After too many hours in the airport, I am grateful to be home.

The last several days were spent in the beautiful mountains of Vail, Colorado - a 64-year-old ski resort town two hours southwest of the state’s capital.

I’m going to provide a full recap of my time in Vail later this week, but for now, here are a couple of my favorites from the last seven days.

Have a great week, everyone!

BEST BITE & SIP

Smoked Beef Carpaccio with Stressed Vines Cellars Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This was one of the five courses I had the pleasure of experiencing at the Chasing Cab dinner to kick off the Vail Classic. And paired with a bold California Cab, this American Wagyu with caper aioli, arugula, olive oil, and Parmesan had no business being this good. Compliments to chef at Chasing Rabbits in Vail Village.

MEDIA

Is God Is. One thing about United Airlines? They are going to have a great selection of movies for passengers to watch in flight. I had been wanting to see this film for months and I’m so thankful to have pressed play on it. The casting, storyline and score were elite. And I will always love a Randall Pearson one tear moment. (IYKYK.) I still have so many thoughts and theories about this masterful film, so if you’ve seen it, holler at me!

PLACES

Root & Flower. I’m going to speak more to this gem in my Substack all about my trip to Vail, but this cocktail bar in the Village is truly something special. I spent two hours here on Thursday chatting with the veteran bartender and tasting some very yummy wines - including in a Cabernet Franc that I am still thinking about.

A Sunday Kind of Pour was truly a labor of love, and it left my glass (and heart) feeling full. It was a combination of my favorite day, favorite wine spots in the city I love, and my favorite way to connect with others.

As I challenge myself to write more, I am reintroducing a similar concept here on Palate Cleanser.

From great food and wine, to podcasts, TV shows, spots I’ve curiously visited and everything in between, I’ll recap a few of my favorites from the seven days prior in this weekly installment.

I hope that by sharing a few ounces of joy I’ve savored over the last seven days, you’re encouraged to reflect on what made your heart smile, too.

Cheers to a brand new week,
-cc

BEST BITES AND SIPS OF THE WEEK

• Violet’s Paradise Sparkling Wine. To celebrate what would’ve been my Uncle Milton’s 80th birthday on Wednesday, I popped a bottle of Brenae Royal’s Sparkling wine my family really enjoyed. A blend of mostly Chardonnay with splashes of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Sauvignon Blanc. And what makes this bottle even sweeter? 100% of proceeds go to support the Violet's Paradise Agriculture Scholarship and The Veraison Project, helping the next generation pursue careers in agriculture and the wine industry.

• Carte Bleu, presented by and Brown Butter Supper Club. On Friday, I spent the evening in great company with dozens of people who came from far and wide to experience the brilliance and creativity of Chef Courtnee Futch-Brinson. This was my first BBSC experience, and it certainly won’t be my last. The storytelling was elite, the conversations with my fellow diners was rich, and the Roasted Stonefruit Salad with turmeric mango chutney vinaigrette and Sweet Corn & Blueberry Jam Cornbread Focaccia with Disaronno suzette vanilla bean whipped butter was one of the best starters I’ve had in a long time. Thank you for sharing your love for food and incredible hospitality with us in Chicago, Courtnee – I’m so proud of you!

MEDIA (Television, Music, Books, Substack Articles, and Podcasts)

• “Pitching Stories in the Era of Ghosting” by . Freelance writing isn’t for the faint of heart, especially as the landscape has changed so drastically over the last several years. Ari does a great job expressing what many wine writers have been experiencing, and why we shouldn’t sit on our ideas.

• “LeBron James is the Bozoma Saint John of the NBA” by . I read this en route to work on Tuesday and BAY-BEE! Maya put her foot in this one. By the title, I thought she was going to throw shade to y’all’s GOAT, but the story transformed into a much bigger lesson in career development, mentorship, and choosing yourself.

• The Polygamist on Netflix. Based on the book by Sue Nyathi, I unashamedly binged this spicy series yesterday and BOY did it take me for a ride. 😮‍💨 I’ve been a fan of South African dramas on Netflix for a few years now (Blood & Water and Savage Beauty are great watches as well), but this one right here?! This one was 22-episodes of mess, scandal, heartbreak, raunchiness, and family drama. If you have the time, 10/10 would recommend watching it.

• “Waste Your Heart” by Magnus Ferrell. When my sister told me that Will Ferrell’s son made music, I was confused. But when I went to Apple Music, pressed play, and listened? I was pleasantly surprised. I like to think of him as a nephew of Robin Thicke, or a little brother of Daley and Allen Stone.

