Cork Rules

Robert Tas and special guest, Bradley Knebel, General Manager of  Tatiana, talk about Bradley's career in wine, inclusivity and diversity in wine production, and, of course, the wines on the list at Tatiana. From velvety pinots to sublime orange wines, Bradley shares the inspiration behind the list, the extraordinary bottles that should not be missed, and a little background knowledge on the produ...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas bring a little country to the city with a wine list review from the  Urban Farmer , a modern steakhouse that, as they say, is unexpected, unpretentious, and unforgettable. They offer a spectacular wine list that includes an international selection and many great bottles from the Pacific Northwest. Grace finds some sensational sparkl...

Samantha Hohl, certified sommelier and wine educator, and Robert Tas review the wine list at  Mariel  where Cuban dishes, craft cocktails, and a curated wine list offer a taste of Havana in its heyday.  Wines reviewed include: 2020 Rafael Palacios Godello from Valdeorras, Spain 2018 Marcel Deiss Saint Hippolyte Pinot Noir 2018 Suertes Del Marques "Trenzado" For more information on today's episode,...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at  Chiado a Portuguese restaurant that offers an exciting selection of wines specifically from Portugal, and, in addition to wine, port which originates from Portugal. Michaela suggests wines from several different regions of Portugal, she describes the tasting notes and offers pairing suggestions, and even helps you find...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas join forces to navigate the wine list at  Jory at the Allison where their focus on wine pairings delivers an exquisite dining experience. Grace reviews a wonderful selection of Italian wines, including chardonnays, pinot noirs, tempranillos, and, of course, bubbles to ensure that she covers your favorite grape and offers a few that...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at  Harriet's Rooftop , an elegantly comfortable space where patrons can take in the most expansive views of vibrant Toronto. Do aromas of white flowers, honeysuckle, ripe pear, lemon zest and spice tickle your palate? If so, dive into the podcast where Michaela offers pairing suggestions for a few local and organic wines,...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at  The Painted Lady . This restaurant is in the heart of Oregon Wine Country and is surrounded by more than 200 wineries. If a fine dining wine experience is on your list, this place is worth the trip. The goal of the owner-operators is to create and "unforgettable food journey crafted from the fine ingredient...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at  Barberian's Steakhouse. With over 100 pages, this list is a who's who of top producers, and in nearly every vintage. This could be Canada's most stunning wine cellar, with more than 15,000 bottles from the world's greatest vineyards, and all to complement top-grade, dry-aged steaks that are butchered in-house.   Wines r...

Samantha Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Coast Guard House Restaurant , a delightful location with spectacular sea views, and locally harvested seafood. Whether you want a special wine to celebrate with or one that meets your budget, or if you want to try one of the newer natural wines on the list, Sam offers suggestions on old-world and new-worl...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas navigate the wine list at  Larkspur , set in a glorious location, this mountain venue is set on the edge of a forest and provides panoramic views. Grace reviews a wide selection of wines and kicks off the review with bubbles.  Wines reviewed include: 2017 Pierre Gimonet Premier Cru 2019 Brundlmayer Gruner Veltliner 2005 Clerc Milon...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at  Canoe , a Canadian restaurant that is inspired by the provinces of Canada, and the wine list offers a carefully curated selection of old and new-world wines to explore. Michaela explores the list, shares information about sweetness in bubbles, and kicks off the review with a spectacular sauvignon blanc that would pair w...

Tina Johansson, WSET Diploma Graduate and Michelin restaurant sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at  Dear Margaret, an authentic French Canadian restaurant. The atmosphere is rustic and the food is wholesome, comforting and surprisingly decadent. The wine list represents the world of wine with selections from classic areas in addition to regions on the rise, offering something for the...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas navigate the wine list at  Elways owned by and named after the NFL quarterback, John Elways. This is the place to go in Vail if you want a chophouse that serves steak and sides with sensational wines.   Wines reviewed include: 2020 Gruner Veltliner from Ingrid Groiss 2019 Chateau la Rame White Bordeaux 2020 Paul Pernot Puligny Montr...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas head north to explore the wine list at  Harbour 60 where they serve the best steak in town. This exceptional restaurant offers a wonderful selection of old-world and new-world wines, and it also features a few standout Canadian wines that are new to the market but well worth trying. Michaela finds a few delicious whites to pair with shellfish o...

