December 31 • New year

Thank You & Happy New Year!

If next year proves lucky number 21, it will be because we are able to meet its fortunes or misfortunes with our best intentions intact, with the clarity to make the best choice whenever we have a choice.

November 28 • certification

Certification vs. Real-world Experience

A sommelier’s ultimate mission is for people to share your love and passion for wine. One sommelier’s nose and mouth are completely different from the next, so individual smell and taste will differ greatly from one expert to the next.

December 23 • christmas

Some last minute gift ideas for wine and spirit lovers

Some last minute gift ideas for wine and alcohol lovers

Any type of spirit is usually a good present for someone who enjoys a glass or two, and after the year we’ve had, we all deserve a drink.

If you’re still looking for a gift that will not only quench their palate, but also teach them something and even lead them to start a collection, we have some suggestions. They include games, unique whiskies and subscriptions services.

December 11 • christmas

Spice up your ‘nog

Spice up your ‘nog. A favorite of US presidents, there are several ways to make eggnog a little merrier this Christmas

As temperature drops, pine trees are lit and fireplaces are aflame, it can only mean one thing: Christmas is right around the corner and with it comes one of the most popular beverages to accompany the holidays.

November 12 • Chile

Loreto Ruiz

Todo lo que tienes que saber sobre los nuevos vinos chilenos: nuevas regiones, nuevas variedades y aclamados productores de moda, una SommClass de la experta en vinos Loreto Ruiz.

November 09 • Best Bars

The world’s Best Bars

What makes a great bar? Is it the ambience, the signature cocktails, the music, the history?
From classic to modern, the list of the best 50 bars around the world ...

November 04 • Pisco

Jose “Pepe” Moquillaza

***CLASS IN SPANISH***
Aprenderás sobre la historia y el origen del Pisco, uno de los aguardientes de uva más famosos del mundo.

November 03 • singani

Singani in the U.S., a Bolivian spirit revolution

It was only made for domestic consumption, as it had for hundreds of years. Produced only in the Bolivian high valleys, singani has been distilled since the 16th century when the Spanish arrived in South America. Initially, it was made from grapevines brought by monks who needed sacramental wine. The name for the drink is believed to come from a village near the mission that first distilled it.

October 22 • fermentation & pickling

Simon Kistenfeger

Somm Simon Kistenfeger teaches us about fermentation & pickling at home.

October 22 • Uncategorized

Dia de los Muertos: Food, Culture and Tradition

Homes around the U.S. are being decorated with pumpkins, ghouls and witches in anticipation of Halloween, but in Mexico, the date coincides with the start of a more ancient tradition that has nothing to do with fright and much to do with culture, food and drinks.

October 20 • Bolivia

Bertil Tøttenborg

Bertil Tøttenborg, Sommelier at renowned GUSTU Restaurant - The magnificence of Bolivian wines

October 17 • Tequila

Carlos Andrés Ramírez

(Virtual SommClass) Learn the differences between tequilas from Los Altos highlands and Jalisco valley from tequila expert, Carlos Andrés Ramírez.

October 08 • Bordeaux

Mónica Marín

Discover why Bordeaux-Style Wines are so unique.
Produced in the Bordeaux region of the southwest of France, these wines are famous for their consistent excellence.

October 03 • Cacao

Alejandro Campos, A Chocolate Connoisseur

It’s the most delicious, rich, and savory treat, protects against heart disease and a number of other ailments, and it’s one of Latin American contributions to the U.S. and the world.

September 29 • Bolivian Wine

Bolivian Wine: from the Andes to your Table

Bolivia may not instantly come to mind when one thinks of wine, but the South American country has a long and rich viticulture history that dates back to the arrival of the Spanish missionaries, who first planted vines around the wealthy silver-mining city of Potosi in the mid-16th century.

September 25 • Coffee Producers

The ‘Arabica’ Whisperer

The best part of waking up? Well, it’s coffee, of course.

Humanity truly runs on this beverage that helps millions of people around the world wake up, work and function. And if it’s of the Arabica variety, its delicious ‘kick’ will keep you going strong all day long.

September 25 • cocktails

New Orleans: a mix of cultures gives birth to great cocktails

Indigenous people called the area where New Orleans now sits as “Balbancha” (land of many tongues).

It’s still an apt name for the Crescent City.

Anyone who’s visited this Southern gem is immediately struck by the confluence of cultures there.

September 15 • Latino Heritage Month

Raise a toast to Latino Heritage Month

The Empire State Building kicked off Latino Heritage Month by shining red, white and green colors onto the New York skylight on September 15 in honor of the Mexican flag.