• The Sistas Who Kill Podcast. Every Friday without fail, I listen to this podcast. Real-life besties Ma’Rah and Taz do an amazing job recounting stories of Black women who have committed true crimes. In the last year or so, I’ve taken a strong interest in this genre. What I love most about SWK is the hosts’ thoughtful research, pop culture references, and how they present information in a humorous yet compassionate way.

PLACES

• inkwell in West Loop. For my fellow writers, this moody cocktail bar, adorned with portraits of famous writers and tucked under the L tracks, on Lake Street is a gem. I always appreciate the craft of a mixologist, and the bartender on duty did his BIG one with my cocktail: Reposado Tequila, Japanese Amaro, and Agave, which was a spin on an Old Fashioned. Sensational.

• TrueNorth Cafe in Hyde Park. Stumbled upon this eight-year-old cafe after church before brunch with friends and love the lowkey and chill energy. My Cafe Au Lait was yummy, and I’m never opposed a presidential sighting.

With Jhené Aiko’s “B.S.” on repeat and my favorite glass filled with Chardonnay, last night I began typing out some very strong thoughts in response to someone’s opinion about wine and community (or the lack thereof).

But as I lay me down to sleep, the Holy Spirit tapped on my heart and was like, “Aht, aht! You don’t need to respond to that.”

And when He speaks, I’ve learned that it is always in my best interest to listen.

The beautiful thing about a rough draft is that you can sleep on it, and come back to it in the morning.

Don’t front… this song came to your mind, too. LOL.

When I woke up this morning, my imagination ran wild on what could’ve happened if I had published my instinctive response. To quote someone who I never thought I would ever, “attention is currency,” and people will always remember what caught their eye and how it made them feel.

So instead of calling others out, I’ve decided to call myself in.

Now, to be clear - my affinity for the beverage hasn’t fallen flat (because I still love fermented grape juice DOWN, okay?!) but my excitement for the industry and how I can be of service to it has.

Let’s take a walk down memory lane, shall we?

After celebrating the release of Wine Convo Generator and being named one of Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 Tastemakers in 2024, I’m not gon’ hold y’all – I was tired.

Grateful for the support, overwhelmed by encouragement, and blessed by partnership with local businesses who hosted and welcomed me with open arms.

And while I’m thankful 2025 afforded me new touchpoints with wine (like here, here, and here), I was still left feeling uninspired and unsure if I even wanted to consider myself a “wine culture expert”.

If some of you recall, last year knocked the wind out of my sails and shifted my attention to finding my next full-time role, making sure my bills got paid, and grieving the loss of a family member.

By the grace of God, I moved through it and keep welcoming each day as it comes.

Now that I’ve returned to a full-time role and started a new chapter of my career, my priorities have changed. My time is limited, and I don’t have as much flexibility as I did freelancing.

And that’s okay.

But the million-dollar question remains:

How can I show up in an industry that continues to move forward, even when I’m not fully present with it?

The answer: Be consistent with what I’ve got right where I am.

In the now viral interview with Oprah Winfrey on the podcast, Baby, This is Keke Palmer, she spoke to the importance of why we all mustn’t ignore the promptings, the hints, and the signs that serve as guidance of our purpose.

As I watched this interview yesterday during my commute home, I couldn’t help but feel seen, affirmed, and motivated to plug into

The countless ideas in my Notes app.

The pages of brainstorms spewed across dozens of notebooks.

The dreams I’ve tucked in shoe boxes in the closet of my mind that deserve a chance to see the light of day.

When my social media hiatus ends in September, there won’t be a big announcement on the heels of my return, but I am going to do a better job of showing up as who I am now and stewarding the gifts that have brought me to this industry.

This time, I’m holding myself accountable. And I hope you do, too.

Here are three steps I’m taking to return to the plot and reignite my passion for wine:

1. Realign with my why, recommit to my practice, and build trust. To be the change I wish to see, I have to remain inquisitive about the work I choose to do. Do I want to create an impact and inspire others? Yes, but that’s not the main goal.
   
   I am on assignment, and it is my responsibility to walk out the things I’ve been tasked to do. Wine is many things, but above all it is a dutifully crafted beverage designed to bring people together. That’s the plot, and I refuse to lose sight of it.

2. Do nothing without intention. While I do have a gazillion ideas, the ones that will get their shot (I’ve been listening to the Hamilton soundtrack, sorry not sorry) must make sense. They’ve got to align with my goal, which is to make wine accessible and relatable to every palate through storytelling, cultivate spaces for people to enjoy wine, and grow community.

3. Remain curious – all ways and always. During my mid-year review this week, my manager encouraged me to let curiosity lead the work that I do, and I took that personally. I created a Summer (Wine) Bucket List for a reason, and I’m letting that be a summer syllabus of sorts to fall back in love with wine.

