Wine 1020

If you’re a wine enthusiast with a collection of older bottles, you may have faced the frustrating issue of crumbly corks. While this doesn’t indicate that the wine has spoiled, opening such bottles can be quite the hassle. Nobody wishes to strain their cherished wine through cheesecloth or fish out cork pieces from their glass.

Nearly two decades ago, Atlanta engineer and wine collector Mark Taylor realized the need for a better tool to handle fragile corks. This led him to create The Durand, a remarkable corkscrew designed to extract even the most brittle corks without causing damage.

The Durand is a unique, two-part device that combines a traditional corkscrew with an Ah-So opener. The Ah-So features two slender metal prongs that fit between the cork and the neck of the bottle, providing support as the corkscrew lifts the cork out, ensuring it comes out intact. This method simplifies the process compared to relying solely on the Ah-So, which often requires practice to master.

Priced at $145, The Durand is undeniably an investment. For most bottles, a basic waiter’s corkscrew suffices, but The Durand’s weight and sculptural design attract admiration among wine connoisseurs who appreciate their mature vintages.

The product’s name carries significance as well. Taylor chose to name it after Yves Durand, a prominent master sommelier and restaurateur from Atlanta, known for his entertaining presence in the wine community. He was a larger-than-life figure in the international wine scene until his passing in 2019.

Janet Taylor, Mark’s daughter and co-manager of the company alongside her sister, recalls how her father’s passion for wine was nurtured through his connections with Durand. Mark Taylor often vacationed in France, joined by his parents, famous for their wine-tasting trips.

Yves Durand’s credentials were impressive: he was awarded Best Sommelier of French Wines in the U.S. in 1985, excelled as a blind taster, and authored "The Connoisseur’s Guide to Bordeaux Wines," among other achievements.

Not only does The Durand come in an elegant cork box, but it also carries a rich legacy in the world of wine appreciation.

The Durand is available at various wine retailers, including Bonde Fine Wine Shop in Cambridge, Marty’s in Newton, Lighthouse Wine and Spirits in Beverly, and Post Road Liquor in Wayland. You can also find more details at thedurand.com.

The emergence of a wine and charcuterie bar in the historically Black neighborhood of Park Manor, Chicago, highlights a growing movement to redefine wine culture. Opened by Jacare Thomas and Charlette Stanton-Thomas, Park Manor 75 serves as a community hub, intentionally designed to foster connection and conversation among neighbors.

The establishment notably features a menu where every wine—ranging from Champagne to Sierra Foothills grenache—comes from Black producers or is sourced through Black-owned négociants. Thomas describes it as a "much-needed third space" for the community that rejects the traditional Eurocentric wine culture, positioning itself as a corrective space that emphasizes inclusivity and representation.

This endeavor aligns with broader trends in Chicago, where approximately one-third of residents are Black, creating fertile ground for a distinct Black wine culture. Thomas emphasizes the importance of elevating Black brands: “We’re putting Black brands at the forefront because it’s important for us to be a point of reference.”

Park Manor 75 is not alone in its mission. Just a few miles away, the Bronzeville Winery, opened by Cecilia Cuff and Eric Williams, similarly emphasizes a wine program centered around minority, women, and LGBTQ+-owned producers. Cuff aims to create a cultural narrative through wine that resonates with the community’s history and identity. She envisions the winery as both a destination and a sanctuary, where visitors can comfortably explore wines in a setting reflective of their cultural experience.

The challenge of promoting Black wine culture goes beyond creating physical spaces; it involves addressing the biases ingrained in wine education. Kiana Keys, a Chicago-based writer and educator, highlights the need for a language of wine that resonates with Black communities. Her efforts focus on making wine accessible and relatable, moving away from traditional jargon that can alienate newcomers.

Another pivotal figure in this movement is Marsha Wright, a corporate wine director whose purchasing power allows her to influence wine selection at scale. Wright notes the assumptions faced by Black professionals in the industry and relishes the opportunity to challenge stereotypes when she demonstrates her extensive knowledge of wine.

The growing visibility of Black wine culture in Chicago signals a shift in consumer perceptions as well. With Black buying power significantly increasing, the demand for diverse wine experiences and educational resources is on the rise.

As Park Manor 75 and Bronzeville Winery continue to shape this cultural landscape, the question becomes not whether Black wine culture exists, but how Chicago will further cultivate it, creating spaces where everyone, regardless of background, can appreciate and participate in the wine experience.

Park Manor 75 is located at 600 E. 75th St.; more information at parkmanor75.com.