September 01 • chocolates

Chocolatier Alejandro Campos

(Live Virtual SommClass) Award winning Chocolatier, Alejandro Campos, brings us one of Mexico's greatest gift to the world; Chocolate.

August 25 • Marketing

Smart Labels Make Spirits Come Alive

Smart appliances, smart clothing and now smart wines, ciders, and beers.

In a crowded shelf of wines, ciders and beers, all promoting how good they are, how can they stand out among the rest? In an increasingly connected world, the way to go is with the label, smart labels, that is.

August 16 • Music

PEOPLE ARE STRANGE: Jim Morrison

Jim was quoted in his poetic nature: “Being drunk is a good disguise.” He said. “It means I can talk to assholes.”

August 15 • Marketing

Beer, Wine and Whiskey Turn to Paper Bottle

Companies are looking for sustainable packaging

Spirits companies have always touted the flavor, sophistication and quality of their drinks. Now they’re promoting not only that, but also how sustainable they are.

August 05 • Rose

Rock ‘n’ Wine

Legendary music icon Jon Bon Jovi Brings Puts His Talent to a Good Cause

Rock music and wine may not seem an obvious pairing at first glance, but singer, songwriter and rock star Jon Bon Jovi makes it so. Two years ago, music icon and his son, Jesse Bongiovi, paired with French winemaker Gerard Bertrand to launch their own rosé, Hampton Water.

August 02 • Uncategorized

Virtual Cheers

Online wine tastings bring renewed sparkle amid the pandemic

July 29 • Caipirinha

Caipirinha, Brazil’s Refreshing National Drink

Brazil has given the world many wonderful contributions: Pele, the greatest football player in the history of the planet; samba music that sets the tone every year in the colorful, happy and decadent carnival, and caipirinha, its national drink and now a bar staple around the globe.

May 31 • Civil rights

Hennessy: The Cognac of Hip Hop & Civil Rights (Part 2)

It’s safe to say we would all agree Hennessy and Hip-Hop are associated with each other in a special way. We would even go as far to say, Hennessy has reached global iconic status thanks to that fact. That being said, while the cognac of hip-hop was catapulted to its iconic stature thanks to the help of artist like Tupac and Nas, what we don’t know by looking at the surface is that Hennessy has a long standing tradition of supporting people of African decent.

May 11 • Music

The Original Garage Kings

The garage kings are out there and we wanted to let you know you’re not alone. While you’re playing your instruments for the whole neighborhood to hear, it might seem like you’ll never be heard on the radio. You’re cooped up in your parent’s garage sweating your asses off finding your own unique sound. You might even be practicing for your upcoming coffeeshop gig. If you’re one of these garage bands just now that you’re in good company. And if you’re one of their neighbors quick to complain, you should take a moment and listen. You might just be listening to the next Ramones or Nirvana.

May 11 • Gatinara

A Mother-Daughter Tour de Force

Alessia and Cinzia Travaglini have a shared charisma in their smiles, a look that makes you want to strike up a conversation. Together, they lead the winery, Travaglini Wines, into the future. Alessia is the fourth generation to come into the family business, and is a certified sommelier. Presently, she is earning a degree in Economics and Business Management, to equip her with the skills needed to carry on the family legacy. Under the mentorship of her mother, Cinzia Travaglini, she is positioned to continue on the tradition of excellence firmly established by the winery.

May 04 • Vinely Live Events

Vinely Live: Michael Jordan & Fred Scherrer

Sommtable Live - this Thursday May 14th, is proud to have to Michael Jordan (Master Sommelier) and Fred Scherrer (Winemaker Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast) - the dynamic duo in both the world of wine and music. In the realm of viticulture, they’re perfect complements. Both are incredibly enthusiastic about wine, though in somewhat different ways. Jordan is a sommelier, while Scherrer is a winemaker. Together, they can create and appreciate wine at a topflight level. In addition to working in wine together, they also team up to make music. In fact, Sommtable is involved with one of their concerts. 

May 03 • Latino Heritage Month

Behind the Scenes of Tequila Making

Happy Cinco de Mayo! When thinking about Cinco de Mayo do you think tacos and tequila? Of course! Beyond the delicious Méxican food and Tequila do you know what the holiday represents?