I’ve been allowed to travel globally, write and report for some of the world’s most recognized publications, and build community authentically – all because I fell in love with a glass of Spanish Albarino 16 years ago.

And though it may be a difficult time for the industry, who am I to give up on myself just because it is an uncomfortable season?

The execution won’t always be perfect, nor will deliverables always be timely – but I’m going to do my damndest to keep taking up the space I’ve worked so hard to embody.

And to quote Marianne Williamson:

Have a great weekend, beloved.

NOTE: This post does contain spoilers, so bookmark this post and watch the episode!

It’s been a long time since I’ve wept while watching an episode of a television show.

The final season of FX’s The Bear dropped almost two weeks ago, and I finally got around to binging, pacing myself to savor each of the eight episodes.

Since the show debuted in June 2022, I’ve been a huge fan. Not just because it was shot in Chicago and parts of my hometown of Evanston, but because it pulled back the curtain to the most chaotic part of the hospitality industry - the kitchen of a fine dining restaurant. More than that, it gave the audience a chance to witness redemption stories, the not-so-polished (but honest) side of restaurant culture, and the insane beauty of Chicago.

I’ll admit - at first I thought the show was going to be all about Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, but season two gave necessary color to the other chefs with whom he shared the kitchen. Everyone’s chaos, personal struggles, gifts, and quirks were part of why they were so successful in transforming from an Italian beef shop to a premier establishment.

I haven’t watched episode eight yet, but ‘Caramel’ was a beautiful homage to the entire series. It was so incredibly moving to see everyone have their main character moment, and more importantly, HOW EVERYONE HAD EACH OTHER’S BACK.

Without further ado, here are the nine reasons why all 52 minutes of episode seven had me crying thug tears.

1. NEIL! Once it clicked, my boy locked in and never looked back. Neil was often deemed the klutz of the series, but in a moment where it seemed like he might flub yet again, he woke it up and became the sensational server and storyteller. Which leads me to my second point…

2. Tom Skilling. If you’re from Chicago, then you know this beloved weatherman is a LEGEND. To have him as a guest during The Bear’s last, most difficult service!!? During a massive thunderstorm?! PLEASE! It was truly a chef’s kiss.

3. The minds of the brilliant Black creatives front and back of house. I wrote about this topic for The TRiiBE not once, but twice over the course of the series, and I’m grateful that the showrunners continue to recognize the undeniable power of Black creativity.

   1. SYDNEY. Leading her team with grace, honoring her mom with her best dish, and seeing the fruits of her labor in the dining room gave me the deepest feelings.

   2. MARCUS. Once he got out of his feelings about his homie Luca, it was cool to see his creativity come to life yet again. And his subtle flex of calling Donnie Madia for a garnish to showcase his raw talent to his dad? PRICELESS.

   3. SWEEPS. The way he handled the pressure of blindly identifying a wine’s vintage and that wine snob was impeccable. And if you’re a sommelier, you know all too well how he felt when he stepped out back to celebrate.

4. If ‘LET HIM COOK!’ were a person, it would be Carmy. This man has been his own worst enemy the entire series, all because he doesn’t believe in himself and his immense talent. But when he finally let go of the need to control, he became the backbone and cheerleader for his whole team.

5. Richie, Jess, and the entire FOH team. From managing overbooked reservations to how they communicated with each other and the kitchen with poise, I would hire this team to run my restaurant ASAPington.

6. Tina and her Brussels. My girl got her shine on, and it was glorious! Being affirmed as Sydney’s CDC? A moment. But the name she gave the dish?! Legendary.

7. The very Chicago-ass backyard party for the guests awaiting their seats. Why was there so much going on? Where did the inflatables come from? So much in so little time, but I loved it.

8. Computer and Uncle Jimmy staying out of the jam, but still plotting. That’s it, that’s all.

9. Donna getting a chance to see what her children built. First, I love Jamie Lee Curtis DOWN, and I love the impact her guest appearance made on this series. Secondly, it was really sweet to watch her absorb the work of all three of her children, while caring for her sweet grandbaby. The emotional resolve she had in that quiet moment was superb.

Christopher Storer, native of Park Ridge, the man you are!

It’s quite bittersweet to see this series end. But I can honestly say watching this series annually will serve as a good reminder to stay curious, keep exploring the city I love, and not to let perfect be the enemy of good.

If you’ve watched the series, what have been your favorite parts of this season? Let me know!

Summertime Chi is in full swing, and that means it’s time to enjoy one of my many favorite hobbies: drinking wine (and the occasional Dirty Martini) outside.

