Syrah Queen

Sparkling wine has long been the language of celebration, but today’s world of bubbles speaks in many dialects. From historic Champagne houses to experimental pét-nats and confident New World cuvées, sparkling wine is no longer reserved for a single night on the calendar. It is a wine for moments—grand and spontaneous alike. This curated list of twenty standout bottles is designed not just to…

This article first appeared in Santé Magazine on November 24th, 2925 Thanksgiving is, for wine lovers, the ultimate culinary battlefield—a single table hosting turkey (white and dark meat), cranberry sauce (tart and sweet), stuffing (herbal and savory), and gravy (rich and umami). It’s a meal that defies a single perfect wine. Instead, the smart host embraces a spectacular lineup to ensure every…

This article first appeared in Santé Magazine on August 2025 In the rolling hills of Chianti Classico, San Felice Winery is doing something remarkable: not just producing beautiful wines, but keeping a centuries-old viticultural heritage alive. With a rare blend of historical reverence and forward-thinking experimentation, San Felice has become one of the most innovative estates in Italy—uniting…

This article first appeared in Santé Magazine on August 5th, 2025 Nestled at the base of Howell Mountain in St. Helena, Titus Vineyards is a 50-acre, second-generation family estate that embodies Napa Valley’s rich winemaking history and innovative spirit. Purchased by Dr. Lee and Ruth Titus in 1968, the property had been farmed since the mid-1800s—once home to varietals like Mondeuse, Burger,…

This article first appeared in Santé Magazine on July 21st, 2025 In Montalcino, the past and future of Brunello converge at one address: Biondi-Santi. The historic estate that defined a denomination continues to guide its evolution with remarkable grace. In the world of fine wine, a handful of names transcend trends and vintages to become monuments – carved into the very identity of a region.…

This article first appeared in Santé Magazine on July 2025 The verdant, rolling hills of Monferrato in Piedmont, Italy, have long been a cradle of winemaking tradition. For centuries, the Barbera grape, known for its vibrant acidity and approachable fruit, has thrived here, often producing delightful, easy-drinking wines. However, a transformative shift has occurred in recent decades, culminating…

As summer reaches its peak, wine lovers instinctively turn to crisp, refreshing whites that not only beat the heat but also elevate the season’s vibrant dishes. Among the most elegant choices for warm-weather sipping is Gavi—a distinctive white wine from Piedmont in northwestern Italy, crafted exclusively from the Cortese grape. Few producers have been as instrumental in elevating Gavi’s global…

This article first appeared in Santé Magazine on June 2025 Summer’s here, and let’s be honest—hydration is important, but rosé is essential. Whether you’re lounging like royalty on a beach towel in Saint Tropez or grilling burgers in flip-flops in your backyard, rosé is the ultimate warm-weather wingman. It’s light, crisp, and refreshingly easy to drink, with fruity flavors that practically…

This article first appeared in Santé Magazine on December 2024 2025 is less than a week away and New Year’s Eve is when we pop the most corks.  Let’s finish the year on a sparkling note and welcome 2025 with these effervescent wines from prestigious Champagne houses, boutique sparkling wine producers, and high-quality budget sparklers from around the globe,   Here is a list of our favorite…

This article first appeared in Santé Magazine on November 2024 Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  It is a holiday where we are grateful to spend quality time with loved ones with delectable food and wine as the focus.  With all the efforts that go into planning a Thanksgiving menu, picking the wines will be your easiest task.  With this thoughtfully curated list of wines, your Thanksgiving…

This article first appeared in Santé Magazine on May 2024 Mother’s Day is right around the corner and if there is anyone that deserves to be showered with gifts, it is mom.  It is the perfect occasion to show how thankful you are.  The best Mother’s Day gifts are the ones that are thoughtfully and carefully selected. Give your mom an exceptional gift this year with the perfect bottle of wine. …

This article first appeared in Santé Magazine on December 2023 The holiday season is officially in full gear.  If you are looking for a last-minute idea, a special bottle of wine makes a fantastic gift.  If you have a boss, a sibling, a spouse, a business partner, or a client who is an avid wine lover, this list is all you need.  These 10 wines represent thought, sophistication, and…

Carménère is a fascinating grape variety with Bordeaux origins that is now thriving in Chile.  This varietal disappeared from Bordeaux during the phylloxera crisis in the mid-1800s.  Luckily Chilean grape growers brought Carménère to Chile in the 1850’s.  Carménère and Merlot were planted side by side, in what everyone throughout Chile assumed was Merlot.  Unbeknownst for 150 years, Carménère was…

Thanksgiving is a holiday where we gather to spend time with friends and family.  It is a time to share in the joy of each other company with great food and wine.  Zinfandel is the quintessential choice for a Thanksgiving feast.  With notes of stone fruits, wild berries, sweet spice, and smoky undertones,  Zinfandel has been a staple on all Thanksgiving tables.  You can expect wines that are…

This article first appeared in Santé Magazine on November 2023 Thanksgiving is here and you have spent countless hours contemplating your festive dinner menu. With the focus on the meal, we tend to overlook the most important part till the last minute – the wine.  It is important to keep in mind that Thanksgiving is not just about the meal but the wines play an equally important role.…

Fall marks a season for scenic colorful autumn hikes, fall sweaters, crisp air and pumpkin spice.  A new season calls for new wines.  With the harvest season upon us, it doesn’t always mean heavy reds.  There is a spectrum of red, whites, roses and even cocktails that scream the fall season is finally here.  You will find that these wines capture the spirit of autumn in your glass. A Mini…

It is International Sherry Week and I have the most classic pairings for you. Seafood + Sherry.  Not everyone knows that there is a style of Sherry to match every type of food, and when it comes to what to serve with tinned seafood (known as ‘conservas’ in Spain), the Spanish believe tinned seafood and Sherry go hand in hand. Of course, there’s a lot to learn about tinned seafood + pairings, but…