About

“Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.”
— Mary Oliver

Prague, Czech Republic

Hi, I’m Elaine Luxton.

I’ve always been curious.

Whether it’s a vineyard in Italy, a quiet village, a family recipe that’s been passed down for generations, or a well-loved novel, I’ve always wanted to know the story behind it.

That curiosity has shaped the way I travel, the way I write, and ultimately, the reason Drink In Life exists.

Reims, France

When I started this blog in 2018, it was all about wine. Over the years, though, I realized wine was simply the beginning. Every bottle has a story, but so does every place, every meal shared around a table, every garden, every book, and every conversation with someone who calls that place home.

Today, Drink In Life is where I share those stories.

I’m a travel writer, wine writer, photographer, and lifelong learner based in Washington State. My work has taken me through wine regions across the United States and Europe, where I’ve had the privilege of meeting winemakers, chefs, farmers, historians, and artisans whose passion for their craft has inspired my own.

Along the way I’ve earned certifications including WSET Level 3, American Wine Expert, and Oregon Wine Expert, but some of my greatest education has come simply from listening.

In 2026, I was honored to receive the Premio Giornalistico del Roero, presented by the Associazione Premio Giornalistico del Roero, for my series of travel articles about Italy’s Roero wine region published on Drink In Life.

It was a tremendous honor, not only because my work was recognized, but because it affirmed the kind of stories I want to continue telling. You can read more about the award and the collection of articles that inspired it on my Recognitions page.

I don’t travel to create lists of places to visit. I travel to better understand a destination through its history, its traditions, and the people who give it life.

Books have been part of that journey for as long as I can remember. Long before I was writing about travel, they taught me that every place has a story waiting to be discovered. Today I’m writing my first novel, inspired by many of the vineyards, landscapes, and remarkable people I’ve encountered along the way.

When I’m home, life slows down a little. You’ll usually find me working in the garden, trying a new recipe, reading with a cup of tea nearby, planning another road trip, or dreaming about the next story waiting to be told.

I believe learning is a lifelong pursuit. I believe slowing down helps us notice more. Most of all, I believe travel is at its best when it leaves us with a deeper appreciation for the people, places, and traditions that make our world so wonderfully diverse.

Zermatt, Switerland

My hope is that you’ll leave here with a new place to explore, a new book to read, a recipe to try, or simply a renewed curiosity about the world around you.

Whether you’ve come for travel, wine, food, books, gardens, photography, or simply a story well told, welcome.

I’m so glad you’re here.

Let’s keep drinking in life, one story at a time.

Credentials & Recognition

Premio Giornalistico del Roero (2026) – International recognition presented by the Associazione Premio Giornalistico del Roero for a series of travel articles celebrating Italy’s Roero wine region.
BIN Magazine – Cover photographer for the Tequila Corcel feature.
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines
American Wine Expert
Oregon Wine Expert

{Full Disclosure: Some of the products and experiences I post about on Drink In Life have been provided to me free of charge and some blog posts are sponsored, which helps me keep the blog Ad Free.}