American wine sales have collapsed to their lowest level in more than two decades. The cause is younger drinkers who never developed the cultured habit of appreciating wine. For decades, wine culture rewarded patience, aeration, and the ability to discern aromas. Connoisseurs discussed tannins and terroir and pondered pairing a bottle with a shared meal. … Read more
The story of wine is really the story of civilization refining something simple into something meaningful, complex, and beautiful. It begins in the ancient Near East, where wine already carried prestige in Mesopotamia and Persia, tied to royalty and ritual rather than everyday life. The Greeks elevated it further into culture by weaving it into … Read more
As China got ever richer from its world trade, its wealthy officials indulged in fine wines, foods and other items. There was a booming market for Western luxuries among the nouveau riche Chinese who wanted to show off their newfound wealth and status. Suddenly, all this has come to a halt. China has recently banned … Read more
The pleasure of drinking alcohol is deeply engraved in our culture. Whether used for festive toasts or quiet evening reflections, enjoying a bottle of wine enriches our lives, culture and relationships. However, wine and alcohol have their enemies. Some claim that even moderate drinking may be potentially carcinogenic. The government has recently joined these voices, … Read more
Right now, smartphone addiction is out of control. Things have reached such a point that the average American checks his phone 352 times a day—once every two minutes and 43 seconds. But right now, a restaurant in Italy—and free wine—is doing what many thought impossible: It is separating people from their phones. Order Today: Return … Read more
No discussion about the healthy state of the American imagination would be complete without talking about castles. Americans love castles and everything associated with them. In nearly every locale across the country, there are those who dream beyond the classic mansion or manor and build the medieval castle of their dreams. Such dream castles are … Read more
