Wine, Beer & Cocktails

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

The Review That Wasn't

Revisiting Circo, Downtown Sarasota's 'Taco and Bourbon Joint'

What was it like to eat out before the pandemic? I barely remember.

04/28/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Corky

New Wine Tasting Room and Restaurant Will Open This Summer

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant is looking to hire 140 employees before opening in Fruitville Commons.

04/27/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

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

Drink in a box

Practice Making Craft Cocktails at Home With Mixology Kits

Sarasota's Spencer Taliaferro recently launched a monthly subscription service that helps customers explore the world of cocktails.

04/08/2021 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

House Party

Oak & Stone Launches New 'House Beer'

The restaurant's Snowbird Pilsner will be available at all locations year-round.

04/07/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

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

Still Happening

Forks & Corks Details Revealed

The festival will be limited this year because of Covid-19 safety precautions, but there's still plenty going on.

04/02/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Fizz Appeal

Sarasota Breweries Are Hopping on the Hard Seltzer Trend

A number of local breweries are offering their take on the popular summer sippers.

03/31/2021 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

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

Life of the paddy

Irish 31 Offers Tips on What to Drink This St. Patrick's Day

Bartender Robyn Danski recommends her favorite brews and lucky libations, and offers a recipe for a classic cocktail with an Irish kick.

03/12/2021 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

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