Since getting into wine, one of my favorite experiments is to list all the factors I can think of from grape to glass that can influence a wine's flavor. Generally, I can't make it past soil before ...
Summer’s Not Just For Kids Anymore with These Boozy Popsicles
Hot days, cold pools, ice cream trucks and adult beverages--combine all of the delights of summer into one with these icy cold fruit, herb and liquor-filled treats! The recipes are simple, the ...
Thanks to The Chopping Block's guests and team members for welcoming me as one of your new Sommeliers! Folks ask me all the time, “What does a Sommelier do: sit around and taste delicious wine all ...
It's finally summer and that means it's time for refreshing summer drinks! What do you like to sip on in the heat? This summer, break away from the typical margaritas and mimosas and try a Paloma.
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Sulfur Dioxide in My Wine
This isn't a subject that comes up often when I'm serving wine, but when it does, one thing is apparent: no one knows what sulfites are or why they are in our wine. Despite that fact, I often hear ...
The Seemingly Insurmountable Mountain of Wine Appellations
I touched briefly on wine appellations in my post last month, and I want to revisit that topic because learning about appellations has really enhanced my understanding and enjoyment of wine. So, what ...
The Chopping Block is excited to announce our first international culinary tour! Last year, our Sommelier Viktorija Todorovska moved to Nice. We miss her regular wine classes at our Chicago locations ...
There's an old saying, “Never judge a book by its cover.” Is the same true for wine? Aside from avoiding labels with kangaroos and footprints, what should the discerning shopper look for when buying ...
In the past couple years, hundreds of craft breweries have been opening up around the country. According to The Hop Preview, there are 66 breweries in the Chicago land area alone. One of the largest ...