April 19 • Cognac

Hennessy: The Cognac of Hip Hop & Civil Rights (Part 1)

It’s safe to say we would all agree Hennessy and Hip-Hop are associated with each other in a special way. We would even go as far to say, Hennessy has reached global iconic status thanks to that fact. That being said, while the cognac of hip-hop was catapulted to its iconic stature thanks to the help of artist like Tupac and Nas, what we don’t know by looking at the surface is that Hennessy has a long standing tradition of supporting people of African decent.

April 19 • Hollywood

Once Upon A Bar In Hollywood: The Spirit of a great film.

Here at vine.ly, we love a lot of things — and great cinema is surely one of them. We wanted to hit the pause button and take a second to take a look at Once Upon A Time In Hollywood; let’s have some fun pairing some of the film’s main characters to their embodied spirits. Pull up a seat and pour up your favorite cocktail. 

April 11 • Sommeliers

Amanda McCrossin

Amanda McCrossin is a sommelier & YouTube vlogger in Napa Valley, CA

Having previously worked as a sommelier in New York City, Amanda moved to the west coast in July 2015 where she joined the wine team at PRESS restaurant in St. Helena. Known as the "sommvivant" to her instagram followers and YouTube subscribers for being a "Sommelier" with a "Bon Vivant" lifestyle, Amanda documents her life as a somm in the Napa Valley on a daily basis.

April 11 • Distillers

Melkon Khosrovian

Melkon Khosrovian and Litty Mathew, Greenbar Distillery Founders and Spirit Makers

April 11 • Winemaker

Cristina Frolov

Hidden Giants; Exploring the World of Moldovan Wine

While France, Italy and Spain may hold the lion’s share of an industry which is over 35 billion bottles strong, there are many other players in the game. The world of Moldovan wine may be lesser known than other European countries, but that makes it somewhat of a hidden gem for those who seek something off the beaten path.

April 11 • Winemaker

Lijia Santos 

Caminhos Cruzados, or “Crossed Paths” in English, was a project Lijia, her father Paulo Santos, and the entire Santos family began in order to return to its origins and invest in the world of wine.

April 11 • Distillers

Paulo Martins & João Oliveira

For us, it was a simple one—take no shortcuts. That meant using honest ingredients grown across the region, supporting the natural and agricultural resources of Alentejo.

April 10 • Education

Alice Feiring

Wine writer. Author: The Battle for Wine and Love or how I saved the world from Parkerization. Naked Wine. For the Love of Wine, the Dirty Guide to Wine. She also publishes a natural wine newsletter, The Feiring Line

April 10 • Education

Kelli White

Before her career as a sommelier and acclaimed author, Kelli A. White was a very straight and narrow kind of kid. She had a gift for maths and sciences and won a Howard Hughes Fellowship in Neurogenetics while at Brandeis. As the stars would have it, Kelli’s life was about to change in a big way.

April 10 • Winemaker

Diogo Sepúlveda

Diego Sepúlveda (enologist) of Casa Santos Lima, is a bullfighter that brought passion and perseverance to winemaking.

April 10 • Craft Beer

Gonçalo Faustino

It all started when father and son, a chemical engineer and the other a electrical engineer, decided to launch themselves in the home brewing production.

April 10 • Sommeliers

Billy Wagner

An extensive wine list, vibrant kitchen, and outstanding music; if Sommtable were a restaurant, it would be Nobelhart Schmutzig 

July 23 • Photography

Through Matt’s Lens

Today we sat with Matt Wilson, a portrait and lifestyle photographer whose wine photography breathes true life into the pages of many leading wine magazines.

July 17 • Distillers

Caley Shoemaker | Changing the Distilling Game

With a decade of experience and a penchant for creating inimitable flavor profiles, Hanger 1 Distillery’s Caley Shoemaker has proved to be a glimmering gem in the teeming spirits space.

July 15 • shots

The First “Shot” Ever Served: A Tale of the West

It’s always a race against the heat in the West. Hell, there’s a score of difference races around here. There’s a race to the riches and a race to the hills where the riches lay. There’s a race to food and shelter and the means in which a man might make to get them. There’s a race to the women and to the brothels and saloons where you can find them at. I don’t look for my women in those places but I often find myself in them for other races. Mine is a race to whiskey. It’s only a matter of time before I find myself in one today.

July 09 • chilean wine

Andrea Leon | Winemaker profile

Today we spoke with Andrea Leon, a winemaker living amongst the vines in Colchagua Valleyin Chile. And when we say amongst the vines, we mean it. She and her family live right next to their vines, giving them a direct feel for the earth and how it shapes their wine.

