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BYOB in Dallas - Some Corrections
by Andrew Chalk The D Magazine online blog Sidedish contains a recent article entitled Where Can You Still BYOB in Dallas? According to the piece, BYOB is a dying practice as something (not explained) has compelled restaurants to start alcoholic beverage programs. Apparently, at a time that wine consumption is falling. As evidence, they cite one data point. At least that was one more than most of the claims they make. In the Dallas area, at least so far as wine is concerned,
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May 123 min read


SYMINGTON FAMILY DECLARES 2024 VINTAGE PORTS
The family’s first classic Vintage Port declaration in seven years marks a return to classical Douro harmony, with wines defined by remarkable elegance. FROM THE WIRES... SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – April 14, 2026 - Symington Family Estates, a five-generation producer of world-renowned Ports and premium wines, has declared their 2024 Vintage Ports. After reviewing the best wines made in 2024 from across their Douro estates, the family felt compelled to take the rare decision to
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May 124 min read


Time for a Spring Cocktail - The Campo Spritz
FROM THE WIRES... What if the easiest way to bring a little more joy, color, and connection to everyday moments was simply opening a bottle of Spanish wine? That’s the spirit behind Campo Viejo, the iconic Rioja producer helping Americans rediscover Spanish wine in a fresh, modern way. Known for vibrant, expressive wines grounded in Rioja’s rich tradition, Campo Viejo captures the essence of “Spain in a Bottle.” Beyond its vibrant character, Campo Viejo wines are crafted
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May 111 min read


NEW YORK CITY WELCOMES THE 5TH INTERNATIONAL VOLCANIC WINES CONFERENCE WITH PRODUCERS FROM THE WORLD’S LEADING VOLCANIC REGIONS
FROM THE WIRES... A diverse program of masterclasses and tastings will spotlight volcanic terroirs from around the world and celebrate the Volcanic Wine Awards, organized in partnership with JancisRobinson.com NEW YORK, NY – March 23, 2026 – Volcanic Wines International (VWI), is proud to announce the 5th International Volcanic Wines Conference (IVWC), taking place on June 10, 2026 at Manhatta in New York City. Now in its fifth edition, the conference has established itself a
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May 84 min read


Spring Mountain Vineyard Kicks Off Phase 2 of Historic Replanting Six Weeks Early
FROM THE WIRES... St. Helena, Calif. – March 23rd, 2026 – Spring Mountain Vineyard, a storied estate nestled in the Spring Mountain District Appellation, in the Mayacamas Mountain Range, is proud to announce the early start of Phase 2 of its massive 225-acre vineyard replanting project. Kicking off six weeks earlier than last year’s schedule, the accelerated start is largely attributed to the warm California weather, with temperatures consistently more than ten degrees warmer
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May 72 min read


DAOU Unveils 2023 Soul of a Lion and Debuts Multi-City Experiential Tour
FROM THE WIRES... – An exceptional vintage inspired the Soul of a City tour, celebrating the legacy of DAOU Mountain with curated wine experiences across America – Paso Robles, DAOU Mountain, CA (March 18, 2026) — DAOU Vineyards, one of the world's leading wine estates in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles, proudly announces the release of 2023 DAOU Soul of a Lion. The flagship Cabernet Sauvignon represents the pinnacle expression of DAOU Mountain and the uncompromising pu
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May 63 min read


Festival Napa Valley Announces 20th Anniversary Summer Season, July 4-19, 2026
FROM THE WIRES... Festival Napa Valley has announced the lineup for its 20th anniversary Summer Season, set to take place at venues throughout Napa Valley from July 4-19, 2026. More than 200 artists will appear in music and dance performances, world premieres, and special events that reflect the Festival’s signature pairing of exceptional artistry with Napa Valley’s renowned food, wine, and hospitality. The milestone season features performances by Renée Fleming, Wynton M
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May 56 min read


