The wine industry seems to be experiencing a “perfect storm” that has those of us in the wine industry scratching our heads. Sure, there is inflation and economic pressures, but there is more to this story. To get some more perspectives, we looked outside the US, on a global scale and then honed in on the Italian wine consumer, comparing them to American wine lovers. What did we find out? Find out in this article.

Saint Laurent is not just in the fashion world: do you know that it is a wine grape too?

Learn fun facts about this grape which could become your next go-to red wine, like:

• Saint Laurent is the number one most planted red wine grape variety in the Czech Republic;

• its closest relative is one of the most famous red wine grapes in the world.

Plus, as a bonus in this article, we have a recipe for Beef Bourguignon, or Beef Burgundy, with a twist. What is it? Find out inside!

Pizza is by far America’s favorite food. Not only is it yummy, but it also brings people together with fun, memorable and delicious experiences. While ordering out for pizza is what most of us are used to, it is easy enough to make at home, even by making your own pizza dough. Even better if the dough is made using a natural yeast fermentation, which creates a more distinguished, tasty and healthy bread, and pizza dough. Want to know how to make your own dough from your own homemade yeast? Want to learn about how to make one of your favorite foods? And enjoy it better with great wine pairing choices? Read on!

Let's spill the beans on the whole spaghetti and meatballs gig – turns out, it's more Italian American than straight up Italian. Say hello to authentic meatballs, or polpette, the real deal in Italy, where meatballs is the main character, and pasta isn't their sidekick. Learn many ways to serve and make homemade meatballs, and the secret to making a really good polpetta. Get an authentic recipe, that is both easy and versatile for meatballs, spice it up with some traditional Italian wine and food pairings. Get ready to cook, crunch, and sip your way through authentic Italian vibes.

Venture beyond Barolo in the enchanting Langhe of Northern Italy and discover the hidden gem of Bastia Mondovi, home to the Piovano family winery. With a rich history rooted in the heart of this picturesque region, the Piovanos craft authentic Italian wines. Embracing a philosophy that wine is more than a drink, Piovano’s foundation for love and passion in wine reflect their commitment to thoughtful, low-touch winemaking. Their 00 natural Piemonte Barbera defies expectations: aged for five years, delivering a full-bodied red wine with character, intensity, and a velvety richness that captivates the senses. Experience the magic of the Piovano family's winemaking and savor the complexities of this exceptional Piemonte Barbera.

A double threat, the Italian city of Alba has got a little bit of everything for both food and wine lovers. But what’s it like to live there? Are you ready for an insider's scoop on Alba? Our local guide spills the beans on all the nooks and crannies in this charming city. From hidden cafes with stories as rich as the coffee to secret spots that only the locals know about, we're peeling back the layers to show you Alba's true colors. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned explorer, join us as we take you off the beaten path, sharing tips, tales, and the kind of inside info that turns a trip into an adventure. Alba's waiting – check it out through the eyes of a local.

What is the common denominator of some of the best Italian red wine?

Hint: think Brunello and Chianti red wine…. it’s Sangiovese!

It’s an old world wine grape that is often shrouded behind the name of a wine name or appellation, which changes depending on where it is planted and the conditions it undergoes… And despite what Wikipedia says, you find it in many wine regions beyond Tuscany. In fact, it is a grape that has been, and still is, the source of many debates, in Italy and around the world. Learn about this key, behind the scenes player in some of the Italian red wine best.

With year end 2023 upon us, we’ve discovered the most popular topics which have caught wine lovers’ attention across the US, from wine professionals to wine writers to wine loving consumers. What drew the most interest and why? Find out what’s making the American wine buyer tick in our latest article.

It may be a discounted animal… but in many parts of the world the Wild Boar is an important part of life and the kitchen! Explore the world of wild boars, recipes, wine pairings and more traveling through Italy, the Czech Republic, and even the Americas. Stick around to the end for an authentic recipe for Pappardelle con Cinghiale or Pappardelle Pasta with a Wild Boar Ragu sauce including pairing foods of wild wines with wild boar.

Embark on a journey through the hills of the historic part of the Valdobbiadene wine region, where the enchanting and rare Boschera grape vineyards are hidden amidst an area where the Prosecco grape, glera, takes center stage. In the heart of Italian white wine growing, a story unfolds; one of tradition, sustainability, and the effervescent charm of Pet Nat natural wine. Join us on this odyssey, where craftsmanship and tradition intertwine, giving birth to an Italian sparkling Pet Nat that captivates the senses. Explore the nuances of the rare Boschera grape which makes a wine that not only tantalizes the palate but also reflects a commitment to the land and the timeless beauty of Valdobbiadene.

