Cork Rules

Samantha Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas to enjoy the speakeasy vibe at Yvonne's . This playful supper club offers an intimate and exclusive dining room where guests can revel in the eclectic decor, enjoy a seasonal menu, and an adventurous wine list. Sam reviews the list to find the best bubbles and budget wines and offers pairing suggestions to ensure your dining expe...

Hanna Lauerman,  General Manager of Haley. Henry Wine Bar and Robert Tas review the wine list at Haley Henry. This popular wine bar has an intimate and bohemian vibe and a stellar wine list. They made the semi-finalist list for the 2020 James Beard "Outstanding Wine Program" award, and they focus on responsibly sourced and natural, small-production wines, so you know exploring this list is going t...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at Bin 26 Enoteca, a restaurant that proudly states they serve great food with their wine. In fact, the definition of Enoteca is a wine shop, wine bar, and wine library, so you know their wine list is going to offer some great bottles, and Michaela shares her expertise to help you navigate this international wine list with...

Tina Johansson, WSET Diploma Graduate and Michelin restaurant sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Freya . This multi-course dinner restaurant serves a price-fixed 5-course menu and exemplary hospitality. This is a welcoming and friendly establishment where the food and wine will not disappoint. Tina points out a few special bottles from Argentina and Chile, and she shares a little kn...

Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at  Carmine's . This comfortable, low-key eatery offers a big menu of pizza and Italian classics. It's the perfect place to kick back, relax and enjoy a meal with friends and family, and while the food is mostly Southern Italian in style, and the vibe here is relaxed, they offer a superior selection of wines...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit  Frenchie Wine Bistro , and as the name suggests, the wine list provides a plethora of old-world wines to tickle your palate and complement the flavors in your meal. This easy-going neighborhood restaurant has a wall-length wine bar for you to explore and a romantic garden-side solarium where you can enjoy the vast selection of delicious...

Winemaker and entrepreneur, Josh Phelps talks to Robert Tas about his company  Grounded Wine Co . They discuss reaching a younger generation, how climate change is affecting the industry, and packaging and marketing.  Josh shares his experience in making wine in different regions of the U.S.,  the reason behind the success of his company, and his plans for the future.  Key points include: The futu...

Samantha Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit  Vincent's , a  modern American restaurant where they offer a two-page wine list that is carefully crafted and packs in some really unique bottles, natural wines, and a mix of Old and New World options. Wines reviewed include: 2020 Orto Vins Les Argiles Blanc, Spain 2019 Maitre De Chai, California 2021 Division Winemaking C...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Sorellina . This Italian-inspired restaurant is invitingly warm and chic, and the wine list offers an excellent representation of wines from both the Old World and New World. Their wines-by-the-glass program offers a broad range of wines, including nearly 40 wines to taste from-sparkling, red, white, and dessert styles,...

Maria Valetta, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas take a trip to San Diego where they explore the wine list at Herb & Wood ,  a delightful Italian restaurant that focuses on Mediterranean cuisine and rustic, wood-fired dishes. The secret garden courtyard and indoor restaurant with vaulted ceilings make this location a dining destination in San Diego and one that will not disappo...

Grant Wood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at The Morris , a modest bistro that serves exceptional meals and offers a unique collection of wines and spirits from around the globe. The many reviews of this restaurant are testimony to the quality, and Grant ensures you make the most of the innovative cuisine by offering tasting notes on a wide variety of w...

Robert Tas talks to Chris Phelps, winemaker and owner-operator of  Ad Vivum in Napa Valley. Chris  talks about his background in wine, how his son encouraged him to start making wine, and the origin story of  Ad Vivum, but throughout this interesting conversation, one thing is clear: Chris has an immense passion for the land, the grape, and, of course, the magical alchemy that happens when you bri...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at the Greek restaurant  Krasi . This comfortable, convivial restaurant is all about creating a welcoming space where people can gather to enjoy good food, good company, and good conversation. And what helps the conversation flow better than good wine?  Krasi offers an incredible lineup of standout Greek varietals, natural...

Tina Johansson, WSET Diploma Graduate and Michelin restaurant sommelier, and Robert Tas navigate the wine list at  Elvie's . The wine list offers bottles from America to Slovenia in Europe and includes wine from small wineries where they cultivate untraditional grape varieties. This is a place to expand and explore your knowledge of wine, and Tina is here to help identify key pairings, tasting not...

Maria Valetta, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the classic steakhouse Bavettes . The restaurant is an inviting, Parisien-styled brasserie complete with intimate lighting, making this an ideal romantic date-night spot. The wine list is a carefully curated choice of classic wines and steadfast favorites. Maria explores select bottles on the list, identifies tasting notes, and offers pairin...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at  The Federal where white table elegance and an innovative "new American" cuisine with Italian and French influences ensure an enjoyable and memorable dining experience, but let's not forget the wine. The extensive wine list features half bottles, magnums, stand-out value wines, and excellent dessert wines, and fortunate...

In a special edition of CorkRules, Robert Tas interviews Erika Polmar, Executive Director and one of the founders of the Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC). She founded Plate and Pitchfork and has been a strong advocate in our industry, and Bobby Stuckey – a legend in the hospitality industry. He is a Master Sommelier who worked for the likes of Thomas Keller and has built his own hospitality...

Maria Valetta, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas take a trip to Spago where they go through the 60-page menu to find a few select bottles for you to try. In addition to a stellar range of Rieslings, they offer a delicious range of chardonnays and white Bordeaux wines. Wines reviewed include: 2006 Barolo Monfortino, Giacomo Conterno, Italy 2005 Château de Fonsalette, Cotes du Rh...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the French brasserie,  Coquette . If you love the food of Southwest France and Spain's Basque Country, this is the place for you.  The combination of Galic influences and Boston's fresh seafood are beautifully represented in the menu, and the wines served open the door to the brasserie's playful and flirtatious energy. Wines reviewed incl...

Grant Wood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas take a trip to San Fan where they review the wine list at  Spruce . This restaurant serves California-inspired cuisine sourced from a private five-acre organic farm. The wine list is carefully curated and offers 3, 500 selections. Whether you are wondering which cocktail to choose, glass or bottle of wine, Grant shares his experienc...

Samantha Hohl, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at Bacchanalia, an award-winning restaurant that serves a four-course, seasonal, prix fixe menu. Sam shares a little background info on some of the wine producers, offers pairing suggestions, and stellar recommendations on both value wines and special occasion bottles. Wines reviewed include: 2016 Pinot Noir from Day Wines in...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the restaurant,  Prairie Whale . Surrounded by circle of vegetable and livestock farmers, cheesemakers, and foragers these suppliers have helped build the Whale's reputation as a legitimate farm-to-table restaurant. This dedication to quality extends to the wine list where they offer a large selection of reds and whites, organic, and oran...

Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at  Carbone , a high-end Italian restaurant that retains the glamor of mid-20th-century Italian restaurants. The New York-inspired menu is complemented by a wine list that offers a stellar selection of wines from Italy, France, and, of course, California.   Wines reviewed include: 2021 Lunae, Colli di Luni,...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas head south to San Diego where they review the wine list at  Market del Mar , an upscale restaurant that serves Californian fare with a local, seasonal focus and a great international wine list including a stellar mix of whites, reds, roses, and of course, bubbles to set your evening in the right direction.    Wines reviewed include:...

Grant Wood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at the farm-to-table restaurant  Chez Panisse . Alice Waters opened Chez Panisse fifty years ago as a place where friends and neighbors could gather together around the table, eat good food, and exchange ideas about politics, art, and culture, and, the reason we are here, enjoy exceptional wines.  Wines reviewe...