THE CHALK REPORT

by Andrew Chalk Most winemakers' lives are a life of constraints: The existing vineyards, the existing grapes, above all, the conventional wisdom. A few break free and set the conventional wisdom for the next generation. Pepe Raventós is one of the latter. In the high Penedes region of northeastern Spain, geographically distant and culturally opposite to cosmopolitan Barcelona. This is a remote land of hills and low yields, a landscape almost bereft of symbols of modernity, w

Caribe has no pretentions but is popular with locals by Andrew Chalk A funny thing happened on the way to lunch in Miami. There is something wrong with Uber's database. Ask for a cab to Islas Canarias Restaurant , one of Miami's most famous Cuban restaurants, and it selects the location of Caribe , an unrelated Cuban restaurant. I thanked my Uber driver as he dropped me, not realising where I was. First, I tried to get back to where I wanted to be. Since Uber thought I wanted

FROM THE WIRES... There are hotels that follow a destination, and there are those that quietly redefine it. March 2026 | There is a particular, sun-drenched nostalgia carved into Mallorca's western edge, a landscape of vertical drama that, in the 1960s, became the stage for the Mediterranean’s most storied era of glamour. Linen suits. Wooden speedboats. A jet-set world discovering the slow theatre of the Balearic terraced cliffs. Against this backdrop, where the Serra de Tram

FROM THE WIRES... Craig Wilmer Named Executive Estate Chef for Auteur Wines Michelin-star pedigreed chef will shape elevated tasting experiences for the acclaimed winery   Healdsburg, CA (February 26, 2025) – Bringing a new level of innovation and creativity to its culinary program, Auteur today announced Craig Wilmer will join the winery as executive estate chef. Known for his forward-thinking cuisine and use of wild, foraged and local ingredients, the lauded chef will advan

Poderi Gianni Gagliardo by Andrew Chalk Stefano Gagliardo is part of the sixth generation that is running Poderi Gianni Gagliardo  in Italy’s Piedmont region. He came to town recently and presented the wines that are available in the US market.  Some Background The estate was founded in 1847 by the Colla family and known as the Colla family estate, or Paulo Colla Winery. It started producing Barolo wines in 1961 from vineyards in La Morra under a fourth generation member also

FROM THE WIRES... Some bottles don’t need reinventing—they just need the right moment. Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Port (SRP $29/750ml) is both timeless and entirely of-the-moment—a wine that moves effortlessly from heritage to after-hours indulgence.   For too long, Port has been confined to ceremony and the end of the meal. Today, a new generation of drinkers and bartenders are rediscovering how vibrant, versatile, and undeniably social this category can be. Six Grapes lea

by Andrew Chalk I found this in my Texas cellar and decided to quaff it. Wow! What an impressive wine. Lots of complex interwoven fruit but, most impressively, a grippy texture on the palate. Described expansively as Bordeaux style on the back label this is 47% Tempranillo, 47% Merlot, and 6% Tannat. Nothing about the oak regimen. Rancho Loma Vineyards (RLV) has gone, a casualty of the perils of making wine in Texas. It certainly wasn't an inability to make good wine. I have

FROM THE WIRES... Born in Ireland and made solely with organic ingredients and eight botanicals, Boatyard Double Gin (SRP: $39.99) is a London-style gin crafted with Martinis in mind. Bottled at 46% ABV, the “double” refers to Boatyard’s signature distillation approach, placing juniper at both the start and end of the process for a more pronounced, structured flavor profile. As a certified B Corp, Boatyard Distillery pairs this craft-led precision with a clear commitment to r

FROM THE WIRES... Spring is officially in the air (finally!), and with it comes the traditional German biergarten season – long tables, soft pretzels, sunshine, and of course, great beer. And it doesn’t get more authentic than Paulaner USA. From the crisp and classic Münchner Lager to the citrusy sparkle of Grapefruit Radler, the bright bite of Pils, and the smooth, cloudy finish of Hefe-Weizen, there’s a Paulaner can for every biergarten moment. Whether you’re clinking stein

