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Latest by Mark Stock

A red wine glass and wine

Horton Vineyard’s Petit Manseng Is Officially the Best Wine in Virginia

Commonwealth wine doesn't mean much to many, but if this year's Governor's Cup winner has its say, that may well change.
the headhunters

Revisiting Classic Albums: Herbie Hancock’s Head Hunters is Heady Jazz for the Masses

We take a closer look at Herbie Hancock's must-have record, Head Hunters, which steered jazz brilliantly towards funk, soul, and fusion.
A red wine glass and wine

What’s Moldovan Wine? Here’s What You Need to Know

The small East European country boasts the largest wine cellar on Earth and an intriguing mix of native and French-inspired wines.
cassette tapes are back tape unraveled

Time to Flip to Side B: The Cassette Tape is Back

The cassette tape is roaring back to life at a growth rate that's even better than vinyl. Why does it still occupy a certain place in every music lover's heart?
baby bar in spokane

An Ode to Baby Bar, the Coziest Dive Bar in Spokane

Set in a tiny, inconspicuous space in Spokane, Baby Bar proves that size doesn't matter with its uniquely intimate brand of hospitality.
Force Majeure wine barrels at the winery.

Why Some Winemakers Are Using Cement Fermentation Tanks

Move aside French oak, stainless steel, and clay, cement is the new kid in the cellar, helping to produce some intriguing white wines.
Bruce Springsteen acoustic performance

Revisiting Classic Albums: Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen

Brice Springsteen's 1982 wonder was originally supposed to be a demo but turned into one of the greatest pieces of intimate folk ever.
austrian wine varietal guide a to varietals

A Guide to Austrian Wine Varietals

Austria is the alpine land of classical music and tremendous ski culture, but it's also home to a highly respectable wine scene.
punch fantasia

Punch Fantasia Is the Perfect Italian Drink for Winter

Hailing from the snow-capped mountains of Marche, Italy, Punch Fantasia is a complex liqueur built for winter.
Old Saloon Montana

A Love Letter to the Old Saloon, Emigrant, Montana’s Most Famous Bar

While most western-themed bars overdo it or don't do enough, the Old Saloon in Emigrant, Montana does the perfect amount.
Michael Jackson

You Should Listen Responsibly: Don’t Separate the Artist from the Music

The music industry has always had its share of sour apples but how are we to listen in the wake of #metoo and revelations about the likes of R. Kelly and Michael Jackson?
pink floyd

Revisiting Classic Albums: Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd's remarkable concept album is sheer genius, taking on the troubles of the modern world with a direct dose of prog-rock.
Fieldwork

Super Bowl of Beers: The Best Brews from San Francisco and Kansas City

With the Super Bowl LIV match-up decided, it’s time to take a look at a few of the beers and breweries that define the home of the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs.
benihana japanese steakhouse sushi bar success 1

The Story Behind Benihana, the World-Famous Japanese Steakhouse

Benihana launched from very humble beginnings back in 1964 and has since become a national chain known for its knife-savvy chefs.

6 American Vermouths to Add to Your Home Bar

Vermouth is a key ingredient in many cocktails. Check out these delicious American Vermouths that you can add to your home bar today.
Bon Iver

Revisiting Classic Albums: Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago

The Manual’s classic albums series is young yet, but it wouldn’t be a proper grouping without a few provocative selections. Bon Iver’s debut is a breakup album for the ages.
Louis Roederer Official

How Champagne Producer Louis Roederer Innovates While Also Staying Old School

Making Champagne and sparkling wine means more than just good bubbles for the sustainably-minded family at Roederer, first launched in 1776.
wine tariff glass money

Why You Need to Care About Wine Tariffs (and What People Are Doing About It)

The threat of tariffs is causing deserved panic throughout the drinks industry and many of its members are pushing back.
Minneapolis, Minnesota

9 Coolest Concert Venues in the United States

From downtown Seattle to the Manhattan borough of New York, these are the coolest venues in America to catch a live show for the ages.
edivo vino bottles on beach

Why Some Wineries Are Aging Their Wines Underwater

A 2010 discovery of extremely old wine in great shape at the bottom of the ocean has a select group of producers looking into the sea's positive impact on wine.
argentina wine cork glass

Why Argentinian Wines Are Surging In Popularity Worldwide

In Argentina, there's a wine wave coming to life and it's made of far more than just Malbec from Mendoza.
Umami mushroom pasta red wine

What Is Umami in Wine? A Closer Look at the Fifth Type of Taste

Known as the fifth flavor and residing somewhere between savory and earthy, umami is a present-day obsession among foodies and winos alike.
Tolpuddle Vineyard

More Than Just Devils: A Guide to Tasmanian Wine

For the latest in interesting Oceanic wines, go beyond Australia and New Zealand to remote Tasmania.
Allianz Stadium Serie A Juventus Inter Milan Soccer Stadium MRomelu Menama Lukaku Bolingoli Alex Sandro

The Effect of Coronavirus on Sports: The Ball Is in COVID-19’s Court

The coronavirus pandemic has caused so many elements of daily life to come to a screeching halt, including the vast world of sports. Where do we go from here?
vineyard okayama japan

Understanding the Burgeoning World of Japanese Wine

It's not going to happen overnight, but Japanese wine is a growing entity and may someday give local staples like sake some healthy competition.
A group of people having a meal.