June 14 • Uncategorized

The Perfect Father’s Day Gifts

This father’s day vine.ly has you covered. Instead of scanning the internet for last minute gifts or heading to the mall to battle crowds, we’ve complied the perfect list of thoughtful vinyls and spirits you and your father will love.

May 26 • Portuguese Wine

Portugal, a Wine Lover’s Guide

Portugal has a long history of wine making and an endless varietal of wine grapes with enough distinctive personalities to satisfy the most demanding oenophile. The different regions of this small nation that welcomes Western travelers as they head into continental Europe grow characteristically different grapes that produce singular wines, each uniquely suited to different palates.

May 10 • Mothers Day

16 Mother’s Day gifts for Wine Moms

Mother’s Day is coming up soon. Do you know what you are going to get for your wife or mom? Our moms are so special. They take care of everyone without even asking for help. Even though we should show them appreciation every single day, Mother's Day is just one of the special days set aside to show our mom's just how much we love them.

May 06 • Uncategorized

Rolling out the New Trends in Barrel-Aged Craft Beers

As timeless as barrel-aging is, it is relatively new in the field of craft beer. This is hard to believe, as the new trends in barrel-aged craft beers are creating some of the best flavors on the market. But the beers we now know and love had a long journey to get where they are. The good news is that it seems that the journey has only begun!

April 30 • Tequila

Mexican Spirits | uno cero uno

When it comes to Mexican spirits, everyone's heard of tequila, and people are increasingly aware of mezcal. Less well-known is a third Mexican spirit, sotol, though any good mixologist will have a bottle on hand for certain cocktails. And for Smart Alecs like me who might ask for it.

March 14 • Distillers

A Whiskey for St Patrick’s Day

Which Irish whiskey to choose for St Patrick's Day? For personal reasons our writer chooses something from the Old Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland.

March 05 • Armagnac

French Brandy and Cognac 101

French brandy, cognac, and armagnac: all you need to know to tell the difference between them and choose your brandy wisely.

February 15 • Flavors

Spice Up Your Spirits for Valentine’s Day

If your idea of a spicy spirit is Fireball Cinnamon Whisky you definitely need to up the ante and get a special liquor for a special occasion. Here are eight of our favorites spicy spirits for Valentine's Day.

February 14 • Bars

XOXO; What it means (and can you drink it?)

Most people understand XOXO means hugs and kisses. It’s a short, simple way to sign off on a cute valentine to a family member or loved one. While it may be more romantic to write out the full phrase – it’s kind of hard to do with a glass of wine in your hand.

If you want to really wow your valentine, explain the root of the shorthand XOXO, and then prepare them a cocktail drink like the XOXO – because nothing heats up the room like a bit of trivia.

February 11 • Champagne

Boozy Chocolates for Valentine’s Day

Forget regular chocolates, what you need are boozy chocolates for Valentine's Day. We take a look at some of your spiked chocolate options.

February 07 • romance

The Casanova Studies; Is Wine the Best drink for Sex?

It may be no surprise that many people use wine as an aphrodisiac. A rich wine is very pleasing to the senses, and most people automatically associate wine with a romantic evening. But is there science behind this or is it just our belief? Could wine actually be good for sexual encounters?

February 07 • pomegranate wine

The Ancient Power of the Pomegranate

It's interesting that pomegranates are mentioned in the bible here, in the same breath as "of vines", yet pomegranate wine has always taken a back seat to traditional wine made from grapes. I didn't know pomegranates held the monikers of "divine" and "the most mentioned fruit" in theological books, which shouldn't be too surprising with their abundance in middle eastern countries where wine is produced - Israel, Armenia, Georgia, Iran.

February 02 • Vodka

If You Want Vodka, Give Peas a Chance

The vodka's distilled 22 times, each distillation removing the heads and the tails (the poorer-quality parts of the distillate), to concentrate the best part. They're clearly doing something right, as straight from the get-go the vodka's been winning gold and silver medals in competitions from New York to San Diego, and even worldwide. Not bad for the humble black-eyed pea.

January 15 • Distillers

Bats for Tequila

When you're a tequila distiller, it must be quite a challenge to go to your fellow distillers and ask them to make less tequila. It was a challenge facing Carlos Camarena, the owner and Master Distiller of El Tesoro Tequila, which is made at his La Altena Distillery in the highlands of Jalisco in Mexico.

December 13 • Champagne

Champagne or Shampagne?

When it comes to New Year there's nothing quite like champagne for special occasions. Or is there? There's a bewildering variety of sparkling wines out there, such as Spanish cava or Italian prosecco, so what makes them different, and is one better than the other when it comes to a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion?