So in no particular order, here’s how I want to ‘drink well’ this summer.

1. Enjoy a glass of Vinho Verde while people-watching at Naia on the River. This restaurant is currently the talk of the town, and I love Mediterranean food. While I wish they had a more extensive BTG (by the glass) list, I’m going to get in where I fit in and enjoy the moment.

2. Attend a Sunday tasting at Diversey Wine. I’ve been on their email list for YEARS, and their programming is always so fascinating to me! I’m going to pull up at least thrice before September.

3. Happy hour at Easy Does It. The patio is truly undefeated, and add a touch of live music? An urban oenophile’s dream.

4. Cozying up at Le Midi with a book and my journal. As much as there will be sunny days, there will be a few with clouds and scattered showers. This Wicker Park gem is so chic and has a great BTG and food menu.

5. Sip wine with a group of Black sommeliers, aka the homies. This is happening tonight! I’m so excited to see some friends that I haven’t seen in ages. It will be a time!

6. Visit Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery. Another gem that I’ve had on my list for years, but I’ll finally make the trip to Chicago’s first winery and Illinois’ first meadery.

7. Open the bottle of 2010 Alpha Omega I’ve been sitting on for the last six years and enjoy it with grilled steak. Your girl can’t be outside EVERY night, so when the Sunday scaries start to creep up, this will be the remedy.

8. Have a glass of The Lampley at the Obama Presidential Center. When I say that this will be one of the sweetest moments of my summer?! Chrishon Lampley, founder and CEO of Love Cork Screw, is not only a beautiful soul, but the wine made in dedication to her late father is the white wine exclusively served at OPC. (cue “BLACK PARADE”.)

9. Attend a wine festival in a new wine region. This is happening next month, and I am GEEKED UP like Fabo! Stay tuned for the recap!

10. Try all 11 wines available by the glass on Brasero’s 100 Wines list. The brilliant and exclusively South American wine programs that Alex Cuper has created for both Brasero and El Che are some of my favorite in the city, and I can’t wait to take a trip with every glass. Pro tip: bottles are half off on Wednesdays!

Wine lovers, what are your plans for a satiating summer? Let me know in the comments below!

Cheers! <3

True life: I’ve grown to embrace the art of changing my mind.

Some may call that being wishy-washy, flaky, or indecisive, but I have no shame in admitting that I like exploring options.

When I initially started this post, I had just broken my 21-day fast from sugar, alcohol, meat, and processed foods (aka The Daniel Fast) in January. It was the first time in my adult life that I committed to completing it, and I must say, it was a challenging yet eye-opening experience.

During those three weeks, I got clarity on what I hope to accomplish this year, what I need to let go, and who I want to become. It was also a great opportunity to deepen my faith and reignite my reverence for who God is.

For me, this newfound clarity brought about remembrance.

Remembering that I don’t need to recreate the wheel because I have numerous ideas in my iPhone’s Notes App waiting to see the light of day.

Remembering that I don’t have to have it all figured out, nor am I beholden to a timeline, algorithm, or metric.

And most importantly, remembering that I am capable and qualified to do the work.

So what does this mean?

Well, for starters, I’m finally permitting myself to create more.

But to do that, I must frequently practice radical honesty and stop letting procrastination (aka fear) get in the way of my writing practice.

Every Substack post won’t be perfect or polished, but it will get done.

Speaking of which, this Substack will do what the podcast I started in 2023 attempted to do–and that’s serve as a place for me to share wine-adjacent life lessons, discoveries, and my faith.

Wine will always be a delicate subject for me. Every time I try to leave it, something keeps pulling me back to it. (Word to Chingy.)

As I sit at the bar of a local Italian restaurant, sipping a glass of Gavi, I can’t help but think of the life I’ve been able to live because of wine. And as someone who is also a believer, it’s not lost on me how much wine has in common with my relationship with God.

Which brings me to the point of this post…

I will return to writing about grape varietals, wine regions, and mandatory places to enjoy a good glass of wine in Chicago. However, I’m also going to write about the distinct parallels I’ve discovered between faith and wine, and how they are guiding me to become my most authentic self.

There will be history, Bible verses, and song references – so if that’s your jam, get excited.

If not, please know that I won’t take offense if you don’t read those posts.

I’ll dive deeper into how I got here in my next post, but the point is: I am getting these ideas and words up out of my head come hell or high water.

And there you have it. It took me three months to publish this post, but I’m here and ready to get back to work.

I appreciate your patience and readership, and thank you for taking this journey with me.

With gratitude,
Chasity

Season’s greetings, everyone.