Bronzeville Winery is located at 4420 S. Cottage Grove Ave.; more information at bronzevillewinery.com.

Residents of Louisville can anticipate an exciting new addition to their local scene: Yer Mom’s Bookstore & Wine Café, set to open this spring in the NuLu Marketplace North development on East Main Street. This innovative establishment will blend the charm of an independent bookstore with the ambiance of a wine café and will also feature a co-working space dubbed Green House Work Space.

Tara Leigh Goode, who co-founded Fleur de Lis Communications and serves as the vice president of Strategic Partnerships at Climavision, is behind the vision for this unique venue. Goode is passionate about her roots in art and communication, with a degree in English and creative writing. She expressed her enthusiasm for the project, acknowledging a lifelong desire to create a bookstore and wine bar. “While I work in these highly technical fields, I’ve always been percolating on this bookstore wine café idea in the back of my mind,” she shared.

The store aims to foster a vibrant literary culture by hosting author talks, readings, and engaging events that will connect with Louisville’s writing and publishing community. Goode noted the resurgence of indie bookstores over recent years and the importance of incorporating diverse sources of revenue, like wine and café offerings, to sustain these venues.

As part of the preparation for the opening, Goode is actively seeking input from the community regarding inventory and services through an online initiative. The bookstore will span approximately 3,000 square feet on the ground floor, while the co-working space will occupy about 4,500 square feet above it.

The NuLu Marketplace North development itself is planned to become a tech hub, catering to local tech firms with a variety of facilities, including incubator spaces, a small event space, and more. For updates on the bookstore and café, interested individuals can visit their website.

For additional information about the upcoming venue, you can check out their official page here.

PARIS (AP) — Justine Bobin, a French teetotaler, is acutely aware of the challenges of not drinking in a country where wine and beer are commonly enjoyed during social occasions. Attending the Wine Paris 2026 fair, she was eager to explore the multitude of zero- and low-alcohol beverages gaining popularity worldwide, including selections hailing from Europe, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

With the fair’s messaging encouraging attendees to "drink different" and highlighting slogans like "no alcohol, no regrets, no consequences," producers of non-alcoholic beverages are responding to shifting consumer preferences, particularly among young adults who are increasingly aware of the negative effects of alcohol.

Research indicates that alcohol consumption in France has significantly decreased over the past fifty years. Many adults are forgoing wine with meals, and young individuals are likely to engage with alcohol differently than previous generations.

Bobin noted that zero-alcohol drinks create opportunities for togetherness, allowing non-drinkers and drinkers to share social moments. “It offers an alternative for everyone and brings people together. It’s more of a product for inclusion, I think, for people who don’t drink alcohol, and that’s great,” she commented.

Diverse producers at the event exhibited their products alongside traditional alcoholic options, promoting the upcoming trend in lifestyle changes emphasizing health and mindfulness regarding bodily wellbeing. Bernegger, who commenced her foray into alcohol-free beverages during her pregnancy, echoed the sentiment that such innovations are essential for creating a more inclusive social atmosphere.

“The no/low drinks market isn’t fading; it’s being embraced by those who aim for healthier lifestyles,” Bernegger asserted, showcasing a dedication to the growing interest in mindful consumption.

As major companies pivot strategies in response to changing consumer behavior, the Wine Paris show exemplified the transition toward a future where enjoyment doesn’t have to be defined by traditional alcohol consumption.

New York state lawmakers are revisiting legislation that could allow grocery stores to sell wine, reigniting an ongoing debate between large retailers and independent wine shop owners. This initiative aims to align New York with many other states that already permit wine sales in supermarkets.

Supporters of the bill, including large grocery chains, argue that modern shopping trends necessitate this change. Mona Golub, vice president of communications for Northeast Grocery Inc, emphasized the importance of adapting to customer shopping habits, particularly those that have shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the other hand, independent wine store owners like Cyndi Leonard are concerned about the potential negative effects on their businesses. Leonard highlighted the broader industry implications, including job losses among distributors and warehouse workers.

Previous attempts to pass similar legislation have failed, but this latest version includes provisions aimed at protecting small businesses. State Senator Liz Krueger referred to allowing wine sales in grocery stores as a "common-sense change," which could benefit consumers without harming small businesses. Additionally, Assemblymember Pamela Hunter noted strong public support for the proposal and pointed out that amendments would prevent grocery stores within 500 feet of an existing liquor license from obtaining a supermarket wine license.

The legislative push continues as lawmakers grapple with balancing consumer convenience against the challenges faced by independent businesses and job losses in the wine industry.

