Celebrating Flavor: Everything You Need to Know About the North Coast Wine and Food Fest
The North Coast Wine & Food Festival showcased an impressive array of over 115 wineries and chefs, bringing together wine aficionados and food lovers at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. Attendees enjoyed a beautiful Saturday in June while sampling award-winning wines recognized from the North Coast Wine Challenge, alongside delectable bites prepared by talented local chefs. The event was a delightful experience, celebrating the culinary arts and the wine culture of the region.
Unveiling the Essence of Terroir: The Luxury Champagne Wine That Redefines Sense of Place
Champagne Cristal, produced by the family-owned Louis Roederer, stands out for its remarkable expression of terroir, rooted in the nutrient-poor, chalk-dominant soils of its vineyards. This Champagne is a testament to the land and the meticulous care taken in its production, showcasing a unique sense of place that is often lost in the world of mass-produced wines.
The vineyards of Champagne Cristal have a storied past, dating back to 1816 when André Jullien classified vital vineyards in the region. Roederer’s distinct approach began in 1876 with the creation of Cristal, focusing on the specific vineyards that could showcase the terroir’s depth. The crisp acidity and delicate structure found in the wine can be attributed to the vineyard’s challenging conditions, which mean the vines grow more like “bonsai” trees—small but mighty, struggling yet thriving.
Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, the chef de caves, has dedicated himself to exploring innovative practices to maintain the vineyards’ health and longevity while respecting their unique characteristics. Adopting methods such as permaculture and organic farming, he has observed a positive shift in the wines’ pH levels, resulting in heightened acidity and complexity.
Champagne Cristal is not merely about luxury branding; it embodies a philosophy rooted in the land. The house resists the trends of corporate acquisition commonly seen in the wine industry, opting to cultivate its heritage and focus on quality. This commitment is evident in the multiple vineyard sites contributing to Cristal’s blend, each bringing distinct qualities based on their soil structures and climatic influences.
When tasting Cristal, connoisseurs often experience an initial shock. It’s not the bold fruitiness they may expect; instead, the wine impresses through its sheer intensity and complexity derived from the terroir. The nuances of the chalk, minerals, and the very essence of the vine create a multidimensional profile that encourages wine drinkers to embrace a more profound appreciation of what Champagne can be.
Among the notable vintages, the 2002 is highlighted for its remarkable balance and evolution, while the 2012 offers an intriguing combination of minerality and fruit. Tasting the 2016 vintage, shaped by a challenging year, reveals a breathtaking purity that defies expectations.
Champagne Cristal Rosé also deserves mention for its exceptional character, expressing both power and finesse. Through innovative techniques, Lécaillon enhances the rosé’s terroir expression, allowing nuances of cherry blossoms and wild strawberries to dance on the palate, complemented by a mineral backbone.
In a crowded field of luxury Champagnes, Cristal carves its own niche, representing not just a drink, but a story of heritage, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to showcasing the beauty of its origins.
Burlington Beer Co.: A Creative Journey Through Fermentation
When Joe Lemnah’s savings ran dry, Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) stepped in to help with his brewery venture, Burlington Beer Company (BBCo.). After starting home-brewing in 2006 and honing his skills at Dogfish Head Brewery in Delaware, Lemnah launched BBCo. in 2014 with a vision to bring his brewing talent back to Vermont.
Located in Williston, BBCo. operates from a 22,000-square-foot production facility and features a brewpub in Burlington’s South End, which opened in 2021. Lemnah faced significant challenges in securing funding, particularly in an increasingly competitive market. Despite numerous rejections from traditional lenders, VEDA believed in his passion and entrepreneurial spirit.
With VEDA’s support, Lemnah secured the necessary financing for brewing equipment and other critical needs, indicating that their willingness to invest in passionate entrepreneurs was vital to BBCo.’s establishment and growth. The brewery has contributed positively to the community by creating unique brews for local causes, such as a special beer in response to flooding in 2023.
Lemnah emphasizes the importance of artistry in his beer production, stating that brewing is more than just a business; it’s about making a fun and enjoyable product that reflects his creative spirit.
Currently, VTDigger is addressing Vermont’s affordability crisis by launching a new reporting beat focused on economic inequality across the state. To support this initiative, they are partnering with Report for America, relying on community contributions to fund the new reporting position. A Vermont donor is matching all donations received before June 14, doubling the impact of each contribution.
