by Andrew Chalk World famous for their Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, Caymus Vineyards has expanded its winemaking to embrace other grapes, areas of California, and wine types. Nowhere was this more on display than at a recent tasting at Fort Worth’s luxury Crescent Hotel (more about the hotel here) where I attended as a media guest. We started with Emmolo 2025 Sauvignon Blanc ($25). Grapes hail from Solano County (67%), Lake County (20%), and Napa County (13%). Perhaps most inter

Photo: Maple Hospitality Group FROM THE WIRES... A dazzling evening of sky-high dining and fireworks views across the city from the 49th floor of The National DALLAS, TX (June 11, 2026) – As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Monarch invites guests to commemorate Independence Day this Saturday, July 4th from one of the most spectacular vantage points in the city at Stars, Stripes & Skyline, a highly anticipated Fourth of July celebration that pairs patriotic spirit w

Stephanie McIntyre FROM THE WIRES... Appellation Marlborough Wine Appoints Stephanie McIntyre as Chief Executive Officer FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Marlborough, New Zealand - Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) has announced the appointment of Stephanie McIntyre as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking an important milestone as the organisation continues to strengthen the integrity, visibility and value of Marlborough wine. With over 20 years of experience living and worki

Sagrada Familia is one of the most spectacular buildings created by mankind -- and only took 144 years to finish. FROM THE WIRES... Hotel Arts Barcelona invites guests to discover one of the city’s most remarkable new vantage points: the reimagined Skyline Suites, offering sweeping views of Antoni Gaudí’s iconic masterpiece. The completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ or Torre de Jesús - the tallest and most symbolic element of Gaudí’s vision, will be marked by a historic

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... New White Wine Portfolio Honors Almost a Century and a Half of History, Heritage, and Innovation in American Winemaking LIVERMORE, Calif. (April 23, 2026) – Wente Family Vineyards, America’s oldest continuously family-owned and operated winery, is proud to introduce Cresta Blanca, a thoughtful revival of one of California’s first and most historic wine labels. Launching today, the collection focuses on a portfolio of white wines that bridge Cresta Blanca’s

by Andrew Chalk Yesterday, I wrote… I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?"

FROM THE WIRES... Destination 5: Compere Lapin (Chef Nina Compton) Dish: Roasted Jerk Corn Tip: Whether you’re grilling or roasting corn, balance sweetness with a little heat, acidity and crunch to make your summer corn stand out, like using a jerk butter with a tangy mayo and ranch breadcrumbs. Website: http://comperelapin.com/ Photo: Sara Essex Bradley

Emilia's by Andrew Chalk Next to the Kimbell Art Museum, at the back of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, one block down from the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. That location puts the Crescent Hotel in the epicenter of the Fort Worth Cultural District. Its 5* amenities make it the ideal place to stay when visiting. Front view of the Crescent Hotel The 200-room hotel, in a modern building at Camp Bowie Boulevard and Van Cliburn Way, opened just over two and a half yea

by Andrew Chalk Yesterday I wrote… I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?" I

FROM THE WIRES... Destination 4: The Bower (Chef Marcus Woodham) Dish: Whipped Feta Tip: Whipped feta is a perfect example of why cold dips and spreads shine during the summer. They can be made ahead, served chilled, and paired with everything from fresh vegetables to grilled bread for easy entertaining. Website: https://www.thebowernola.com/

by Andrew Chalk Yesterday I wrote… I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?" I

FROM THE WIRES... Destination 3: Tujague’s (Beverage Director Allison O’Keefe) Dish: Shrimp Remoulade Tip: For cold seafood salads, the dressing should never be an afterthought. Whether it’s remoulade, citrus vinaigrette, or an herb aioli, making sauces ahead of time gives the flavors a chance to meld, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish. Website: https://tujaguesrestaurant.com/

by Andrew Chalk Yesterday I wrote… I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?" I

FROM THE WIRES... Destination 2: Charles & Julia (Beverage Director Allison O’Keefe) Cocktail: CBD Spritz Tip: Allison says to elevate summer spritzes by skipping store-bought mixers and making your own creative fruit-and-herb syrup at home. Whether it's strawberry basil, watermelon-mint, peach-thyme or anything you can imagine, just a small splash adds layers of flavor and freshness. Website: www.charlesandjulia.com Photo: Sam Hanna

by Andrew Chalk Yesterday, I wrote… I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?"

FROM THE WIRES... Destination 1: Dolfy's (Chef Adolfo Garcia, Jr.) Dish: Gazpacho Tip: When making gazpacho this summer, Chef Adolfo Garcia Jr. says to freeze some of your vegetables before blending. Dice a portion of the tomatoes, cucumber, and/or bell pepper and freeze them for a few hours. When you blend the gazpacho, use those frozen pieces instead of ice. The soup gets refreshingly cold without becoming diluted, and the flavors stay concentrated.

by Andrew Chalk I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?" I said. "What is his

ShyBoy Blue Room FROM THE WIRES... Derrick Carter, Rich Medina, Lefto, SOULECTION founder Joe Kay, and Mark Farina headline a month of immersive programming inside Dallas’ first high-fidelity listening bar DALLAS, TEXAS (June 3, 2026) – Shyboy Hi-Fi continues its momentum this summer with a sensational June programming lineup that brings internationally respected DJs, genre-defying selectors, and community-driven music collectives to its intimate listening room in downtown

FROM THE WIRES... Just in time for Father’s Day, Espolòn Tequila has just launched its most ambitious bottle yet: Extra Añejo (MSRP: $69.99) - three years in the making and priced to stay within reach. The liquid is aged for two and a half years in American Oak and finished for six months in French Chardonnay casks. This rare double-cask approach sets it apart from traditional Extra Añejos, delivering toasted oak, vanilla, caramel and sweet spice with a rich, layered finish.

FROM THE WIRES... SPRING MOUNTAIN VINEYARD CHARDONNAY EARNS TOP HONORS AT THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JUDGMENT OF PARIS St. Helena, Calif. – April 22nd, 2026 – Fifty years after the tasting that forever changed the world of wine, Spring Mountain Vineyard, a storied estate nestled in the Spring Mountain District Appellation, in the Mayacamas Mountain Range in the Napa Valley, has once again taken its place among the elite—this time with a celebrated Top Three finish for Ch

Photo: Samantha Reynolds Photography FROM THE WIRES... Seasonal menu of spritzes, pizzas, oysters and shareable favorites available Sunday through Thursday DALLAS, TX (June 16, 2026) – This summer, Monarch is bringing the Italian tradition of aperitivo to downtown Dallas with the launch of Aperitivo Hour, a new seasonal offering available Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the restaurant's lounge. Designed for gathering over drinks and light bites before dinner,

Photo: Jonathan Zizzo FROM THE WIRES... Guests who order a martini on June 19 will receive a mystery envelope featuring a bounceback card redeemable on their next cocktail purchase DALLAS, TX (June 16, 2026) – This National Martini Day, Monarch, a celebrated fixture in Dallas' local dining scene, is inviting guests to raise a glass and try something new with a one-night-only celebration dedicated to one of the world’s most iconic cocktails. On Friday, June 19, guests who orde

Photo: Jason Dewey FROM THE WIRES... One-night-only event brings one of Napa Valley's most celebrated wineries to one of Fort Worth's most intimate dining destinations FORT WORTH, TEXAS (June 15, 2026) — The Crescent Hotel Fort Worth will welcome one of Napa Valley's most iconic wineries to Fort Worth for an exclusive Caymus Wine Dinner in The Blue Room on Wednesday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m. Designed for wine enthusiasts and culinary explorers alike, the one-night-only experie