Ancient History of Wine

The February + March 2026 Issue of Barista Magazine: A Deep Dive into Community, Creativity, and Coffee Culture

The February + March 2026 Issue of Barista Magazine: A Deep Dive into Community, Creativity, and Coffee Culture

This might just change your routine: The February + March 2026 issue of Barista Magazine isn’t just another coffee roundup—it’s a roadmap for redefining how we think about community, creativity, and the brews that bind us together. From Atlanta’s Aaron Fender to Congo’s Jim Ngokwey, this issue zeros in on the people, partnerships, and innovations shaping the coffee world today. Here’s what you need to know. Aaron Fender, the visionary behind Portrait Coffee, is the cover star of this issue. His story isn’t just about roasting beans—it’s about building bridges. Fender’s commitment to community is palpable, whether he’s bartering with…
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Filipino Coffee’s Global Rise: Michael Harris Conlin’s Mission to Shine

Filipino Coffee’s Global Rise: Michael Harris Conlin’s Mission to Shine

Here’s what you need to know about the Philippines’ coffee revolution—and the man leading it. Michael Harris Conlin isn’t just a barista; he’s a storyteller, an inventor, and a bridge between Filipino farmers and the world. His journey began in 2001, when a single bag of green coffee beans from a supplier transformed his life. “That moment sparked a curiosity that turned into a mission,” he says. Today, he’s the first Filipino to reach the World Barista Championship semi-finals and the 2025 Philippine National Champion, carrying Philippine coffee—especially Liberica—into global conversations. Conlin’s work isn’t just about flavor. “Filipino coffee is…
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Beyond Bordeaux: Cold Climate Viticulture is Redefining Wine Destinations

Beyond Bordeaux: Cold Climate Viticulture is Redefining Wine Destinations

When you think of wine regions, your mind probably jumps to sun-drenched valleys and rolling hills. But the world’s wine map is shifting—literally. From Estonia’s Baltic shores to the UK’s northern counties, vineyards are thriving in colder climes, rewriting the rules of terroir and tradition. Climate change and hybrid grape varieties are driving this evolution, but the results are anything but ordinary. Estonia, once known for fruit-based wines, now hosts vineyards like Luscher & Matiesen Muhu Winehouse, one of the northernmost in the world. With just 2,000 vines, the estate crafts small-batch wines that capture the stark beauty of Nordic…
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Unveiling the Hidden Stories Behind Wine’s Evolution

Unveiling the Hidden Stories Behind Wine’s Evolution

Wine isn’t just a drink—it’s a story written in soil, sun, and centuries of human ingenuity. On Thursday, Feb. 5, Sommelier Timothy Campbell will unravel these narratives at the St. Charles Public Library, offering a deep dive into the past, present, and future of wine. This isn’t a passive lecture—it’s a journey through the alchemy of grape cultivation, the science of fermentation, and the cultural shifts reshaping the industry. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a curious sipper, Campbell’s talk promises to illuminate the forces behind every bottle. Campbell, a Certified Sherry Wine Specialist and WSET Level 3 holder, brings decades…
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The Barista Who Brews Norway’s Future

The Barista Who Brews Norway’s Future

Listen up: Erlend Wessel-Berg isn’t just a barista—he’s a force reshaping Norway’s coffee scene. With titles like 2019 Norwegian Brewers Cup champion and 2025 Barista Championship winner under his belt, he’s not just mastering technique; he’s redefining what it means to honor coffee. His journey began in Trondheim, where childhood curiosity about coffee turned into a lifelong obsession. As a kid, he’d dip sugar cubes into his parents’ cups, a clumsy attempt to belong to a ritual he barely understood. That early fascination evolved into a career, fueled by his sister’s introduction to specialty coffee and a part-time barista job…
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Germany’s Wines by the Glass Are Stealing the Spotlight

Germany’s Wines by the Glass Are Stealing the Spotlight

Germany’s wines are quietly redefining the by-the-glass experience. Amidst the global wine scene, the country’s whites and reds are gaining traction—not just for their quality, but for their ability to deliver elegance without pretension. Iris Ellmann, managing director of The Wine Barn, argues that German wines are now a must-have for UK on-trade venues, offering a refreshing contrast to over-oaked or overly bold options. Her insights, shared ahead of a London tasting, highlight a shift in perception: Germany’s wines are no longer niche curiosities but staples of modern wine lists. The key lies in their balance. German Rieslings, Silvaners, and…
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Wine’s Antioxidant Power: Beyond the Glass

Wine’s Antioxidant Power: Beyond the Glass

Here’s what you need to know: Wine’s antioxidants are often touted as health heroes, but the science behind them is more nuanced than a glass of red at dinner. The idea that wine can shield your cells from oxidative stress feels like a modern-day alchemy—until you peel back the layers. Antioxidants aren’t magic bullets; they’re molecular sentinels that neutralize free radicals, those unstable molecules that wreak havoc on your cells. Without them, oxidative stress accelerates aging and fuels chronic diseases. Yet wine’s role in this battle is neither hero nor villain—it’s a complicated ally. Red wine, in particular, is rich…
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Ken Takakura’s Coffee Journey: From Trend to Transformation

Ken Takakura’s Coffee Journey: From Trend to Transformation

Time to spill: Ken Takakura’s coffee journey began not with a love for the brew, but with a fashion statement. What started as a hipster aesthetic—sunglasses, terrace sunrises, and a cup as a prop—evolved into a lifelong obsession. His pivot from viewing coffee as a trend to treating it as a craft was sparked during university in Australia, where specialty coffee’s depth and precision hooked him. The shift was as deliberate as his 16-year tennis career: disciplined, focused, and unyielding. Today, Ken balances roles as founder of Re-Co, freelance barista, and quality controller for a green bean import company, all…
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The Myth of Wine vs. Beer: Why the Divide is More Illusion Than Reality

The Myth of Wine vs. Beer: Why the Divide is More Illusion Than Reality

The divide between wine and beer lovers isn’t as clear-cut as it seems. Sure, there are rituals, preferences, and quirks that set these two tribes apart—but the truth is, they’re more alike than they’d admit. Let’s cut through the noise: the so-called “wine people” and “beer people” aren’t actually enemies. They’re just two sides of the same coin, both obsessed with flavor, craft, and the joy of a perfectly poured drink. Wine drinkers often romanticize terroir, vintage, and the art of pairing. Beer enthusiasts, meanwhile, geek out over hop profiles, barrel aging, and the science of fermentation. But here’s the…
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Decoding Wine Body: How to Taste the Fullness in Every Sip

Decoding Wine Body: How to Taste the Fullness in Every Sip

The verdict is in: Wine body isn’t about sweetness or tannin—it’s about the weight of the glass. Think of it like milk fat: whole milk feels rich, skim milk feels light. Wine body operates on the same principle, but with more nuance. It’s the sum of alcohol, acidity, and texture, and it shapes how a wine feels in your mouth. Whether you’re sipping a crisp Pinot Noir or a bold Cabernet, understanding body helps you navigate flavor profiles and find wines that align with your palate. Light-bodied wines are the minimalist classics. They’re low in alcohol (typically under 13.5%) and…
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