The Connected Table SIPS!

South Africa’s Tesselaarsdal is a rural hamlet of historic importance. The widow of its namesake settler, Johannes Tesselaar, left his farmland to his freed slaves upon his death in 1810, a bold move at the time. Tesselaarsdal is also the name of Berene Sauls’ first winery opened in 2015 in Hemel-en-Aarde (Overberg), an homage to her ancestors who were among the area’s freed slaves. Sauls discusse...

Founded by friends Brad Pitt, Cristina Patwa and John Fogelman, Enroot is a collection of sustainably farm-sourced, wellness-focused sparkling cold-brew teas, ideal to drink alone or in cocktails. CEO Cristina Patwa drew inspiration for Enroot from memories of the refreshing teas made by her grandmother, a farmer in the Philippines. Enroot collaborated with James Beard Foundation chefs to create t...

Established in 1901 by Don Leoncio Arizu, Bodega Luigi Bosca is one of Argentina’s few continually family-owned and operated wineries. Based in Mendoza, the Arizu family helped establish Lujàn de Cuyo as an official CDO in 1989. Pablo Cunéo, Head Winemaker since 2017, discusses the unique growing climates of Mendoza’s Maipú, Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley sub-appellations, and presents selections fr...

In Cambridge, MA, an education in wine, spirits, or sake at Commonwealth Wine School is more accessible than ever for enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Kim Simone, Manager, Commonwealth Wine School, discusses the range of courses offered from workshops and guided tastings to certifications for WSET, Certified Specialist of Wine and Wine Scholar Guild. Commonwealth Wine School’s faculty...

Villa Maria is New Zealand’s most awarded winery, producing wine from every appellation of the country. Winemaker Tom Dixon shares Villa Maria’s 60-year (in 2021) history and legacy envisioned by its Founder, Sir George Fistonich, who was knighted for his contributions to the wine industry. Dixon discusses Villa Maria’s different wine production regions, its Four Pillars of sustainability and its...

Named among 2021's top new restaurants by The New York Times, Esquire Magazine and others, Contento NYC serves elevated Peruvian cooking in a relaxed setting designed with a focus on accessibility. Executive Chef Oscar Lorenzzi discusses Contento's menu and signature dishes such as Ceviche Clasico ,Salmon Tiradito and Octopus with Chimichurri. What to drink with these flavorful dishes? Consider a...

Travelle is a casually elegant restaurant & bar/lounge on the second floor of the luxurious Langham hotel, one of Chicago’s iconic skyscrapers designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Chef de Cuisine Qi Ai discusses Travelle’s seasonal American menu and signature artisanal cheese board paired with AIX Vin de Provence Rosé, AOC Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence. Travelle was named Hemisphere’s magazine’s Read...

An elevator sweeps you to Adorn, located on the 7th floor of The Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago. Chef de Cuisine Jonathon Sawyer delivers a menu inspired by his global travels in France, Italy and Japan with an embrace of local Midwest bounty. An example is Crispy Zucchini Blossom & Roasted Tomato paired with Whispering Angel Cave D’Esclans Rosé, Côtes de Provence. Not-to-be missed is Adorn Bar, wi...

The Cote d'Azur meets Northern California at Mentone. Chef David Kinch, also owner of 3-star Michelin Manresa, brings a creative twist to Mediterranean flavors with seasonal local ingredients. Wine Director Alyssa Papierneick recommends a classic pairing: Tarte de Mentone, a Provençal “pissaladière” of caramelized onions, anchovies and olives on house-made crust, with Domaine de Sulauze Pomponette...

Founded in 1997 by Francesco Illy, of the renowned Illy coffee family, Podere Le Ripi produces prestige, terroir-driven wines from Montalcino, including IGT, Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello di Montalcino. CEO & Winemaker Sebastian Nasello discusses Podere Le Ripi's decision to farm biodynamically and how the location of its vineyards in both the east and west of Montalcino impact the nuances of t...

Technology is changing how the publishing industry conducts business, yet some print magazines still flourish. Jacqueline Strum, President & Publisher of Wine Enthusiast Media, explains why hobby & niche publications (e.g., wine) are still popular, and how consumers' growing interest in learning about, buying and collecting wine has fueled demand for more and better designed wine storage, wine acc...

The term "terroir" is used in the wine world to describe how climate, soil, topography elevation, and other environmental factors deliver a unique expression to the final product. Veteran wine and spirits industry pro, Mark Reynier, is applying terroir to whisky with the 2021 introduction of Waterford single farm origin, barley-based Irish single malt whisky. Waterford sources barley from 97 farme...

