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Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martinis

If you’re looking for an over-the-top steakhouse experience where big flavors meet big hospitality, Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martinis at Green Valley Ranch hits the mark. This is where you go for great service, a perfectly cooked filet, and—oh yeah—the biggest lobster tail we’ve ever seen....

Sanger Family Wines: Mediterranean Soul in the Heart of Solvang

Blending three distinct labels into one tasting experience, Sanger Family Wines offers a lively mix of Mediterranean-inspired reds and whites in the charming town of Solvang. With no reservations required, a welcoming team, and a strong lineup of wines, it’s a casual stop that still delivers on quality....

2022 Marianello Cielo Rubio: A Santa Barbara Super Tuscan with Structure and Intent

Blending Sangiovese with Bordeaux varietals, the 2022 Cielo Rubio offers a structured, full-bodied take on the Super Tuscan model, reimagined in California’s Central Coast. With pronounced aromatics and firm tannins, this wine favors a measured decant and cellaring potential through 2037....

June 30, 2025 – Direct-to-Consumer Wine Sales Surge for Small Wineries

Direct-to-consumer sales have officially become the dominant revenue stream for U.S. wineries, now comprising 73% of average sales according to Silicon Valley Bank’s 2025 DtC Wine Report. Meanwhile, in New York, a newly passed bill allows bars and restaurants to legally purchase limited bottles of wine or spirits from nearby retailers—a practical fix to an often-fined workaround....

In Bloom: Paso Robles’ Blossoming Culinary Gem

in bloom in Paso Robles offers a modern casual dining experience that celebrates the Central Coast's rich agricultural heritage. With a farm-to-table approach, Chef Kenny Seliger crafts seasonal dishes that delight the senses, all set against a backdrop of vinyl tunes and warm hospitality....

Flying Goat Cellars: Bubbles, Pinots, and a Winemaking Veteran

Flying Goat Cellars has been crafting wine in Santa Barbara County since 2000, with a special focus on méthode champenoise sparkling wines and vineyard-designated Pinot Noir. While the Pinots are solid, the real standouts here are the sparkling wines, proving that Santa Barbara bubbles can hold their own....

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June 30, 2025 – Direct-to-Consumer Wine Sales Surge for Small Wineries

Direct-to-consumer sales have officially become the dominant revenue stream for U.S. wineries, now comprising 73% of average sales according to Silicon Valley Bank’s 2025 DtC Wine Report. Meanwhile, in New York, a newly passed bill allows bars and restaurants to legally purchase limited bottles of wine or spirits from nearby retailers—a practical fix to an often-fined workaround....

June 23, 2025 – How Middlemen Are Controlling Your Access To Wine

Wine shipping laws remain a tangled mess, with consumers in 37 states still unable to receive wine from out-of-state retailers—a restriction Tom Wark calls a direct blow to access and choice. Meanwhile, at UC Davis, students are finally able to sell wines they've crafted in class thanks to a new law, with proceeds supporting scholarships and sustainability efforts....

June 16, 2025 – Wine Enthusiast Awards Roederer a Perfect 100 for L’Ermitage

Healdsburg’s SingleThread earned the No. 80 spot on the extended “World’s 50 Best Restaurants” list, joining San Francisco’s Atelier Crenn as one of only two California entries. Meanwhile, Roederer Estate’s 2019 L’Ermitage Brut made history as the first U.S. sparkling wine to receive a perfect 100-point score from Wine Enthusiast....

PizZando

Atlantis Steakhouse

Hotel del Coronado

2022 Marianello Cielo Rubio: A Santa Barbara Super Tuscan with Structure and Intent

Blending Sangiovese with Bordeaux varietals, the 2022 Cielo Rubio offers a structured, full-bodied take on the Super Tuscan model, reimagined in California’s Central Coast. With pronounced aromatics and firm tannins, this wine favors a measured decant and cellaring potential through 2037....

A Golden Hour in a Glass: 2016 Pinot Gris Grand Cru “Florimont”

Bursting with ripe peaches, juicy pears, and hints of sweet honeysuckle, the 2016 Pinot Gris Grand Cru “Florimont” from Alsace strikes a perfect balance between richness and elegance. Samuel Tottoli’s craftsmanship shines in this vibrant yet sophisticated white, promising enjoyment now through the next decade....