Capturing the Brilliance of Ellie Beer: A Visual Tribute to an Australian Track and Field Star
Ellie Beer has established herself as a remarkable talent in track and field since her teenage years, marking her place in Australian sports history with impressive accolades including a gold medal at the World Indoor Championships. Her career has flourished as she represented Team Australia at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, showcasing her skill on an international stage.
In her journey, she has consistently set record-breaking times and earned recognition in various competitions. As part of Team Australia, Beer participated in the Women’s 4 x 400m relay heats at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Over the years, she has continued to shine, winning events and achieving personal bests, further solidifying her status as a top-level athlete.
Her recent achievements include winning the Women’s 400m final at the Maurie Pant Meet in Melbourne and competing in the 2025 Australian Open and Under 20 Athletics Championships. At this event, she notably finished first in her heat and progressed to the final, demonstrating her capabilities as a sprinter.
In May 2025, Beer contributed to Team Australia’s success by securing second place in the mixed 4x400m relay final at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China. Her relentless pursuit of excellence makes her a standout athlete and a prominent figure in Australian athletics.
For more about Ellie Beer and her journey in athletics, follow her career as she continues to make waves in the sport.
7 Rosé Wines That Redefine the Blush Stereotype
Rosé wine has often been seen as a light, seasonal option that lacks depth and seriousness. However, this stereotype is rapidly changing as winemakers around the globe, particularly in regions like France and California, are redefining what rosé can be. The global rosé wine market was valued at about $3.2 billion in 2023, with projections to reach $5.2 billion by 2032, indicating a growing consumer appreciation for the versatility of this wine.
Today, rosé is produced with the same level of care and precision as red and white wines. Winemakers are focusing on specific grape plots, managing harvest timings, and controlling fermentation to create wines that are complex and structured. This evolution means that rosé now embodies a range of styles—from bone-dry to sparkling and even surprisingly age-worthy varieties.
Here are seven rosé wines that exemplify this new standard, showcasing depth and character beyond their color:
-
Belle Glos ‘Oeil de Perdrix’ Rosé
This California rosé, with its traditional copper hue, is crafted specifically for this style using a careful winemaking approach. It features stone fruit and citrus flavors layered over bright acidity, demonstrating that rosé can offer structure and complexity. -
Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé
Known for its elegance, this rosé champagne combines chardonnay, pinot noir, and meunier. With extended aging on lees, it achieves a refined texture and a balance of red berry notes, proving that rosé can be both celebratory and sophisticated. -
Chateau D’Esclans ‘Whispering Angel’ Rosé
A pioneer in the global rosé market, this wine is celebrated for its smooth and dry profile, created from a blend of grenache, cinsault, and rolle. It helps illustrate that rosé can achieve popularity without sacrificing quality. -
Château Gassier Côtes de Provence ‘Esprit Gassier’ Rosé
This wine showcases a vibrant mix of red berries, citrus, and tropical notes like mango, alongside a refreshing menthol finish, breaking the mold of overly simple rosés. -
Château Minuty Prestige Rosé
Dominated by grenache, this floral wine offers flavors of yellow peach and a salty edge, with a clean finish that speaks to its quality and care in production. -
Gerard Bertrand ‘Gris Blanc’ Rosé
Almost colorless, this granache rosé presents minerality and a faint sparkle, delivering a fresh approach and a lean finish that challenges preconceptions about the sweetness of rosés. -
Souleil Vin de Bonté Le Rosé
This organic blend evokes brightness and salinity, with a delicate maceration process that preserves the wine’s freshness, proving that rosé can be both light and complex.
This selection of rosé wines illustrates the category’s potential for serious enjoyment, moving beyond its traditional image to reveal a variety of intricate flavors and textures.
Refreshing Review: Trying Betty Booze’s New Lemonade & Passion Fruit Vodka Iced Teas!
Betty Booze has recently expanded its beverage lineup with the introduction of two vodka iced teas, perfect for summer sipping. Blake Lively’s brand, previously known for its sparkling tequila and bourbon drinks, is now offering these non-carbonated drinks featuring real tea and fruit juice with clean spirits. The two flavors available are Meyer Lemonade and Passion Fruit, which can be found in stores like Total Wine & More and BevMo or on BettyBooze.com.
