Category Varietals

Uruguay in a Glass: Alto de la Ballena at Grand Cata, La Cosecha

watercolor of paula pivel, Alto de la Ballena

Tucked into the lively La Cosecha market in D.C.’s Union Market District, Grand Cata is a small but mighty portal into wine from South America (and beyond). With curated selections from Argentina to the Canary Islands, and a heart for…

What’s the Difference Between a Grape and a Varietal?

Grapes in the pinot family

One of the most common questions I get is: What’s the difference between a grape and a varietal? Spoiler: they’re related, but not quite the same.

Grenache: A Picnic in a Bottle

Juicy, generous, and vibrant, Grenache is the wine equivalent of an impromptu picnic—full of ripe red berries, wild herbs, and casual, fuss-free joy.

Vintage Vines, Vintage Vibes: The Rhône Valley

Rhône Valley wines bring depth and diversity without shouting for attention. Think Chloë Sevigny: stylish without trying, and the kind of cool that can’t be manufactured.

Mermaid Wine: A Guide to Salty Wine

mermaid party

If you’ve ever taken a sip of wine and thought wait, is that… salt?, you’re not imagining it. Saline (or salty) notes can show up in certain wines, adding a savory, mouthwatering edge that makes them incredibly food-friendly and a…

Tacos and…Wine? Celebrating Mexican Wine on Cinco de Mayo

When you think of Cinco de Mayo, odds are your mind goes straight to tacos, margaritas, and mariachi music. But there’s another reason to raise a glass today—Mexico’s vibrant and growing wine scene.

Lambrusco: The Blood Red Sparkler that’s Not Just for Vampires

vampire in a wine bar drinking lambrusco

Picture this: You’re at a cozy wine bar, scanning the by-the-glass list for something sparkly. You spot “Lambrusco di Sorbara”—Italian, bubbly, sounds chic—and place your order, imagining a pale gold flute of something Prosecco-adjacent. But when the glass hits the…

A Bouquet in a Bottle: Meet Gewürztraminer

Illustration of a woman applying perfume at her vanity

Meet Gewürztraminer—the floral wine with a name that sounds like a sneeze (from all the sweet florals packed into her nose) and a personality that wears florals, glitter, and loads of perfume. If you haven’t tried this fragrant white yet, it’s time to try her on.

Celebrate Paul Revere’s Ride with Madeira

paul revere and his horse

Paul Revere's midnight ride helped spark the American Revolution. But before saddling up, what might Revere have sipped for liquid courage?