Wine, Beer & Cocktails

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 recognized 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

History Glass

New Beer From Big Top and Gecko's Celebrates Sarasota County's Centennial

The beer, made with a pink grapefruit infusion, will be available at Gecko's restaurants beginning Monday, June 7.

06/04/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Dram band

Special Four-Course Meals Will Pair Bourbons and Bites

Sarasota's Baker & Wife is offering a special menu, with two seatings, on Sunday, June 13.

05/27/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Clubbing

Exploring the World of Online Wine Buying Clubs

A number of companies offer wine shipments that can be catered to your specific tastes.

05/19/2021 By Bob McGinn

Politics

New Law Lets Restaurants Continue Selling Alcoholic Drinks Via Takeout and Delivery

The measure makes permanent emergency orders that were created to help restaurants struggling because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

05/14/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Sarasota Magazine