Creating an enticing charcuterie board is an art that combines flavors, textures, and aesthetics for a delightful culinary experience. Learn five easy tips to master the art of assembling a charcuterie board that will be the talk of the party.

Are you planning a party ? Are you going to one?  Needing a gift but not sure what wine to select?

Hosting a  party or finding a great gift for a wine lover just got easier with our tips on finding crowd-pleasing, drinkable wine that caters to diverse tastes, while also finding wines that are unique and stand out.

We have an approach to finding crowd pleaser wines in our latest blog article. We liken it to Goldilocks - remember her? But now we've moved up, from porridge to wine.

Read on for expert tips and find your own Goldilocks wine!

Amidst the post-Thanksgiving festivities, let's reflect on the roots of gratitude by exploring the enduring legacy of Native Americans and their traditions to preserve the natural ecosystems around them in a regenerative way. Join us on a cultural journey through some Native American peoples’ rich history, legends, and spiritual landscapes, such as the Chumash which thrived for thousands of years in Ventura County and the Ojai Valley. From Dolcettos and winemaking traditions to the Channel Islands' significance, discover the profound connection between the Chumash people and their ancestral lands. Delve into a narrative of resilience, preservation, and leadership in holistic and sustainable marine life and agriculture conservation, as we honor the original inhabitants of our homes during National Native American Heritage Month.

Wine and food pairing can seem like a daunting task, yet, once you get down the basic principles, there is almost no right or wrong. It can turn into a life long skill that you can practice all the time, while alone or in groups, while at home or out and about. Start with this article which lays out an easy to follow approach to pairing foods. Then you’ll be on your way to doing fun and tasty food and wine pairings with others.

The Langhe region in Piemonte, Northern Italy, is renowned for its exceptional red wines, but the story of each vintage is written by Mother Nature herself. Barolo winery owner Aldo Clerico wisely notes that winemakers don't make the same wine every year; it all depends on nature's whims. In this article we explore the Langhe's most recent vintages as we've witnessed first hand the impact of climate shifts on this terroir with extreme weather, such as devastating hailstorms, altering the winemaking landscape. Learn how Dolcetto, Barbera, and Nebbiolo grapes adapt to vintage variations from 2016 to 2021. Join us in understanding how the weather's ever-changing story shapes Langhe's timeless wines.

Case Corini, a biodynamic winery in Piedmont, Italy, stands out for its unconventional approach to winemaking and the unique philosophy. How does this philosophy extends to their vintages? Learn how the sixth generation, siblings Guido and Luisa, handle vintage variations and get the low down on their prestigious Barla wine, in an exclusive year by year tasting that you can even recreate yourself. Learn about how the weather impacted Case Corini wines vintage by vintage in this article.

In the captivating world of wine, there's an age-old secret that lies within each bottle—the vintage. It's a timestamp of history, a testament to the unique interplay of climate, terroir, and winemaking expertise. As we delve into the climatic nuances of wine vintages, we unlock a trove of stories, each sip an invitation to a specific moment in time. From the warmth of a sun-soaked harvest to the cool feeling of a late autumn rain, wine vintages encapsulate the essence of the year they were born. Find out how you too can assess a wine vintage in this article.

In the heart of the Corino family's vineyards lies a beautiful union of natural wine craftsmanship and regenerative agriculture practices. Discover how their commitment to sustainability and biodiversity not only produces exquisite, vibrant wines but also regenerates the earth, ensuring the longevity of the vineyards for generations to come. Explore with us today vineyard by vineyard what the differences are, and why only certain vineyards make certain wines.

It is a simple dish found throughout Italy, a staple of family gatherings and the ultimate svuota frigo or pantry meal: the torta salata, aka an Italian version of quiche. With endless possibilities for ingredients, they can be both an exercise in culinary creativity and a way to finish up bits and bobs of food in the fridge. No wonder that the Italian nonna is often behind the makings. Straight from nonna Petrussa of 3 generations of women at Vigna Petrussa, we have this breakfast recipe casserole to share. Grab a pie crust and let your imagination run wild.

In the world of wines, few stories are as captivating as the one that unfolds across six generations of natural winemakers in the Corino Family. From Nebbiolo wines to the rustic charm of Barbera wines, the Corinos have embraced the art of crafting exceptional, vegan, biodynamic, and organic wines. Their biodynamic winery stands as a testament to their commitment to farming sustainably, practicing regenerative agriculture that nurtures the land. Their dedication to nature wines and the ethos of natural winemaking showcases the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, making them true pioneers in the realm of biodynamic farming.