I must begin this post with a sincere apology for my extreme delay in publishing.

Since my last post in October, I’ve spent most of my focus on adjusting to my new full-time corporate role–one that I’m grateful to have and very excited to grow into as a marketing professional. (Hint: one of my all-time favorite artists had a hand in our very iconic jingle.)

But that’s no excuse. One of the many lessons I’ve learned this year is that there will always be small things happening during a major life transition. If something matters to me, I need to prioritize it and execute.

From heartbreak and grief to regaining my own personal agency and redefining my self-worth, 2025 undoubtedly challenged me (read: kicked my entire you-know-what). But more than anything, it served as a reminder to trust who I am and to accept and embrace who I am becoming.

And while IMHO wine has taken a bit of a backseat now that I’ve returned to full-time work, I’m a firm believer in everything having a season. The experiences I’ve had this year are multifaceted, intentional, and a beautiful reminder that the best is still yet to come.

So, in true Chasity fashion, here are three of the most transformative lessons I learned this year, and the wines I enjoyed the most in 2025.

Lesson 1: Disruption and disappointment bring discomfort, but discovery, discernment, and divine timing are never far behind.

Y’all know I love alliteration.

Getting laid off four days before my birthday was not the way I intended to start 2025, but the eight months of pruning, waiting, and preparing for the right position were absolutely worth it.

While no one loves the idea of losing their job, I am grateful that so much abundance found me between January and September. And not just monetarily. I got clear what I wanted in a new full-time role, traveled to new wine regions, explored different consulting opportunities, and spent time with my now one-year-old niece.

The wine I would pair with this lesson is Six Eighty Cellars 2024 Cabernet Franc Carbonic. Cabernet Franc is a bold, classic grape variety (after all, it is the ‘Cabernet’ in Cabernet Sauvignon), and one that is quite versatile and open to creative interpretation. To experience it in a carbonic style during my Riesling Camp experience in the Finger Lakes completely blew my mind.

Lesson 2: Not everything requires (or deserves) a response. Sometimes, silence is the best answer.

I did A LOT of overexplaining this year.

Most of it came in the form of long text messages to folks who are now no longer active within my ecosystem, but if I could go back? I wouldn’t have responded at all.

As most know, my professional career is rooted in storytelling; developing and executing succinct communications strategies that are impactful and thoughtful.

In my personal life, though? I can sometimes overcommunicate and overshare, which inevitably loses the point.

And while I’m working on that, I’m grateful to know where I can tighten up when it comes to direct communication with friends and loved ones. (Read: mean what you say and say what you mean.) Leading with curiosity and asking questions has also helped me to get the clarity and understanding I need.

But in those moments when I don’t have anything nice to say, or I’m caught off guard by an unsolicited response, I can provide a remark or ignore it all altogether.

Oh, the joy of setting boundaries.

I’d pair this lesson with Veer Wine Project’s 2023 Reverie Riesling. Hailing from the Snake River Valley in Idaho, this wine was a straight shooter with the complexity and uniqueness of Idaho Wine Country.

Lesson 3: A strong intuition is a powerful, God-given gift.
Trusting it is a sign of obedience.

God is truly the real MVP, and I am forever grateful for His unmerited favor and grace.

Because the number of times I didn’t listen to His promptings and follow through when I knew better?! Whew, they should be studied.

Long story short, I had a dating experience that lasted longer than it needed to. I ignored red flags, a series of weird behaviors, and consistent inconsistency that led me to question myself more than necessary, ultimately in an effort to ‘do it for the plot.’

And while I eventually clocked back in and chose myself, I missed out on an opportunity to courageously trust myself as soon as I felt a twinge of misalignment. Thankfully, it’s a principle that will help guide my next romantic experience with somebody’s son and other life experiences I am sure have.

For this lesson, the 2015 Grand Terroirs Palmer & Co Champagne is a perfect pairing because any time I move on from something that doesn’t serve me, it must be celebrated. Furthermore, a 10-year-old Champagne represents maturity, with even more room to grow and flourish.

And there you have it!

This year was a doozy, but I didn’t let it break me.

More than anything in this new year, I want to show up for myself, follow through on what I say I’m going to do, and be courageous.

And in the name of transformation, I will do a better job of using this platform to strengthen my love for writing and wine.

What will that look like? Find out on the next episode of Dragon Ball Z.

Happy New Year, beloved!

