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Taste Argentina’s Wines, Master the Land

Taste Argentina’s Wines, Master the Land

Time to spill: Argentina’s wines aren’t just about grapes—they’re a map of its soul. From Patagonia’s frigid winds to Salta’s sun-baked highlands, the country’s terroir crafts flavors that scream geography. But how do you translate that into a tasting experience? Enter Learn By Drinking: Argentina, a course that turns wine into a passport. This isn’t about sipping; it’s about decoding. Each bottle is a clue, each region a story. The course pairs six iconic varietals—Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Torrontés, and more—with lessons on how altitude, soil, and climate shape their profiles. It’s not just about tasting wine; it’s about tasting the…
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Opening a 40-Year-Old Bottle Isn’t Just About Patience—It’s a High-Stakes Gamble

Opening a 40-Year-Old Bottle Isn’t Just About Patience—It’s a High-Stakes Gamble

Opening a 40-year-old bottle isn’t just about patience—it’s a high-stakes gamble. The fragile cork, saturated with wine and time, demands a tool sharper than your average opener. A standard corkscrew? It’s a recipe for disaster. Professionals swear by the Ah-So or Coravin, devices designed to slice through decades of decay without spilling precious liquid. But even with the right gear, the real test begins inside the bottle. Wine doesn’t just age—it evaporates. In dry climates, the cork becomes a sieve, leaching moisture and leaving bottles at “low shoulder” or worse. The worst-case scenario? A bottle filled to the neck (high…
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Taste Napa Valley: A Masterclass in Wine Wisdom

Taste Napa Valley: A Masterclass in Wine Wisdom

Here’s something to stir your curiosity: Napa Valley isn’t just a wine region—it’s a masterclass in terroir, history, and flavor. For decades, its vineyards have shaped global wine culture, blending Mediterranean warmth with California’s rugged charm. But how do you truly understand this magic? By tasting it. Learn By Drinking: Napa Valley isn’t just a course—it’s a passport to the region’s soul. Instead of reading about Cabernet Sauvignon, you’ll sip it, dissect its structure, and unlock its story. This isn’t about memorizing labels; it’s about learning to read wine like a book. The course pairs expert guidance with hands-on exploration.…
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The Architecture of Wine: Designing the Perfect Winery

The Architecture of Wine: Designing the Perfect Winery

This isn’t just about grapes—it’s about engineering the perfect wine experience. Napa Valley’s wineries are masterclasses in balancing function and flair, but behind the polished facades lies a complex dance of logistics, sustainability, and vision. At Trinchero Napa Valley, a six-year, multimillion-dollar project, the challenge was clear: create a space where artistry meets practicality. The result? A sprawling estate where sprawling fountains meet state-of-the-art cellars, and where every detail—from drainage to door size—plays a role in the final pour. Designing a winery isn’t about aesthetics alone. For winemakers like Mollie Haycock, the layout is critical. “If we can’t move through…
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Burgundy’s Hidden Gems: 10 Must-Know Insights for Wine Lovers

Burgundy’s Hidden Gems: 10 Must-Know Insights for Wine Lovers

This is worth savoring: Burgundy’s reputation for luxury masks a world of value and complexity. Prices are leveling, affordable options exist, and the region’s secrets run deeper than its famed Grand Cru labels. Beyond the hype, Burgundy is a masterclass in terroir, history, and the art of balance. Burgundy’s affordability is no accident. While Grand Cru vineyards dominate headlines, they make up just 2% of the region. Most Burgundy is mid-tier, with everyday wines like village-level Chardonnay or Pinot Noir offering rich depth without the premium price tag. The 2014 sales data—where Burgundy outsold Bordeaux by 9%—hints at a shift…
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Sip Smart: A 48-Hour Sonoma Wine Escape

Sip Smart: A 48-Hour Sonoma Wine Escape

There’s something brewing in Sonoma that turns casual visitors into lifelong devotees. This isn’t just a place to sip—it’s a masterclass in balance, where world-class wines meet unhurried charm. If you’re eyeing a weekend escape but worried about overwhelm, here’s how to taste like a pro without burning out. Start in Southern Sonoma, where history and terroir collide. Begin with a detour to Muir Beach Overlook for coastal views before heading to The Marshall Store for a briny lunch paired with Muscadet. From there, Hanzell’s hilltop estate offers a rare glimpse into small-batch Pinot Noir, while Three Sticks Adobe’s historic…
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The Volcanic Vines of the Canary Islands: A New Frontier in Wine

The Volcanic Vines of the Canary Islands: A New Frontier in Wine

Let’s talk about the Canary Islands’ secret weapon: volcanic soil and centuries-old vines. Nestled off Morocco’s coast, these islands defy geography to produce wines that are as bold as their landscapes. While most premium regions thrive between 30-50 degrees latitude, the Canaries operate at 28 degrees—a hot, humid zone that should theoretically be hostile to winemaking. Yet here, volcanic rock, extreme winds, and rugged terrain have birthed a wine scene that’s exploding in global appeal. What’s the magic? Old vines, indigenous grapes, and a terroir that turns adversity into art. The Canaries’ winemakers have a rare advantage: vines that predate…
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Bourbon Barrel-Aged Wine: A Marketing Move with a Rich History

Bourbon Barrel-Aged Wine: A Marketing Move with a Rich History

There’s something brewing in the world of wine—literally. Bourbon barrel-aged wine has surged in popularity, turning once-ordinary bottles into must-have collectibles. But is this trend a clever marketing play or a genuine evolution in winemaking? The answer lies in the intersection of tradition, innovation, and the alchemy of oak. For decades, distillers have used bourbon barrels to age spirits, but wine has long relied on standard oak barrels for aging. The modern twist? Winemakers like Fetzer Vineyards and Robert Mondavi are now using bourbon barrels to craft wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The result? A richer, sweeter profile with…
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Lobster’s Wine Matchmaker: Why White Reigns, Reds Dare, and Sparkling Shines

Lobster’s Wine Matchmaker: Why White Reigns, Reds Dare, and Sparkling Shines

Lobster is a finicky guest at the dinner table—its delicate sweetness and buttery richness demand a partner that complements, not competes. Serve it with the wrong wine, and you risk drowning out its natural elegance. The solution? A white wine that balances the dish’s opulence with precision. White wines dominate the pairing landscape for lobster, and for good reason. Chardonnays, with their creamy textures or zesty acidity, are a safe bet. A California Chardonnay’s buttery finish mirrors the lobster’s sauce, while a steely Chablis or unoaked Pinot Gris cuts through the richness like a lemon zest. For grilled lobster or…
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Brunello 2015: A Vintage That Defied the Heat

Brunello 2015: A Vintage That Defied the Heat

Coffee lovers, wine enthusiasts, tea devotees—step into the world of Brunello 2015, a vintage that turned warmth into complexity. The 2015 growing season in Montalcino was a masterclass in balance: warm days, cooling rains, and a harvest that delivered wines both bold and refined. Ten years later, these bottles are revealing their secrets, offering a window into how climate change is reshaping the region’s identity. Twelve top producers, including Le Ragnaie, Argiano, and Biondi-Santi, gathered at Vinitaly to revisit their 2015 Brunellos, proving that even in a warmer world, tradition and innovation can coexist. The 2015 vintage was a turning…
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