Wine From Rockstar to Winemaker: The Transformation of a California Vineyard by the Wine World’s Most Sought-After Star Chris Lehoux, November 6, 2025 A decade ago, John Hamel, the winemaker at Hamel Family Wines in Sonoma, felt dissatisfied with the wines produced by his family-owned winery, founded in 2006. Hamel longed for wines that captured a distinctive essence, or "terroir," similar to those from great European vineyards, which he believed were too generic… Continue Reading
Wine Royal Wine Merchant Makes Historic Arrival in America After 327 Years Chris Lehoux, November 5, 2025 Berry Bros. & Rudd, the oldest fine wine and spirits merchant in Britain, has officially launched its first American store in Washington D.C. This launch marks a significant expansion for the long-established merchant, which holds a Royal Warrant from King Charles III. The location at 888 17th Street NW reflects… Continue Reading
Wine The Essential Wine Gadget Every Sommelier Recommends – And Why You Should Have It Too! Chris Lehoux, November 4, 2025 Wine enthusiasts often rave about the Coravin systems, which allow users to pour from a wine bottle without pulling the cork, thus preserving the remaining wine for later. This innovative gadget works by inserting a needle through the cork and pouring wine while simultaneously injecting argon gas into the bottle… Continue Reading
Wine Boxed Wine Returns: Discover Why It’s Better Than Ever! Chris Lehoux, November 4, 2025 Boxed wine is experiencing a renaissance, shaking off its previously lowbrow image to become a popular choice among modern consumers, particularly among millennials and Gen Z. Once associated with cheap alternatives, the bag-in-box concept is now being appreciated for its affordability and convenience. Historically, boxed wine was viewed as inferior,… Continue Reading
Wine Revive Red Wine-Stained Clothing with This Simple and Affordable Hack! Chris Lehoux, November 3, 2025 Anyone who enjoys a glass of red wine knows that spills can lead to stubborn stains on clothing, making them seem nearly impossible to remove. In particular, red wine’s deep hue and the tannins that help it taste the way it does make it exceptionally good at bonding with fabrics,… Continue Reading
Wine Where to Score a Dupe of Costco’s Must-Have Wine Advent-ure Calendar Chris Lehoux, November 2, 2025 Costco’s wine Advent calendar, the Wine Advent-ure, is a popular holiday item featuring 24 half-bottles of wine for $99.99. Each bottle, at 375 mL, offers a variety of wines from around the world, including Italian Ripasso and Hungarian Gruner Veltliner. This unique calendar is highly sought after, often selling out… Continue Reading
Wine Lodi Unveils ‘No Reservations’ Campaign Alongside Affordable Wine Tasting Experiences Chris Lehoux, November 1, 2025 The Lodi Wine Region in California has introduced an innovative ‘No Reservations’ policy for wine tasting to enhance accessibility for visitors. This initiative comes at a time when many wine regions across the U.S. are struggling with declines in wine tourism. The aim is to foster a welcoming environment where… Continue Reading
Wine Former Tribeca Grill Chefs Launch Exciting New Wine Oasis in the Bay Area Chris Lehoux, October 31, 2025 The owners of Somm Cellars Wine & Spirits have recently unveiled Café Vivant in Menlo Park, California, marking their first restaurant venture after years of planning. Located an hour south of San Francisco, Café Vivant features an extensive wine list of over 3,000 bottles and aims to serve as a… Continue Reading
Wine The One $17 Red Wine That’s a Must-Have for My Thanksgiving Table Chris Lehoux, October 30, 2025 It’s my favorite time of year once again—fall is here! With leaves turning and sweaters coming out, I start to crave the seasonal flavors, diving into both my cooking and my drinks. While I enjoy bright, citrusy white wines in the summer, the cooler temperatures of fall beckon a deeper… Continue Reading
Wine Elevate Your Palate: The Return of the ‘Out-of-This-World’ Wine Event in the Skies Above Sonoma Winery Chris Lehoux, October 30, 2025 Hamel Family Wines in Sonoma is set to host a unique stargazing event this fall, featuring renowned astronomer Dan Gordon and his high-powered telescope to guide participants through the cosmos. This experience, scheduled for November 7 and December 12 from 6 to 8 PM, emphasizes the vineyard’s commitment to biodynamic… Continue Reading