At a Castle, In a Bunker, Listening to Opera, in the Footsteps of Casanova, Castello Spessa, Collio

Walking the sprawling grounds of Castello Spessa, in Capriva del Friuli, Collio , I was immediately drawn to the path winding … More

The Eagle of Collio, Tasting the Aged Pinot Biancos of Russiz Superiore

  Looking out at the Julian Alps and Slovenia in the distance from the driveway of Marco Felluga’s Russiz Superiore property, … More

Magic at Azienda Agricola Baronesse TACCO, The Farmhouse on a Hill, San Floriano del Collio

There are certain spots, places in the world, that have a magic about them. Standing in these places, the world … More

All Roads Lead to Collio, Bianco

  I love green places. Collio is one of them. Vineyards interspersed by forests and grass. Time marches on, and … More

You Say Rosato, I Say Ramato, The Many Styles of Italian Rosés

Before I get into the gist of this piece, clariying the different styles and names for Italian rosés, I will … More

Swartland, A South African Wine Region to Know

Jim Clarke, Marketing Manager for Wines of South Africa, came through Chicago in April 2019 and gave a Masterclass on … More

A Little SABA Goes a Long Way!

I write about wine regions and their wines in this space but I love good food and thoughtful wine lists … More

The Art of Mentoring, SCS Sommelier Bootcamp 2019

Time continues to fly by, Second City Sommeliers (SCS)  Sommelier Bootcamp 2019 took place Sunday March 3 and Monday March 4, … More

Can Natural Wine Save the Planet?

Can the Natural Wine Movement help save the Planet? On a positive note to the ending of his new book, … More

Taking A Sip on the Dry Side, ASTI Docg SECCO

Several weeks ago, pre-Arctic blast that truly turned Chicago into Chiberia, I attended a really lovely luncheon at Gibson’s Italia … More