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Austrians, however, have totally renovated and moved forward their wine industry, from the low-cost-driven sweet wine industry that prevailed in the 197Os and early 198Os to the dry, mid-priced wines that characterize today’s industry. The pivot point for this change was 1985 when unethical producers adulterated wine with di-ethylene glycol.... Read More

When I first became acquainted with the wines of Shafer Vineyards and met John Shafer – it must have been more than 25 years ago – two impressions engraved themselves on my mind: all the wines tasted so good right from the first; the charm and intelligence of John Shafer.... Read More

Despite the efforts of industry experts, market analysts and advertising executives, the formula for successfully establishing a trend remains a conundrum.  The market moves like a plastic bag in the wind and the taste of the masses is far from quantifiable.  In the liquor industry, when a seemingly good idea... Read More

The private dining room at Casa Romero was small. The undertaking was not.Tania Oseguera, brand ambassador for Corzo and Cazadores tequilas, set the tone for the night when she notified the small group that tonight was “an opportunity to break the rules”. Breaking is one thing, but she didn’t warn... Read More

The notion of organic products is not a particularly new trend, nor is the idea of “going green” to reduce the all-important carbon imprint on a global level. But we’ve all noticed that efforts towards both endeavors have been significantly ramped up, especially in the last two years. This is... Read More

MAX TOSTE • 32 • Co-owner & Bar Manager • Deep Ellum, Allston, MA This destination bar has come a long way since opening after New Year’s 2OO7.  These keen guys and gals, apprentice masters of good taste, could be top deejays.  I spoke with candid, dedicated co-owner Max Toste... Read More

Rick Sayre, the eloquent director of winemaking at Rodney Strong Vineyards of Sonoma, presided recently at one of the dinners of the Boston Harbor Hotel’s Boston Wine Festival, giving me a chance to catch up on the wines and on the estimable Daniel Bruce’s kitchen handiwork. Rodney Strong, the eponymous... Read More