Founded in Rioja in 1970 by Enrique Forner, Spain’s Marqués de Cáceres has become a global leader in wine. Since joining her father in 1983, Cristina Forner has overseen the expansion of the company brand to include wines from Rías Baixas, Rueda, and the Penedès. CEO since 2007, Forner continues to build on the legacy of Marqués de Cáceres with the family’s most recent acquisition, in 2019, of Bod...

Virginia is home to over 300 wineries and eight designated AVAs, making it an ideal destination for wine aficionados looking for a road trip combining beautiful scenery with great wine and food. Frank Morgan, Host of Virginia Wine Chat, discusses Virginia’s different appellations and a few standout grapes, including Petit Manseng, Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. We taste sel...

Ehlers Estate is a picturesque 42-acre vineyard in Saint Helena, CA dating to the 1800s with a rich history. Run by the Leducq Foundation, a trust established in 1996 by French Entrepreneur, Jean Leducq and his wife Sylviane, Ehlers Estate was modeled after a traditional Bordeaux chateau. The vineyards, all planted to Bordeaux varietals, are certified organic. Winemaker and General Manager Laura D...

Bella Union Winery in Rutherford, Napa Valley was founded in 2012 by the partners of Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel. The winery is located on a 25-acre Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard that runs along Bella Oaks Lane, known as the Bella Union Roadway in the late 1800s. Brooke Bobyak has worked with Far Niente since 2018 and was appointed Bella Union winemaker in 2021. She discusses Bella Union’s signat...

In 2013, James Sinegal, co-founder/former CEO of Costco, and son, David, a Costco wine buyer, established Sinegal Estate in St. Helena to produce iconic Bordeaux blend Napa Valley Cabernet wine. In 2020, they launched DETAILS by Sinegal Estate, sourcing grapes in Sonoma Valley and using a 1,403-step production process. David Sinegal explains DETAILS’ brand mission to make a Cabernet Sauvignon blen...

Rania Zayyat, founder, Lift Collective, discusses Be The Change, a virtual job fair connecting beverage alcohol industry professionals with potential employers. Be the Change streamlines the job search process and supports diversity equality and inclusion. Be The Change works in partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to provide job opportunities for its graduates. Cofounded by Zayyat,...

The Cattin family has made wines in a village near Colmar, the heart of Alsace wine country, since 1720, when Swiss-born François Cattin settled in the area. Domaine Joseph Cattin is one of Alsace’s largest family-owned wineries, a top producer of food-friendly white wines and Crémant d’Alsace. Jacques and Anaïs Cattin, discuss why ancestor and winery namesake, Joseph Cattin, is respected as a pio...

Maison Gustave Lorentz produces Crémant d’Alsace and grands crus whites of exceptional quality and value. Like most Alsace producers, Gustave Lorentz practices organic and biodynamic viticulture, resulting in wines with freshness, elegance and a sense of place. Alsace whites like Riesling and Pinot Gris pair equally well with hearty winter dishes and light summer fare. 7th generation family member...

Discover the Beaujolais Wine Route, 85 miles of bucolic scenery with picturesque villages, historic landmarks, casual bistros and hundreds of wine estates, many open to the public. Beaujolais is divided into 12 AOCS: Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages to the south and 10 smaller crus. Considered the gems of Beaujolais wines, the crus include: Brouilly, Côte de Brouilly, Fleurie, Chenas, Chiroubles...

Gamay, the red grape of Beaujolais, produces refreshing wines that burst with juicy strawberry, blackberry and black cherry flavors and essences. Comprised of 12 AOCs, Beaujolais wine styles differ slightly based on location, soil, elevation and climate! Wines among the 10 Beaujolais crus can range from softer, perfumed reds to enjoy with charcuterie and lighter fare to more plush and structured s...

If you enjoy fresh, fruity, food-friendly wines with good acidity, consider Beaujolais, a delightful French wine for today’s casual dining, from home-cooked meals to restaurant takeout. Best known for its red wines made from the local Gamay grape, Beaujolais also produces small amounts of rosé and white wines. Many are produced by local vignerons whose families have been making wine for generation...

Viognier and Cabernet Franc are most closely associated with Virginia wines, but at Barboursville Vineyards, Italian varieties such as Vermentino, Fiano and Nebbiolo flourish, notes Luca Paschina, estate general manager/winemaker. The temperate climate and alluvial soils of Virginia’s Piedmont region attracted Italy’s Zonin family, who acquired this Barboursville in 1976 to plant vines. Paschina d...

If you follow a vegan diet, be aware that some vintners may use animal byproducts such as egg white, fish bladder and casein to filter the wines, a process known as fining. There also are many well-made vegan wines available. A reliable resource is Vegan Wines, founded by Frances Gonzalez, a longtime vegan and wine lover. Frances personally visits and inspects vineyards, from soil to bottling, to...