Located in New York’s West Village, Cora is a New-American wine bar defined by an impressive focus on North American wines. Led by sommelier Emmeline Zhao, executive chef Joseph Bliffen, and pastry chef Janice Sung, Cora sets itself apart in a city where European wines typically dominate.

Cora features a curated wine list that emphasizes sustainability and highlights winemakers from diverse backgrounds, a refreshing change in New York’s dining scene. According to Zhao, this approach complements their culinary mission: "If the food celebrates who and where we are, why wouldn’t the wines?”

The team behind Cora also previously operated Dogwood Café, known for its Chinese-American pastries. This expertise can be seen in Cora’s menu, which combines innovative dishes such as kinako twice-baked croissants with classics. Their commitment to crafting everything in-house, from bread to pasta, showcases their dedication to quality and sustainability.

Cora offers nearly 20 wines by the glass, including selections from lesser-known regions like Minnesota, Texas, and Virginia, alongside the more recognized wines from California and Oregon. This comes at a time when the U.S. wine market is facing challenges, with a noted decline in demand for still wines, but Zhao remains optimistic about the value of domestic wines and hopes others will follow suit.

Despite the hurdles of opening in a bustling city—supply chain delays and regulatory obstacles—Zhao maintains a collaborative attitude toward neighboring restaurants, emphasizing community over competition. With over 1,000 wine bars in New York state, including 677 in the city, Zhao and her team are focused on establishing Cora as a beloved fixture in the West Village rather than pursuing immediate expansion.

Looking ahead, Zhao emphasizes the importance of providing quality food, beverage, and hospitality, aiming to create a warm atmosphere that nourishes and uplifts their guests.

Regardless of the views of your wine-loving friends, there is no universally accepted method for serving wine. You can pour wine into a water glass, and you might just find an article that supports that idea—just as easily as you’ll find one arguing against it. As a casual wine drinker myself, I don’t hold strong opinions on the matter, yet I recognize the benefits of a quality wine decanter, particularly when it comes to enhancing the drinking experience.

Decanting wine involves transferring it from the bottle to another vessel. This technique serves two primary purposes: separating sediment that may have formed at the bottom and aerating the wine. Aeration allows the wine to interact with oxygen, softening any bitter tannic flavors and enabling its aromatic qualities to fully express themselves.

Though the importance of decanting may vary depending on the specific bottle, I remain a strong advocate for using decanters. These vessels are designed to enhance air exposure, often resulting in some striking designs that can elevate your dinner table aesthetics. A beautiful decanter not only makes your wine more enjoyable but also acts as a functional piece of art.

Here are some standout wine decanters that are not only cool but also sure to impress at your next dinner party:

• Holcomb Birdie Glass Wine Decanter: This decanter features a unique stainless-steel aerator modeled after a badminton birdie and comes with a chic wood trivet. Priced at $150.

• Alessi Eugenia Wine Decanter: This elegantly designed decanter captures a modern touch with exaggerated angles reminiscent of midcentury retrofuturism. Available for $65.

• La Riccia Pinch Decanter: Handblown from recycled glass, each piece has an organic quality, showcasing the craftsmanship that goes into it. Priced at $275.

• Fazeek Vice Versa Carafe: This multi-purpose carafe boasts a playful design, adding a splash of color to your dining table, and is available for $129.

Each of these choices has its own unique flair, making them not just decanters but conversation starters at any gathering. Investing in one could elevate your wine-drinking ritual and transform it into an unforgettable experience.

Canadian stores have recently embarked on a notable movement by removing American liquor and wine from their shelves in direct protest against President Trump’s tariffs. This initiative reflects a growing wave of nationalism in both Mexico and Canada, driven by Trump’s "America First" policy.

The situation has garnered attention as the Canadian response has been framed by some media outlets, including the New York Times, as Canada taking Trump’s rhetoric of being treated as the "51st state" quite seriously. With the trade tensions escalating, Richard Haass, a senior counselor at Centerview Partners, joined Chris Jansing to discuss the implications of the ongoing trade war and its impact on both nations.

This protest is part of a broader backlash against U.S. trade policies, which are perceived as detrimental to cross-border relationships and economic ties. As retailers in Canada make this symbolic gesture, it signifies not only their economic grievances but also a rallying cry for national pride amid external pressures.