Lively describes the Vodka Iced Teas as “summer in a can,” made from recipes crafted in her home. As someone familiar with iced teas from a young age, I was eager to see if these drinks held up to that summer standard.
Vodka Iced Tea + Meyer Lemonade
- Initial thoughts: The first thing I noticed is that these vodka iced teas are not carbonated. While I usually enjoy bubbly drinks, this one is incredibly refreshing.
- Pros: The taste is reminiscent of homemade Arnold Palmer, and the Meyer Lemonade flavor stands out as vibrant and fresh. The alcohol is hardly detectable, making it easy to drink.
- Cons: The drink isn’t very sweet, which may disappoint those who prefer traditional Southern sweet tea. While the lemonade enriches the flavor, it may not satisfy those looking for a robust sweetness.
- Overall thoughts: This drink is ideal for poolside relaxation with friends.
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Vodka Iced Tea + Passion Fruit
- Initial thoughts: Similar to the Meyer Lemonade, this drink is subtly sweet and brings a delightful passion fruit flavor into play.
- Pros: The passion fruit twist feels unique, likening its taste to Arizona’s green tea and evoking nostalgic summer memories.
- Cons: Still lacking in sweetness, those wanting a pronounced passion fruit flavor might be let down.
- Overall thoughts: This flavor feels innovative, and I’m excited to share it at summer gatherings.
- Rating: 5 out of 5
These new vodka iced teas from Betty Booze not only promise a refreshing summer drink option but also hint at a growing trend in ready-to-drink cocktails that focus on natural ingredients and genuine flavor.
Sipping for a Purpose: Creative Cocktails for a Cause
More than 100 educators, parents, and community leaders gathered on June 10 at the Harbour Club for "Cocktails for a Cause," an event focused on addressing the literacy crisis in Charleston and South Carolina. With nearly two-thirds of students in the state struggling to read proficiently, the need for effective teaching methods in classrooms has become urgent. A report by the National Council on Teacher Quality indicates that teachers typically receive less than two hours of training in their preparation programs specifically for reading instruction.
The evening highlighted successful initiatives, particularly the Lowcountry Literacy Project, which trains educators in the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach—a research-based, systematic method aligned with reading science. Featured panelists included educators and literacy leaders who shared their experiences and insights, focusing on the transformative impact of this training on student outcomes.
One poignant moment came from Christi Ascue Kershaw, who recounted her struggles in finding effective reading intervention programs for her daughter, illustrating the personal stakes involved in literacy education. Catherine Hagberg presented data showcasing the effectiveness of the OG interventions, where 97% of students at a partner school achieved their English Language Arts growth goals, with over half of those students coming from poverty-stricken backgrounds.
Lindsey Ballenger, Co-Founder and Board Chair, emphasized the importance of investing in educators to ensure that every child has the opportunity to become a confident reader, regardless of their background.
The event was moderated by Octavia Mitchell, an award-winning anchor, and also featured a trailer for an upcoming documentary that captures the essence and achievements of the Lowcountry Literacy Project. The full documentary is expected to premiere in the fall.
The Ideal Life Foundation sponsored educator tickets, prioritizing the inclusion of those closest to the grassroots literacy efforts. One of the event’s highlights was a group photo of the dedicated educators at the forefront of this movement in Charleston County.
For further information, visit the Lowcountry Literacy Project here.
Sparta’s Beer and Brat Festival: A Celebration of Flavors and Community Fun
The Sparta Beer and Brat Fest is currently taking place downtown, celebrating Father’s Day weekend with an array of entertainment, food, and beverages. This festival kicked off on Friday and continues through Saturday, showcasing a selection of locally brewed beers and various specialty bratwursts. While admission is free, attendees need tickets to purchase food and drinks.
Festival-goers can enjoy live music across multiple stages, engage in activities such as axe throwing and fowling, and explore an artisan vendor market. Notably, former Detroit Pistons player Lindsay Hunter will be making an appearance and is hosting a basketball shooting contest over the festival’s two days.
Michelle Baltruczak from the Sparta Chamber of Commerce highlighted that one of the festival’s primary goals is to bring the community together and foster local pride. Additionally, the event serves as a fundraiser for future community events in Sparta. With thousands of visitors expected from the surrounding areas, the festival promises to be a vibrant gathering.
