Though “Freakonomics” by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner has sparked its share of criticism over the years (including mine), one intriguing point explores the impact of living near a diner and why it matters. In general, they state the connection suggests that being in close proximity to a diner isn’t just [...] The post The Comfort of American Chinese Takeout: Where to Eat in Chicago + Wines to Match appeared first on Shall We Wine ..read more

I was recently interviewed for an article in the Chicago Tribune. The writer asked Chicago wine professionals to pair wines with iconic Chicago foods. I chose Garrett’s Chicago Mix Popcorn. A blend of cheese and caramel popcorn paired with 20-year Tawny Port. She liked the pairing but was surprised I chose a port [...] The post Decadent Delights: Uncovering the Best… appeared first on Shall We Wine ..read more

In the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, tucked among the scenic hills and rich terroir, lies Résonance Winery, an estate owned by Burgundy's renowned Maison Louis Jadot. The Willamette Valley is one of America’s finest wine regions, with 11 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), and is particularly known for producing world-class Pinot Noir and [...] The post Exploring the Willamette Valley with Guillaume Large: A Journey into Résonance Winery appeared first on Shall We Wine ..read more

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 scattered throughout the city, selecting [...] The post BYOB Wine Pairing Guide for Chicago’s Fav Restaurants appeared first on Shall We Wine ..read more

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 of cheese and went on [...] The post Discover Wine & Cheese Bliss at Beautiful Rind appeared first on Shall We Wine ..read more

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 sunny time of year, let’s [...] The post Sip Into Summer: 3 Must-Try Paso Robles Wines and Why They’re Perfect for Summer to Fall appeared first on Shall We Wine ..read more

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 become one of America's favorite [...] The post Pop the Prosecco! Celebrate National Prosecco Day with a Splash of Knowledge and Sparkle appeared first on Shall We Wine ..read more

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 deep respect for nature and [...] The post From Farm to Vineyard: An Engaging Q&A with Ellie Anest of Eleven Eleven Winery appeared first on Shall We Wine ..read more

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, including art, music, fashion, and food. I am calling this series “Exploring the Intersections.” It will be presented through video and in-person events. This is more than a traditional wine appreciation journey; it is an intimate exploration of how wine weaves its way into the fabric of our lives and how it ..read more

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 on the small, everyday luxury items that add touches of delight to daily life and make everything feel just a bit more special. According to INFORMS, “The trend of indulging in ‘little luxuries’ continues to drive consumer spending… small treats are popular even amo ..read more