Preferabli is a pioneer in sensorial AI for wine, spirits and food. Pam Dillon, Co-founder and CEO, tells the story of why Preferabli was built and how the patented software works like a human expert at scale. Dillon explains how the software helps retail and hospitality businesses provide truly personalized discovery and recommendations, one perso…

Transparency is key in what we drink and eat. People want products made with all natural ingredients and no additives that taste great, says KLYR Rum Distiller Lexi Close. Hand-crafted in Pennsylvania, KLYR is the vision of three friends who wanted a clean tasting rum with zero grams of sugar, zero grams of carbohydrates and fewer calories. KLYR ru…

Champagne Palmer was established in 1947 by seven grower families passionate about quality and sharing a vision to create a Grande Marque. Based in Montagne de Reims, Champagne Palmer encompasses 500 acres of Premier and Grand Cru vineyards throughout 40 crus. Champagne Palmer’s elegance and richness are enhanced by consistent blending and longer s…

The Kautz family settled in California in 1926 from Germany to farm, eventually expanding into grape growing in the Lodi and Sierra Foothills appellations. Their Ironstone Vineyards located in Calaveras County is considered “the Queen of the Sierras” for its volcanic soils, optimum growing conditions and many grape varieties cultivated from Sauvign…

The Murúa of Bodegas Muriel is a venerable Rioja family. José Murúa founded his winery in 1926 in Elciego (Rioja Alavesa), an area known for exceptional terroir. His elegant, complex Rioja Reservas gained renowned. Bodegas Muriel, a compound of “ Murúa” and “Elciego,” is now run by 2nd and 3rd generations, Julian Murúa and son Javier Murúa Ganguiti…

Founded in 1880 as California’s 29th bonded winery, Geyser Peak has been at the forefront of quality wine production. Since 2020, the Kreps family of Quintessential have been stewards of this storied brand, continuing to reach for winemaking peaks. Geyser Peak sources its grapes from some of Northern California’s best vineyards for their AVA-specif…

"Quintessential" means “the best of its kind.” For Steve Sr. and Dennis Kreps, it meant focusing on small, family-owned wineries to establish Quintessential in 2003. Based in Napa, this family owned/operated import, marketing and sales company represents independent multi-generational winemaking families around the world. That’s currently 30 famili…

Who wants to “go on a roadie and crack open some bonzer wines in the arvo.” That’s Australian lingo for “Let’s take a road trip and open some fantastic wines in the afternoon,” says Pia Merrick, Lead White Winemaker for Australia’s Barramundi Wines. Merrick shares a few Barramundi “ridgy-didge beauts” (Aussie-speak for genuinely good wines): Weeken…

Founded in 1843, Santi Winery is in the foothills of the Lissini Mountains in Valpolicella, east of Verona. Mountain breezes and calcareous soil rich in clay and sea sediment contribute to producing this region’s iconic red wines made from native Corvina, Rondinella and Corvivone grapes. Santi produces classic Veronese wines- Valpolicella Superiore…

Founded in 1731, Bouchard Père & Fils is one of the oldest and most diverse wine estates in Burgundy with 130 hectares of vineyards in prestige appellations of both the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuit, mostly Premiers and Grands Crus. Its 15th century château in Beaune houses the largest private collection of old burgundies, including a Meursault C…

How do bats and bees impact biodiversity in the vineyards? “Bees are important pollinators; bats and other insects provide natural pest control,” says Marie-Catherine Dufour, Technical Director, Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB). She shares new research on how bats and bees are natural allies for improving biodiversity in the vineyards and discusses Bor…

The Lurton family has deep roots in southern Bordeaux. Patriarch André Lurton dedicated his life to making wine for nearly 70 years. Vignobles André Lurton, led by his son Jacques with seven family members, comprises seven family-owned estates, with four in AOC Pessac-Léognan, including Château de Cruzeau. Jacques Lurton reminisces about his father…

Château Carbonnieux is one of the oldest and largest estates in Bordeaux, founded in the 13th century by a Brotherhood of Benedictine monks. The estate is a Grand Cru Classé de Graves whose notable visitors have included U.S. Ambassador Thomas Jefferson in 1787. Owned by the Perrin family since 1956, Marc Perrin discusses this historic estate and i…

