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Crawford Family Wines

At Crawford Family Wines in Solvang, California, wine is a family affair built on passion, precision, and a deep love for the Santa Barbara region. With a cozy tasting room and a relaxed vibe, it's a small winery doing some pretty impressive things with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rhone-style wines....

2019 Crawford Family Wines Second Street Cuvée: Rhone-Inspired Structure from Sta. Rita Hills

A bold blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah from California’s Sta. Rita Hills, the 2019 Second Street Cuvée leans into ripe black fruit, spice, and earthy undertones. With pronounced aromatics, firm tannins, and elevated alcohol, this wine shows off the region’s warmer tendencies while retaining structure for near-term cellaring....

July 28, 2025 – The Bordeaux Cellars Ponzi Scheme Just Hit U.S. Courts

ChatGPT said: A Brit faces charges in a $99M wine scam, Champagne producers revive old bottles, and tech tools target DTC wine woes. Plus, when to send wine back, and this week’s picks: Alma Rosa and Orla....

Orla: A Mediterranean Escape at Mandalay Bay

Orla at Mandalay Bay brings the Mediterranean coast to Las Vegas, blending bright, zesty flavors with charcoal-kissed meats and an impressive wine list. With Chef Michael Mina at the helm, impeccable service, and a corkage policy that welcomes your favorite bottles, Orla makes for an unforgettable night out. ...

Alma Rosa Winery: A Bright Spirit in the Sta. Rita Hills

The tasting room in the heart of Solvang, Alma Rosa Winery, blends laid-back charm with a serious dedication to quality. With a vibrant winemaker, welcoming tasting room, and, if you visit the vineyard, sweeping views at their ranch location, Alma Rosa offers a fresh take on Sta. Rita Hills classics without ever feeling stuffy....

2021 Alma Rosa Pinot Noir “El Jabali” Brings Structure and Herb-Driven Complexity to Santa Rita Hills

From a breezy, coastal vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, this 2021 Pinot Noir delivers savory aromatics, firm structure, and persistent length. Winemaker Samra Morris builds a detailed, site-reflective wine that balances ripe black cherry fruit with herbaceous and earthy notes. A poised expression suited for decanting or mid-term cellaring....

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July 28, 2025 – The Bordeaux Cellars Ponzi Scheme Just Hit U.S. Courts

ChatGPT said: A Brit faces charges in a $99M wine scam, Champagne producers revive old bottles, and tech tools target DTC wine woes. Plus, when to send wine back, and this week’s picks: Alma Rosa and Orla....

July 21, 2025 – Will Michigan’s Winery Win Blow the Cork Off Napa?

From a landmark Michigan court victory inspiring a legal challenge to Napa’s ag preserve law, to Washington’s urban DTC tasting boom, to Alex Maltman’s sharp debunking of “minerality” myths in Taste the Limestone, Smell the Slate—the stories all reveal how producers are reclaiming control over how, where, and why we experience wine....

July 14, 2025 – The WHO Wants Alcohol Regulated Like Tobacco. What Happens Next?

The World Health Organization is taking a page from its anti-tobacco strategy to aggressively regulate alcohol, a move The Drinks Business warns could devastate the drinks industry through lawsuits, advertising bans, and punitive taxes. But with rising consumer interest in moderation and low-ABV innovation, the industry may have a stronger defense than Big Tobacco ever did....

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2019 Crawford Family Wines Second Street Cuvée: Rhone-Inspired Structure from Sta. Rita Hills

A bold blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah from California’s Sta. Rita Hills, the 2019 Second Street Cuvée leans into ripe black fruit, spice, and earthy undertones. With pronounced aromatics, firm tannins, and elevated alcohol, this wine shows off the region’s warmer tendencies while retaining structure for near-term cellaring....

2021 Alma Rosa Pinot Noir “El Jabali” Brings Structure and Herb-Driven Complexity to Santa Rita Hills

From a breezy, coastal vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, this 2021 Pinot Noir delivers savory aromatics, firm structure, and persistent length. Winemaker Samra Morris builds a detailed, site-reflective wine that balances ripe black cherry fruit with herbaceous and earthy notes. A poised expression suited for decanting or mid-term cellaring....

2020 Hidden Asset Red Blend, Santa Barbara County

The 2020 Hidden Asset from Santa Barbara County is a full-bodied red blend that showcases black fruit, spice, and savory complexity. Aged in French oak for 16 months, it brings structure and depth without veering into excess. Approachable now, it’s built to evolve through 2035....

Crawford Family Wines

At Crawford Family Wines in Solvang, California, wine is a family affair built on passion, precision, and a deep love for the Santa Barbara region. With a cozy tasting room and a relaxed vibe, it's a small winery doing some pretty impressive things with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rhone-style wines....

Alma Rosa Winery: A Bright Spirit in the Sta. Rita Hills

The tasting room in the heart of Solvang, Alma Rosa Winery, blends laid-back charm with a serious dedication to quality. With a vibrant winemaker, welcoming tasting room, and, if you visit the vineyard, sweeping views at their ranch location, Alma Rosa offers a fresh take on Sta. Rita Hills classics without ever feeling stuffy....

Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards: Where Soil Meets Soul

Lucas & Lewellen brings together deep farming roots, smart winemaking, and a welcoming tasting room in downtown Solvang. With a broad lineup of estate-grown wines and a standout red blend in Hidden Asset, this winery balances approachability with craftsmanship in all the right ways....

Restaurants

Orla: A Mediterranean Escape at Mandalay Bay

Orla at Mandalay Bay brings the Mediterranean coast to Las Vegas, blending bright, zesty flavors with charcoal-kissed meats and an impressive wine list. With Chef Michael Mina at the helm, impeccable service, and a corkage policy that welcomes your favorite bottles, Orla makes for an unforgettable night out. ...

Anthony’s Prime Steak & Seafood at the M Casino in Henderson, NV

Nestled inside the M Resort, Anthony’s Prime Steak & Seafood is a haven for steak and seafood lovers. With an exhibition-style kitchen, a vast wine selection, and impeccable service, this chophouse delivers a polished yet welcoming dining experience. Whether you're indulging in a dry-aged ribeye or savoring fresh seafood, Anthony’s is a solid choice for a refined night out. ...

Sgrizzi Ristorante & Bar by Chef Marc: A Las Vegas Italian Love Affair

In a city known for glitz, buffets, and celebrity-chef-driven theatrics, Sgrizzi Ristorante & Bar is the real deal. Chef Marc Sgrizzi delivers authentic, no-nonsense Italian food with a side of personality, passion, and pasta perfection. Whether you’re here for handmade dishes or his legendary Chef’s Table, this is Vegas' Italian jackpot. ...

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....