Sam Hohl, certified sommelier, joins Robert Tas to review the wine list at Barbuto , an Italian restaurant heavily influenced by California vibes. The menu is simple and seasonal, and the wine list features an eclectic selection of Italian, French, and California wines, amongst other lesser-known varietals from all over the world. Sam dives in, finds a few hidden gems, and makes stellar pairing su...

Robert Tas interviews Cheron Cowan, Advanced Sommelier from Court of Master Sommeliers, and the beverage director from Craft, Tom Colicchio's flagship restaurant where guests enjoy award-winning dishes in an elegant and comfortable space. This restaurant has won many awards for both food and wine. Whether you want a white, red, or rose, Cheron identifies the bottles on the list that should not be...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit The Shore Club , a fabulous restaurant with locations in both Ottawa and Toronto. This is an elegant seafood and steakhouse with a comfy dining area and lively cocktail bar, plus a long wine list. Michaela explains why you should try a Brut Cremant if you are looking for quality bubbles at a good price, and, of course, she identifies the...

Tina Johansson, WSET Diploma Graduate and Michelin restaurant sommelier joins Robert Tas to review the wine list at Brennan's , a New Orleans restaurant that has been open since 1946. They offer an innovative Creole menu with influences from France and Spain. If you want a New Orleans experience, this is the place to go. Tina spots a delicious and natural wine prosecco,  a wine to eat with sweet d...

Grace Hood and Robert Tas explore the wine list at  Fall Line Kitchen & Cocktails . This restaurant embodies the apres-ski vibe and offers fresh, contemporary cuisine with worldwide inspiration, but most importantly, a stellar wine list to enjoy after a day in the snow or on any summer afternoon.  Wines reviewed include: 2020 Pinot Bianco from Catina Tramin, Alto Adige,  Italy 2019 Chenin Blanc fr...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at  Opus, named one of the top 91 restaurants in the world, and has earned the Wine Spectator Grand Award consistently for over 20 years. This is no easy task because their cellar holds over 52,000 bottles. Luckily, Michaela navigates the list and finds a range of bottles that will satisfy the palate, whether you are lookin...

Grant Wood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the famed  Miller & Lux modern American steakhouse. This establishment dates back to humble beginnings as a butcher shop in the 1850s. The founders, Henry Miller and Charles Lux, grew the business into one of the largest cattle ranchers in America, so you know the menu is going to offer prime cuts with delicious results. And t...

Robert Tas and sommelier Emily Gutierrez's sommelier reviews the wine list at Ruffian , and who better to review it than the restaurant's sommelier herself? Ruffian has earned many accolades and awards for both the food and the wine. Located in East Village, they offer a great selection of vegetarian cuisine and a dynamic wine list that provides over 250+ selections by the bottle (including 35+ or...

Samantha Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas kick back at the restaurant,  Stoneacre Garden where they not only have a welcoming and wholesome dining room where you will experience deliciously comforting cuisine, but they also offer a greenhouse bar, a courtyard bar, and rooftop bar. The vibe here is vibrant, fun, and wholly delightful. They frequently host events including...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at Field and Maine, a restaurant with a wholesome, rustic vibe that serves locally-sourced and globally-inspired cuisine. Michaela reviews a stellar list of reds, whites, roses and sparklers from around the world. She identifies the tasting notes to help you make pairing choices that will elevate your meal and enhance your...

Maria Valetta, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas head to Las Vegas where they review the wine list at  North Italia . If Italian wine is your jam, then this review should not be missed. Maria offers tasting notes and pairing suggestions on wines from a variety of varietals and regions. Want to know what to pair with pizza or your favorite pasta dish? Maria can help you choose w...