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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The Green Heart of Italy: Slow Wine Italy, part 2
RFT Wine Editor Julie Pegg explores Umbria, “ The Green Heart of Italy,” and brings back flavorful wine and food memories.
Tackling Bend, Oregon’s Ale Trail
Bend, Oregon, has more breweries and brew pubs per capita than any city in the U.S. Our Brew Boy, Brian Yeager, takes us there.
Oyster Rama: Pairing Wine with Oysters
What wine goes with oysters? Wine writer John Morrison unlocks the secrets of perfect pairing.
Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch 125th Anniversary Cocktail Recipes
Whisky cocktails are experiencing a resurgence, especially single malt cocktails. Here’s some to celebrate Glenfiddich’s 125th anniversary.
Umbria: Slow Wine (and Food) at a Fast Pace
Italy’s Orvieto offers travelers terrific local wine and foods all in a beautiful and historic setting.
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?