Château de Respide in AOC Graves dates to 1630 with many family owners, including the aunt of artist, Henri de Toulouse-Latrec, a frequent visitor. Raised nearby in southwest France, Pierre-Edouard Chatin and his wife, Amélie, a winemaker, acquired Château de Respide in 2021. They were impressed by Graves’ signature gravelly soils, ideal for produc…

Nine generations of the Perromat family, including current owners Xavier and Caroline Perromat, have overseen winemaking at Château de Cérons. The 17th century estate is close to the Garonne River in a corner of AOC Graves known for its exceptional wines, notably Sémillon/Sauvignon Bordeaux whites, due to the “Gravas de Bordeaux” soil, says Carolin…

Here’s A Perfect Pairing from Europe: Garda DOC wines and Piave DOP cheese, both from northern Italy. Garda DOC produces crisp, refreshing sparkling and still wines around Lake Garda between Lombardy and the Veneto. They pair beautifully with the savory-sweet flavors of Piave DOP, artisan hard-aged, pasteurized cow’s milk cheeses from Belluno, a mo…

Nino Negri is a wine estate in Italy’s Valtellina DOCG, recognized as one of the most challenging regions to grow grapes due to its rugged terrain in the Lombardy Alps. Steep terraced vineyards require hand-harvesting and airlifting harvested grapes by helicopter! DOCG Valtellina wines must contain at least 90% Chiavennasca, local dialect for Nebbi…

Joe Kysela grew up in the wine business meeting vintners' families and learning about sales and marketing while traveling with his father, Fran Kysela, founder of Kysela Pére & Fils, a leading importer of fine wines, spirits, sakes and ciders. The experience and close relationships formed primed him for joining the family business. Joe shares his t…

The Siegel family has made an impact in Chile, from its skylines to its grapevines. Alberto Siegel Sr.’s grandfather was a renowned architect who built many important buildings in Santiago. Alberto’s father, Don Germán, was a viticulturalist. In 1980, father and son cofounded Viña Siegel in Colchagua Valley to grow grapes. They started bottling the…

Les Crus Faugères in Languedoc Roussillon has a central and historic role in AOC Faugères (est. 1982). Since 1959 it has been the only cooperative winery in the area, managing 2,223 acres of vines- nearly half of the vineyards and wine production in Faugères. Jérôme d’Hurlaborde, Commercial Director, Les Crus Faugères Mas Olivier, discusses AOC Fau…

Chenin, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinotage are some of the well-known grapes grown in South Africa, including Swartland on the Western Cape, where Riebeek Cellars started in 1941 as a passion project for a community of farmers working collectively, and now well into their 3rd & 4th generations. This inland area's dry conditions produce hearty grapes with…

Thorn-Clarke represents the union of two families and six generations of grape growing in Australia’s Barossa valley. The Thorn family were some of the earliest settlers in the region and have been growing grapes since the 1870s. Their first bottled vintage was a 1998 Shiraz. Today, the family has 600 acres of vineyards in the Barossa Valley. Sam C…

Located in Monferrato in Italy’s southern Piemonte, Azienda Agricola Rinaldi Vini produces world-class Moscato d’Asti, a crisp, aromatic lower alcohol wine, ideal as an aperitif or paired with savory and spicy foods. Andrea Rinaldi, son of founder, Oreste Rinaldi, discusses the versatility of Moscato wines and Rinaldi Vini new releases: Follie Pink…

After a long career in vineyard management, Clay Shannon established his namesake winery on California’s North Coast in 1996. He chose remote Lake County for its red soil, high elevation and ideal growing conditions. Today, Shannon Family Wines has 2000 acres, half under vine, the rest preserved. Shannon produces a range of reds and whites includin…

Bodegas Fillaboa is a family-owned estate winery in Galicia, Spain with roots dating to the 19th century. Housed in a 15th century Romanesque castle near the border between Spain and Portugal, Fillaboa produces some of the rarest and highest quality estate-grown wines in D.O Rías Baixas. Fillaboa winemaker, Isabel Salgado, discusses the estate’s hi…

