Blog Archive
BYOB Wine Pairing Guide for Chicago’s Fav Restaurants
No city does dining quite like Chicago, and our culinary scene includes diverse and creative options from around the world. While I can't definitively prove it, I’d bet we hold the title of BYOB capital of the United States. With so many incredible BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) restaurants [...]
Discover Wine & Cheese Bliss at Beautiful Rind
Creative cheese and wine pairings are infinite at Beautiful Rind, the Logan Square restaurant and specialty retail shop. Owner Randall Felts has over 17 years of experience working with cheese- beginning as a pastry chef at a James Beard award-winning restaurant in Birmingham. He grew to love the stories [...]
Sip Into Summer: 3 Must-Try Paso Robles Wines and Why They’re Perfect for Summer to Fall
Ah, summer! The season of sunshine, leisurely afternoons, and of course, warm evenings! As the seasons shift from summer to fall there's no better place to embark on your seasonal wine journey than with the perfect glass of wine to complement it all. As we dive into this [...]
Pop the Prosecco! Celebrate National Prosecco Day with a Splash of Knowledge and Sparkle
Get ready to pop some bubbles because National Prosecco Day is here! Summer is winding down, the sunsets are happening earlier, and there's no better way to soak up the last of the season's warmth than with a glass of this delicious sparkling. Prosecco has quickly [...]
From Farm to Vineyard: An Engaging Q&A with Ellie Anest of Eleven Eleven Winery
Ellie Anest, the dynamic co-founder and CEO of Eleven Eleven Winery, has an inspiring journey that begins on a working farm in Nebraska and winds its way through diverse professional landscapes to the heart of Napa Valley. Raised amidst the rustic charm of her family's agricultural operations, Ellie developed a [...]
Master Art + Wine Pairing Now!
Photo Credit @NkairoPhotography I am excited to share what I have been working on! I have expanded beyond the theme of my book, ‘Searching for Cloves and Lilies, The Wine Edition’ where I pair wine and poetry. I am now exploring intersections where wine converges with other disciplines, [...]
10 Wines to Show You Why Small Luxuries Matter Now More Than Ever
In times of economic uncertainty, many are postponing major pricey purchases. It might seem logical that with a fluctuating job landscape and a fear of state-of-the-world issues consumers would be cautious of all spending. However, retail analysts reveal a different trend: despite challenges, consumers are increasingly splurging [...]
Loca, the ‘Crazy Good’ Low Calorie Wines from Argentina
Photo Credit: Marc Kirkpatrick These bottles of low alcohol Chardonnay and Malbec were sent to me as samples and I really enjoyed the Chardonnay as a chilled pre-dinner glass. It’s perfect for a warm Chicago night paired with an early summer pea salad and makes a [...]
Discovering the Essence of Calvados: An Introduction to France’s Apple Brandy
I was thrilled when I received the call to partner with Business France to create a Calvados activation in the Chicago market! I have been a long fan of this French apple brandy since 1999 when I worked for a wine and spirits distributor. This project is an opportunity [...]
