Cork Rules

Jane Anson joins Robert Tas today to talk about the future of wine and sustainability in the wine industry. Jane is a graduate of the DUAD tasting diploma with the Bordeaux Institute of Oenology and an accredited wine teacher at the Bordeaux Ecole du Vin. She has lived in Bordeaux since 2003; she has won several awards for her writing and is the author of  Inside Bordeaux , and is the co-author or...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit Smitty's Grill in Pasadena where they serve all-American comfort food accompanied by a well-rounded wine list from their award-winning wine cellar which has been recognized by the esteemed Wine Spectator every year since they opened their doors. And Grace is here to identify those bottles on the list that are sure to impress y...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas take a trip to Cape Cod where they review the wine list at Brewster's Fish House . This contemporary seafood restaurant provides a bistro-style menu that changes seasonally to reflect the freshest available fare. And more importantly, they offer a stand-out selection of Old World and New World wines to complement the menu. Wines reviewed includ...

Sam Hohl, certified sommelier and wine educator, and Robert Tas take a trip to Camille's in Rhode Island. This classic Italian restaurant features a spectacular wine list (they won a Wine Spectators award in 2020) with beautiful bottles from Italy and renowned producers, including the largest organic estate in Tuscany. Wines reviewed include: 2015 Col D'Orcia Brunello Di Montalcino Vigna Nastagio,...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit Alcove a neighborhood restaurant situated on the waterfront at Boston's Lovejoy Wharf and a great place to enjoy the sea view, sea air, and, of course, seafood and wine.  Michaela reviews a few stellar whites and reds from Spain, a must-try Beaujolais and a white Burgundy that pairs beautifully with the seafood on the menu, and she shares...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas take a trip to Queensview Steakhouse in Long Beach. This chophouse offers a wine list with a diverse selection that's earned Wine Spectator's distinction  Award of Excellence.  Grace reviews whites from Italy and California, reds from renowned Californian producers, and of course, the baller bottles for a special occasion and budget...

Maria Valetta, certified sommelier, also known as Maria The Wine Blonde, and Robert Tas try a  little tapas in Las Vegas, but more importantly, they review the wine list at Julian Serrano at the Aria Casino and Resort . The wine list at this restaurant is mostly Spanish and hosts a delicious selection of wines. Maria offers expert opinions on malbecs, must-trys and value wines, in addition to offe...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit Ceconni's in West Hollywood. This is a modern-day classic Italian restaurant that serves hand-made pasta, seafood and dishes from Italy using the finest ingredients. Their wine list offers a wide selection of Italian wines that range from wonderful finds in the value section to some nice special occasion bottles.   Wines revie...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at the French brasserie, La Voile. The food is quintessentially French, and the wine list is a  fine expression of the best French wines. Michaela chooses wines from a variety of French regions, including a stand-out Bourdeaux, a must-try Chateau Montus, and an exceptional blend for a celebration wine.  Wines reviewed incl...

Thomas Delasko,  General Manager and Sommelier at EOS Hospitality and Robert Tas review the wine list at Via Sophia , a modern osteria in the heart of DC where patrons can enjoy Italian classics and a large selection of Italian wines in addition to wine from the best French growing regions and acclaimed Californian wines, too.  Wines reviewed include: 2020 Surrau Vermentino, Italy Pommery "Cuvee L...

Maria Valetta, certified sommelier and wine educator, and Robert Tas visit Giada's Restaurant. Maria spots a few fabulous finds, offers pairing suggestions, and dives deep into the tasting notes and mouthfeel to help you find a wine you'll love.  Wines reviewed include: 2018 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs, Sonoma, California  2013 Three Sticks, The James, Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills 2017 Herman Stor...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit The White Horse Tavern. Originally opened in 1673, this colonial restaurant is committed to providing local, fresh produce, including artisan cheese, honey, prime cuts of beef and the highest quality chops and poultry from local farms. In addition to tasting notes and pairing suggestions, Michaela offers a little background information on...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas head to Long Beach where they review the wine list of Parker's Lighthouse , a spectacular seafood restaurant and home to a two-story wine cellar. This establishment is the proud recipient of Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence, so you know there are going to be some great bottles on the list, and Grace will help you find them. Wine...

