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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....

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.
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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....

Corner Restaurant: Southern Comfort Done Right in Austin
If you’re craving classic Southern comfort food in the heart of Austin, Corner Restaurant should be at the top of your list. With a casual vibe, a menu packed with traditional Southern delights, and the culinary expertise of Executive Chef Jennifer Etzkin, this spot has earned a near-perfect 4.9-star rating on Google with 13,785 glowing reviews—and for good reason....

Dark Water Winery: Big Wines, Big Passion
Tucked into the unassuming industrial setting of the Lompoc Wine Ghetto, Dark Water Winery is a hidden treasure. With a deep respect for tradition and a passion for bold, handcrafted wines, winemaker Dave Mazzonetto creates some of the most memorable reds in Santa Barbara County. This is small-lot winemaking at its finest....

2017 Dark Water Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Happy Canyon
A bold, full-throttle Cabernet from Santa Barbara County, the 2017 Dark Water Reserve is a masterclass in structure and intensity. With rich layers of black fruit, graphite, and violet, this wine doesn’t hold back, and neither does the winemaker behind it. ...
This Week Uncorked

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....

June 9, 2025 – Government Staff Cuts Leave AI in Charge of Your Wine Labels
Opolo Vineyards introduces the bold, dark-skinned Balkan grape Vranac to Paso Robles with a 2021 Reserve bottling, only 50 cases made and available direct from the winery. Meanwhile, the TTB stirs debate with proposed wine label changes, including a ban on terms like "orange wine," as budget cuts raise fears of automation taking over approval duties....

June 2, 2025 – Texas Wine Tourism Grows and Locals Sound the Alarm
From sommeliers selling $25,000 bottles to Fredericksburg’s surprising rise as the country’s second-biggest wine tourism hub, this week’s wine news covers both splurges and surges. Plus, signs of optimism in the industry, from creative wine clubs to climbing online sales, suggest the bottom may finally be behind us....
Corkage
Wine

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.
...

2017 Dark Water Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Happy Canyon
A bold, full-throttle Cabernet from Santa Barbara County, the 2017 Dark Water Reserve is a masterclass in structure and intensity. With rich layers of black fruit, graphite, and violet, this wine doesn’t hold back, and neither does the winemaker behind it. ...

2014 Meteor Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Perseid
The 2014 Meteor Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Perseid is a classic expression of Napa Valley’s Coombsville AVA. With deep ruby color, layered aromatics of cedar, graphite, and black cherry, and a full-bodied palate brimming with dark fruit, oak spice, and velvety tannins, this is a wine built for both immediate pleasure and long-term aging.
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Wineries

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....

Dark Water Winery: Big Wines, Big Passion
Tucked into the unassuming industrial setting of the Lompoc Wine Ghetto, Dark Water Winery is a hidden treasure. With a deep respect for tradition and a passion for bold, handcrafted wines, winemaker Dave Mazzonetto creates some of the most memorable reds in Santa Barbara County. This is small-lot winemaking at its finest....

Bridgeview Vineyard & Winery: A Relaxed Escape in Southern Oregon
Bridgeview Vineyard & Winery in Cave Junction, Oregon, offers a laid-back wine experience with beautiful views and approachable wines. Known for its standout Riesling, this family-run winery combines European tradition with Oregon charm, making it a pleasant stop on your journey through the Illinois Valley.
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Restaurants

Corner Restaurant: Southern Comfort Done Right in Austin
If you’re craving classic Southern comfort food in the heart of Austin, Corner Restaurant should be at the top of your list. With a casual vibe, a menu packed with traditional Southern delights, and the culinary expertise of Executive Chef Jennifer Etzkin, this spot has earned a near-perfect 4.9-star rating on Google with 13,785 glowing reviews—and for good reason....

Martini’s Seafood House: A Casual Gem for Seafood Lovers in Fredericksburg
Martini's Seafood House in Fredericksburg, TX, is a seafood lover's dream. From the rich lobster mac and cheese to the perfectly cooked shrimp and crab boil, this cozy bar setting offers an exceptional dining experience that makes you feel like you’re on the coast—without leaving the Texas Hill Country....

Hill & Vine: A Taste of Texas Hospitality
Nestled in the heart of Fredericksburg, Texas, Hill & Vine is a laid-back yet vibrant spot serving up home-style fare with a fresh, modern twist. From brunch favorites to hearty Texas classics, this family-owned gem delivers comforting flavors, friendly service, and an atmosphere that feels like home....
Guides

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...