ROBERT HALL WINERY LAUNCHES REGENERATIVE ORGANIC CERTIFIED® WINES IN EARTH MONTH EXCLUSIVELY AT WHOLE FOODS MARKET
FROM THE WIRES... Paso Robles, Calif., April 2, 2026 -- Robert Hall Winery, a pioneer in the Paso Robles AVA and a Regenerative Organic Certified® estate, today announces the launch of two Regenerative Organic Certified® wines exclusively at Whole Foods Market, 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2025 Sauvignon Blanc, SRP $29.99. Robert Hall Winery, an O’Neill Vintners & Distillers B Corp Certified winery, has produced the first Regenerative Organic Certified® commercially availabl
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May 43 min read


SUBSTANCE WINES UNVEILS 2025 ‘RI’ RIESLING, A VIBRANT NEW EXPRESSION OF WASHINGTON WINE
FROM THE WIRES... SUBSTANCE WINES UNVEILS 2025 ‘RI’ RIESLING, A VIBRANT NEW EXPRESSION OF WASHINGTON WINE LARKSPUR, CA – April 20, 2026 – Substance Wines , the Washington-based brand from O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, a B Corp Certified, family owned and operated company, is proud to announce the launch of its 2025 'Ri' Riesling (SRP $14) . Crafted by Winemaker Brennon Leighton, this new single-vineyard offering reinforces the brand’s commitment to high-quality low-inter
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May 11 min read


Vino Cadre Announces May Hill Country Wine Events
FROM THE WIRES...
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Apr 301 min read


VIÑA CONCHA Y TORO LAUNCHES VIÑA AMELIA AND TAKES ON A NEW CHALLENGE: CREATING A VINEYARD DEDICATED EXCLUSIVELY TO CHARDONNAY AND PINOT NOIR
FROM THE WIRES... The new independent subsidiary within the wine group deepens its focus on these varieties, highlighting the exceptional and extreme terroir of the Limarí Valley in northern Chile as a strategic axis for international growth and differentiation. Viña Concha y Toro, Chile’s leading wine producer and one of the most significant global players in the wine industry, announces the creation of Viña Amelia, an independent subsidiary within the group. With this decis
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Apr 294 min read


SANT AMBROEUS CELEBRATES 90 YEARS OF MILANESE HERITAGE, CULTURE, AND TIMELESS HOSPITALITY
The milestone anniversary will bring a year-long program of partnerships and cultural activations that brings its history, community, and Milanese spirit to life. FROM THE WIRES... New York, NY | April 2026 —This year, the beloved Milanese hospitality institution Sant Ambroeus celebrates its 90th anniversary —a rare milestone in hospitality —honoring the heritage, culinary tradition, culture, community, and people that have defined the brand for nearly a century. Founded in
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Apr 283 min read


Champagne Pommery Introduces New Expressions of Its Classic Champagne To The US Market
Champagne Pommery's best selling wine, Champagne Pommery Brut Royal. by Andrew Chalk Dedicated Champagne drinkers know that the defining feature between producers is ‘house style’. They vary from light and elegant to powerful and heavy. Buyers choose their producer partly on their house style. However, many drinkers like one style for one situation (for example, toasting a family event) and another style for another (for example, to accompany a veal chop at dinner). Esteemed
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Apr 273 min read


A New Concierge Service Arrives in the Texas Hill Country
FROM THE WIRES...
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Apr 251 min read


Tannat Vertical Tasting: Bending Branch Winery x Newsom Vineyards 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16
FROM THE WIRES... Discover the story behind the glass at our upcoming vertical tasting featuring Newsom Vineyards. Just outside of Plains, this iconic Texas High Plains vineyard has built a 40-year legacy of excellence. At this seated tasting held in our barrel room, meet Neal and Janice Newsom and taste through SIX vintages of Tannat made from their exceptional fruit, plus a bonus pour: 2016 Tannat, Newsom Vineyards 2018 Tannat, Newsom Vineyards 2019 Tannat, Newsom Vineyar
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Apr 241 min read


The Chateau Montelena Wine Dinner as Gourmet Occasion
FROM THE WIRES...
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Apr 221 min read