This Monday, October 6, is National Orange Wine Day. And if you’re new here, then you should know that I’m a HUGE fan of skin-contact wine. Almost five years to the date, I created this Instagram video expressing my deep reverence for SKINS, an orange wine that I still stan to this day by Paso Robles-based winery Field Recordings :

In September 2022, I visited Chateau L’Hospitalet – a beautiful wine resort in Narbonne, France. During an evening spent at L’Hospitalet Beach, my fellow travelers and I not only had the chance to dine with Gerard Betrand himself, but we also sipped on Orange Gold, an organic wine made from seven white wine grape varietals: Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne, Mauzac, Muscat, and Clairette. It also pays homage to orange wines made in the country of Georgia over 4500 years ago.

So, what is skin contact?

Also known as maceration, skin-contact refers to a technique (used in both red and white winemaking) in which juice crushed from wine grapes marinates for a period of time with the grape skins.

For red wine, rosé is produced, and for white wine, orange wine is created.

If you’re a visual learner, here’s a cute diagram courtesy of Verovino, breaking down the process:

Recently, I spoke with Kyle Davidson, beverage director of the Chicago’s Day Off Group–which includes restaurants Rose Mary and il Carciofo.

During our conversation, he shared his process for curating the wine programs at both restaurants, and what guests should look for specifically when it comes to orange wine, and where in Chicago he likes to grab a great glass of wine.

CC: For guests unfamiliar with the concept of orange wine, how do you go about introducing them to it and helping them make that distinction between a conventional white wine?

KD: I often tell people that it's just making white wine as you would make a red wine. I think people are okay with a little bit of tannin in red wine, or a certain flavor profile, but it can be a bit jarring if you’re not accustomed to it when you want something cold to start the meal. And then there is a range. We have some orange wines that are well-extracted, giving a lot of color and tannic grip. And some are just a kiss of skin contact, giving more of the acidity and body characteristics of a traditional white wine. But it’s all about the food, right? So really, the goal is to get the right glass and the right plate in front of people, and it usually works out.

CC: What’s your thought process when it came to developing the wine programs at both restaurants?

KD: I’m an easy-going beverage director. I like things that taste great, and I think [Chef] Joe’s the same way. So it was easy to collaborate with him on what is delicious. And in the Chicago market, we have access to a variety. So conceptually, we started with indigenous (Croatian and Italian) pairings and expanded from there. We wanted to ensure we had the appropriate offerings for everybody, food and beverage, but that they all work well together.

CC: When it comes to choosing orange wines for the menu, are certain regions that you’ve gravitated toward mostly, or is it just like orange wines from everywhere, try them all?

KD: The nice thing about the orange wines is that they really do represent the geographical bridge between Italy and Croatia. Northern Italy, Slovenia, and partially into Croatia–all of these places are considered a home base for Orange wine. But what I love most about it is its versatility. Whether you choose a lighter style to start a meal or something richer to finish, orange wine can still work with everything you have going on.

CC: Why do you think orange wine deserves a bigger place in American wine culture?

KD: Because it is cool and it goes with all types of food. It has a different flavor profile and more depth than a typical glass of wine. And look–I don’t expect everyone to plop into every restaurant and say, ‘give me whatever you think is cool.’ But if there’s any desire for exploration, I would recommend an orange wine and say that

CC: Final question: if somebody wanted to drink like you in Chicago, wine or cocktail, where are you going for your favorite things?

KD: There are so many good spots in Chicago. I go to Webster’s [Wine Bar] in Logan Square a lot, but there is also Outside Voices in Logan Square and Rootstock in Humboldt. I also really enjoyed the wine selections at avec in the West Loop.

KYLE’S RECOMMENDATIONS:

• COS ‘RAMI’ from Sicily and Reia Rebula from Slovenia

• Why? “Both have the acidity and spectrum of fruit profile to work with lighter, juicier summer flavors, as well as the tannin structure and finish to stand up to a protein, a richer brown butter sauce, or a baking spice combination.”

And my recommendations :

• ‘SKINS’ by Field Recordings

• Mianu Orange Wine by Regina King

• ‘Arancino’ by Caruso e Minini

• ‘Orange Gold’ by Gerard Betrand

• ‘Sun Goddess Pinot Grigio Ramato Orange Wine’ by Mary J. Blige

• Gulp / Hablo Orange

• Costador Metamorphika Macabeu Orange
  

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. —cc

**PAID SUBSCRIBERS, THANK YOU!**

Kelly, Sarah, Sarah, Elaine, Jessicka, Teresa – thank you so much for your patronage and support!

Happy Friday, beloved.

Keeping it short and sweet today.

Tomorrow is International Grenache (Garnacha) Day, and I wanted to share some of my favorite expressions of the grape variety.

