Cork Rules

Samantha Holl, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit  Row 34 in Boston's historic Fort Point neighborhood. Sam points out a few of the best bottles on the list and offers pairing suggestions for a few of the sensational seafood dishes such as the tuna tartare and sesame cucmber in lime, monkish, and champagne and oysters. From natural wines and orange wines to Hungarian hidde...

Tina Johansson, WSET Diploma Graduate and Michelin restaurant sommelier, and Robert Tas take a trip to  The Surf Club at Miami Beach , a Kellers' flagship restaurant and one that celebrates and upholds the glamor of the   '50s and '60s hotspots. The Surf Club offers a list of traditional wines with a lot of the big, famous names that always deliver, and Tina identifies the bottles on the list that...

Samantha Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas head south to Charleston to review the wine list at  The Ordinary , where Sam finds a spectacular selection of wines including a pet nat from Slovenia, a spectacular skin contact wine, and one that is a must-pair with oysters. In addition to her wine tasting expertise, Sam shares a little background knowledge on the wine producer...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the extensive wine list at  Wally's Beverly Hills , a one-stop shop for everything delicious – including a list of over 100 wines by-the-glass to explore, and five pages of Bordeaux to choose from. Wally's offers a large selection of wines from the world's finest vineyards, and Grace helps you navigate the list to choose a d...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier and Robert Tas explore the wine list at  Tuscarora Mill , affectionately known as Tuskies. While the cuisine here is classic American fare, the wine list offers an extensive choice of Old World and New World favorites, organic and biodynamic selections, and several, carefully selected local wines. Michaela kicks off the review in Italy, moves over to Spain, an...

In this episode of CorkRules, Robert Tas interviews, Viva Lenoir Head of Aromas and Development Officer at Le Nez. Viva was born around the same time as Le Nez du Vin , the olfactory-book created by her father, Jean Lenoir. A keen enjoyer of wine, she specializes in the sensory analysis of coffee and whisky. A former comedian and radio speaker, Viva had an interesting and adventurous life before r...

Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at  Jasmine, in Bellagio Hotel. This restaurant is located in a beautiful setting that serves Cantonese, Szechwan, and Hunan cuisine. If you don't know what to pair with Asian food, don't worry, Maria identifies the tasting notes in wines and offers pairing suggestions with meals on the menu, including well-...

Samantha Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas take a trip to South Charleston to review the wine list at  The Fig where southern dishes with a unique twist are prepared with seasonal ingredients and creativity. Sam checks through the list where she identifies a small producer with 40-year-old vines who focuses on minimal intervention, she spots a producer who farms their vin...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the  Trio Grill in Falls Church , Virginia where the focus is on offering the finest steaks, the freshest seafood, and, most importantly, an extensive, award-winning wine list. Michaela identifies standout,  Old and New World favorites, wines to pair with salmon, tuna, scallops, and spicy dishes, and a chardonnay with bright acidity, ripe...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at  The Belvedere located in the Peninsula Hotel in Los Angeles . This elegant, European brasserie displays a classic French-country aesthetic steeped in Southern California luxury. Guests can enjoy the culinary creations of a Michelin-star chef while indulging in a wine list that offers an equally elegant wine...

Valentina Abonna talks about the generational family-owned and operated vineyard,  Marchesi de Barolo . She shares the genesis of the Barolo wine (also known as the king of wines and wine of kings) that dates back to the 1600s, and is birthed from a love story when a young bride was brought to the village and decided that a quality wine was needed, long before the Piedmont region was recognized as...

Samantha Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at  Harvest in Cambridge,  Massachusetts. This restaurant has been serving meals with its unique twist on American cuisine since 1975. Sam finds some spectacular wines on the list, including wine from producers who use only grapes they grow themselves, wines from 50-year-old vines, and wines from high up Spr...

  Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Magnolias at the Mill in Virginia where new American dining meets old America complete with barnlike wood decor, quilts, and rustic charm. Michaela looks through the extensive wine list that features classic old and new world wines from standout producers and offers pairing suggestions with items on the menu, and wines...

Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas hit the Las Vegas strip and pop in to  Estiatoria  Milos to review the wine list at this award-winning Greek restuarant that serves authentic Greek cuisine and an eclectic wine list that features a wonderful selection of Greek wines, including 20 wines-by-the glass options which offers guests the opportunity to branch out and ex...

Grant Wood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit Afici , a contemporary, fine dining restaurant with welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. The multiple-course menu showcases Italian and French flavors and techniques. And most importantly, they have a great cocktail program and a wonderful wine list to match. Wines reviewed include: 2013 Guy Charlemagne"Les Coulmets" Grand Cr...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas hit the high spot Spago in Beverly Hills where Grace reviews the 60-page wine list to find the hidden gems, value bottles and celebration wines. Whether you lean towards a delightful white Burgundy, Italian or Spanish reds, or are a firm believer in chardonnay all day, every day, Grace finds the wine that will delight and deliver on...

Samantha Hohl, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas head to Vermont to review the wine list at Michael's on the Hill, a restaurant set in an 1820s farmhouse that serves European comfort food, sustainable & unprocessed. The award-winning chef, Michael Kloeti, has been recognized as one of the country's top culinary talents in the inaugural edition of Best Chefs America. Sam reviews the wine list whe...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas embark on another wine adventure as they peruse the wine list at Girasole. Chef-owned and operated, Girasole serves authentic Italian cuisine with house-made pasta and local ingredients. The mantra here is fresh, rustic fine dining and a warm welcome.  You will find a casual European atmosphere, and the highest quality food and wine. The wine l...

Tina Johansson, WSET Diploma graduate and Michelin restaurant sommelier, and Robert Tas head downtown to review the wine list at  Miami hotspot, Zucca. Known as one of the best Italian restaurants in Miami, Zucca has received numerous accolades for its authentic Italian cuisine, award-winning wine cellar, and gracious hospitality. Tina travels north and south as she dives into the list and finds s...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Jeune et Jolie in San Diego. This restaurant offers diners a choice of a 4-course menu in which guests make their selections, but ultimately enjoy fine dining California style, or the more casual, "Le Menu du Bar" an à la carte menu available for walk-in guests at our bar and lounge. Whether you prefer casual...

Grant Wood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit Ancora . If seafood is on your mind, this is the restaurant for you. Ancora is focused on seafood and is influenced by Italy. You could even go as far as to say this restaurant pays homage to the bounty of the ocean, and the wine list has been specifically curated to work with the seafood dishes. Grant talks bubbles and whites...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore a fabulous selection of Italian wines at  Carisma . Known as one of Toronto's best Italian restaurants, Carisma offers an extensive wines-by-the-glass list. The list focuses on Italian wines from various regions but also offers favorites from the New World. If you are looking for a beautiful wine to enjoy as an aperitif or to pair with...

  Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, also known as Maria the Wine Blonde, interviews Beverage Program Director Tim Keller at  Naxos Taverna at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa in Las Vegas. talks about his experience in the hospitality industry, how he first became interest in wine, and his enterprising journey from waiter to restauranteur, and finally, how he was hired at Naxos Ta...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at  Cucina Urbana where they serve contemporary Italian cuisine with a focus on California seasonality and the bounty of local farms. Their wine program features 200+ labels from around the world, with an emphasis on Italian and California varietals and Grace peruses the wine list to find some hidden gems, inclu...

Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit  Holsteins in the Cosmopolitan hotel and casino, home of the best burger in town and a wine list that's broken into four sections: Reds, Rosé slash Sparkling Rosé, Whites, and Champagne & Sparkling wine. Maria kicks off the review with a cocktail to whet the appetite before diving into the wine list where she finds some sp...