Wine, Brews & Spirits
It is well to remember that there are five reasons for drinking: the arrival of a friend, one's present or future thirst, the excellence of the wine, or any other reason. — Latin proverb
Here we offer information and education about Wine, Brews & Spirits: everything from how to taste, how to buy, and how to pair. And we'll offer new discoveries, profiles about wine makers, brewers, distillers, and great places you can go to explore.
NOTE: All products are independently reviewed and none have paid for recognition. If you produce or sell an item you believe should be included, please email us.
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Astoria, Oregon: A Great Place for a “Beercation”
Boasting two great breweries and an “Ale Trail,” Astoria, Oregon is a great place for a “beercation.”
Winter Drink Pairings for the Holidays
To help with your festive gatherings here are a few good, old-fashioned partnerships (some with a bit of a twist) guaranteed to put the punch into holiday parties.
Enamored of Amarone: Perfect for Cool Weather
Cooler evenings beg for robust wines. RFT’s wine expert Julie Pegg thirsts for Amarone, a rich red from Italy.
Cool Climate Chardonnays Surprise and Delight
You take a sip. This chardonnay is a far cry from the two-by-four oak plank varietal you’ve come to expect. Until tonight, you were an anything but chardonnay (ABC) drinker. Not any longer.
Ah Summer Wine: Give Italian Varietals a Try
When it comes to picnics and patios, Italian white varietals define dining “al fresco”.
Irish Whiskies
Any saint whose feast day encourages sipping Jameson’s (whiskey) and quaffing Guinness (beer) while chowing down on Irish stew and soda bread, is well worth venerating.
Wine 101: From Grape to Glass
Learning about and purchasing wine can be daunting. There’s a jungle of vines and wines out there. The world of wine can be fraught with elitism. Where does one begin?
Leftovers and Hangovers
You look about the house. The best stemware got nicked (that could mean chipped, stolen, or both!). The marble counter is red-wine stained. The wood furniture is white stained from dripping glasses. Your belt is tight, your budget tighter. It’s enough to drive you to drink or dip into the dark chocolate. Wait. Wasn’t that how you arrived at this depressing moment?
Food and Wine Pairing: The Nice and the Nasty
Many self-claimed wine aficionados insist on drinking robust reds with all dishes. Others think all Chardonnay is oaky or all Riesling is sweet. (Neither is the case). Still others refuse to drink white wine at all.
Wines for the Tough-to-Buy People on Your List
“Wine is one of the few presents that makes both the giver and the receiver look good,” says Natalie MacLean, the red-nosed e-sommelier behind one of the largest wine web sites. “You look like you spent a bundle on the gift (even if you didn’t) and the recipients are happy that you think they know something about wine (even if they don’t).”