But before I get to the recommendations, a little background on this spicy grape:

• It is primarily found in France and Spain. In France, it gives main character energy in the Rhone Valley and is one of the stand-out varieties that make up Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

• Grenache is commonly used to make delicious rosé.

• Grenache also has a sister, Grenache Blanc, which makes incredible white wines.

• It’s the ‘G’ in GSM (Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre).

• In Spain, Garnacha

• And finally, the flavor profile of Garnacha includes robust strawberry, black plum, blood orange, and leather.
  

Now, onto a few of my favorite expressions all under $25:

• Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha 2022

• Gulp Hablo Garnacha 2024

• La Vieille Ferme Rouge 2022

• Gamine Grenache Mae's Vineyard 2021

• Gerard Bertrand Rouge Clair 2023
  

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. —cc

WINE-ish NEWS

• This Gen Z wine got acquired, and it’s a VERY big deal.

• Avril Lavigne has a wine!

• Good on you, Arizona.

• Lady Gaga loves a good Kalimotxo, as do I!

SEPTEMBER WINE EVENTS

EVANSTON, IL – TOMORROW! Come ‘Sip & Shop’ at Zora’s Place – a new Black-woman owned bookstore owned by L’Oreal Thompson Payton operating out of The Aux. I’ll be pouring wine from 3 to 5 PM, so pull up!

CHICAGO, IL – Next Thursday, September 25, I’ll be joining Black Film Club for ‘Cinema Noir’ – a night of guided wine tastings paired with cinematic shorts at Sophy in Hyde Park. Get tickets here, and come chill with us!

**PAID SUBSCRIBERS, THANK YOU!**

Kelly, Sarah, Sarah, Elaine, Jessicka, Teresa – thank you so much for your patronage and support!

For the last several weeks, I’ve been on my quarterly social media sabbatical.

I’ve only logged into Instagram, Threads, and Facebook when necessary to ‘share and go’, quickly check messages, or grab information I need. That’s not to say I’m not remaining vigilant of what’s happening in the world–I’ve just made the conscious decision to reduce doomscrolling on platforms that can be quite noisy.

Admittedly, I’ve been pretty consistent on LinkedIn as #OperationGetAJob continues. And while I was scrolling down my timeline, I came across a slew of videos promoting a 121-day challenge called “The Great Lock In”.

Upon further investigation (read: a good old Google search), I found that the trend, which originated on TikTok, has gone viral. Outlets like The New York Times, Fortune, The Guardian, and many others are reporting on how millennials and Gen Zers are ‘reclaiming their time’ and committing to their goals in various areas of their lives.

Don’t get me wrong – I’m all for productivity, holding yourself accountable, and moving closer to your dreams with intention. When it comes to timing, sprints can be a helpful way to move effectively and make decisions more efficiently.

But what I have been mindful of (especially in today’s digital landscape) is this notion of social media peer pressure.

And while these trends attempt to mean well, I think they can promote an unrealistic sense of urgency to overproduce, overextend, and sometimes overcomplicate things that are easier than we think.

“Locking in” isn’t a trend that should have a time limit. It should be an intentional practice of focus and execution that allows for flexibility, mistakes, pivots, and reflection. It’s a growth process that requires discipline, patience, and grace.

For context, I’ve been contemplating for a while how I want to show up within the wine industry. With so many ways to make an impact and things to create, my to-do list was growing longer and longer. Honestly, I was doing more ruminating and wondering than taking action and getting stuff done.

And then, last Thursday morning, it hit me like a bolt of lightning and woke me up out of my second snooze.

I grabbed my Champagne Laurent-Perrier notebook and started feverishly taking notes. Not gonna hold you–it was one of the most epic brain dumps I’ve had in a while. I shared my download with a few trusted friends and got to work.

My girl dropped a gem in her newsletter that not only muffed me in the forehead, but also reiterated the feeling I felt last week:

It takes more time to overthink and overanalyze than it does to do one thing.

Make the call. Buy the domain. Send the email.

For those of you participating in “The Great Lock In”, Godspeed, friend. I hope you accomplish everything you set out to do at your own pace, and give yourself grace in the midst of it.

Trust yourself and your capability to walk out the assignment you’ve been divinely given.

Keep scrolling for more juice below. A few events are coming up where I’ll be pouring wine, and I’d love to see you there! –cc

WINE-ish NEWS

• Again, we have to give Gen Z time to learn their palates!

• Why yes, I’d love to drink some Chenin while watching DA BEARS play.

• Speaking of Chenin, DRINK MORE OF IT!

• Can y’all let my good sis Megan enjoy her wine in peace?

• Keep your eyes on these California wine producers.

