Cork Rules

Camila Alvarez, head sommelier and consultant, and Robert Tas review the wine list at  Meson, Camila explores the extensive list, including Spanish wines, different grape varieties in different styles, Armenian wines, indigenous varieties and wines from Texas. She suggests Cava which is perfect to pair with seafood and Spanish dishes, an elegant red blend full of red and black plum flavors, blackc...

Sam Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at  Dear Annie, a community-focused neighborhood restaurant that focuses on brand values of sustainable foodways, unique and natural wines and friendly vibes. Sam shares what to pair with the house-made small plates and the menu that has a focus on fresh seafood and shellfish,  including wines from a 400-year-old...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the Italian wine list at the  LA hotspot Rossoblu . This fun and funky restaurant will not disappoint serious diners and wine lovers. On the menu, you will find handmade pasta dishes, in-house butchery and salumi, and classic Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist. The wine list offers unique varietals from family-owned w...

Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, also known as Maria The Wine Blonde, and Robert Tas review the wine list at  Lago restaurant in the Bellagio Hotel, a special Italian hot spot with fountain views. The menu reflects the regional cuisine of Italy and the wine list offers carefully selected bottles from various regions of Italy but also noteworthy wines from all over the globe....

Samantha Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas navigate the wine list at  Le Farfalle in the Harleston Village of Charleston South Carolina where they put a modern spin on traditional Italian cuisine and offer a stellar wine list. In addition to pairing suggestions and tasting notes, Sam shares background information on the wine regions and producers to take your wine educati...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the French bistro  Petit Trois in Los Angeles, an unassuming and unpretentious restaurant inspired by classic Parisian bistros and has won many accolades from foodies and food critics alike. They offer two award-winning wine lists and Grace reviews the wines on both to identify the approachable and affordable and the big balle...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at  The Red Dory where the views of the Sakonnet River offer a clue to the Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring fresh ingredients from local farms and docks. And to help you pair wine with seafood, shellfish, or meaty, saucy dishes Michaela identifies tasting notes and offers pairing suggestions to ensure the spices and he...

Tina Johansson, WSET Diploma Graduate and Michelin restaurant sommelier, joins Robert Tas to talk about the wine list at  Audrey , a traditional south-eastern inspired restaurant with a menu that serves local and seasonal products to showcase the best of the South. cornbread, heirloom apples and grits, all cooked and presented with a modern take. Want to know what to pair with grilled deer skewer...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier and Robert Tas explore the wine list at  Cowboy Star in San Diego's East Village. This steakhouse and butcher shop sources ethically-raised, meat and seafood. They have a stellar wine list and a reputation to match.  From bold, tannic reds to crisp, light whites, champagne that will definitely tickle the taste buds,  and a few surprises in between,...

Sam Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas talk wine, food, and wine producers as they explore the wine list at  Bar Mezzana in Boston. Sam identifies some interesting finds and introduces wines made from hybrid grape varietals, organic vineyards in Greece, and great vintages from family-owned vineyards. If notes of roasted nuts and flower petals, and beautiful bright flavors...

Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, also known as Maria the Wine Blonde, and Robert Tas head to Vegas where they review the wine list at Vanderpump a Paris, one of the Vanderpump collection of restaurants belonging to reality  TV star Lisa Vanderpump and her husband Todd. The vibe here is classical Paris complete with an old Parisian courtyard, Art Nouveau decor, and crystal cha...

In this special episode, Robert Tas reviews the wine list of  Essential by Christophe with their very own beverage director and sommelier, Andrea Morris. This newly-opened restaurant located on the Upper West Side of New York City has already won many accolades. It is a French restaurant, but rather than imitate the French Brasserie of bygone days, the decor is similar to modern restaurants in Par...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the wines of Italy at Felix Trattoria region by region. Travel by wine region. What a great way to get to know Italian wines, and Grace is on hand to help you navigate the list and the regions. Both the wine list and menu at Felix are inspired by the deeply rooted culinary traditions of regional Italy. Chef and master pasta...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas take a look through the wine list at  Oberlin in Providence, Rhode Island to find the value wines, special bottles, and little-known gems you might miss. A James Beard Award finalist, Oberlin features an extensive menu of seafood and pasta, and the wine list offers an eclectic selection of  Old World and New World wines, organic, skin contact,...