December 03 • cooperative

Fifteen Vintners Under One Innovative Roof

There are enough wineries out there to keep us happy for a long time – but I want to be more than happy. I want to be ecstatic and feel like I’m entering a magical place that can’t be compared to anything I’ve seen before.

December 02 • Winemaker

Portland, Pinot Noir and Poltergeists

We've had a few innovative wines come out over the last decade or so. Wait, maybe they've been around forever, and it's just me that's been around the last decade or so. Either way, I highly doubt you've heard of ghost wine.

December 01 • Sommeliers

Raimonds Tomsons

Wine reveals itself gradually. Over the last seventeen years, I have worked, travelled, learned, competed, met countless winemakers, experienced many outstanding wines and appreciated the subtlety of their flavor nuances and the amazing diversity of the world of wine.

November 26 • Barrel-Aged

Doctor Who’s South Australian HQ’s

I know you’ve always wanted to turn the clock back.

We’ve all dabbled at least once in the idea of going back in time. Some of us remain on the normal end of the spectrum where logic prevails and assures us that it is indeed impossible, while others prefer the Doctor Who end that gives them renewed hope every Thursday night on Netflix.

November 25 • Winemaker

Pindarie’s Paying the Pied Piper

It’s no secret that wine pairs well with certain types of food.

Now, I’m no wine food pairing expert, by any stretch of the imagination. To be honest, my specialty begins with a glass and ends by pairing it with food, period. Any type will do me well, as long as the wine is quality and there are at least two glasses of it available.

However, if you're a couple of steps ahead of me in the food-wine pairing game and consider my approach to be monstrous, you may not sit too well with what I'm about to share. With that in mind, I implore you to open your mind and broaden those horizons.

November 18 • New Zealand

The #Nofilter Wine

Here is where water and wine part ways in the similarities department. Yes, we all know about water safety and how privileged we are to drink water that hasn’t been brought up from a well.

In the wine world, however, including a filtering step in the process is blasphemous for some. As you know, each winemaker offers a different method from grape to the table, and some of these methods are more sustainable than others.

November 17 • New Zealand

The Vineyard that Gandalf Built

When you’ve got a lake, picture perfect scenery, and the world’s southern-most grown grapes, you’ve got a recipe for success.

November 11 • Winemaker

Mother Nature’s Tchaikovsky

If you’re the debating type, then you may want to reference this when you’re asked this question in the future. While all wine is man-made, there are certain degrees of this.

November 11 • Winemaker

Follow Your Nose to Howard Park

When it comes to wine, aroma is pretty important. If you’re someone like me who doesn’t even wait for the pour to be in the glass, then you may miss out on this part of the wine-tasting experience. However, I’m here to tell you to pace yourself and include your nose in the big event, too.

November 04 • New Zealand

Te Mata’s Unique Craggy Range

It’s hard to imagine anything being unique or original anymore.

Even the most innovative, forward-thinking people who come up with crazy stuff got their inspiration from somewhere. Finding something that's unique in this world is like joining the ranks of the flat-earthers – you've only got an uphill battle coming your way.

November 03 • New Zealand

Crunching the Numbers for a Passion Project

How many of you actually turn your passion project into a profitable business?

Most of us toil away at the job we are told is best suited to us. From the womb to the tomb we plug away, giving approximately 33% away to the man at the end of every fiscal year.

November 02 • Education

Kelli White

Before her career as a sommelier and acclaimed author, Kelli A. White was a very straight and narrow kind of kid. She had a gift for maths and sciences and won a Howard Hughes Fellowship in Neurogenetics while at Brandeis. As the stars would have it, Kelli’s life was about to change in a big way.

October 28 • Winemaker

Icewine: The Fifth Element

Just when you thought you had the wine thing down, it's blown up in your face. There's nothing simple about growing grapes and making wine – and why should there be? When you've got an opportunity given by Mother Nature herself to create an entirely new type of wine, why wouldn't you?

October 28 • Winemaker

Two Vineyards by the Lake

When it comes to wine, the more, the merrier. You could stick to the standard single vineyard and have half an aneurysm every year when the weather starts to turn on you. Or, you could back yourself up a bit and give your wines an even better chance of being brilliant.

October 21 • Winemaker

When One Note Meets Another

DeMorgenzon Estate, located along the famous Stellenbosch strip in South Africa, believes in the motivating power of music. Their belief floats around the idea that classical music can positively influence the growth of grapevine and the fruit that it bears. 