For more information, you can read about it here.

Co-owner of Lush Wine & Spirits, Mitch Einhorn, thrives on curating exciting wines and creating unique dishes. However, an alarming threat of 200% tariffs has led him to reconsider some of his purchases. Established in 2005, Lush Wine & Spirits operates as a friendly neighborhood wine shop with a cozy bistro in Roscoe Village and West Town, allowing customers to enjoy a bottle on-site or take it home.

Lush’s offerings range from caviar to brunch favorites like avocado toast and brioche French toast. But with ongoing tariff uncertainty and increased taxes on imported European wines, Einhorn feels the pressure on both his purchasing decisions and consumer prices. Tariffs have escalated from 15% to potential announcements of 200%, leading to unpredictable pricing and supply chain concerns.

Last month, President Trump hinted at additional tariffs as leverage in foreign policy, further complicating the situation for businesses reliant on imported products. Einhorn had pending orders from France when the looming tariffs emerged, and the inconsistent nature of these tariffs causes significant anxiety. “It’s just so arbitrary,” he expressed, emphasizing the broader impact of tariffs on jobs connected to the supply chain, including drivers and retail workers.

Einhorn is also grappling with rising food costs that put pressure on him to increase menu prices, a move he hesitates to make. The past year saw him obtain a building permit to expand Lush’s Roscoe Village location, a venture met with new challenges due to rising construction costs.

Despite the challenges, Einhorn remains optimistic. He continues collaborating with Washington vineyards to develop exclusive wines for Lush and diligently creates new recipes for the menu. His ultimate objective is to establish Lush as the premier destination for purchasing wine and enjoying gourmet meals without excessive prices. “If you stop learning and doing new stuff, you cease to exist,” he said, reflecting his commitment to growth amidst challenges.

In a Michelin-starred restaurant in Burgundy, France, a select group of wine experts gathered to witness the opening of a remarkable bottle: a 127-year-old Romanée-Conti from 1899. This exceptional wine, known for its prestigious history, was once reserved for European aristocracy and has since gained notoriety among the hyper-wealthy, with even a 1945 vintage fetching an astounding $558,000 at auction in 2018.

The bottle before them, with its worn label and lead capsule, was described by experts as a “unicorn” of the wine world. Though valuable, its true worth lay not in price but in the experience of sharing it. The owner, Singaporean businessman Soo Hoo Khoon Peng, decided to uncork this rare vintage just a year after purchasing it for his 50th birthday. He emphasized that opening such a remarkable bottle was about connection and learning, not merely status.

Régis Cimmati, a fine wine director, estimated the value of the 1899 bottle at around €100,000 ($118,000). Most bottles from the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti sell for significantly less, making this find even more extraordinary. The bottle had a storied past, initially purchased by a French noble family and forgotten in a cellar for decades. Its remarkable journey included being misidentified at an auction, where it sold for a mere handful of euros.

As the wine was opened, attendees included figures like Aubert de Villaine, co-owner of the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and a vital link to the winery’s long history. The wine itself, made from ungrafted Pinot Noir vines before pest damage changed viticulture forever, was a biological marvel. It had survived two world wars and many other challenges, making its presence felt at the table.

The tasting proved to be exquisite, with the wine exhibiting a warm amber hue and an invigorating freshness paired with evolved notes of dried flowers and preserved plum. For those present, the moment encapsulated a unique union of history, craftsmanship, and passion for the beverage. Soo Hoo’s approach to sharing this rare vintage was hailed as a generous act, showcasing true appreciation for the art of winemaking.

Cimmati remarked on the significance of the occasion, asserting that the wine’s survival through history rendered its existence almost miraculous. In a world where such treasures are often locked away as trophies, Soo Hoo’s decision to share the experience affirmed his commitment to honor the vineyard and the people behind it.

For my 10th wedding anniversary, my wife and I returned to the Paso Robles winery where we got married. I purchased bottles from the 2019 and 2021 vintages, which correspond to the years our children were born, intending to save them until they are of legal drinking age so we can enjoy them together. However, I realized I needed a proper way to preserve these bottles for over a decade—a task for which I wasn’t adequately prepared.

Throughout most of my 30s, wine storage wasn’t a priority. I avoided putting wine above the stove but had no qualms about storing Cabernet in the refrigerator and Sancerre on the counter, juggling bottles in any available cabinet. Honestly, if I managed to keep a bottle for more than two weeks, it was a rare accomplishment.