FROM THE WIRES... Subterra Introduces New California Wine Expressions 3 Badge Beverage Corporation’s Subterra Wines Expands Lineup with Approachably Priced Wines Crafted to Meet Today’s Consumer Trends   SONOMA, California (February 27, 2026) – Subterra , part of the 3 Badge Beverage Corporation portfolio, is expanding its California lineup with the release of four new wine expressions—an evolution designed to meet today’s consumer preferences for approachable, versatile wi

Tujague's 1894 FROM THE WIRES... In 2026, Tujague’s in New Orleans’ French Quarter marks 170 years of operation. I plan a visit! The special menu looks like a piece of history! Founded in 1856, it is one of the longest-running dining institutions in the United States . Tujague's First Floor Dining Room Beyond longevity, what makes Tujague’s compelling from a culinary perspective is how its Creole cooking has been sustained through consistency rather than reinvention. Preser

FROM THE WIRES... Beringer Vineyards Celebrates its 150 th Anniversary with Calendar of Festivities St. Helena, CA—February 25, 2026— Beringer Vineyards, California’s longest continuously operating winery, marks its 150 th year with a calendar of immersive experiences, seasonal festivities, and participation in marquee wine events across the country. Founded in 1876 by brothers Jacob and Frederick Beringer, the St. Helena, CA, estate pioneered gravity fed winemaking, was am

FROM THE WIRES... Move beyond your expectations of easy drinking Portuguese wine with  Dow’s Vale do Bomfim White 2024 and Dow’s Vale do Bomfim Red 2023 (SRP $15). Crafted in Portugal’s renowned Douro Valley, these vibrant table wines from Symington Family Estates offer more than just remarkable value—they tell the story of a family deeply committed to protecting their land.   In the heart of the Douro—where steep terraces trace the winding river and generations of growers

by Andrew Chalk Napa Valley is firmly established as one of the world’s leading regions for Cabernet Sauvignon. Every vintage, dozens of producers collect accolades and medals that reaffirm that status. The valley also commands global respect for Chardonnay, particularly from cooler subregions such as Carneros. Elevating another grape to comparable recognition would be a formidable task amid the constant noise of global wine commentary. Doubly so if the grape is Merlot—a vari

FROM THE WIRES... ZEBULON, NC (MARCH 10, 2026) – Next Century Spirits and Gabriel Iglesias, one of America’s most successful stand-up comedians, announce the launch of Pocho Fino Tequila , a Mexican-American tequila authentically crafted with heritage in every drop and family in every toast. Refined enough to sip neat, yet real enough to pair with tacos at 2AM, Pocho Fino is made for nights that don’t end when the clock says they should. The portfolio launches with a smooth

FROM THE WIRES... Since 2016, Rootstock has been the premier annual celebration of the finest wines being grown in the lone star state. This year, every Texas wine at the festival will be made from grapevines native to France! In keeping with our French theme, you'll be treated to excellent chefs serving authentic cheeses, breads, crepes, lobster rolls, and more. We're also launching an educational session for those who want to compare French wines and their Texan counterpart

Early Bird Tickets ON SALE NOW! The festival everyone’s still talking about is COMING BACK — bigger, bolder, and better than ever, with a NEW VIP experience. Saturday, May 30th from 10 am - 8 pmthe Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas, TX What’s pouring in 2026: 40+ award-winning North Texas wines to taste BRAND NEW VIP EXPERIENCE — exclusive lounge, catered bites & bonus pours (VIP is NEW this year!) Live jazz music Local shopping + artisan vendors Stunning floral installati

Video here... FROM THE WIRES... Wente Family Vineyards Launches National Social Media Internship Competition The 143-Year-Old Legacy is Handing Over the Mic   LIVERMORE VALLEY, Calif. (March 5, 2026) – Wente Family Vineyards , America’s longest continuously operated family-owned winery, announced today the launch of its first-ever Social Media Internship Competition . In a bold move to bridge heritage with the modern zeitgeist, the 5th generation of the Wente family is search

by Andrew Chalk Actually, this is an unofficial attempt to use the Frequent Miler (FM) method  to get what they call their “first year value” of the Bilt Palladium Card . We find that the first year value is $3,149, exceeding even the value of the former leader, the American Express Platinum Card, at $2,630. However, redeeming every bit of this value requires a spend of roughly $35,788 during the year in order to generate enough of the internal currency known as Bilt Cash (he

