The Basics of Wine Pairing: What Goes With Which? Understanding the basics of wine pairing isn’t so much about following rules. It’s about trial and error. The more you have, the more you know — and the more you realize that you also don’t know. With the different grape varieties, regions of origin, cultures, and […]
Revered by wine lovers the world over, Chianti is one of Italy’s most popular wines. This famously food-friendly vino hails from stunning Tuscany. Nestled south of Po Valley, Tuscany stretches down the western, sun-soaked coast of Central Italy. The Apennine Mountains, which run south through the center of the country, dominate this region. Growers leverage […]
The BEST Sangria Recipe When I was a sommelier, we would close the restaurant every Monday and Tuesday. That meant that all of the wine we had open on Sunday would go to waste (read more about how long wine stays good). So every Sunday, the chef would make pizza, and I would mix all […]
If you’re interested in exploring aromatic white wines, then Sauvignon Blanc is a great place to start. This white grape originated in western France. Though today, it grows successfully in New and Old World regions globally. Let’s dive into top regions where you’ll find the best Sauvignon Blanc. The Grape Variety Sauvignon Blanc is a […]
Guide to Loire Valley Wineries The Loire Valley is known for its glorious châteaux, goat cheese, rolling green pastures, and unique, food-friendly wines. Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc hail queen & king of Loire Valley grapes, but producers make a range of styles from sparkling to sweet. We spent a long weekend exploring the Touraine […]
Whether you’re a wine novice or well on your way to becoming a connoisseur, you’re bound to be enamored with Burgundy at some point on your wine journey. Home to some of the world’s most sought-after wines, Burgundy sets the gold standard for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The region’s first vineyard was planted in Meursault […]
Your Guide to Riesling Find the essential guide to Riesling: everything you need to know about one of the world’s most popular white wine grapes. Flavor & Aroma of Riesling Riesling is a highly aromatic grape. Fruit Fruit flavors tend to be a mix of tree fruits (pear & apple), stone fruits (peach & nectarine), […]
Have you ever wondered why wine is only made in certain regions around the world? Wine has been a part of human civilization for over 8,000 years. Though not all countries around the world are capable of making it. Actually, all wine growing regions have one thing in common—they’re located between the latitudes of 30° […]
While there are many pairings we love, wine and cheese truly is the ultimate match. Yet with such a vast array of cheeses produced around the world and even more styles of wine, creating the perfect wine and cheese pairing isn’t always easy. Thankfully, once you understand a few basic wine pairing principles and learn […]
Green Wines: Keeping St Patrick’s Day Classy Green beer or Green Wine? As a Chicago girl, I relate to the need for St. Patrick’s Day exploits. On my 21st birthday, I celebrated at Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. Actually, it ended up being the last of its kind, as the south side Irish neighborhood got […]