For details on hours and a complete schedule of events, visit spartachamber.org.
Top Wine-Country Resorts in California for an Unforgettable 2025 Getaway
Sometimes, a little extravagance is just what you need to rejuvenate. For those looking to indulge in luxurious travel, particularly across California’s famed wine country, the latest guide from Conde Nast Traveler highlights the “25 Best Resorts in California, from Malibu to Napa Valley.” This collection is perfect for planning a lavish getaway filled with exquisite meals, breathtaking views, and pampering experiences.
Travel journalist Maxwell Williams from the magazine notes, “The beauty of California is that there’s so much, well, beauty to behold.” For an immersive experience in the state, he emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature—whether it’s through forests, gardens, or beaches. Travelers can find a plethora of fabulous resorts that cater to these desires, no matter where they are located in California.
The selection includes both iconic destinations and hidden gems, reflecting the diverse offerings in Napa and Sonoma. Here are the top ten resorts that made the list:
- Bardessono Hotel and Spa, Yountville
- Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection, Napa
- Meadowood Napa Valley, St. Helena
- Carneros Resort and Spa, Napa
- Dawn Ranch, Guerneville
- The Farmhouse Inn, Sonoma
- Casa Palmero at Pebble Beach, Monterey County
- Carmel Valley Ranch, Carmel Valley
- Alila Ventana Big Sur, Big Sur
- Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur
For those looking to explore the complete list of recommended resorts and further details, visit the Conde Nast Traveler here. Get ready to treat yourself to an unforgettable California getaway!
Exploring Global Flavors: New Cookbooks from Soviet Diaspora to African Wine Pairings
New cookbooks and food literature from New England are enhancing the dining experience with vibrant stories and cultural insights. They explore diverse cuisines, from African pairings to Eastern European heritage, making meals more than just sustenance.
These recent titles are particularly engaging for culinary enthusiasts keen on discovering new flavors and stories behind the dishes. Here are some highlights:
Wine Pairing for the People: The Communion of Wine, Food, and Culture from Africa and Beyond
Authors: Cha McCoy (certified sommelier) and Layla Schlack (food writer)
This upcoming book offers an extensive guide on pairing wine with various dishes, featuring menus and wines that complement foods like Jamaican jerk chicken and Mexican elote. It’s set for release in early November and promises to broaden culinary horizons. Pre-order it here.
Chesnok: Cooking from My Corner of the Diaspora
Author: Polina Chesnakova
Chesnakova’s work acts as a heartfelt tribute to her childhood in the Soviet diaspora, offering recipes like Ukrainian varenyky and honey cake. Scheduled for mid-September release, this book represents a fusion of rich traditions shared in her family’s cooking. Pre-order here.
Sex and the City Cocktails: Fall in Love with 60 Fabulous Cocktail Recipes Inspired by the Show
Author: Thea Engst
Engst captures the flair of Manhattan’s cocktail culture through a stylish collection of recipes inspired by the iconic series. It aims to transport readers to the high-society gatherings reminiscent of Carrie Bradshaw and her friends. This book is set for a November release. Pre-order here.
Umma: A Korean Mom’s Kitchen Wisdom and 100 Family Recipes
Publisher: America’s Test Kitchen
This comprehensive guide to Korean cooking features recipes passed down from the author’s mother, including comforting classics like kimchi jjigae and Korean fried chicken. It’s a celebration of family traditions in culinary form. Order it now.
Rhode Island Food Crawls: Touring the Neighborhoods One Bite & Libation at a Time
Author: Jamie Coelho
As the editor-in-chief of Rhode Island Monthly, Coelho presents a delightful guide to food crawls across the state. Readers can look forward to exploring the culinary landscape one delicious bite at a time, with a release date of July 15. Pre-order now.
Practical Pomology: A Field Guide
Author: Sean Turley
Turley’s guide is dedicated to New England’s apples, offering an insightful look at apple varieties, terminology, and identification tips, paired with beautiful illustrations. Essential reading for those interested in local fruit cultivation. Order it here.
These titles are more than just cookbooks; they are narratives that elevate the cooking experience by connecting food with personal histories and cultural legacies.