In August Chris and I finally took a vacation and explored Portland, OR and Sonoma, CA.

Mezcal is much different from tequila and most people think without trying it (like anchovies) they don’t like it. Like a lot of spirits consumed without guidance, mezcal can be overpowering.

So what is mezcal? Is it tequila? Yes, sort of.

This fantastic gin has FINALLY arrived, and you can get it here right now! Arbequina olives, brine, rosemary, basil, thyme and juniper... What’s not to love?

Today you hear a lot about bars and restaurants making their own barrel aged cocktails. So instead of going to a bar and checking out their agings, I decided to try my hand at being a barrel master. Here's my experience!

As we make this transition from the snowiest winter on record to what is sure to be a glorious spring, my time in the kitchen has been divided between heavy and light fare and my body is getting really ticked-off. In an attempt to find some stability, I’ve begun to experiment with transitional foods-- lighter meals with a hearty twist. Oh, and I’m drinking a lot of wine.

Chenin Blanc is a rather known but rarely understood varietal with a duplicitous personality. From dry and racy to honeyed and round, the beauty of Chenin is how purely it can embody and reflect the facets of its essence depending where it’s grown.

Take a minute to think about the last time you enjoyed a glass of Port after a meal... a fortified wine from the Douro in Portugal whose simplicity is surprisingly complex.

I wrote last time that Malbec originated in France. Today, nearly 70% of all Malbec vineyards are in Argentina. It came to the country in the late 1800s...