Wine, Beer & Cocktails

Go Big Or Go Home

A New Florida Law Lets You Buy Wine in Bottles as Big as 15 Liters

That's the equivalent of 20 standard bottles of wine.

04/17/2024 By Bob McGinn

Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams

A Swanky New Champagne Bar Is Coming to Downtown Sarasota

Sugar Champagne Bar will be a nod to Roaring '20s glamour, with a full bar and small plates.

04/11/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Come One, Come All

Big Top Brewing's New Facility Is Massive, and It's Opening Soon

The Sarasota brewery may have opened 10 years ago, but it's just getting started. Here's a first look at its new beer garden, gastropub and production facility.

03/27/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Catching Up

Checking in on Some Favorite Wines and Finding Some New Favorite Bottles

A handful of recent highlights from our wine blogger's tasting adventures.

03/13/2024 By Bob McGinn

Bottoms Up

The 'Set the Bar' Cocktail Competition Is Returning in April

This fun Sarasota-Manatee Originals event will feature 25 local mixologists and light bites from Originals restaurants.

02/27/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Rebrand

Bordeaux Wines Are Getting Stronger and Maturing More Quickly. Here's Why.

According to a recent panel featuring top French winemakers, answers range from climate change to competition from other styles.

02/16/2024 By Bob McGinn

Ice, Ice Baby

Seven Spots to Get a Great Mocktail

Keep up your dry January momentum throughout the year with mocktails from these great restaurants.

01/22/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Pop the Cork

Need a Last-Minute Bottle of Wine? Here's How to Pick a Good One

Don't underestimate the power of a bottle of bubbly. (Just make sure it's chilled!)

12/20/2023 By Bob McGinn

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How to Choose the Perfect Bubbly for Your Holiday Party

Michael Klauber of Michael's On East and Michael's Wine Cellar shares his tips for choosing the perfect Champagne for your holiday gathering.

12/01/2023 By Megan McDonald

Side Effect

Why the Wine Industry Is Worried About Ozempic

The diabetes and weight-loss drug may inadvertently hurt winemakers.

11/13/2023 By Bob McGinn

High Note

What to Expect at This Year's Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival

Our wine writer previews the pours you should be excited about at this Saturday's event.

09/19/2023 By Bob McGinn

Trending

Are Muscadine Grapes the Next Big Superfood?

New research shows that the grape, which is used to make wine in the southeastern United States, can improve your skin and fight inflammation.

09/07/2023 By Bob McGinn

Choose Your Own Adventure

Which Wine Glass Is Best for You?

Things to consider include what type of wine you enjoy and how much you want to spend.

08/25/2023 By Bob McGinn

Yappy Hour

Satisfying Wines for the Dog Days of Summer

Dog-themed wines pair well with this hot, lethargic time of year.

08/09/2023 By Bob McGinn

Cheers, Baby!

Forks & Corks Is Moving to January in 2024

The much-anticipated festival will celebrate its 17th anniversary with loads of wine-centric events for everyone.

08/02/2023 By Lauren Jackson

Journey to the Southwest

An Introduction to the World of New Mexico Wine

The winemaker Vara is finding success in a region not typically known for its wine.

07/21/2023 By Bob McGinn

Ice Ice Baby

It's Time to Celebrate National Daiquiri Day

Simple ingredients and clean flavors make this cocktail a must—especially today.

07/19/2023 By Lauren Jackson

Crossing Over

The Rise of Hybrid Grapes and How They Affect Winemaking

Scientists and winemakers are using hybrid grapes to create vines that can stand up to diseases and our changing climate.

07/10/2023 By Bob McGinn

End of an Era

The Rise and Fall of Sherry-Lehmann, the Country's Most Influential Wine Store

The legendary New York store is being sued by customers and investigated by the federal government.

06/21/2023 By Bob McGinn

Better With Age

Were Grapevines the First Domesticated Fruit?

New research suggests that domesticated grapes (and wine) are older than previously thought.

06/07/2023 By Bob McGinn