Ancient History of Wine

The Barista Bridging India’s Coffee Heritage and London’s Specialty Scene

The Barista Bridging India’s Coffee Heritage and London’s Specialty Scene

Lionel Crasto is rewriting the rules of coffee. Split between Mumbai’s vibrant café culture and London’s specialty scene, he’s a barista, advocate, and bridge between two worlds. With a Master’s in Biotechnology and a passion for precision, he’s turning Indian coffees into global conversations. His journey from pandemic curiosity to championship contender is a masterclass in discipline, context, and curiosity. Crasto’s career began during the pandemic, when home brewing turned into obsession. He devoured books, experimented with origins, and realized coffee wasn’t just a drink—it was a story. That passion led to a role at Subko Specialty Coffee Roasters, where…
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The Coffee World Mourns the Loss of James Marcotte

The Coffee World Mourns the Loss of James Marcotte

If you’ve ever walked the streets of Los Angeles and encountered a barista who remembered your name, a roaster who treated coffee like poetry, or a mentor who saw potential in you before you did—chances are, you’ve crossed paths with James Marcotte. The coffee world lost one of its most curious minds last week when Marcotte, co-founder of City Bean Roasters and longtime Western U.S. sales director for Intelligentsia Coffee, passed away at 63. His death, following a lung transplant and battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, left a void in a community that revered his generosity, sharp palate, and ability…
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Roasting Lab Unveils AI-Driven Apps to Revolutionize Coffee Communities

Roasting Lab Unveils AI-Driven Apps to Revolutionize Coffee Communities

Here’s something to stir your curiosity: Rob Hoos is turning coffee roasting into a tech-driven community. His Roasting Lab, a platform built for serious roasters, is now available as mobile apps—complete with AI tools that mirror his decades of expertise. This isn’t just another app; it’s a bridge between seasoned pros and passionate hobbyists, redefining how coffee professionals connect and learn. The apps, designed for iOS and Android, streamline access to Roasting Lab’s core mission: mentorship and practical advice. Hoos, a consultant and author, has long championed community-driven learning, but the new tools sharpen that focus. The AI agent, trained…
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The New Masters of Wine: A Breakdown of 2026’s Trailblazers

The New Masters of Wine: A Breakdown of 2026’s Trailblazers

The wine world has a new set of trailblazers. Four individuals have just earned the prestigious Master of Wine title, joining a global cohort of 422 experts. Among them is the first woman based in Italy to achieve the honor, marking a historic shift in the industry. Their research papers, ranging from Fascist-era propaganda to molecular solutions for wine flaws, reveal how the MW program continues to blend tradition with innovation. Cristina Mercuri MW, based in Italy, is a standout. A former lawyer, she transitioned to wine in 2015, earning her WSET Diploma in 2018. Her research paper, Wine, Women…
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Stefano Cevenini’s Coffee Journey: From Bologna to Global Recognition

Stefano Cevenini’s Coffee Journey: From Bologna to Global Recognition

Here’s what you need to know: Stefano Cevenini’s coffee story began with one perfect espresso in Bologna—and it’s led to global acclaim. That single cup, brimming with sweet fruit notes and a clean, biscuit-like finish, ignited a lifelong obsession. Today, Stefano is a World Espresso Championship winner, Italian Latte Art Champion, and co-owner of Pump My Moka, a brand redefining coffee innovation. His path? A blend of relentless curiosity, precision, and a refusal to let coffee be just a job. Stefano’s journey started in a Bologna café, where the aroma of coffee became a revelation. By 18, he was running…
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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Wine Bars in Every U.S. State

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Wine Bars in Every U.S. State

Wine bars aren’t just places to sip—they’re cultural hubs where connoisseurs and novices alike discover new flavors. These spaces blend community, curation, and craft, offering everything from rare vintages to intimate gatherings. To find the best in every state, we scoured awards, reviews, and local acclaim, prioritizing venues with expansive menus, knowledgeable staff, and a vibe that invites connection. Here’s where the nation’s finest wine bars thrive. Golden Age Wine in Birmingham and Crush Wine Bistro & Cellar in Anchorage exemplify the genre’s evolution. Both earned nods from the James Beard Foundation and Wine Spectator, yet their appeal lies in…
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Raise a Glass Locally: Northern Illinois Wineries to Explore on National Drink Wine Day

Raise a Glass Locally: Northern Illinois Wineries to Explore on National Drink Wine Day

Pour yourself a cup for this one: National Drink Wine Day on Feb. 18 is more than a celebration—it’s a gateway to discovering the soul of northern Illinois’ winemaking scene. From family-owned estates to rustic-chic tasting rooms, the region’s vineyards offer a blend of tradition, innovation, and community. Here’s how to sip smarter, not just sippier. August Hill Winery in Utica and Peru is a masterclass in small-batch craftsmanship. With over 35 wines spanning crisp whites, bold reds, and bubbly dessert options, the family-owned operation pairs its vintages with artisanal bites and nonalcoholic drinks. The Peru vineyard’s Wine on the…
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A Fortified Legacy: Tommaso Maggio Redefines Marsala’s Future

A Fortified Legacy: Tommaso Maggio Redefines Marsala’s Future

The 2026 Master Winemaker of the Year isn’t just a trophy—it’s a seismic shift in how the world sees fortified wines. Tommaso Maggio, the 28-year veteran of Cantine Florio, took home the title at Wine Paris, proving that Marsala’s reputation for complexity and depth deserves a second look. His win isn’t just about medals; it’s about redefining a category long dismissed as outdated. “This award is a starting point,” he said, “a responsibility to carry forward new projects.” That mindset, paired with decades of mastery, has turned Florio’s Marsala Dolce Superiore Riserva 1994 into a benchmark for fortified excellence. Maggio’s…
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Wine on a Diet: Carbs, Calories, and the Science Behind It

Wine on a Diet: Carbs, Calories, and the Science Behind It

If you're sipping wine while dieting, you're not alone—but the science behind your glass might surprise you. Wine isn’t just a mood booster; it’s a complex mix of carbs, calories, and brain chemistry that can either support or sabotage your goals. Understanding how it interacts with your body is key to making smarter choices without sacrificing flavor. Wine’s carb content hinges on residual sugar—sugars left after fermentation. A fully dry wine has none, but most have traces, measured in grams per liter. Look for wines with 3g or less of residual sugar per liter; that translates to under 2.25 carbs…
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Volodymyr Petrina: The 22-Year-Old Barista Shaping Prague’s Coffee Future

Volodymyr Petrina: The 22-Year-Old Barista Shaping Prague’s Coffee Future

Consider this your morning briefing: At 22, Volodymyr Petrina has already redefined what it means to be a barista in Prague. Born in Ukraine, this prodigy moved to the Czech Republic with a simple curiosity about coffee—and a hunger to master it. Within four years, he’s claimed national titles, represented his country on the global stage, and now trains baristas across six Mazelab cafés. For Petrina, coffee isn’t a craft; it’s a language of precision. Every cup is a conversation between bean and brewer, and he’s fluent in both. Petrina’s journey began with a burnt cup of over-roasted coffee in…
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