South Africa’s Tesselaarsdal is a rural hamlet of historic importance. The widow of its namesake settler, Johannes Tesselaar, left his farmland to his freed slaves upon his death in 1810, a bold move at the time. Tesselaarsdal is also the name of Berene Sauls’ first winery opened in 2015 in Hemel-en-Aarde (Overberg), an homage to her ancestors who …

Founded by friends Brad Pitt, Cristina Patwa and John Fogelman, Enroot is a collection of sustainably farm-sourced, wellness-focused sparkling cold-brew teas, ideal to drink alone or in cocktails. CEO Cristina Patwa drew inspiration for Enroot from memories of the refreshing teas made by her grandmother, a farmer in the Philippines. Enroot collabor…

Established in 1901 by Don Leoncio Arizu, Bodega Luigi Bosca is one of Argentina’s few continually family-owned and operated wineries. Based in Mendoza, the Arizu family helped establish Lujàn de Cuyo as an official CDO in 1989. Pablo Cunéo, Head Winemaker since 2017, discusses the unique growing climates of Mendoza’s Maipú, Lujan de Cuyo and Uco V…

In Cambridge, MA, an education in wine, spirits, or sake at Commonwealth Wine School is more accessible than ever for enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Kim Simone, Manager, Commonwealth Wine School, discusses the range of courses offered from workshops and guided tastings to certifications for WSET, Certified Specialist of Wine and Wine…

Villa Maria is New Zealand’s most awarded winery, producing wine from every appellation of the country. Winemaker Tom Dixon shares Villa Maria’s 60-year (in 2021) history and legacy envisioned by its Founder, Sir George Fistonich, who was knighted for his contributions to the wine industry. Dixon discusses Villa Maria’s different wine production re…

Named among 2021's top new restaurants by The New York Times, Esquire Magazine and others, Contento NYC serves elevated Peruvian cooking in a relaxed setting designed with a focus on accessibility. Executive Chef Oscar Lorenzzi discusses Contento's menu and signature dishes such as Ceviche Clasico ,Salmon Tiradito and Octopus with Chimichurri. What…

Travelle is a casually elegant restaurant & bar/lounge on the second floor of the luxurious Langham hotel, one of Chicago’s iconic skyscrapers designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Chef de Cuisine Qi Ai discusses Travelle’s seasonal American menu and signature artisanal cheese board paired with AIX Vin de Provence Rosé, AOC Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provenc…

An elevator sweeps you to Adorn, located on the 7th floor of The Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago. Chef de Cuisine Jonathon Sawyer delivers a menu inspired by his global travels in France, Italy and Japan with an embrace of local Midwest bounty. An example is Crispy Zucchini Blossom & Roasted Tomato paired with Whispering Angel Cave D’Esclans Rosé, Cô…

The Cote d'Azur meets Northern California at Mentone. Chef David Kinch, also owner of 3-star Michelin Manresa, brings a creative twist to Mediterranean flavors with seasonal local ingredients. Wine Director Alyssa Papierneick recommends a classic pairing: Tarte de Mentone, a Provençal “pissaladière” of caramelized onions, anchovies and olives on ho…

Founded in 1997 by Francesco Illy, of the renowned Illy coffee family, Podere Le Ripi produces prestige, terroir-driven wines from Montalcino, including IGT, Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello di Montalcino. CEO & Winemaker Sebastian Nasello discusses Podere Le Ripi's decision to farm biodynamically and how the location of its vineyards in both the e…

Technology is changing how the publishing industry conducts business, yet some print magazines still flourish. Jacqueline Strum, President & Publisher of Wine Enthusiast Media, explains why hobby & niche publications (e.g., wine) are still popular, and how consumers' growing interest in learning about, buying and collecting wine has fueled demand f…

The term "terroir" is used in the wine world to describe how climate, soil, topography elevation, and other environmental factors deliver a unique expression to the final product. Veteran wine and spirits industry pro, Mark Reynier, is applying terroir to whisky with the 2021 introduction of Waterford single farm origin, barley-based Irish single m…