Tortilla Soup, by Dean Fearing. The dish includes smoked chicken, jalapeño, cilantro cream, grated white sharp cheddar, cabbage, radish, avocado, and tortilla chips.  by Andrew Chalk According to CultureMap , the father of the New Southwestern Cuisine is Stephan Pyles. I would be the first to praise Stephan’s leading role, but I don’t think even he would claim to be its “father”. CultureMap writer Celestina Blok should have checked her facts, as even a cursory Google search  

With the arrival of sparkling wine in the state we can now celebrate this success by Andrew Chalk Jonathan Cristaldi, USA wine correspondent for Decanter magazine, began his own blog this year and just released his list of Top 100 Wines of 2025 . Be aware that the list excludes Napa, where Decanter Magazine has first claim on his writing, but represents everything else: California, Oregon. Washington, Virginia, New York, elsewhere, and Texas! To put the results in context, he

Photo: Instagram. Bilt, or Bilked? Komodo Dallas at The Epic Falls Flat One of the advertised perks of the Bilt credit card is access to cardholder-only dining events. In January, I signed up for my first: a three-course prix fixe dinner at Komodo, the Miami-born Asian fusion concept now operating in Deep Ellum. It will also be my last. Would I return to Komodo? No. Would I sign up for another Bilt “exclusive” at a restaurant I hadn’t already visited? Absolutely not. Arrival:

Domäne Wachau Comes to Dallas by Andrew Chalk Austria continues to fly under the global wine radar — particularly in the United States. In sheer volume, the country produces barely a quarter of what California giant Gallo sells annually. Its focus is not scale but specialization: Grüner Veltliner accounts for roughly one-third of vineyard plantings, Riesling about five percent, and Zweigelt around thirteen percent. Together, these three grapes represent half of Austria’s tota

FROM THE WIRES... As mindful drinking continues to shape how we reach for a glass of wine, many consumers are embracing a dry-ish January – a more balanced approach that favors moderation without giving up the pleasure of a beautifully made wine. Brancott Estate Flight Song wines (SRP $14) has launched a Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio at 9%ABV, created precisely for this moment.   From the pioneers who introduced Marlborough’s first Sauvignon Blanc to the world from New Ze

FROM THE WIRES... With “Heated Rivalry” dominating the conversation right now,  Tequila Corralejo  is tapping into that energy with their own  The   Heated Margarita  - a cocktail built around a rivalry of its own: fruit versus spice.   Juicy pomegranate brings richness and depth, while fresh jalapeño adds a slow-building heat, creating a balanced drink where sweet and spice push against each other, sip by sip.   Made with Tequila Corralejo Reposado, the cocktail is grounded

FROM THE WIRES... A limited-edition Knob Creek ® Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon, hand-selected by football legend Eli Manning, arrives nationwide in time for the season's biggest games CLERMONT, Ky., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the 2025-2026 football season reaches its pinnacle, Knob Creek ® , the founding spirit of the James B. Beam Small Batch Bourbon Collection™ and a leader in American Whiskey, announces its second limited-edition barrel release, Knob Creek ®

FROM THE WIRES...

Lager's Next Big Tsing! FROM THE WIRES White Plains, NY (April 29th, 2025) -- Tsingtao, the #1 Chinese imported beer in the U.S., is excited to announce the launch of its Premium Lager in a new 24oz can, offering beer lovers an enhanced way to enjoy their favorite brew. The new, larger can delivers the same crisp, refreshing taste that fans love, now in a size perfect for a variety of occasions where you want more volume and convenience. Designed to maintain the distinctive T

FROM THE WIRES... As autumn deepens and the holiday season approaches, Quinta da Fonte Souto offers wines that beautifully bridge the two seasons, bringing freshness and warmth, elegance and depth. This exquisite Symington Family Estate property is THE renowned Port producer's first vineyard outside of Portugal’s famed Douro region. Nestled high in southern Portugal's Serra de São Mamede mountain range in Portalegre, an Alentejo sub-region, Quinta da Fonte Souto is celebrate

