Sharing Life’s Simple Pleasures – A Conversation with Anastasia Koutsioukis
by Lisa Morales
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I recently had a chance to speak with Anastasia Koutsioukis who co-owns The Drexel (in Miami Beach) with her husband Ahmet Erkaya, along with husband and wife duo, Chef Nano Crespo and Tamara Magalhaes. If you’ve visited Miami, you probably know Anastasia and Ahmet’s very popular restaurant, Mandolin Aegean Bistro in Miami’s Design District. Anastasia
The Excellent Experience at Caprio Cellars is a Reflection of Owner Dennis Murphy
by Pam Baker
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From the moment we arrived at Caprio Cellars in Walla Walla, we knew this visit was going to be special. Emily Kiefer, Customer Experience Director, handed us a glass of sparkling wine before we even stepped inside the tasting room. She shared that when owner Dennis Murphy opened the doors to Caprio Cellars in 2019, he
Copper Bear Wines: Napa Fruit and Arizona Roots
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A trip to Napa often consists of visits to glamorous winery castles with acres of beautiful forests and hills. No one can argue the stunning magnitude of some of the properties; it is a fantastic dreamland for wine lovers. As sensational as that may be, I like to mix it up with visits to less
Where to Find Sparkling Wine in Willamette Valley
by Pam Baker
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The Willamette Valley, Oregon’s biggest wine region, is celebrated for its astounding Pinot Noir. Discovered by pioneering winemakers more than 50 years ago, its mild climate provides perfect conditions for growing cool-climate grapes. While Pinot Noir has long been the star of the region, more winemakers are making some excellent sparkling wine in Willamette Valley,
Five Must-Try Restaurants in the Quad Cities
by Mary Farah
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In the Quad Cities of Iowa and Illinois, there's more than meat, potatoes, and corn. Surprises include a "global" breakfast place and a meal in the chef's own house.
Caviar 101 – What You Need to Know
by Gary Baker
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As we come out of the “COVID Coma,” people are looking for an elevated experience. Once a delicacy seen only on menus in Michelin star restaurants or gracing the party tables of the ultra-wealthy, caviar is now more readily available to the public. For centuries, the most desired caviar came from Iran or Russia produced
31 Experiences Celebrating Scotland’s Hogmanay New Year’s Eve Celebration
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When it comes to New Year’s Celebrations, Scotland may not be your first thought, but it should be … Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is a three-day festival where the world comes to party, to celebrate the New Year. Edinburgh is a great place to start your exploration of Scotland’s holiday celebrations. My great-great-grandfather was born in Edinburgh,
A Zinfandel Legacy – Seghesio Family Vineyards
by Pam Baker
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Just in time for National Zinfandel Day, celebrated on November 17th, let me introduce Seghesio Family Vineyards. One of the largest Zinfandel producers in the United States, Seghesio produces the highest quality Zinfandel from 320 acres of estate vineyards in the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valleys. The San Francisco Chronicle said Seghesio ranks as
The Incubator Project for Fledgling Winemakers in the Walla Walla Wine Region
by Pam Baker
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Walla Walla is one of the most well-known wine regions in the state of Washington. Established in 1984, the Walla Walla American Viticultural Area (AVA) now features more than 120 wineries in six distinct districts. Many of the region’s pioneers helped grow the industry in the early days by helping each other with knowledge and
Discovering Wines from Côtes du Rhône Villages
by Lisa Morales
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It’s no secret that we are all having to cut back and make changes to our monthly budget because of inflation. If you’re like me, wine is a part of the weekly food budget. Although I don’t drink wine with every meal (unless on vacation), I need everyday wines on hand that aren’t “two buck