Just five years ago, Gamay Noir was the newest kid on California’s fine-wine block, with just a handful of producers giving this zesty, lighter-bodied red grape from Beaujolais the good ole Golden State try. Today, with an increasing number of vines being planted from Sonoma to Santa Barbara and more wineries crafting their own versions, Gamay appears here to stay. Winemakers appreciate the grape’s versatility, both in the vineyard and on the table. As for consumers? They might be most elated to have found something new. “By the bottle, it might be the best seller in our tasting room,” says Do ..read more

Thirty years ago, Jenny Lefcourt fell in love with organic wine while studying French film in Paris. She’d sip expressive wines made by organic farmers and vignerons and stuff her suitcase with bottles to bring back to American soil. By the early aughts, she had opened her own wine-importing business, Jenny & Francois, to preach the gospel of these wild, environmentally-conscious bottles. Twenty years later, she’s largely responsible for igniting the natural wine movement in the United States. Her portfolio reads like a who’s who of organic and biodynamic producers, representing cult-favor ..read more

In the heart of Southeast Asia lies the vibrant city of Bangkok, where a kaleidoscope of experiences await—ancient temples, bustling night markets and a dynamic culinary landscape. The capital of Thailand is one of the best in the world for adventurous food enthusiasts and avid travelers. Street-food stalls where woks sling charred noodles and stir-fries draw crowds, of course, but the city’s epicurean appeal does not end there. Bangkok’s fine-dining scene is on fire, receiving global acclaim for its fusion of traditional ingredients, innovative cooking techniques and international flavors. Wi ..read more

Saperavi: A Noble, World-Class Grape Variety Saperavi, one of the world’s oldest wines, is becoming one of America’s fastest growing imports following a recent feature on Georgia, the birthplace of wine, by the CBS show 60 Minutes. Saperavi is an ancient, thoroughly Georgian grape variety. Its exact origin is lost to time (archaeologists say it is 8,000 years old), but it is believed to hail from the southwestern region of the country or the Black Sea coast. Today, its current stronghold is in far eastern Georgia, although it’s found throughout the country. It’s the most-planted black g ..read more

The silver mines of Potosí in the Bolivian Andes and the silver screens of Hollywood have an unlikely through line: singani, a brandy made from Muscat of Alexandra grapes. Distilled since the 16th century, the high-altitude eau de vie, considered Bolivia’s national spirit, is gaining traction in the American market. Just last year, the U.S. government recognized singani as a distinctive product of Bolivia, perhaps opening the door for the spirit to become as sought-after stateside as Mexican tequila, Peruvian pisco or Brazilian cachaça. Now the crystal-clear spirit of the Andes is on the cusp ..read more

Anna-Christina Cabrales, Tasting Director at Wine Enthusiast, delves into the world of sobriety in the wine industry with guest Abe Zarate, known as @sober_somm on Instagram. Together, they examine sobriety and explore the idea of enjoying wine culture while abstaining from alcohol, emphasizing that being “sober” can mean different things for different people.  Zarate, a charismatic and talented NYC sommelier at The Modern, shares his journey transitioning from a career in music publishing to the wine industry and, eventually, embracing sobriety. He challenges common misconceptions, stres ..read more

Love whiskey? We do, too. Frankly, there’s never been a better time to pour this spirit. From thoughtfully sourced grains to creative cask finishes, today’s whiskey offerings prove the category is an ever-evolving field. We could talk about American single malts alone all day long. And that’s just the beginning of what excites us.  Here’s a shortlist of the brands (and bottles) we’re fired up about right now. Note: This is a highly subjective, of-the-moment list—not a “best-of” ranking—and likely to change over time. After all, the category’s shifting nature is what makes it so dynamic.&n ..read more

There’s something about the high-brow/low-brow combination of matching pricey Champagne with crisp and greasy fried chicken that encapsulates modern dining culture perfectly. Over the past 20 or so years, this “it” pairing has been steadily gaining traction to take the country by storm. The most recent apex is Coqodoq, an entire restaurant devoted to fried chicken and Champagne that opened in Manhattan in January 2024. It offers the largest Champagne list in North America alongside three types of fried chicken: classic, Korean-style with garlic and soy and Korean-style with gochujang. You May ..read more

Discover Historic Vines and New Roots in Charlottesville, Virginia “Summertime is the perfect season to admire the rolling green hills of the Monticello Wine Trail and explore the trail’s unique culinary and entertainment experiences.” Summer is quickly approaching—now is the time to start planning a wine getaway to Charlottesville, Virginia, Wine Enthusiast’s 2023 Wine Region of the Year. Located just two and half hours southwest of Washington, D.C., the picturesque area is home to the Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA) and award-winning wineries. With its numerous tasting room ..read more

What would you reach for to accompany a meal of steak or fish? While wine might be the instinctual drink of choice, next time, consider classic cocktails. Yes, spirit-based libations can be complicated to pair with food because of their diverse ingredients and wide range of flavors. But those very same attributes give them more potential to enhance a meal in unexpected and exciting ways.  Although cocktails can be more bitter, sweet and bracing than wine, the food pairing wisdom applies. However, there’s no rulebook, says Robert Elliot, beverage manager at Ocean Prime Beverly Hills. Just ..read more