What Is the Roseto Effect? How Close-Knit Communities Thrive

Not too long ago, an important study took place in the town of Roseto, Pennsylvania. The results are especially potent today, suggesting that relief for stress comes in a surprisingly straightforward and perhaps wildly effective form.
Gris and grigio wine

Gris and Grigio, Syrah and Shiraz: Understanding the Difference

Pinot Gris, Pinot Grigio, Syrah, and Shiraz are some of the most delicious and misunderstood wines varieties out there. Here's why and what to look for.
journalism newsroom media

Small Journalism Needs Your Help. And You Need Small Journalism

Small, independent media outlets have struggled for a while but the coronavirus pandemic may spell the end of many great American publications.
listening music isolation headphones

The Best Artists for Listening to Music in Isolation

Music is one of the best forms of medicine on the planet so try out some of these artists as we trudge through the quarantine and the effects of isolation.
Benedictine Brewery

Dubbel the Fun: A Guide to Monastic Beer

Belgians and beer go way, way back. For the monks, the tradition is well over 1,000 years old and born of much more than just a great way to cope with a fairly isolated religious branch. However, you don't have to take any vows to drink these delicious brews.
guide to israeli wine

A Quick Guide to Understanding Israeli Wine

The wine scene of Israel is mostly unsung despite being home to hundreds or producers spanning five unique regions. Sure, Manischewitz may be among the most known, but the winemaking tradition is rich in history (and flavor).
smart envinronmental drinking practices beer nature

Smart Practices for Drinking With the Environment in Mind

With only one earth to live on, we need to take care of it. As it turns out, you can have your drink and adhere to your environmental duties, too. Here are a handful of ways to heighten your enjoyment, with Mother Nature in mind.
Vineyard.

A Quick and Easy Guide to Popular German Wine Varietals

Move over pilsner and pretzels, German drinks culture is home to an expansive array of wines worthy of your October dinner table. Here are the most popular varietals that you should start with.
celebrities shotgunning beer baker mayfield shotguns

Why Are All These Celebrities Shotgunning Beers?

The absurd and messy beer-guzzling act is back courtesy of a new legion of thirsty yet impatient athletes and influencers.
falconer wine industry professional judah the falcon

Is Falconer the Coolest Drinks Industry Profession Out There?

There are many different ways that one can enter the drinks industry. From winemakers to bartenders to barbacks, there are plenty of things to do. One of the coolest industry professions though? Falconer.
cider drink friends

Community Cider Programs Make Cider and Benefit Charity

There are tons upon tons of unpicked produce in and near cities. These community cider programs are working to pick that fruit and they do it for a good cause.
wine harvest help ideas sorting and mashing the grapes for

Want to Get Dirty in the Name of Wine? Here’s How to Help with This Year’s Harvest

Looking to get involved in the wine harvest this year? Here are three ways you can get your hands dirty (or at least see others doing so).
underwood cans

Ditch the Bottle Opener Because Canned Wines are Having More than Just a Moment

First, there were bottles. Then, came the (sometimes) dreaded box wine. Now, producers are taking the game to the next level with canned wines.
Man sorting wine grapes in the vineyard

Why You Should Care About Healthcare Practices in Vineyards

Ever thought about the labor that goes into making a bottle of wine? What about the stresses that labor puts on workers? If you haven't, you should.
rainforest cafe still exists sign getty images

Remember The Rainforest Cafe? Bet You Didn’t Know It Still Exists

One of the banner chain restaurants of the mid-1990s, the Rainforest Cafe has endured and you can still go. Here's what to expect.
chilled red wine

You Can Chill Red Wines, Too. Here Are 5 Varietals to Try

White wines and rosés shouldn't have all of the fun. Here are five types of red wines that you should chill.
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From Under the Cork Tree: Understanding the Cork Harvest

Ever thought about what keeps your wine (or beer) safe from spoilage? No? Well, it's time to learn a little bit more about cork.
Merlot being poured into a glass

Merlot is Back: 5 Wines You Should Be Drinking Right Now

It has taken almost two decades, but it seems Merlot has recovered from the damage done to it by the movie Sideways. Here are some of the best to try today.
los angeles beer scene 2018 09 26 imperialwesternbeer streamliner 027 edit 1

Getting to Know the Los Angeles Beer Scene One Glass at a Time

L.A. has a bustling beer scene. Here's what you need to know and where to visit the next time you want a pint in the City of Angels.
Armistice Brewing Fog Wash Hazy IPA

When It’s Not Their Own: Here are 5 Drink-Makers’ Favorite Drinks

As a brewer or winemaker, you can't always drink your own product. We sat down with five drink-makers' producers to find out what they drink when they're not drinking their own stuff.
Pliny the elder

Understanding the Cult of Pliny the Elder Beer and Why People Can’t Get Enough

Ever wonder what makes a hard-to-find beer so hard to find? We talked to someone about one of those beers, Russian River Brewing's Pliny the Elder, to find out.
Jay Boberg feature

How Jay Boberg Went From Managing Bands to Managing Barrels

Managing wine and managing bands aren't all that different when you think about it. Just ask Jay Boberg, because he's done both.
Man pouring red wine in glass during dinner party

What are Sulfites? A Look at Wine’s Most Misunderstood Compound

If you've seen the word 'sulfites' on your bottle of wine and you have no clue what that means, you're in the right place.
master coopers wood barrel makers pacific northwest making rogue brewery

Barrel Makers and Master Coopers Are Taking Root in the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is a place rich in beer, wine, and spirits. Now, even the barrels are being made there.
red wine glass vineyard

What Is Natural Wine? An Introduction to the Hands-Off Winemaking Mentality

Natural wine is hard to define but well worth exploring especially after some insider wisdom from someone inside the winemaking industry.