by Dave Szlapak
Few things in life evoke memory and emotion quite like wine and art. For artist Monica Márquez Gatica, these two passions are not just complementary; they are deeply intertwined. Rooted in the traditions of Jerez, Spain, where sherry flows through the veins of history, Monica’s work bridges old-world charm with a contemporary sensibility. Now based in Colorado, she continues to weave cultural connections through her Hybrid Fluid Realism style —a technique that merges the organic unpredictability of acrylic pouring with the precision of oil painting. As an artist and wine enthusiast, Monica’s journey has led her to partner with renowned wineries and distilleries, exhibiting her work in some of the most refined spaces where art and wine converge. This year, her work is feature...
by Lee Romano Sequeira
February is Black History Month—a time to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black individuals to business, culture, and more. This article is one small way to honor the lasting impact they’ve made. In the wine industry, which has long been dominated by a narrow demographic, Black winemakers are gaining recognition for their exceptional wines -- and, in doing so, they're paving the way for a more inclusive future. This is evident in the tenfold increase in Black-owned wineries in the U.S. since the 1990s. From the founding of the first black-owned winery in 1940, Woburn Winery, there are now over 130 Black owned wineries, just in the U.S. From California to South Africa, Black vintners are producing world-class wines that reflect both terroir an...
by Marla Durben Hirsch
I’ve recently reported on the dueling investigations by two U.S. government panels regarding what the U.S. Dietary Guidelines should say is the recommended amount of alcohol that should be consumed. Well, they didn’t disappoint. They have each released their findings, and they send different messages. The first panel, from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) and authorized by Congress for the Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS), was comprised of 14 members who are authorities in medicine, nutrition, public health, and related fields. It reviewed randomized clinical trials and subjected its report to peer review, including from the anti-alcohol side. This is the entity that usually reviews the latest evidence to de...
by Marla Durben Hirsch
Do you suffer from headaches after drinking just a bit of red wine? If so you’re not alone; it’s pretty common. So it’s good news that recent research appears to have pinpointed what causes these red wine headaches and suggests a way to avoid them without giving up drinking red wine. In one of the first studies of its kind, scientists from the University of California at Davis set out to find out what the culprit was, using enzyme analysis. The researchers, chemists who specialize in wine analysis, first debunked several theories about what causes those red wine headaches. For instance, while sulfites are often blamed for red wine headaches, there’s little evidence to link sulfites directly to headaches, the investigators noted. Moreover, many foods contain sulfites...
by Lee Romano Sequeira
There’s something magical about wine. Whether it’s a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc enjoyed on a sunny afternoon or a rich Cabernet by the fire on a chilly night, wine has this amazing way of bringing people together, making even the simplest moments feel special. And honestly, beyond its social appeal, wine is just downright fascinating! So, pour yourself a glass, and let’s dive into the many joys of wine together! There's A World of Flavors in Every Bottle One of the best things about wine is how diverse it is. Want something light and refreshing? Reach for a Pinot Grigio. Feeling fancy and in the mood for something richer? How about a Barolo? Each bottle has its own character, shaped by where it’s grown, the grape variety, and how it’s made. Fun fact: there are ov...
by Lee Romano Sequeira
Ever picked up a bottle of Shiraz and thought, Wait, isn’t this just Syrah? Or maybe you’ve stumbled upon Garnacha and Grenache and wondered, Are these secret twins separated at birth? You’re not alone! Let’s decode the delicious mystery of why some wines seem to have aliases. It’s All About Geography, Darling. Just like your friend Ashley who insists on being called Ash in certain circles, grapes sometimes adopt new names based on where they’re grown. Take Shiraz and Syrah, for example. Syrah hails from France, where it thrives in the Rhône Valley. The name sounds sophisticated, doesn’t it? Très français. But take that same grape Down Under to Australia, and voilà—it’s Shiraz. Why the switch? Aussies liked the punchier name to match their bold, sun-soaked...
by Mirena Bagur, Croatian Premium Wine
Some topics are not for the Thanksgiving table. So, let’s talk turkey and what Croatian wines to pair with this American tradition. Due to the meal’s complexity, from appetizers to both white and dark poultry, to savory side dishes and finally to various desserts, it is not so easy to pair a single wine with the meal. These suggestions – from sparkling to white, rosé, orange and lighter reds – are based not only on great pairings, but also about great conversation starters. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your friends and family and let’s remember to be thankful for all the talented Croatian winemakers that enable us to have indigenous Croatian wines on this side of the pond – currently counting 101+ wine labels in our online store shipping to most US states. Rosé ...
by Miles Wagner
Ordering wine at a restaurant shouldn't be intimidating. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned wine lover, these practical tips will help you navigate the wine list with confidence and ensure you get the perfect bottle for your meal and budget. Start with Your Budget * Discuss the price range with your dining companions before the sommelier arrives * Look for wines in the middle range of the list—these often offer the best value * Don't be afraid to point to a price point on the menu when asking for recommendations * Remember that wines by the glass let you sample different varieties without committing to a full bottle ## Communicate Effectively with the Sommelier * Share your usual wine preferences and favorite varieties * Mention the dishes your table has ordered * Use...
by Marla Durben Hirsch
I’m a fan of learning from government experts: what’s in the water I drink, how to avoid excess sugar, and the like. With that in mind, I’m in favor of the government’s review every five years of the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, which includes recommendations about alcohol consumption. We all need to be kept up to date on the latest research and have the information we need to make informed decisions. There’s usually some disagreement and controversy regarding what should be recommended in the Guidelines. But this time there’s something odd and somewhat clandestine going on. Typically the Guidelines are reviewed and updated jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. That traditional review, which includes a review...
by Danny Klein
Many times, I have poured a glass of wine for someone in the wine industry… After a sip, their face lights up and they ask me where the wine is from. I reply, “New Jersey” and their lit-up face goes into puzzlement. “New Jersey? Yes, really New Jersey.” I’ve had this experience with many wine “rock stars” such as Peter Mondavi Jr, Chuck Wagner and Joel Peterson and many others deep in the wine industry. Once the puzzled look leaves their face, they turn to a “well how about that” expression as if they thought about it and it makes sense. Dave Wolin was first struck by the wine bug during the early 2000’s when he started visiting famous wine regions such as Rioja, Spain, Margaret River, Australia and Mendoza, Argentina. The NYC financial lawyer had visions of retiring...
