Fred Bouchard

When Suzanne Schalow and Kate Baker opened Craft Beer Cellars in Belmont Center three-and-a-half years ago, they were dedicated, hard-working, knowlegdeable, and somewhat business savvy.  But the amiably driven co-owners never did expect the brew-nami of beer and steep fan-to-geek-to-business partner trajectories that have followed in the wake.  Today they... Read More

Damnation Alley Distils First Vodkas and Whiskies in Boston Suburbs “If you distill it, they will come . . .” That seems to be the mantra for aspiring, talented and hardworking spirit-folk in New England. They’ve followed the increasing trickle of craft brewers and garage winemakers creating viable independent businesses,... Read More

FOR A GUY who barely squeaked by in high school and totally finessed college, Jeff Marx at 67 can say in all honesty: “I was one of the very lucky people in this industry.”  When Jeff retired from his job as Global Sales Advisor in early 2O14 after a 42-year... Read More

PROFILE: CYNTHIA HURLEY FRENCH WINES BOB 65 + MARGOT 29 HURLEYCo-ownersCynthia Hurley French Wines • MA and NJ Independent boutique importers have been few in Massachusetts, but their ranks are gradually growing.  One such established team is the Hurley family running Cynthia Hurley French Wines since 1984.  Cynthia and Bob... Read More

WINE PUBLICIST Elizabeth Kane Tate of Ekt Communications organized an “intimate” wine tasting in a new setting via Skype.  Tate’s email invitations (not e-vites) hinted that this novel venture will become a practical standard in wine-marketing and communication.  The wines were real, the tasting conducted communally via long-distance.  Tate’s invitation... Read More

On book tour mid-January, Eric Asimov, the new york times’ “Chief Wine Critic”, made a whistle-stop at Harvard Coop in Cambridge to reading from his first full-length wine book, How to Love Wine: A Memoir and Manifesto.* The book came about during Asimov’s current post as wine critic, held since... Read More

Max Toste doesn’t like junk food or rotgut booze. For his side-by-side bars – Deep Ellum and Lone Star Taco Bar, nestled in Union Square, Allston – he handpicks every bottle (beer, wine, tequila, mezcal) and creates most of the dishes with Chef Rian Wyllie. Sitting with Max above the... Read More

SEANA KELLEY • 49 • General Manager • Durgin-Park Restaurant • Faneuil Hall Market • Boston Lunch at Durgin-Park, that rough-n’-tumble icon of Boston dining culture, has been a 5O-year tradition for your reporter.  As undergraduates at Boston College, fellow choristers, marching band tootlers, miscellaneous music mavens and I observed... Read More

GREG CRONE • 45 • OwnerCroney Estates & Liquid Brands, Scituate Greg Crone’s come halfway round the globe making, then selling, quality wine; now he’s gone back to the Southern Hemisphere to bring good bargains to the States.  He’s made New Zealand wines for Brancott, marketed them for Seagram’s C&E... Read More

MICHAEL GILLEN63 • Wine Buyer/Wine DirectorBusa Wine & Spirits, Salem THERE’S A PATTERN, a ring to this series of once-well-known restaurants for Greater Boston wine-lovers.  Michael Gillen, the man behind that name, is still a hardworking, forthright, practical guy.  Passionate about wine.  Devoted Francophile, now with family connections.  Funny, quick,... Read More