FROM THE WIRES... The signature weekend features exclusive winery access, intimate tastings, and a Taste of the Neighborhood highlighting a selection of Yountville’s acclaimed restaurants. Stags Leap District, Napa, CA, January 15, 2026 – Each spring, the Stags Leap District Winegrowers welcomes guests for one of Napa Valley’s most sought-after wine weekends. Returning April 24–26, 2026, Vineyard to Vintner invites wine enthusiasts to experience the renowned American Viticult

FROM THE WIRES... SPRING MOUNTAIN VINEYARD CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JUDGMENT OF PARIS,  UNVEILING NEW EXPERIENCES AND A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR THE APPELLATION St. Helena, Calif. –  November 12, 2025 – As the wine world prepares to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the pivotal 1976 Judgment of Paris,  Spring Mountain Vineyard , one of the seven legendary Napa Valley wineries that participated in the historic blind tasting, is thrilled to announce a year-long celebr

By Andrew Chalk When the venerated Michelin Guide arrived in Texas in 2024, it marked the beginning of a three-year "pay-for-play" partnership between Travel Texas, five major cities, and the world’s most prestigious culinary arbiter. The $2.7 million investment was designed to cast a global spotlight on the Lone Star State’s evolving food scene. Two years in, the data suggests the state has received an exceptional return on investment. As we enter the final year of the initi

FROM THE WIRES... Highlights include returning Festival favorites and the world premiere of The Judgment of Paris , a new opera by Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer   Multiday Patron Passes Now on Sale Napa, California (December 16, 2025) – Festival Napa Valley celebrates its 20th anniversary July 4–19, 2026, with a lineup featuring international stars and emerging talent. Passes for the Patron Experience, available now for July 10–19, offer access to renowned wineries, luxury res

by Andrew Chalk A lot of good pinot noir is coming out of California but this one is exceptional. 2023 Pinot Noir, Sangiacomo Vineyards Roberts Road ($74) Notes from the producer: Vineyard & Winemaking: The Sangiacomo family has been a trusted partner for years, farming their Roberts Road Vineyard in the windswept Petaluma Gap with incredible precision. The region’s persistent wind thickens grape skins, bringing extra color and flavor intensity to Pinot Noir. We co-fermente

A logo that would never lead you to believe that THIS was D Magazine by Andrew Chalk D Magazine has released its list of Best New Restaurants of 2025 , and the omission of Sauvage  is impossible to ignore. Sauvage, which opened in late August, is among the most ambitious—and expensive—restaurant debuts of the year. It offers complex, multi-course tasting menus that demand technical precision, conceptual coherence, and serious culinary intent. Yet it is nowhere to be found on

FROM THE WIRES... Dynasty Spirits Unveils a New Tequila Portfolio, Launching Now Across Texas Already awarded a Gold Medal at the New York World Spirits Competition 2025    Dallas, TX – October 28, 2025 — Dynasty Spirits is proud to announce the launch of Pezuña Blanca Organic Tequila, a bold new name in premium small-batch tequila, now available in 400 + retail locations across Texas . Crafted under Tequila Las Americas, NOM 1480, from 100% USDA-certified organic Blue Webe

FROM THE WIRES... In 1997 , a new chapter began in the story of a family that had been linked for generations to the land and to its traditions of wine production: siblings Adamaria, Innocente and Guido Nardi , moved by a profound respect for the past and a bold vision for the future, decided to carry on the legacy of their parents and founded the La Farra wine estate. We are on the Prosecco Road, in the heart of the production region of Conegliano Valdobbiadene D.O.C.G. , wh

FROM THE WIRES... An Exceptional Territory and an International Vision Perched on the hills between Greve in Chianti and Panzano, Vecchie Terre di Montefili is one of the most intriguing wineries in the Tuscan wine landscape. Founded in 1975 and acquired in 2015 by Nicola Marzovilla, Frank Bynum, and Tom Peck Jr., three American entrepreneurs united by a deep passion for the Italian territory, the winery stands out for its innovative and sustainable approach to wine productio

