Vodka: it’s clear as water and ultra-neutral, a go-to spirit of choice for mixed drinks. The word vodka comes from the Slavic vodka, meaning water combined with the diminutive ka, little. Both Poland and Russia assert claims as vodka’s country of origin, with the first official use of the word appearing in the 18th-century Russia. It’s a relative newcomer in the United States, not appearing here until the early 20th century.

There’s nothing quite so American as the idea of choice—enjoying what you want, when and how you want it. And flights of beer, with their meandering genealogies and jazzy changes in tempo and tone, embody this ethic perfectly.

Introducing Euphoria, a sparkling Verdelho from Mollydooker that has arrived, just in time for NEW YEAR'S Celebrations!

Last month I was invited to judge at the McMinnville Wine & Food Classic in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, one of my favorite places. It was exciting to see old friends, while making new ones.

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) will host New Hampshire Wine Week, an annual event featuring more than 60 of the biggest names in the wine world, including Dave Phinney of Orin Swift, Lisa Evich of SIMI, Cristina Mariani-May of Castello Banfi, Isiah Thomas of Cheurlin Champagne, and Michael Phillips of Michael David Winery.

Holiday season is here! With so many wine choices, this year I’ve decided to feature wines that are made sustainably, taste delicious, and help give back to the community and land where they are produced.

Hard work pays off. Not many people I know work harder than wine producers - remember wine stems from the ground up. Planting vines, harvesting grapes, building a winery, making great wine, and selling product is truly a labor of love.