Wine, Beer & Cocktails

Fright Night

'Haunted Tavern' Pop-Up Cocktail Bar Promises a Scary Good Time

The national touring event comes to Bradenton Sept. 9-11.

09/08/2021 By Marc Griffin

Clubs and corks

The Surprising Overlap Between the Worlds of Golf and Wine

Multiple professional golfers have their own vineyards and wines, and special wines are created for some of the world's biggest tournaments.

09/08/2021 By Bob McGinn

Wine Freak

You've Got to See These Amazing Local Wine Cellars

Sarasota wine collectors go all out on custom wine cellar designs in their homes and condos.

09/03/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Kippis!

Miles Teller Talks 'Long Drink,' a Tasty, Gin-Based Alternative to Hard Seltzer

The actor, who stars in the upcoming "Top Gun: Maverick," grew up in Florida and co-owns The Finnish Long Drink. He tells us why he likes the beverage so much.

08/30/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Booze Flash

New Liquor Store Opens in Lakewood Ranch

The new ABC Fine Wine & Spirits includes a walk-in cigar humidor, a walk-in beer cooler and a station for refilling growlers.

08/19/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Wine Maven

Meet Gina Lyons, Sarasota's Champagne Doyen

Through her company, A Vine Affair, Lyons offers in-depth Champagne seminars and tastings in private homes and corporate venues.

08/18/2021 By Bob McGinn

Alcohol Olympics

'Set the Bar' Cocktail Competition Will Return in October

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals contest will feature drinks from 25 different restaurants.

08/06/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

And the winner is...

Three Local Restaurants Join Wine Spectator's 'Award of Excellence' List

The Crow’s Nest, Grove and Sage were honored by "Wine Spectator" this year, joining a number of other local restaurants that maintain strong wine lists.

08/03/2021 By Bob McGinn

Top tapas

Another New Wine Bar? Yes, Please!

Checking out Vino Bistro, a new addition to the Sarasota wine scene.

07/21/2021 By Bob McGinn

Passion project

Give Your Spritz a Tropical Twist With Chinola

The passion fruit liqueur tastes great on its own, but it's even better when mixed with sparkling wine.

07/16/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Big Top, Big Plans

Big Top Brewing Is Taking Over the Cock & Bull

The legendary Sarasota beer bar, which is closed for renovations, will reopen later this summer as Big Top's tasting room.

07/14/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Stream team

Motorworks Creates New Beer for Central Florida Golf Resort

Little Payne Creek Lager will be served exclusively at Streamsong in Bowling Green, Florida.

07/12/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Birthday party

Gecko's Is Throwing a Party to Celebrate the Sarasota County Centennial

100 Years Feature Night will take place 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 13, at the Gecko's Grill & Pub near Fruitville Road.

07/07/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Buy now

Our Wine Writer Names Some of His Old Favorites and Some Great New Prospects

Bob McGinn picks some of his favorite recent bottles, and most of them are quite affordable.

07/07/2021 By Bob McGinn

Restaurant news

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant Opens Monday

The Sarasota location will be the company's 12th Florida restaurant.

06/25/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Log on

Where to Find Out About Wine Events Near You, and All Over the World

LocalWineEvents.com hosts thousands of wine event listings each week, and local restaurants and wine shops are using the site to find new customers.

06/23/2021 By Bob McGinn

The Cooldown

Refreshing Florida Seltzers Are Perfect for Hot Summer Days

The hard seltzer trend isn't going away.

06/16/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Au Naturel

Here's an Easy Introduction to the World of Natural Wine

If you’re new to this unusual and sometimes wild category of wines, Artisan Cheese Company is offering a starter pack.

06/14/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Hop on the Trolley

New Progressive Dinner Series Highlights Wine and Food Pairings

The Blend is a new series of dinners organized by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals.

06/11/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Grand openings

Two New Shops Are Bolstering the Wine Scene in Sarasota and Venice

Sarasota Wine Co. and Casey Key Collector Wine are new destinations for wine lovers.

06/09/2021 By Bob McGinn