Tina Johansson, WSET Diploma Graduate and Michelin restaurant sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Chef Adrianne's Vineyard restaurant, a fine-dining steakhouse in Miami inspired by the wine country of Napa Valley. They offer an extensive, and international menu of wines including Japan, Italy, and Peru to name a few. Tina points out a few lovely bottles on the list and offers pairing...

Samantha Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at Taberna de Haro in Brookline, MA. This Spanish restaurant is known for its massive Spanish wine list and authentic Spanish cuisine that takes diners far beyond tapas. Think saffron-scented paellas, spicy garlic shrimp, and perfectly sliced Iberian ham all paired with select bottles from a James Beard awar...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the French restaurant  Left Bank where they specialize in fine dining and fine wine. The wine list is organized by region, and Grace travels through to find the wines that pair exceptionally well with the menu and are exceptionally delicious. From Champagne to Burgundy and beyond, taking this trip with Grace is a fun way to ex...

Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas talk Thai food and wine at  Lamaii. This cozy, inviting restaurant offers a wine list that focuses on rieslings, chablis, and, of course, Champagne, which are perfect for pairing with Thai food, but they also offer specialty cocktails, and reds. In addition to excellent pairing suggestions, Maria offers a little background infor...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at  Blu Ristorante where they offer a stand-out selection of Old-world and New-world wines to accompany their delicious menu. One addition to her suggestions is a pinot noir from the Dundee Hills in Oregon, and a Grecheto from Umbria with notes of white flowers, and lilacs, lemon zest, and grapefruit, with a mineral and her...

  Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier and Robert Tas visit the fun and funky restaurant Hatchet Hall. This lively neighborhood restaurant and bar focuses on the simplicity of quality ingredients sourced from local farmers. It's all about friendly vibes and fun times. The wine list is regularly updated with a menu that focuses on the wine's culture and history. Here, you will find a s...

Maria Valetta, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas talk about Spanish wine (and a little sherry) at  Jaleo by Jose Andres . Jaleo is all about the spirit and flavors of Spain. They provide an authentic Spanish culinary experience and showcase the rich regional diversity of Spanish cuisine, and, of course – Spanish wine.  Wines reviewed include: 2020 Ulacia Txakolina, Hondarrabi Z...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Hy's Steakhouse in Toronto. Their wine list has won the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, and includes classic producers, limited releases, and local selections from small producers in Canada. Michaela spots some stand-out wines on the list including a syrah with notes of ripe, red cherries, ripe raspberries, w...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas tune in to  Frasca in Boulder, Colorado where they explore wine for all occasions including hanging in the mountains or after skiing down the slopes. Grace checks out the champagne list, she finds a stellar white from this list that offers wines from many regions of Italy, including Umbria and Fiulli, and varietals that offer their...

In this special episode of CorkRules, Robert Tas interviews Allison Luvera and Lauren De Niro Pipher, the co-founders and CEOs of Juliet , a company that is turning perceptions of boxed wine upside down and delivering quality wine in sustainable, and accessible packaging.   They talk about the unique design choices they have made, how they overcame the stigma surrounding the quality of boxed wine,...

Sam Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at  Alcove. Located on the waterfront at Boston's Lovejoy Wharf, Alcove is a welcoming, neighborhood restaurant that serves fresh seafood fare and an award-winning wine list. Wines reviewed include: 2018 Domaine Guiberteau "Les Chapaudaises", Loire Valley 2021 Ameztoi "Rubentis" Txakolina, Spain 2020 La Soufrandi...