October 21 • Winemaker

An Estate with an Eye For Resistance

These days, we’re all dressing up too much – or too little, depending on which way you see it. The point is, there are many wineries out there that bring out the smoke machines and lights and put on a hell of a show – but how good is their wine?

October 14 • Winemaker

Idaho Wine? As If

There are a lot of things that Idaho is known for – Yellowstone, Boise, and Sun Valley Ski Resort. What you won’t usually see on this list is wine.

October 13 • Winemaker

The Novelty of Cheap Wine

While there are the lucky few of us who can afford to cough up excessive amounts of sophisticated drops, the rest of us mere mortals down here on earth don’t have this type of luxury.

October 07 • Winemaker

Square Peg Vs. Dry Hole

Some would say that you can’t farm without water. I mean, it’s common sense, even to the most removed of us – agriculture requires water. And it tends to be a lot of it.

October 06 • Winemaker

What Do Nirvana and Colagrossi Have in Common?

We all know the classic story of Dave Grohl and Nirvana. Created in Grohl’s friend’s garage, it quickly became one of the most iconic bands of the 90’s. Starting something iconic in a garage is something people these days strive for, not run away from.

October 03 • Master of Port

Julia Scavo

When searching for words to describe the journey of Ms. Julia Scavo, impressive is the first thing that comes to mind.

September 30 • Soil & Minerals

Tip-Toeing Around Eco-Ethics

Let's talk sensitive farming – and no, it's not a bunch of cows that have had it up to here. It's a twist on the modern take on agriculture. Up to date technological practices in farming mean that the soil and eco-system take a back seat.

September 29 • New Zealand

Crossing The French New Zealand Bordeaux

Are you ready for a wine trip – mentally and geographically? If you’re a fan of French blends but don’t want to go all the way to France for them, try this corner of the world. Church Road Winery is famous in New Zealand for being the first winery to craft Bordeaux wine.

September 23 • New Zealand

Come On In, The Water’s Muddy

If your pipe dream is to someday own and run an utterly organic production, I commend you. If it's just to buy only organic, this is also something to be admired. However, the nuts and bolts of it are that, unfortunately, it's just not as easy as you think.

September 22 • Winemaker

When Tuscany Meets North Cantebury

Sometimes it’s a struggle to know where to start when painting a picture of an award-winning vineyard. Maybe we could begin with the outstanding restaurant – if you’re picky about what you eat with your wine, you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss lunch.

September 15 • Winemaker

How to Inspire the Winemaking Process

There are two things to get clear when talking about the Brown Brothers.

The first is that there are many Browns, not just the brothers. The second is that there is a tradition here – but they don't want to be known as traditional.

September 15 • Distillers

The Spirit of a Sustainable Island

You’d be forgiven, then, for dropping your jaw in surprise and shock when you see Washington Island. It's not exactly a hive of activity – and certainly not somewhere you think would be the source for world-renowned spirits.

September 09 • Tea Producers

The No Tea Bag Policy at Yumchaa

How do you think they did it hundreds of years ago? They certainly weren't tentatively dipping their tea bags into boiling water, their only concern that the tea remains separate from the liquid. I can most certainly confirm that instead, they were guzzling tea leaves left and right – trust us, it doesn't take long to get used to the idea, either.

September 08 • Coffee Producers

What’s a Fair Trade for Excellent Coffee?

Before there was fair trade, it was easy to turn a blind eye. I mean, who can really put their hand up and say that they were thinking about the welfare of the people at the source? All you cared about at that point was your cream not mixing with the coffee

September 02 • Distillers

The Distillery in the Snow

For the rest of us mere mortals, the idea of an elongated day on the ski field is more than enough. Why would you suffer through piercing winds, potential avalanches, and frostbitten toes when you can wind your merry way down a mediocre ski slope?

August 31 • Coffee Producers

Saving the World One Coffee at a Time

As I’ve come to find out, there is coffee, and then there is coffee. The latter is the type of coffee is the kind that will knock the feet from underneath you and make you want to come back for more, time and again.

August 25 • Winemaker

Wine: It’s in the Family

When you look for wine, you want a personalized touch.

You want to know the rich, deep history behind it – how they make the wine, why they make it and who makes it. Learning the intricate details that weave themselves into each bottle of wine making it that much more meaningful, adding new layers to the overall experience.

August 20 • Winemaker

Georgian wine, tasting history.