Proper wine storage requires precise control over temperature, humidity, and light. High temperatures can spoil the wine, while low humidity can dry out corks and let oxygen spoil the contents. Enter the Goguette wine fridge—a new product from Eurocave, aimed at simplifying wine storage for enthusiasts.

The Goguette fridges are built to cater to different needs, whether you want straightforward, long-term storage or more complex setups with multiple temperature zones. While Eurocave’s options may overwhelm casual wine drinkers, Goguette focuses on being user-friendly. Despite its simplified design, it maintains high quality.

While Goguette does offer multi-zone fridges, I opted for a single-zone model in my dining room. This fridge allows me to set a temperature ideal for various wines; I chose 54°F to preserve the bottles for my children while also beginning to build a collection for immediate consumption.

Over the past six months, I’ve tested the fridge’s temperature accuracy with a thermometer, and it consistently maintained the set temperature, fluctuating by less than a degree.

The Goguette wine fridge is notably substantial and robust. Unlike other inexpensive beverage fridges, which I can move easily, this unit required two people and a dolly to relocate, demonstrating its quality and craftsmanship. Handcrafted in Fourmies, France, it features thoughtful details like a prominent handle, aluminum frame, touch controls, and adjustable shelves.

At $3,400, it’s a significant investment tailored for serious wine lovers or those willing to splurge. As Drinks Director Joey Hernandez points out, many people can manage with budget storage solutions. Typically, most wines are consumed soon after purchase, and extended aging isn’t always necessary.

Yet, for those special bottles meant for momentous occasions, a basic six-bottle cooler isn’t sufficient. The Goguette strives to recreate ideal cellar conditions in a compact size that can fit in various home spaces. Many younger consumers are now leaning toward "less but better" choices, seeking meaningful and aesthetically pleasing items.

A Goguette is not just functional but also serves as a conversation piece. Its striking design, adjustable shelving, and interior lighting are all geared toward making wine storage not only practical but also visually appealing. I look forward to ensuring that the wine remains pristine for my children’s future enjoyment.

Birmingham’s wine enthusiasts are well acquainted with Golden Age Wine, a notable venue that combines a wine bar with an inviting wine garden. At the helm of its culinary experience is Kady Wohlfarth, the Wine Steward and Food Director. She plays a vital role in crafting the unique dining experience that Golden Age offers, blending impeccable wine pairings with an exquisite food menu.

Kady’s journey with Golden Age began in 2019, when she first visited as a patron. Instantly captivated by the passion the owner and team poured into the establishment, Kady felt drawn to the space. This initial connection has now blossomed into her multifaceted role where she not only curates the wine selection but also manages operations, all while ensuring a high level of customer engagement.

The magic of Golden Age lies in its thoughtfully curated menu. By maintaining a relatively limited selection of food items, Kady can focus on perfecting the dishes to pair harmoniously with the wide range of wines available. This approach allows for balance and creativity, ensuring there’s always a satisfying pairing whether they push boundaries or stick to the classics.

For those looking to elevate their own dining experiences at home, Kady advises participants to communicate with their wine sellers. Sharing what meal they plan to make can lead to discoveries of unexpected pairings. Kady suggests embracing sweet wines, like a well-crafted Riesling, as they can transform a dining experience, especially when matched with spicy dishes.

Kady also shared her top wine recommendations to cater to any budget:

• Budget-friendly: Ferdinando Principiano Dolcetto d’Alba, $24 – A delicious red ideal for Pinot Noir fans, it’s perfect for casual weeknight enjoyment.

• Moderate: Domaine du Gringet, $55 – This wine offers a racy profile with characteristics that reflect the unique alpine climate of Savoie, France.

• Luxe: Paul-Bastien Clergeot Pinot Noir, $110 – A Champagne known for its subtle complexity, suitable for sipping at any occasion.

Outside of work, Kady enjoys knitting, sewing, and immersing herself in literature. Travel also expands her horizons, allowing her to connect with various cultures and perspectives.

When asked about inspiration, Kady finds it in her diverse group of friends whose unique interests keep her motivated and excited about life.

Kady’s key advice? Follow your passions and don’t shy away from trying new things. The growth that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, especially in areas you find challenging, is rewarding.

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The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has announced that all Fine Wine & Good Spirits locations will close on Sunday in anticipation of Winter Storm Fern, which is expected to bring significant snowfall of 12-18 inches to the Lehigh Valley.

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of Saturday’s store hours to stock up on essentials, including beverages, before the storm hits. For those looking to find store locations and hours, they can visit FWGS.com.