2020 Ampelos Syrah Gamma: Structured Power from Sta. Rita Hills

The 2020 Syrah Gamma from Ampelos Cellars delivers a structured, cool-climate take on Syrah, shaped by biodynamic farming and native fermentation. Ripe black fruit meets savory depth, supported by firm tannins and a long finish. It’s a grounded expression of Sta. Rita Hills has the structure to evolve through 2035. ...

Sanger Family Wines: Mediterranean Soul in the Heart of Solvang

Blending three distinct labels into one tasting experience, Sanger Family Wines offers a lively mix of Mediterranean-inspired reds and whites in the charming town of Solvang. With no reservations required, a welcoming team, and a strong lineup of wines, it’s a casual stop that still delivers on quality....

Flying Goat Cellars: Bubbles, Pinots, and a Winemaking Veteran

Flying Goat Cellars has been crafting wine in Santa Barbara County since 2000, with a special focus on méthode champenoise sparkling wines and vineyard-designated Pinot Noir. While the Pinots are solid, the real standouts here are the sparkling wines, proving that Santa Barbara bubbles can hold their own....

Ampelos Cellars: A Legacy of Sustainability and Passion

Ampelos Cellars is a winery with a story as compelling as its wines. Founded by Peter and Rebecca Work in the Sta. Rita Hills, it was built on the belief that great wine starts in the vineyard. With a commitment to biodynamic, organic, and sustainable farming, Ampelos produces wines that reflect the land and the people behind them. Now, as the vineyard transitions to new ownership, the legacy of Ampelos continues, with a focus on sustainability and quality....

Restaurants

Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martinis

If you’re looking for an over-the-top steakhouse experience where big flavors meet big hospitality, Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martinis at Green Valley Ranch hits the mark. This is where you go for great service, a perfectly cooked filet, and—oh yeah—the biggest lobster tail we’ve ever seen....

In Bloom: Paso Robles’ Blossoming Culinary Gem

in bloom in Paso Robles offers a modern casual dining experience that celebrates the Central Coast's rich agricultural heritage. With a farm-to-table approach, Chef Kenny Seliger crafts seasonal dishes that delight the senses, all set against a backdrop of vinyl tunes and warm hospitality....

888 Japanese BBQ

If you’re craving an interactive and delicious Japanese BBQ experience in Las Vegas, 888 Japanese BBQ is the place to be. With an extensive menu featuring premium meats, sushi, and unique appetizers, this spot has something for everyone. It’s a casual, fun dining experience that makes you want to come back for more. ...

The Ultimate Guide to Valle de Guadalupe Restaurants, Wineries, and Wines for the Perfect Long Weekend Escape

Discover the beauty and flavors of Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico's premier wine country. From boutique wineries to exquisite dining, luxurious stays, and stunning scenery, this guide explores the best that the region has to offer. This guide is being constantly updated. Originally Posted On February 21, 2024...

Jerome Wine Tasting Guide: Where to Visit and Why  

Jerome is Arizona's up-and-coming wine region, and it is a must visit! Explore unique wineries and discover delicious finds in this charming historic town. ...

The Early Stages of The Writing of Sideways

We're coming up on the 20-year anniversary of the release of the cult wine movie Sideways. Not many movies, or books, or other art for that matter, stand the test of time and are recognizably alive 20 years after and still resonate with people....

Wine Gadgets

VoChill: A Functional & Elegant Wine Chiller

With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to explore solutions for keeping your wine refreshingly chilled....

Easy Guide to Wine Decanting, Plus How to Choose the Right Decanter

There are so many decanters on the market, and so many styles of wine, sometimes it’s difficult to know which sized decanter to use with which grape variety, and how long each type of wine needs to be decanted. ...

5 Wine Carrier Bags to Help You Carry and Transport Wine

Transporting wine can be a nerve-wracking experience. The sound of bottles clinking together is enough to make any wine lover panic....

Interviews

Anton Van De Plas and The Gandona Winery Story: The Cork and Journey Interview

Brett and Tina sit down with Anton Van de Plas and go over the rich history of the Napa Valley wineries including Gandona Winery...

John Steach and his Coravin Adaptor: The Cork and Journey Interview

Brett gets on a Video Call and Interviews John Steach the inventor of the Coravin Argon Wine Adapter and go over how it is revolutionizing the wine industry almost as much as the Coravin has....

Jack Galante: The Cork and Journey Interview

Tina and Brett sat down with Jack Galante at his Caramel Valley Winery and dive into his origins and legacy in the world of wine....