There’s really no other way to explain it. Blood, sweat, boundless patience and tears have gone into the cultivation and production of Georgian wine. This is because Georgian wine is steeped in tradition. 8000 years of tradition, to be exact. The history of Georgia runs parallel to the culture of Georgian winemaking. These two factors are inseparable and inherent in one another's identity.

August 18 • Coffees & Teas

The Art of Modern Tea Ceremony

The ceremony of tea is ancient. Tea ceremony has been delicately woven into history to become an intrinsic part of many different cultures around the world.

August 18 • Coffees & Teas

A Tea that Spans Two Continents

Our story begins in Japan and ends in New York. These two different environments and experiences have been brought together by a passion for tea – Matcha tea, specifically.

August 18 • Coffees & Teas

Looking Beyond the Cup: The World of T2

Tea is more than just a beverage to have with your breakfast. It’s a powerful, ancient commodity that’s been intrinsically involved in many different ethnic cuisines. T2 is all about this. Their mission as an independent tea company is to look beyond the cup and into the lives of the people behind the tea. Let’s begin at the beginning.

August 18 • Coffee Producers

There’s a Ritual to the Path of Enlightenment

We’re always on the path to enlightenment when it comes to our brew. Because we know that you are, too, we get super excited when we can share few and far between meccas of coffee that are so well-known in their area, they are the mainstays. This is one of them.

August 12 • Coffee Producers

How Fresh Do You Think Your Coffee Is?

Our story doesn’t begin with Jack’s Coffee, however. It goes further back than that, to the early 90’s
when Jack’s Coffee founder David Burton saw a need in Auckland for a decent cup of fresh coffee.
This led to the creation of Burton Hollis, a coffee company created by David Burton that would go on
to supply the hospitality industry with fresh coffee beans for 16 years.

August 12 • Coffee Producers

What Does Stumptown’s Million-Dollar Coffee Tastes Like

The Stumptown coffee buyers are called the Green Team members. These people sit down around a
campfire or in the home of a producer and talk about the year’s crop. They have met with these
producers many times because they have slowly been working on building long-lasting relationships.

August 12 • New Zealand

Ostler Vineyard – North Otago

Growing excellent wines off the beaten track in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful, unspoiled coastlines.

July 24 • Barrel-Aged

Types of Tequila

As with any other spirit, there are several types of tequila. There are different styles that might suit different palates, some that are better for sipping and some that are better for mixing in cocktails. So if you tried a tequila once and didn't like it, don't let that be the end of it. If your only experience of tequila was slamming shots as a student, it's time to go beyond that. Get down to the tequila shelves at the liquor store or grocery store, browse around and try a different one. Tequilas are as varied and can be as subtle as scotch or bourbon.

July 04 • Spirits

Types of Whiskey

What is whiskey, and how does it differ from country to country? A look at the whiskies from Ireland, Scotland, the USA, Canada, and Japan.

June 24 • Coffees & Teas

Spilling the Tea on Wellness

Don't you wish that wellness was at the top of the list for all tea boutiques?

There's nothing like knowing that your tea is doing your body a world of good. The perfect combination is when flavor meets with nutrition, creating an outstanding brew that can transform your wellbeing for the better.

May 17 • somm

What is Vinely Magazine

Vinely Magazine (formerly Vine.ly) is SommTable’s video magazine dedicated to creating a space to feature distillers, winemakers, innovative artist, musicians, writers, and anyone else with a strong curiosity and passion for all things ON and AROUND the table.

March 01 • Distillers

Cognac: One Of The French “Spirits”

France’s contributions to the world involve gourmet food, beverages, wine, the revolution, and the Eiffel Tower, to name some. Beverages like Cognac, Armagnac, and Champagne are famous the world over.

January 27 • Culture

Pairing Wine with Sandwiches; Luxurious Simplicity

Let’s admit it, pairing wine with sandwiches is not the typical combination on the menu in our mind. Maybe it should be! It is a great way to expand both the mind and palate while searching for flavor combinations. Here are a few things to consider when searching for a wine to go with your sandwich.

January 26 • Barrel-Aged

Rolling out the New Trends in Barrel-Aged Craft Beers

As timeless as barrel-aging is, it is relatively new in the field of craft beer. This is hard to believe, as the new trends in barrel-aged craft beers are creating some of the best flavors on the market. But the beers we now know and love had a long journey to get where they are. The good news is that it seems that the journey has only begun!

November 15 • Sommeliers

An Excellent Wine Menu – Somm Filip Szacilowski

Wine is Filip's passion, and we are here for every sip of it!