KNOB CREEK® DEBUTS BLENDER'S EDITION, A LIMITED SERIES CELEBRATING THE ART OF BLENDING
FROM THE WIRES... Knob Creek ® Blender's Edition 01 is the result of intentional blending craftsmanship, unlocking a sweeter side of the Knob Creek ® flavor profile CLERMONT, Ky., March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The James B. Beam Distilling Co., home of The Small Batch Bourbon Collection™, introduces Knob Creek ® Blender's Edition, a new series of limited-edition whiskeys celebrating one of the most skilled and nuanced crafts in whiskey making: blending. Born from the passi
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Apr 223 min read


PORTO’S FAMED FACTORY HOUSE OPENS TO THE PUBLIC AFTER 236 YEARS OFFERING VISITORS RARE ACCESS TO THE AUTHENTIC INFRASTRUCTURE OF PORTO’S WINE HERITAGE
FROM THE WIRES... SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – March 26, 2026 - For more than two centuries, The Factory House , located in Porto, Portugal, has stood as one of Europe’s most distinguished wine institutions — a place of ceremony, tradition, and influence at the heart of the global Port trade. In 2026, for the first time in its 236-year history, its doors are open to the public. The Factory House, completed in 1790 and overlooking the Douro River in Porto’s historic center, has
andychalk
Apr 212 min read


KTX: Big Addition Coming To The Katy Trail
Jovanna Venegas explains the concept of the Katy Trail biennial public art exhibition, named the KTX Biennial, to Dallas media from behind a supporter with a bald head. FROM THE WIRES... A biennial public art show is coming to the Katy Trail, and it may be unlike anything else in the country. Full details below... (DALLAS, TX — March 11, 2026) — The KTX Biennial , a new contemporary public art biennial along Dallas’ Katy Trail , is thrilled to announce its launch and inaugura
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Apr 203 min read


Grow Your Own Mushrooms!
FROM THE WIRES... Click image to reserve
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Apr 171 min read


It's Mirador After The Dallas Art Fair
FROM THE WIRES... Mirador After Dark A Limited Dallas Art Fair Experience In celebration of Dallas Art Fair , Mirador opens its doors after hours for a rare, two-night-only dinner experience on Thursday, April 16 and Friday, April 17. Just minutes from F.I.G, guests are invited to enjoy late-night dining overlooking the iconic Eyeball in the heart of Downtown Dallas. This special extension of service offers a unique opportunity to experience Mirador in a more intimate, evenin
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Apr 161 min read


Dallas Art Fair Kicks Off with Art Fair Donations to Dallas Museum of Art
One of the six works of art acquired by the DMA from the Dallas Art Fair Foundation's Acquisition Fund. Details in image below. by Andrew Chalk Kelly Cornell, Dallas Art Fair director, and Dr Vivian Li, the Dallas Museum of Art's Lupe Murchison Curator of Contemporary Art, announced the 2026 acquisitions from the Dallas Art Fair Foundation's Acquisition Fund for the DMA's permanent collection. A total of six paintings were acquired.This makes over 78 works donated to the DMA
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Apr 161 min read


Dallas Art Fair 2026
Reserve Now To Catch The Preview Benefit The Dallas Art Fair begins this evening with the Preview Benefit, our annual celebration of the official opening of the fair and your chance to preview museum-quality artworks – all while supporting local art institutions. If you can’t make it to the Preview Benefit… Join us for our public days : Friday, April 17 from 11AM - 7PM Saturday, April 18 from 11AM - 7PM Sunday, April 19 from 11AM - 5PM Before you arrive, please note that, d
andychalk
Apr 161 min read


I Have Seen The Liquor Store Of The Future
by Andrew Chalk This weekend the Goody Goody liquor store chain in Texas will introduce the liquor store of the future at their Greenville Avenue branch. It will not only totally change the consumer buying experience but also lower prices. It even makes the store shelves look totally different and shrinks the store by about half to sell the same number of SKUs (different items). I went to a preview today and it is quite a change. The first thing you see is that there is no
andychalk
Apr 84 min read
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