by Randy Caparoso
Hawai’i is in my soul because I was born and raised there; lived in the Islands for 42 years before moving to California in 1999. Now whenever I go back, which is never enough times, I explore my home state with the enthusiasm of both a native and a tourist. When in Rome, as they say, we do as Romans do⏤including eat, drink, and hang around outdoor cafés from early afternoons to the wee hours of the morning. In Rome, especially in the spring and summer, you enjoy light, dry white wines such as Frascati, consuming it like water. Of course, though, if you happen to be in Florence⏤cycling up and down the green hills of Tuscany, or just getting lost in narrow, maze-like cobblestoned streets of hilltop towns⏤you’re more likely to be enjoying light yet fleshy, dry white wines li...
by Lee Romano Sequeira
Ready to uncork the world of wine? Here are a few tips to get you started on your journey. 1. Start with better glasses, not fancier ones. You do not need a whole collection of serious wine glasses, but a decent glass really does help. A medium-sized bowl works well for most wines, and if the rim is a little thinner, even better. It will make wine feel a bit more enjoyable from the first sip. 2. Keep a few simple wine tools around. A good corkscrew, a chill sleeve in the freezer, and a non-drip pourer can save you a lot of tiny annoyances. None of it is that glamorous, but all of it makes wine night easier. 3. Have a few easy favorite bottles. It helps to have a small lineup of wines you already know you like. Maybe a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a Chardonnay that is not too heavy, a...
by Eventtoura: Event Tourism Developing Agency
For three days each June, the heart of Armenia’s capital transforms into a vibrant open-air celebration of wine, food, and city life. What began as a local initiative has grown into one of the region’s most recognizable wine events, and in 2026, Yerevan Wine Days returns for its 10th anniversary with its most ambitious edition yet. Taking place June 5–7, 2026, Yerevan Wine Days will once again take over Saryan, Tumanyan, and Moskovyan streets in central Yerevan, creating a large-scale pedestrian festival built around Armenian wine culture, gastronomy, music, and urban energy. More than just a festival, it has become a defining part of the city’s summer identity and a major driver of event tourism in Armenia. When Yerevan Wine Days first launched in 2017, it featured just 25 winem...
by Kristina Tomlin - Sippin Somm Wines
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by a wine list featuring names like Pauillac or Saint-Émilion, you aren't alone. Bordeaux is the largest controlled wine-growing region in France, and it carries a weight of "seriousness" that can feel like a barrier to entry. But Bordeaux is actually a masterclass in how history, trade, and dirt (terroir) collide. Let's pull back the curtain on why this corner of Southwest France became the global benchmark for fine wine. The Power Moves: A History of Luck and Luxury Bordeaux didn’t become a powerhouse by accident. Its success is rooted in two major historical turning points that gave it a massive head start over other regions. The Royal Connection (1152) The "big bang" for Bordeaux happened when Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry II of ...
by Lee Romano Sequeira
There’s a particular smell that doesn’t politely introduce itself.
It just shows up—sharp, green, peppery—and suddenly you’re not “here” anymore. You’re somewhere. A place with concrete underfoot, old towels stacked like sacred supplies, and air that feels cool even when it’s late summer outside.
If you’ve ever brushed past a tomato plant and caught that burst of leaf—vegetal, alive, almost spicy—you know the scent. It’s not “pretty.” It’s not floral. It’s not designed to be loved, but to me it is loved.
And, it’s unforgettable.
Wine does this too.
The scent that time can’t e...
by Bob Lipinski
By Bob Lipinski - in partnership with WineVirgin.ca Knowing how to buy and store cheese properly can be the key to turning an ordinary wine and cheese gathering into a truly memorable one. “Never commit yourself to a cheese without having first examined it.” (T.S. Eliot, 1888-1965, American-born poet and critic) When purchasing cheese, put your senses to work. Look, smell, touch, and even taste (when possible) the cheese before purchase. If the package is wet and sticky or if the cheese has shrunk in the rind, don’t purchase it. If possible, taste the cheese by pressing a piece of it against your hard palate with the tip of your tongue. This will indicate, body, flavor, and relative moisture of the cheese. Avoid cheese with dry and cracked edges, uneven texture, unplea...
by Alvin Starkman
Alvin Starkman, M.A., J.D. At minimum three times a month, in the course of leading a mezcal educational tour I’m asked by clients why, right now, is there a mezcal boom, and how and when did the public’s fascination with the agave spirit begin. Now my answers to the questions will certainly raise eyebrows from those with a different take on the matter, but that being stated, here goes, from someone who has been trying to figure it all out over the past 20 years or so. Back in Oaxaca’s early era of modern mezcal bars some two decades ago, there was only one mezcalería, In Situ, owned by mezcal experts Ulises Torrentera and Sandra Ortiz Brena. It was so new and unheard of, and with a shoestring budget, that it had to open in a little corner of another bar. Of course, there exist...
by Kristina Tomlin
Grenache: A Deep Dive into a Beloved Grape Varietal Grenache, a grape celebrated for its vibrant flavors and remarkable versatility, captivates wine enthusiasts around the world. Whether it’s gracing the sun-drenched vineyards of France or thriving in the rolling hills of Spain, Grenache offers a rich tapestry of tastes and textures that appeal to wine lovers and sommeliers alike. **Grenache Taste Profile: What to Expect** Grenache wines are celebrated for their medium to full body, moderate acidity, and soft tannins, making them approachable for both new and experienced wine drinkers. Here’s what you can expect from a typical Grenache wine: - Fruits: Bright red fruits dominate the palate, with flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. In warmer climates, expect riche...
by Kristina Tomlin
Planning an event involves countless details, but one of the biggest decisions is how to handle alcohol service. Whether you’re organizing a wedding, corporate gathering, or private party, deciding between a venue’s bar package or supplying your own wine can significantly impact your budget, guest experience, and overall event quality. If you have the option to supply your own wine, you can control costs, curate a unique selection, and elevate the overall experience. Let’s break down the pros of supplying your own wine and how to plan effectively. Why Supplying Your Own Wine Is a Smart Choice 1. Cost Savings Without Sacrificing Quality Many venues charge high markups on wine. By sourcing your own, you can save 30-50% compared to venue pricing. 2. A Curated Wine Selection...
by Lee Romano Sequeira
Ever wondered why wine often gets kudos for being “good for you”? Here’s what the research politely suggests—always in moderation, always as a complement to your meal, and never an invitation to overdo it. What the Science Says: Cardiovascular Support Moderate wine consumption—typically defined as up to one 5 oz glass per day for women and up to two for men—has been linked to lower rates of heart disease and improved "good" HDL cholesterol, thanks to alcohol and antioxidants like polyphenols and resveratrol. Polyphenols & Antioxidants These plant-based compounds, especially abundant in red wine, may help protect blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and improve lipid (fat) metabolism. Recent Evidence Using Objective Measures A 2024 Spanish study found that li...