Founded in Rioja in 1970 by Enrique Forner, Spain’s Marqués de Cáceres has become a global leader in wine. Since joining her father in 1983, Cristina Forner has overseen the expansion of the company brand to include wines from Rías Baixas, Rueda, and the Penedès. CEO since 2007, Forner continues to build on the legacy of Marqués de Cáceres with the…

Virginia is home to over 300 wineries and eight designated AVAs, making it an ideal destination for wine aficionados looking for a road trip combining beautiful scenery with great wine and food. Frank Morgan, Host of Virginia Wine Chat, discusses Virginia’s different appellations and a few standout grapes, including Petit Manseng, Chardonnay, Viogn…

Ehlers Estate is a picturesque 42-acre vineyard in Saint Helena, CA dating to the 1800s with a rich history. Run by the Leducq Foundation, a trust established in 1996 by French Entrepreneur, Jean Leducq and his wife Sylviane, Ehlers Estate was modeled after a traditional Bordeaux chateau. The vineyards, all planted to Bordeaux varietals, are certif…

Bella Union Winery in Rutherford, Napa Valley was founded in 2012 by the partners of Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel. The winery is located on a 25-acre Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard that runs along Bella Oaks Lane, known as the Bella Union Roadway in the late 1800s. Brooke Bobyak has worked with Far Niente since 2018 and was appointed Bella Union win…

In 2013, James Sinegal, co-founder/former CEO of Costco, and son, David, a Costco wine buyer, established Sinegal Estate in St. Helena to produce iconic Bordeaux blend Napa Valley Cabernet wine. In 2020, they launched DETAILS by Sinegal Estate, sourcing grapes in Sonoma Valley and using a 1,403-step production process. David Sinegal explains DETAIL…

Rania Zayyat, founder, Lift Collective, discusses Be The Change, a virtual job fair connecting beverage alcohol industry professionals with potential employers. Be the Change streamlines the job search process and supports diversity equality and inclusion. Be The Change works in partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to provide job opp…

The Cattin family has made wines in a village near Colmar, the heart of Alsace wine country, since 1720, when Swiss-born François Cattin settled in the area. Domaine Joseph Cattin is one of Alsace’s largest family-owned wineries, a top producer of food-friendly white wines and Crémant d’Alsace. Jacques and Anaïs Cattin, discuss why ancestor and win…

Maison Gustave Lorentz produces Crémant d’Alsace and grands crus whites of exceptional quality and value. Like most Alsace producers, Gustave Lorentz practices organic and biodynamic viticulture, resulting in wines with freshness, elegance and a sense of place. Alsace whites like Riesling and Pinot Gris pair equally well with hearty winter dishes a…

Discover the Beaujolais Wine Route, 85 miles of bucolic scenery with picturesque villages, historic landmarks, casual bistros and hundreds of wine estates, many open to the public. Beaujolais is divided into 12 AOCS: Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages to the south and 10 smaller crus. Considered the gems of Beaujolais wines, the crus include: Broui…

Gamay, the red grape of Beaujolais, produces refreshing wines that burst with juicy strawberry, blackberry and black cherry flavors and essences. Comprised of 12 AOCs, Beaujolais wine styles differ slightly based on location, soil, elevation and climate! Wines among the 10 Beaujolais crus can range from softer, perfumed reds to enjoy with charcuter…

If you enjoy fresh, fruity, food-friendly wines with good acidity, consider Beaujolais, a delightful French wine for today’s casual dining, from home-cooked meals to restaurant takeout. Best known for its red wines made from the local Gamay grape, Beaujolais also produces small amounts of rosé and white wines. Many are produced by local vignerons w…

Viognier and Cabernet Franc are most closely associated with Virginia wines, but at Barboursville Vineyards, Italian varieties such as Vermentino, Fiano and Nebbiolo flourish, notes Luca Paschina, estate general manager/winemaker. The temperate climate and alluvial soils of Virginia’s Piedmont region attracted Italy’s Zonin family, who acquired thi…

If you follow a vegan diet, be aware that some vintners may use animal byproducts such as egg white, fish bladder and casein to filter the wines, a process known as fining. There also are many well-made vegan wines available. A reliable resource is Vegan Wines, founded by Frances Gonzalez, a longtime vegan and wine lover. Frances personally visits …