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The Southern Rhone

The Cotes du Rhone is a prestigious wine producing region located in the South Eastern side of France. It follows the Rhone River and is split into two main regions: Northern and Southern. Today, we’re taking a look at the Southern Rhone. The Southern Rhone is a large region known for its red wine blends,Continue reading “The Southern Rhone”

Pip Goowin – CEO of Palliser Estate

Palliser Estate is one of my favorite wineries. It’s located in Martinborough, New Zealand, about 1.5hrs drive from Wellington. It’s a small estate focused on sustainability, hard work, and excellent wines, and it’s presided over by Pip Goodwin; a local herself, having grown up in the Wairarapa area. Having spent over ten years in theContinue reading “Pip Goowin – CEO of Palliser Estate”

Bootlegger Bungalow

This article first appeared in Whiskey Network’s Barrel Report Oct 30th, 2020 Edition. What’s the strangest thing you’ve come across while renovating your home? Probably not much more than a lot of junk, dust, and spiderwebs, all while shaking your head at the shoddy DIY jobs done by the previous owner. Why would anyone doContinue reading “Bootlegger Bungalow”

Willamette Valley

Oregon, USA is gaining attention as a top wine producing region. Willamette Valley, located west of the Cascade Mountains and stretching south from Portland, is the most prestigious wine growing AVA in Oregon, with over 2/3rds of the state’s production happening here, along with housing nearly 700 wineries. The Valley follows the Willamette River forContinue reading “Willamette Valley”

Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay is a wine growing region located on the North Eastern side of New Zealand’s North Island. It is NZ’s oldest and second-largest growing region (it boasts over 200 vineyards), producing about 10% of the country’s wine. There are 70 wineries (30 with cellar doors where you can actually go and taste) located throughoutContinue reading “Hawke’s Bay”

Tribus Beer Co.

I had the pleasure of visiting Tribus Beer Co. towards the end of the summer, on a gloriously warm day where we were able to fully appreciate their outdoor biergarten. Noted as Milford’s first brewery and tap room, you have a front and center view of the brewing portion of the establishment while you sipContinue reading “Tribus Beer Co.”

A History of Punch

One may think that cocktails are a modern invention. Indeed, the word “cock-tail” wasn’t used until around 1800, but people have been brewing, fermenting, distilling, and mixing drinks for centuries. Go back to the funeral of King Midas of Phrygia in 700 B.C. where guests were served a mixture of wine, mead, and barley beerContinue reading “A History of Punch”

Maureen Robinson – Master Blender for Diageo

Diageo is the world’s biggest whisky producer (although they provide other drinks, as well) with over 200 brands under their umbrella. Maureen Robinson has been working in the whisky industry, and with Diageo, for over 40 years. She is Diageo’s Master Blender and oversees Single Malts, blends, as well as their yearly Special Releases, whichContinue reading “Maureen Robinson – Master Blender for Diageo”

Napa Valley

When people think Californian wine, they immediately think of Napa Valley. It’s an area north of San Francisco that has over 400 wineries located within its 16 smaller sub-districts (some of the most famous AVAs being Oakville, Rutherford, Stags Leap, and St. Helena). However, Napa Valley only makes up 4% of California’s wine production! It’sContinue reading “Napa Valley”

Sono1420

Sono1420 American Craft Distillers is located in Norwalk, CT and produces “ultra-premium, alternative grain, distilled spirits”. And that’s no lie! Their curious use of hemp in distillation is more reminiscent of something I’d expect to find back in Colorado! No, using hemp in spirits won’t have any psychoactive effects on the consumer. Hemp is aContinue reading “Sono1420”