November 09 • Alentejo

António Maçanita, Making Wine the Way we Think is Right

The best way to really learn about wine is to think for yourself. Don’t be a parrot! Make your own judgments. Get into a tasting group. Those who know less usually gets it right.

November 03 • Sommeliers

Rodolfo Tristão

If there is one thing the life of a sommelier is filled with, it is passion. Passion pours from them in every smile, cork, sip, and savor they experience, and it shows in the wonderful insight they have to offer.

November 02 • Sommeliers

David Biraud

When we look back on our time with wine, most of us want to see a life well-lived, vintages well-tasted; leaving no curious bottle uncorked. David Biraud may have the edge on us here.

November 01 • Sommeliers

Billy Wagner

An extensive wine list, vibrant kitchen, and outstanding music; if Sommtable were a restaurant, it would be Nobelhart Schmutzig 

October 29 • Sommeliers

Willi Schlögl

Somm Willi Schlögl, owner of "Cordobar" in Berlin, awaits with nearly 1,000 top wines and rarities from Austria and Germany. Because wine needs good good to pair with it, you can also get spoiled with their avant-garde dishes such as "Tafelspitz-Wrap" or "Blutwurst-Pizza".

October 12 • Uncategorized

Do California Wildfires Spell Disaster for your Favorite Wine?

The tragic wildfires in Northern California in early October 2017 left chaos in their wake. Entire towns, farms and forests engulfed in flames. As we still search the rubble to quantify the damage, many wine lovers want to know just how much was destroyed — and what that means for the industry.

July 13 • Uncategorized

To Cork Or Not To Cork

Corks have been the closure for wine bottles for hundreds of years, so why change a good relationship? Understanding how corks affect wine may be the key to understanding why some companies are moving away from cork in favor of newer methods.

April 19 • Indie Bands

Pay to Play: How Indie Bands Get Songs on the Radio

The music industry has undergone some intricate changes in the past two decades. Arguably, no industry has changed more when we consider the way we listen, digest and purchase music. It began with live shows, jukeboxes and record players,  then to cassette tapes, CDs, and now finally, streaming. With all this change there has really only been one constant: and that’s radio.

April 06 • Oenologist

A Sommelier, Winemaker, and Oenologist walk into a bar…

No, this is not the setup to a joke. There is a lot of confusion as to the actual difference between a sommelier, and winemaker or oenologist. Though they all work closely with the world of wine, they play separate roles that are often intertwined – hence the confusion. Let’s lay it all out here.

November 16 • Sommeliers

Amanda McCrossin

Amanda McCrossin is a sommelier & YouTube vlogger in Napa Valley, CA

Having previously worked as a sommelier in New York City, Amanda moved to the west coast in July 2015 where she joined the wine team at PRESS restaurant in St. Helena. Known as the "sommvivant" to her instagram followers and YouTube subscribers for being a "Sommelier" with a "Bon Vivant" lifestyle, Amanda documents her life as a somm in the Napa Valley on a daily basis.

October 05 • Travelling

Who Gets the Most out of Wine Tourism?

Enotourism, Vinitourism, or simply just wine tourism; whatever you call it, tourism with the purpose of getting the best wines directly from the source is a blossoming industry...

October 05 • Travelling

Wine Tourism; What Is it and Who Benefits from It?

Enotourism, Vinitourism, or simply just wine tourism; whatever you call it, tourism with the purpose of getting the best wines directly from the source is a blossoming industry...

September 26 • Culture

More than a Master: Redefining the Sommelier

Traditionally known as a wine waiter, the world of the sommelier is much larger than this. While sommeliers are largely the keepers to the secrets of wine...

August 12 • Flavors

Finding Red Fruits in Wine; What to look for

How can you find a wine that suits your palate? You know you like strawberries, but which wines will hit the spot with their strawberry notes? To the green thumb wine buyer, the flavor terminology used when describing wines can be...

August 12 • Soil & Minerals

The Minerality of Wine

Does chardonnay really taste like a river rock? The term minerality has been tossed around quite a bit in the sommelier’s vocabulary. In fact, it pervades all aspects of wine; found in wine descriptions and on the lips of winemakers...

August 11 • Cork

Corks Matter; how Corks Affect Wine Storage and Aging

If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. We often hear this for things that are the industry standard...

April 06 • Oenologist

Difference between a Sommelier, Winemaker, and Oenologist?

No, this is not the setup to a joke. There is a lot of confusion as to the actual difference between a sommelier, and winemaker or oenologist. Though they all work closely with the world of wine, they play separate roles that are often intertwined – hence the confusion. Let’s lay it all out here.