For more insights into the unfolding situation, visit MSNBC.

Framed by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the north and the Chihuahuan Desert in the south, New Mexico is the United States’ fifth-largest state, showcasing a rich landscape of rolling sand dunes, prehistoric petroglyphs, fairytale caves, and dormant volcanoes. Along with its diverse topography, New Mexico boasts a vibrant cultural tapestry woven from the histories of Indigenous peoples, Hispanics, and Anglo Americans who’ve coexisted here for centuries.

While the state’s cuisine, a colorful blend of Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences, often captures the spotlight, the story of its wine heritage is one worth exploring. Long before vineyards were established in California, New Mexico was home to grape cultivation, with its first vineyard recorded in 1629 by two Franciscan monks. By 1880, over 3,000 acres of vineyards were producing nearly one million gallons of wine, but the industry faced decline due to floods and competition. It wasn’t until the 1970s that wineries began reemerging, leading to a resurgence in wine production.

Despite this growth, the state remains relatively unknown to international wine enthusiasts, as about 85% of its wineries are small businesses producing fewer than 7,000 cases per year. The personal charm of tasting wine in New Mexico’s wineries adds to its allure, with informal interactions that make visitors feel at home.

The primary wine regions lie between Albuquerque and the Texas border, where the warm days and cool nights of the Middle Rio Grande Valley and Mimbres Valley are ideal for growing Italian varietals such as Sangiovese and Montepulciano. Albuquerque, with its abundance of tasting rooms, serves as the best starting point for wine lovers looking to explore local flavors.

Taos, which is home to one of New Mexico’s most interesting winemaking regions, presents unique challenges for its producers, who grow Merlot and Riesling at high altitudes. The region gives visitors the chance to experience wines from its northernmost wineries, surrounded by historical pueblos and breathtaking landscapes.

In a state with a high percentage of Hispanic residents, the diversity of its winemakers enriches the cellar-door experiences, allowing travelers to engage with wines crafted by a mix of Native American, female, and Hispanic artisans. For example, guests can enjoy a traditional Spanish dish while sipping wine at Las Nueve Niñas Winery or experience flamenco performances at Vara Winery. At Vivác Winery, visitors may sample unique wines like chokecherry wine, created in collaboration with Grammy Award-winning musician Robert Mirabal.

Traveling to New Mexico is simple, with several airlines offering flights to Albuquerque. For a local stay, options include Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm in Albuquerque or El Monte Sagrado in Taos. Each offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the state’s rich culture and burgeoning wine scene.

Discover more about New Mexico: New Mexico Tourism

MONROE COUNTY, Mich. – In a court session on March 6, 2025, evidence was presented showing Marshella Chidester, the woman accused of drunk driving and crashing into a birthday party, holding wine shortly before the incident. The trial, which involves the crash that occurred on April 20, 2024, is now in the jury’s hands.

During the proceedings, Deputy Hooper from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office testified about the findings from a search warrant executed at Chidester’s residence. Hooper revealed that a camera in Chidester’s kitchen had recorded her actions leading up to the crash. The footage showed her with a mini bottle of wine around 9:30 a.m. and throughout the day leading up to the accident, including her appearing to toss an empty bottle into the trash just prior to the crash.

Chidester claimed she consumed only one glass of wine at a local restaurant before driving. However, bodycam footage contradicted this, as it showed her stating she had a glass of wine "about a half hour ago." A restaurant employee confirmed her presence from 11 a.m. to noon, with the accident happening shortly after 3 p.m. Evidence presented in court indicated that her blood alcohol concentration post-accident was .18, which is over twice the legal limit in Michigan.

An employee at Warehouse Beverage in South Euclid reported being attacked by a disgruntled customer on February 25. The incident occurred when a 42-year-old man, who is a regular customer, requested to take a package of cigars and pay for them the next day. When the employee informed him that this was not allowed, the customer proceeded to grab a bottle of wine and head towards the exit.

The employee followed him, leading the customer to retaliate by throwing the bottle underhand at his face, resulting in a minor injury. Although the employee declined medical assistance, he reported the incident to the police.

Officers apprehended the suspect at the nearby Tiki Time Bar after he initially resisted arrest. During custody, he exhibited signs of mental distress, including talking about suing the government. The man now faces charges for assault.

For more local news, visit the Sun Messenger.