Triennes rosé is nice and dry with bright, crisp strawberry and melon flavors, and great acidity. For April, I have chosen a wonderful rosé with...
Drinks
The Vine Room Brings the California Wine Scene to Hopkins
Hopkins’ new The Vine Room offers wine and a Cali vibe downtown. Ali Hanson may be the owner of The Vine Room, a recently opened wine bar in...
This Wine Has an Everyday Price-point, but Doesn’t Taste Like It
Aviary Cabernet Sauvignon is just $15.99, and would be a great contender in a blind tasting. For March, I’ve chosen a wine that is great for the...
This Italian Blend is the Perfect Wine for Valentine’s Day
For Valentine’s Day, sip on an Italian blend from Banfi. I’ve chosen a great red wine from Banfi for February. Banfi has long been known for...
How to Pair Cheese, Wine and Chocolate for a Perfect Valentine’s Day Spread
Local cheesemongers and wine experts share their recommendations for a perfect Valentine’s Day spread. Whether you’re hosting a romantic dinner,...
Former Viking Chad Greenway Gets Into the Booze Business with Gray Duck Vodka
Retired Viking Chad Greenway creates a hit spirits line. From throwing the football to brewing spirits, Chad Greenway, Wayzata resident and...
3 Unconventional Destinations for a Wine-focused Vacation
Take a wine-focused vacation that bucks the clichés. When you think of wine, food and travel, places like Napa and Italy typically first come to...
Boom Island Brewing Brings Belgian Beer to Minnetonka
After an eight-year run in Minneapolis, Boom Island Brewing moves its taproom to Minnetonka, tripling its space and keeping its dog- and...
This Month’s Liquor Pick is a Brandy That Will Definitely Warm You Up
Torres 10 is like brandy meets sherry meets rum, our liquor expert says. For January, this will warm you up. This is not a cocktail rum. I’d say...
The Best Sparkling Wines for the Holidays
Local liquor expert Kevin Castellano recommends some great sparkling wines. For December I’ve chosen some great sparkling wines—something a bit...
‘Community, Conversation and Coffee’: Penny’s Opens Third Location in Wayzata
For the minds behind Penny's Coffee, the location of their third shop was an easy choice. After opening two successful locations in Minneapolis,...
Inside The Freight Room, The Depot Coffee House’s Rebranded Music Venue
Over the past year, the 150-person music venue, now called the Freight Room, has undergone a rebranding. The Depot Coffee House has been a hub in...
Sauvignon Blanc is Our Wine Expert’s Thanksgiving Dinner Go-to
It’s time to start planning Thanksgiving dinner, and sauvignon blanc is always a good pairing for turkey, ham and sweet potatoes. For November I’ve...
The Beginner’s Guide to Aperitifs and Digestifs
Learn about aperitifs and digestifs from knowledgeable purveyors. An aperitif, according to Webster’s Dictionary, is “an alcoholic drink taken...
Bark and Brew: Wayzata Brew Works Hosts Dog Adoption Event
Each year, about five local organizations are involved in Wayzata Brew Works' adoption event. After releasing a new stout called Puppies, Rainbows...
Welcome Winter with Back Channel Brewing’s Soviet Slayer Release Party
Back Channel Brewing wraps up Thanksgiving week with its Soviet Slayer release party. Cheers! On November 30, local craft beer darling Back Channel...
October Wine Recommendation: Pour a Glass of GD Vajra’s Blends
GD Vajra from Piedmont, Italy makes terrific wines, and while their single varietal ones are great, our columnist says the blend is a good way to...
Being Sober Doesn’t Mean You Need to Stop Celebrating
How to navigate life without alcohol. How I celebrate life’s milestones has changed quite a bit. Not long ago, I celebrated the two-year anniversary...
This Delicious White Wine is Like Sauvignon Blanc Meets Chardonnay
Montenidoli makes a wonderful vernaccia di San Gimignano. For September, I’ve selected an often overlooked grape varietal, though it comes from a...
Cream & Amber Hopes to Be the Go-to Gathering Place in Hopkins
Our editor's pick for best place for a good read. Coffee shop cum bookstore cum taproom Cream & Amber opened in Hopkins this spring, and it’s...