When Ian Hocking and his wife began searching for a place to build a winery, they didn’t have France in mind. They didn’t even have Bordeaux in mind. What they did have was an idea that challenged the rules, imagery, and expectations of some of the world’s most tradition-bound wine regions.

Cheese and wine are a classic pair, not just because they come from the same farms or because they both rely on fermentation, but because, on a molecular level, they complete each other. When they’re right, the harmony feels effortless; when they clash, it’s usually because fat, acid, tannin, or salt aren’t playing nicely.

In Spain, wine isn’t always reserved for dinner. Long before the first bite of tapas or a hearty paella, locals often gather around a glass of vermut, the country’s beloved aromatized wine, as part of a ritual that is equal parts tradition and social theater.

Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned worldwide for its power, complexity, and aging potential. Its thick skins and high tannins make it a robust grape, capable of producing wines that evolve gracefully over decades.   Whether in the storied châteaux of Bordeaux, the sun-drenched vineyards of California, or the emerging regions of Chile and Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon embodies strength and elegance, captivating wine lovers with its signature aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, and grap

For those who consider themselves more beer drinkers than wine drinkers, the world of wine can often feel unfamiliar or even intimidating. But many wines actually share flavor qualities that make them a natural next step for anyone who enjoys the complexity and variety found in beer. From the bitterness of hops to the roasted maltiness of a stout, these familiar elements show up in wines too — just in different forms.

Chardonnay can be quite a divisive grape variety. Some wine drinkers love the complexity of the grape — how it can be buttery and weighty from California or bright and refreshing if from Chablis. Some wine drinkers however call themselves “ABC drinkers,” as in “anything but Chardonnay.”  Chardonnay is the ultimate shapeshifter of the wine world. It can be razor-sharp and mineral-driven like the limestone it grows in, or rich and creamy, layered with butter and tropical fruit

Whether you’re an aspiring sommelier, a wine enthusiast ready to elevate your passion, or simply curious about the idea of cellaring bottles for the future, building a wine collection can be a rewarding (and delicious!) venture. The key is to combine strategy, storage know-how, and personal taste to create a collection that ages well and brings lasting enjoyment.

If there’s a white grape that shouts freshness and vibrancy, it’s Sauvignon Blanc. Known for its bright acidity, lively citrus aromas, and often grassy or herbaceous notes, Sauvignon Blanc is the go-to white for those who want their wine crisp and vibrant.

Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned sipper, there’s a wine book that can uncork something new for you. From visual guides and historical recounts to industry exposés and regional discoveries, these books reflect the diverse, complicated, and delicious world of wine.

Like wine, matcha is deeply tied to the place it is grown. For those drawn to its structure and nuance, certain wines offer a similar experience. Whether through savory complexity, texture, or layered aromatics, certain grape varieties reflect the same same drinking experience that matcha provides.

Burgundy is world renowned for its ageable, high-quality wines. Nestled in eastern France along a narrow stretch of limestone ridges, Burgundy is a prime example of how terroir can make a wine identifiably no matter what country it is enjoyed in. 

Few wine regions command as much reverence and global recognition as Bordeaux. Located in southwestern France near the Atlantic coast, Bordeaux isn’t just a place, it’s a benchmark for the wine industry. Its vineyards, châteauxs, and classification system are deeply entwined with the rise of global wine prestige.

While the classic food and wine pairing rule of white wine for seafood, red for steak still holds true, thoughtful pairings can dramatically elevate both the experience of eating and drinking. Food and wine pairing may seem overwhelming at first, however, it can really be simplified into understand how the key flavor components of salty, acidic, sweet, umami, oily and spicy can change how a wine tastes.

Pinot Noir is often the entry point for many wine drinkers wanting to dive into the world of red wine.

Pinot Grigio, often called Pinot Gris, is one of the world’s most popular white wine grapes, but it often doesn’t get the credit it deserves.

A cozy cup of chai, a black tea steeped with milk and a blend of warm spices like cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and clove, is the ultimate cozy comfort drink. If you like chai, you'll like these wines.