Cuatro Ciénegas offers a tranquil escape, far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The stillness of the desert landscape is punctuated only by the gentle sounds of water flowing from the springs and birds flying by. It had to be the most peaceful place I have ever visited allowing you to connect with nature.  As the sun sets over the horizon, the vivid colors of the desert create a stunning backdrop, providing a sense of solitude and reflection. It truly is an oasis.   While I’m familiar with many places in Mexico, I was invited to attend a trip planned ..read more

    Uruguay’s wine industry began during the colonial era, but it began to thrive in the late 19th century when French, Spanish, and Italian immigrants introduced new grape varieties and winemaking techniques. Tannat, which is a robust red grape, flourished in Uruguay’s climate and fertile soils. Over the years, Uruguay’s winemakers have evolved to focus on quality over quantity. Today, Tannat is the country’s flagship grape, and Uruguay’s wines are gaining recognition worldwide for their unique character and quality craftsmanship as they expand the tapestry of this grape.   I h ..read more

    The story of Mission Cocktails began at a charity event when Amit Singh and Marcin Malyszko bonded over their shared passion for a good drink and giving back to the community.   The two friends loved cocktails but didn’t love the art of creating them. After going through an exercise of tasting the pre-mixed cocktails that were on the market, they realized there was a lack of good ones out there. That took them on a mission to create a premium, ready-to-pour cocktail experience using local ingredients and authentic spirits that you could expect in upscale cocktail bars. The a ..read more

    Heath Family Wines is not a single winery, but a collection of different wineries under one umbrella brand. This wine consortium includes Grape Creek Vineyards, Heath Sparkling Wines, Invention Vineyards, and Jenblossom Cellars, each contributing to a diverse range of wines.     Grape Creek vineyard and tasting view. Photo courtesy of Heath Family VIneyards     The people behind Heath Family Wines, Brian, and Jennifer Heath, first started with Grape Creek Vineyards, the first winery on Highway 290, in Fredericksburg, Texas in 2006. They have planted estat ..read more

    Located on the hills of southeastern Australia is a region of vineyards that American wine lovers often overlook. The Victoria region has one of the country’s most diverse climates, terroirs, and varieties of wine.   I had the opportunity to join a trade event with Wine Victoria, the group advocating Victoria wines, led by Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast’s Australian expert with past residency in the country. Three Victoria winemakers—Kim Chalmers from Chalmers Wines, Matt Fowles of Fowles Wine, and Brenden Hawker from Yering Station—delved into the vast differences found ..read more

      In the heart of Dallas, on lower Greenville Avenue, lies Quarter Acre – a neighborhood joint with a New Zealand twist. I first discovered it via the Tasting Collective, a community of food lovers who support independent restaurants in top cities.     Tasting Collective Customer Feedback Card from the tasting, Side One     Insider Tip: The Tasting Collective brings diners and chefs together so the restaurants can get feedback on new dishes or new recipes. It’s a great way to discover new restaurants and is worth the membership fee.     The Insi ..read more

    Back in 2015, when pioneering Winemaker Merry Edwards was considering the next chapter of her life, she knew she needed to find someone to take the reins and continue her legacy. That someone was Heidi von der Mehden, who was hired as Assistant Winemaker and shared Merry’s passion for pinot noir and her dedication to carrying on the heritage of Merry Edwards Winery.   I had a chance to meet Heidi and hear her story about her journey to Merry Edwards Winery. As you expect from anyone who would replace Merry, she has an interesting background.     Winemaker Heidi von ..read more

      The power of friendship is an unparalleled concept. It’s knowing you have a group that will provide you with unwavering support, understanding, and comradery, enriching your life in profound and meaningful ways. Friends are the pillars of strength, joy, and connection that make life’s journey better.   Since I started my wine blog, I’ve found so many people who enriched my life both in-person and on social. People who have supported me, encouraged me and most times, pushed me to be better.   I had the chance to spend a weekend with some of those friends recently ..read more

      The story of Balletto Family Winery unfolds from the roots of a farm-to-table narrative. The story starts sadly when, after the untimely death of his father, John Balletto, at the age of 17, began growing produce in 1977 beside his mother, Hazel.   The History   The farming business grew and in 1981, he purchased his first ranch and continued to lease land. He was successful in the business and he and his wife, Terri purchased a large parcel of land to expand the produce he was growing and build a new packing facility. Ironically, this land is where the Balletto ..read more

    READ UNTIL THE END FOR LATE BREAKING NEWS   The convergence of fine dining and BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) comes to an end this weekend. Family-owned Urbano Café is one of Dallas’ best meeting places for wine aficionados to bring bottles from their collections and share special memories.     The Original Building   Established in 2009, this unique restaurant found its beginnings in a dilapidated storefront from the 1920s in East Dallas, near Jimmy’s Italian Food Store. Over 25 years, it became a cherished gathering spot for aficionados of wine and gourmet cui ..read more