What does “real wine” really mean? This is what journalist Helen Gregory was on a mission to find out.

It took some digging around and talking with people in-the-know. In the end, it looks like she found it. Learn more in this article.

What wine did the Roman Emperor bring to Cleopatra to win her over?

What wine epitomizes the dolce vita, literally?

What wine would almost everyone like at your next party or family gathering?

It’s Brachetto, also known as the red Moscato. Learn about this wine known as happiness in a glass in this latest article.

Moscato has become quite the trending wine in the US over the past 10 years. Many people are drawn to it because they like sweet wine. Moscato is an aromatic grape, giving Moscato wine more facets to appreciate, yet, the popularity of the wine has made it a victim of its own success, with a plethora of just average (or below average) picks which are neither balanced or expressive.

But, did you know that there are tricks to make a really good Moscato wine? Whether it’s the traditional Moscato d’Asti or an orange wine made from moscato grapes, many Moscato wines should not be shunned or looked down upon. It’s like finding a pearl in the rough. And we make it easier for you. Beware: your opinion of Moscato wine is about to change.

Hear the story of the Ukrainian woman turned winemaker in the Modena province of Italy who was on a mission to make a monovarietal wine from a rare grape that thrives only in high altitudes. She made several attempts and then Sgarbato was born. This Pet Nat sparkling wine made from 100% Uva Tosca,  an ancient grape whose wine was described as "really healthy" by a 17th century Italian agronomist, is like drinking cranberry juice as a sparkling wine. Uva Tosca was abandoned after phylloxera, and thanks to Irene of Frignano, it is making a comeback in Italy's Emilia Romagna region. Read on to learn about this "underdog grape" and to explore the rich cultural heritage in the land where this grape was born.

Straight from an authentic Italian restaurant is this delicious eggplant recipe. It is a baked eggplant parmesan that woman winemaker and chef, Jacqueline Mitchell of Ojai Pacific View has wowed her family and friends with while taking vacations back home in the US from her “real job” as chef at a local favorite trattoria in the Langhe Italy. Not suprisingly, the wine and food pairing with her own California Dolcetto is out of this world.

Make your own parmigiana con melanzane with this eggplant recipe baked inside.

The world of wine is being revolutionized by a surge of talented women winemakers. These passionate innovators are crafting unique and delicious wines using sustainable practices and minimal intervention throughout the winemaking process. From meticulous vineyard management to exploring new fermentation techniques, they're bringing a fresh perspective that's pushing the boundaries of what natural wine can be. This rise of women in natural wine is not only exciting the industry, but also offering wine lovers a diverse and ever-evolving selection of delicious wines to discover.

We sat down with Luisa Corino, the first woman to take the helm with her brother Guido as the sixth generation of historic natural winery estate, Case Corini in Piedmont Italy. Get to know what makes her “tick,” what she does behind the scenes, her family and her hopes for the future of Case Corini. Check out this exclusive interview with this woman of wine in this article.

Dolcetto, a grape native to Italy's Piedmont region, ripens early and produces fresh, lively red wines. Unlike the area's famed Barolos, Dolcetto shines young, making it a beloved everyday red. We'll explore Dolcetto's journey, from sun-soaked vineyards in Italy to California, where a passion for Italian wines inspires a new chapter for this unique grape.

Dive into the world of orange wine, a unique style crafted using an ancient technique. These intriguing wines, also known as skin-contact whites, are made from white grapes left in contact with their skins during fermentation, resulting in surprising orange hues and bold, complex flavors. Often classified as natural wines, they offer a fascinating alternative to traditional white and red styles, attracting curious palates with their unique character.

Hilde Petrussa, inheriting a generations-long legacy of winemaking in Friuli, Italy, carries the torch with passion and respect. From her grandfather's farm to her mother's pioneering spirit, Hilde honors tradition while embracing sustainability. Witness her meticulous care for the vines, her dedication to Schioppettino, and her innovative use of air-dried grapes. Discover her love for Richenza and Schioppettino di Prepotto, and get a glimpse into the future of Vigna Petrussa – a commitment to green practices and crafting wines that express the unique terroir. Dive deeper and savor the taste of her story.

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.