Bane or benefit?

The Rise of the Wine Influencer

More and more social media users are sharing their thoughts on wine. But do they know what they're talking about?

05/05/2021 By Bob McGinn

Party time excellent

Highlights of This Year's Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival

This year's event has something for every type of wine lover, from novice to expert.

04/21/2021 By Bob McGinn

Immigrant song

How the Irish Changed the Wine World

From making wine in France and Australia to planting some of the first vineyards in California, the Irish have played an outsized role in the history of wine.

04/07/2021 By Bob McGinn

R.I.P.

Steven Spurrier: A Life in Wine

Paying tribute to a man who almost singlehandedly changed the direction of California wine in the 1970s.

03/17/2021 By Bob McGinn

Ups and downs

The Changing Role of the Restaurant Sommelier

While many diners think of sommeliers as just waiters who pour wine, they are much more than that.

03/03/2021 By Bob McGinn

Tuscan royalty

Meet Marcello Aquino, the King of Brunello

The wine room at Aquino's Marcello Ristorante Italiano must be seen to be believed.

02/17/2021 By Bob McGinn

Pour amour

Looking for a Special Valentine's Day Wine? Try Pink Champagne

Pink Champagne's unique flavor and appearance can make its expense worthwhile, but there are plenty of more affordable options for a great Valentine's Day bottle, too.

02/03/2021 By Bob McGinn

Tasting notes

A New Generation of Argentinian Winemakers Is Challenging the Wine World

Often overlooked, Argentina is producing a number of exciting bottles. Here are some of our favorites.

01/20/2021 By Bob McGinn

Taste test

Making Sense of Natural, Organic, Biodynamic and Sustainable Wines

Interested in exploring the world of "green" and "clean" wines? We've got some recommendations.

01/06/2021 By Bob McGinn

Party like it's 2021

Say Goodbye to 2020 With a Glass of Quality Champagne

An estimated 360 million glasses of Champagne will be served this New Year's Eve.

12/23/2020 By Bob McGinn

Holiday shopping tips

The Gifts That a Wine Lover Really Wants

Our wine blogger gives you the scoop on what will really please the wine lover in your life.

12/08/2020 By Bob McGinn

What to drink

How to Pick the Right Wine for a Thanksgiving Dinner Unlike Any Other

Whether you're hosting a small gathering or getting together via Zoom, here are some tips on what wines to pour this Thanksgiving.

11/17/2020 By Bob McGinn

Oops!

Wine Mix-Ups: More Common Than You Might Think

Local restaurateurs share stories of serving the wrong wines and other expensive mistakes.

11/03/2020 By Bob McGinn

Wine City

Sarasota's Wine Bar Renaissance

Our area is home to a number of bars with big selections of wines and friendly, knowledgeable staffers.

10/20/2020 By Bob McGinn

Sip Trip

Sarasota’s Best Wine Stores

Here's a list of full-service stores in our region to try when you're on the hunt for your next bottle.

10/08/2020 By Bob McGinn

Burning

Crisis in Wine Country

2020 is shaping up to be the worst year for American wineries since Prohibition.

09/23/2020 By Bob McGinn

Call it a comeback

Wine Tastings Are Back

A number of local restaurants are offering innovative, structured tastings that follow social distancing guidelines.

09/08/2020 Photography by Bob McGinn

The pink stuff

The Ultimate Summer Wine? Rosé.

The light and sprightly pink wine balances many foods and leaves your palate clean and fresh.

08/26/2020 By Bob McGinn

Spectator sport

Wine Spectator Honors Local Restaurants for Their Excellent Wine Lists

The annual list is like a road map for wine lovers. Many will make travel plans around these restaurants.

08/05/2020 By Bob McGinn

Pandemic Pours

How Local Wine Purveyors Have Pivoted During the Pandemic

Local wine shops, wine bars and restaurants have had to get creative—quickly.

07/22/2020 By Bob McGinn