Sam Hohl, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at One White Street located in Tribeca, New York City. This neighborhood restaurant serves seasonally-inspired dishes and exciting wines from Wine Director Tyler Potts' curated list. Sam reviews a few stellar bottles and offers pairing suggestions to enhance the wine and the cuisine.  Wines reviewed include: 2019 Baily A, Grape Re...

Certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan and Robert Tas review the wine list at Il Cappriccio where they serve a northern Italian menu, featuring locally-sourced fish, meats, and produce, accompanied by an award-winning Italian wine and grappa list.  Wines reviewed include: 2014 Roagna Rosso, Piedmont 2014 Bucci "Villa Bucci" Verdicchio Riserva, Castelli di Jesi 2017 Fèlsina 'Rancia' Chianti Classico...

Grace Hood, certified sommelier and wine educator, and Robert Tas visit the American-fusion restaurant Patroon where guests can experience a modern menu of seasonal American favorites an exceptional wine list that displays a deep commitment to wine in a lively sophisticated atmosphere and unforgettable New York experience. In this episode, Grace recommends natural wines fermented from wild yeast,...

Certified sommelier and wine consultant Alexis Percival and Robert Tas chat about the wine list at Steak Frites , named after that French staple and international favorite meal that's always enjoyable, just like the atmosphere at this comfortable and welcoming restaurant. Alexis curated the list here and offers expert advice on orange wines, sparkling wines, what to pair with select items on the m...

Sam Hohl, certified sommelier, joins Robert Tas to explore Lyla Lila's wine list. Lyla Lila is located in Midtown Atlanta, and this southern European restaurant provides menus that evolve seasonally, reflecting local, fresh produce and seafood. Their carefully curated wine list champions winemakers and grape growers who farm their vines responsibly and craft their wines with little to no intervent...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit 22 Bowen in Newport where they serve steak and fresh, local seafood in a classy nautical-themed dining room with waterfront views. This charming restaurant is defined by its casual elegance, indulgent food, classic drinks and warm, genuine hospitality, and did we mention the wine list? It's a lively, ever-evolving list that includes both...

Maria Valetta, certified sommelier, also known as Maria The Wine Blonde, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at Mon Ami Gabi , an expansive restaurant at the base of the Vegas Eiffel Tower in the Paris Hotel Casino. This restaurant feels and looks classically French. They serve authentic French cuisine and a wine list that offers more than 80 boutique French wines by the bottle or glass. Maria sh...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the legendary Polo Lounge inside the Beverly Hills Hotel.  Grace kicks off the review with a few tantalizing cocktails before diving into the wine list where she discovers  Wines reviewed include: 2017 Chardonnay, Patz & Hall, Dutton Ranch, Russian River Valley 2019 Chardonnay, Domaine Laroche, Saint Martin Chablis, France 201...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas take a look at Barcelona Wine Bar's wine list. With locations across 11 states, this Spanish wine bar offers a next-level tapas experience. The cuisine is clean and rustic, the tapas are inspired by Mediterranean, Spanish, and South American influences, and nearly 400 wines are featured on the wine list. In fact, they have one of the largest Sp...

Maria Valetta, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at Gordon Ramsey Steak where they find cuts of prime beef aged to perfection under a program directed by the fiery, internationally-renowned chef and his culinary team. This is a posh Las Vegas steakhouse and it has a rather posh wine list to ensure perfect pairings and much enjoyment. Maria navigates the terrain and discover...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas take a trip to the Parkway Grill where casual sophistication strikes a perfect balance creating a rustic chic space with an award-winning wine cellar, comprised of upwards of three thousand bottles, includes a broad selection of wines served by the glass. Luckily, Grace is on-hand to help identify the must-try bottles, the value win...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the Spoke Wine Bar where they focus on local by working closely with farmers, brewers, and winemakers to create a stellar, seasonally-focused menu that is designed for tasting and sharing, the perfect place to try new wine pairings. Michaela shares her expertise and offers suggestions and a little background knowledge to enhance the exper...