management informs his role as a publicist and wine writer. Clients are or have been in Willamette Valley, Napa Valley, and Columbia Valley https://carlgiavanticonsulting.com/ He also writes for several wine and travel publications https://linktr.ee/carlgiavanti
