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Lirac’s Quiet Revolution: The Southern Rhône’s Best-Kept Secret

Lirac’s Quiet Revolution: The Southern Rhône’s Best-Kept Secret

Lirac is the Southern Rhône’s best-kept secret—and it’s finally getting the attention it deserves. Nestled just across the Rhône River from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this appellation shares the same terroir, grape varieties, and mistral winds, yet it’s carving out its own identity with wines that are fresher, lighter, and more approachable. Over the past decade, a wave of new producers has crossed the river to plant roots here, turning Lirac into a hotbed of innovation. The results? Reds that echo Châteauneuf’s boldness but with a signature brightness, thanks to cooler microclimates and unique soil compositions. The magic of Lirac lies in its…
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Two Hidden Coffee Gems That Define L.A.’s Cool Scene

Two Hidden Coffee Gems That Define L.A.’s Cool Scene

L.A.’s coffee scene isn’t just about the usual suspects. Beyond the chain cafes and trendy spots, two under-the-radar destinations are redefining what coffee can be—and where it can be found. These aren’t just places to grab a cup; they’re immersive experiences that blend culture, creativity, and a dash of rebellion. Kissaten Corazon, tucked into a warehouse just outside the Arts District, feels like a time capsule. The space is a love letter to both Japanese coffee traditions and L.A.’s underground vibe. Imagine velvet curtains, a piano, and dim lighting—plus a menu that pairs matcha with cantaloupe and wine from a…
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2025 Southeast Coffee Scene: 10 New Brews to Savor in 2026

2025 Southeast Coffee Scene: 10 New Brews to Savor in 2026

There’s something brewing in the Southeast—literally. As 2025’s coffee scene fades, a wave of new shops is reshaping how we sip, socialize, and savor the region’s evolving coffee culture. From repurposed breweries to retro-futuristic themes, these spots aren’t just serving coffee—they’re crafting experiences. Here’s how the Southeast’s coffee game is heating up. Belleair Coffee Co. in Largo, Florida, turned a former beer brewery into a sunlit haven of velvet chairs and café tables, proving that space can be reimagined. Meanwhile, Applied Arts Coffee in New Orleans fused Scandinavian brunch with specialty roasts, turning an industrial space into a cozy Nordic…
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**The US Rockies, Plains, and Southwest Have a New Coffee Renaissance**

**The US Rockies, Plains, and Southwest Have a New Coffee Renaissance**

There’s something brewing in the American West this year—a quiet but determined renaissance of coffee culture, rooted in resilience and reinvention. From the rugged Rockies to the sun-scorched Plains and the vibrant Southwest, 2025 saw a wave of new coffee shops emerge, each one a testament to the power of craft, community, and a deep connection to place. These aren’t just cafes; they’re hubs of innovation, where sustainability meets sophistication, and every cup tells a story. Compact Coffee in Salida, Colorado, is a standout example. This service company turned brick-and-mortar shop blends wrenches and portafilters into a space that’s as…
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The 2025 West Coast Coffee Scene: 10 Must-Visit New Shops

The 2025 West Coast Coffee Scene: 10 Must-Visit New Shops

This is worth savoring: 2025’s West Coast coffee scene is a masterclass in cultural fusion and bold experimentation. From Oaxacan heritage to space-age espresso, new shops are redefining what specialty coffee can be—without losing sight of the human stories behind every cup. The year was tough for many independents, but these operators leaned into craft, hospitality, and hyper-local identity to carve out fresh niches. Here’s how they did it. Cultural storytelling through coffee is no longer a trend—it’s a strategy. In Salem, Oregon, Prismatic Coffee Roasters turned its first cafe into a kaleidoscope of flavors, blending Oaxacan craftsmanship with Southeast…
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2025 Coffee Grinder Revolution: Precision, Tech, and the Future of Brewing

2025 Coffee Grinder Revolution: Precision, Tech, and the Future of Brewing

The coffee industry in 2025 didn’t just evolve—it redefined itself. At the heart of this shift? The grinder. No longer a silent workhorse, these machines became the centerpiece of innovation, blending cutting-edge connectivity, precision engineering, and user-centric design. From algorithm-driven adjustments to grind-by-weight tech, the year was a masterclass in how coffee gear can elevate both craft and efficiency. Connectivity transformed grinders from standalone tools into smart systems. Brands like Quamar and Fiorenzato embedded sensor-tracked extraction data, letting grinders automatically adjust based on espresso machine feedback. The Quamar Alpha’s 4.3-inch touchscreen and optional cooling system exemplified this trend, while Fiorenzato’s…
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8 Southern Italy Red Wines That’ll Surprise You

8 Southern Italy Red Wines That’ll Surprise You

Coffee lovers, wine enthusiasts, tea devotees—here’s your secret weapon. Southern Italy’s red wines are rarely spotlighted, yet they’re packed with depth, character, and a wildness that defies expectation. From volcanic soils to ancient vines, this region’s hidden gems offer a thrilling contrast to the usual Tuscan or Barolo crowd. These wines are the underdogs of the Italian wine world, and once you taste them, you’ll wonder why they’re not more celebrated. Aglianico is the king of Southern Italy’s dark horse roster. Found in Campania and Basilicata, it’s a grape that thrives in volcanic earth, delivering earthy, smoky notes with a…
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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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Why Your K Ultra Burrs Might Look Different—and What That Means for Your Brew

Why Your K Ultra Burrs Might Look Different—and What That Means for Your Brew

Here’s what you need to know: The K Ultra burrs in your 1zpresso grinder might not be identical—and that’s normal. If you’ve noticed subtle differences in their geometry, you’re not alone. These variations can stem from manufacturing tolerances, generational updates, or even the way the burrs are assembled. The key isn’t to panic but to understand how these differences might impact your grind. The burr on the right, with its longer cutting teeth at the bottom, likely offers a finer grind at lower settings. This could translate to more extraction in your shot, but it risks over-extraction if not dialed…
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6 White Wines to Unlock Your Palate

6 White Wines to Unlock Your Palate

Coffee lovers, wine enthusiasts, tea devotees—here’s your guide to white wine without the fluff. If you’ve ever dismissed white wine as a “lesser” option, you’ve missed out on a world of complexity. These six styles aren’t just categories—they’re gateways to understanding how terroir, aging, and grape variety shape flavor. Start with oaked Chardonnay, the bold, buttery titan that can cut through steak like a knife. Then taste its minimalist cousin, unoaked Chardonnay, which delivers crisp apple and lemon without the oak’s fingerprints. Sauvignon Blanc is the summer drinker’s anthem, but its New Zealand version is a zesty punchbox, while Sancerre…
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