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