Joanna and Zach are joined by VinePair managing editor Hannah Staab to discuss the merits and ethics of the “secret” wine list: special bottles that for one reason or another aren’t listed normally, but might be available if you know the right person or ask the right question (or stalk the wine bar on Instagram). Is this a harmless and fun way to reward wine lovers and devotees, or is
I am not a particularly holiday obsessed person. It is always my mushy husband who reminds me that it’s time to adorn our fake plastic tree and dust off the Menorah. Yet, if a seasonal invite involves both food and drama, then I will don a festive spirit and roll up. This philosophy is what landed me at a marble table in mid December last year, waiting for high tea
To tip or not to tip is never the question. (Always tip.) But after a three-Martini lunch or a wine tasting dinner, calculating the tip and the exact total can feel tedious or overwhelming. Instead, it might be tempting to just add the total amount on the bottom of the receipt, skipping the tip line altogether. So, is it feasible to add a gratuity without penning any amount on a
This is VinePair’s Booze News Weekly Roundup, where we gather the hottest headlines and product releases every Friday for a snapshot of what’s happening in the beverage alcohol industry. This week, we have updates on the Brown-Forman family’s infighting, a vote to strike at a Diageo distillery, the latest product releases, and more. News to know: Family feud at Brown-Forman: Two members of the Brown family — which holds a
In the two decades since the Honey Deuce first debuted at the US Open, the drink has arguably become even more of a draw than the game itself. Tennis fans miss entire sets while standing in line for the cocktail, while others stack souvenir cups to show off how many combinations of Grey Goose vodka, lemonade, and raspberry liqueur they’ve consumed that afternoon. But this year, a fresh tennis-themed drink
Today on the “VinePair Podcast,” Joanna and Zach discuss a recent survey that found many potential wine drinkers are put off from the category by the rules, traditions, and lack of customization. To entirely forgo tradition might be a losing play, but can wine producers, professionals, and vendors find ways to bring a bit more playfulness and flexibility to broaden wine’s consumer base? Zach is reading: The Coolest Cocktail Trend
Gambling is fun. Unless you lose. Unless-unless you were gambling with house money the whole time. In which case, who cares? Hold that thought. Earlier this month, Monster Beverage Corporation (MBC) reported its earnings for the second quarter of 2026. They were pretty spectacular. “Net sales, excluding the alcohol brand segment, increased 20.8 percent” in the three months through June 30, said chief executive Hilton Schlosberg on the company’s earnings
Mount Etna’s recent eruption reminded the world just how powerful volcanoes can be. For wine lovers, lava flow isn’t something to fear; rather, it’s celebrated as the source of compelling terroir. And while Etna, even when not exploding, often steals the spotlight, other regions around the world boast these unique soils. “Volcanic wines” is an umbrella term for wines made from highly complex and varied soils originating from those fiery,
When chefs scan a menu at an unfamiliar spot, they approach it a bit differently than even the most discerning diner. Using their years of experience wielding a knife and vast knowledge of various ingredients, chefs are looking for small details that signal the kitchen is full of competent cooks. Sometimes an option sticks out for using produce that’s currently at peak season or showcasing an uncommon ingredient. Other times
This episode of The Buildout is brought to you by Farmer’s Gin. Whether you are building a bar, you currently are operating a bar, or you just run a bar at home, you need to have a Martini on your menu — and that Martini deserves Farmer’s Gin. Farmer’s Gin is created by the same amazing people that created Michter’s Bourbon. Every single bar deserves a great gin, and Farmer’s