Wine, Beer & Cocktails

Heating Up

Now in Its Fourth Year, Bahi Hut’s Tiki Fever Is Bigger Than Ever

The party draws tiki enthusiasts from as far away as Seattle for live music, shopping, rum tastings, limited-edition tiki mugs and a plethora of chill vibes.

09/01/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Class Is in Session

Up Your Wine Knowledge at a Michael's Wine Cellar Gathering

The Wine Cellar Social Club and Saturday Open House tastings each offer a chance for wine lovers to up their game.

07/10/2024 By Bob McGinn

Drinking It In

Clara Robbins Is Florida's First Female Master Distiller

“I never felt like my voice mattered much until I made it matter. I know my value now.”

06/25/2024 By Megan McDonald

NOLO YOLO

What Are 'Nolo' Wines, and Are They Any Good?

Our wine writer recently sampled two non-alcoholic wines. Here's what he thought.

06/07/2024 By Bob McGinn

Three Cheers!

Sarasota's Bushwacker Spirits Just Won a Big Award at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

The brand's Coconut Rum Cream secured a coveted Double-Gold medal.

05/22/2024 By Lauren Jackson

All Summer Long

Chinola Is Now Making a Mango Liqueur, and It's Just Right for Summertime Drinking

Mango margarita? Yes, please.

05/03/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

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 Massive New Facility Opens Today

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

🍾🍾🍾

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