FROM THE WIRES... Sip Your Way Through North Texas This Winter Embark on a month-long wine tasting adventure this February through March 1st ! Explore ~40 award-winning North Texas wineries and taste over 100 wines , all at your own pace. For just $49 (plus fees), your Wine Trail passport grants you a minimum of 3 tastings at each participating winery —a total value of over $400 in tastings! Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply looking for a unique winter ge

FROM THE WIRES... Formerly Paraduxx, the evolved space welcomes guests to discover expanded tastings and seasonal pairings  created by Culinary Director Dominic Orsini    Napa Valley, CA (December 17, 2025) – A new chapter of hospitality is unfolding at The Duckhorn Collection at Paraduxx. Long known for its relaxed beauty and inviting atmosphere, the destination has been reimagined to offer guests the chance to explore an expanded range of Napa Valley wines. With the debut o

Texas' most awarded vineyard, Newsom Vineyard, Plains, Texas by Andrew Chalk On November 21, 2025, James Suckling’s eponymous wine-review website published a report on Texas wines. The tastings were conducted by Jim Gordon, Editor-at-Large, and Brian Freedman, Staff Writer and Critic (hereafter collectively referred to as “Suckling”). According to the article, they visited wineries in the Texas Hill Country and noted that they also spent time in the Texas High Plains. In tota

by Andrew Chalk

by Andrew Chalk

Chicken Paillard (Photo: Dan Padgett) FROM THE WIRES... Downtown destination offers mindful lunches, wellness-forward dishes, and zero-proof cocktails for a post-holiday reset DALLAS, TX  (December 18, 2025) -   As Dallasites step into the new year, Mirador  invites guests to reset and recharge with vibrant, health-forward dining  in the heart of downtown. Whether returning to office life, leaning into January wellness goals, or simply seeking a scenic setting to reconnect wi

by Andrew Chalk Big news. Cured was one of the first national-quality restaurants in San Antonio and set a standard for others to follow. FROM THE WIRES... Cured: A Pearl District Icon Closes After 13 Remarkable Years After 13 extraordinary years at the center of San Antonio's Pearl District, Chef Steve McHugh announces that Cured will not be continuing its lease and will close its doors, January 4, 2026. Since opening in December 2013, the restaurant has been a fitting cent

by Andrew Chalk Many Texas winemakers are held in high esteem, but Texas winedrinkers have a special place for Bill Blackmon.

FROM THE WIRES... Award Winning Reposado Tequila Gift Set The perfect set to say ¡Salud! with. Inside you’ll find our iconic Reposado bottle plus four tequila glasses hand-blown from the very same glass used to craft the bottle itself. Made from 100% Blue Weber agave, double distilled, and aged four months at Hacienda Corralejo - this set turns any gathering into a special occasion. Color: Light straw Aroma: Sweet vanilla, honey, spice, hints of oak. Tast: Lemon-lime, pepperc

Concept courtesy Boom Supersonic By Andrew Chalk Boom Supersonic, the startup that has promised a Mach-1.7 successor to the Concorde since 2014, recently issued a press release that was a masterclass in corporate "misdirection." On the surface, the news looked like a victory lap: Boom secured $300 million in fresh funding (at a $1.5 billion valuation) and inked a massive $1.25 billion deal to sell stationary turbines to Crusoe, a data center startup. CEO Blake Scholl painted

FROM THE WIRES... With the clock ticking down to the holidays, many are scrambling for perfect gifts at the last minute, and we know food lovers are often the hardest to shop for. That’s why America’s Test Kitchen is a holiday gift goldmine this season, offering everything from cookbook collections and cooking kits to memberships and kitchen gear — many available for quick shipping or digital delivery, making it perfect for the last minute. A few ideas for some top last-minu

FROM THE WIRES... J Vineyards 2022 Russian River Valley Chardonnay ( SRP: $40 ): Made from the cool climate of the Russian River Valley, this Chardonnay is the perfect cozy white, with appealing aromas of citrus, toasted hazelnut, and gingersnap. Your readers’ palates will be pleasantly surprised with the smooth pineapple and pear flavors that transition to a crisp finish, making it a go-to white wine.  Sample.