SEPTEMBER WINE EVENTS

EVANSTON, IL – On September 20, come ‘Sip & Shop’ at Zora’s Place – a new Black-woman owned bookstore owned by ’s L’Oreal Thompson Payton operating out of The Aux. I’ll be pouring some good juice from 3 to 5 PM, so come holla at me!

CHICAGO, IL – On Wednesday, September 23, the Central Region of The Veraison Project is hosting “Fall in a Glass”, a wine tasting fundraiser at Grand Cru Chicago. I’m a proud member of TVP’s leadership team, and this event will support programming for our region. Get your tickets here!

CHICAGO, IL – On Thursday, September 25, I’ll be joining Black Film Club for ‘Cinema Noir’ – a night of guided wine tastings paired with cinematic shorts at Sophy in Hyde Park. Get tickets here, and come chill with us!

**PAID SUBSCRIBERS, THANK YOU!**

Kelly, Sarah, Sarah, Elaine, Jessicka, Teresa – thank you so much for your patronage and support!

Summer is almost over.

And to be honest, I’m glad it is.

While this summer brought forth big feelings, it also afforded me a trip to a new wine region, the chance to dig into some new books, and a lot of time to reflect.

I don’t have much to share this week, but scroll down for some wine news and upcoming events.

Be safe this holiday weekend. -cc

WINE-ish NEWS

• I had a lot of fun curating this list.

• It’s National Red Wine Day!

• D.C., get out and support the closing of Urban Grape DC by this Sunday, August 31.

• Congratulations to the 2025 class of Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 honorees!

• Mr. Browning, you can drink wine AND be an activist.

UPCOMING EVENTS

CHICAGO, IL – Tomorrow, I’ll be pouring up wine at Crates & Coffee at Muse Coffee Studio for the third volume of Crates & Coffee! Pull up, sip slow, eat fresh, and catch a vibe. RSVP here!

CHICAGO, IL – Now in its new West Town location, Bocadillo Market is hosting a family dinner series starting September 12. If you love delicious Spanish cuisine, you don’t want to miss this opportunity to savor Chef James Martin’s dishes! RSVP here.

NEW YORK, NY – If you enjoy the finer things in life, then you should certainly pull up to the Fine Wine Festival next weekend at Citi Field. Tickets are available now!

EVANSTON, IL – On September 20, meet me for a ‘Sip & Shop’ at Zora’s Place – a new Black-woman owned bookstore owned by ’s L’Oreal Thompson Payton operating out of The Aux. More details coming soon!

PAID SUBSCRIBERS, THANK YOU!

Kelly, Sarah, Sarah, Elaine, Jessicka, Teresa – thank you so much for your patronage and support!

Every day is a holiday.

Or at least it seems that way.

In the wine world, there’s an entire calendar dedicated to days that honor wine and grape varietals from around the world. While I have no idea how these holidays exist, I do believe this is an opportunity for oenophiles of all levels to pop open a bottle and fill their glass with an old favorite or something new.

For example, this month, there are a total of six special wine days that you can celebrate:

• August 1 – World Albarino Day

• August 4 – National White Wine Day

• August 13 – International Prosecco Day (Here’s a very Prosecco-topped cocktail, if you’re interested)

• August 18 – International Pinot Noir Day

• August 28 – International Cabernet Sauvignon Day / National Red Wine Day

While these wine observances may seem trivial, they can be an opportunity for wineries, retailers, and other establishments to educate customers, hold special tastings of the celebrated wine, and generally raise their brand awareness. If I were a wine shop, wine bar, or even a Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon brand, I’d be getting a quick and dirty marketing campaign together right now to take full advantage of this holiday. ;-)

All in all, I think wine holidays are a fun excuse to nerd out about grapes known and unknown to the general public, and pay homage to the regions where they thrive.

Cheers to the freakin’ weekend. -cc

WINE-ish NEWS

[PAID PARTNERSHIP] Check out my review of Violet’s Paradise Wines!

• The recent layoffs in food media have left me nothing short of devastated.

• Meet New York City’s first Black Michelin-starred chef.

• A new wine bar is coming to Chicago’s Lincoln Square!

• It’s such a joy to see Regina King smile.

• “To start, nothing is overrated if you enjoy it.” – Indienne’s Tia Polite with a BAR.

• If you’ve never had Massican (aka ’s wine), consider this your invitation to try it ASAP.

• Negotiating the cost of a bottle of wine in a restaurant?! IN THIS ECONOMY?! Yep.

THE CORK BOARD

SUBSTACK OF THE WEEK: Diversey Wine

I am today years old learning that Diversey Wine has a Substack, but I’m so glad that I now subscribe! If you live in Chicago, specifically in the Logan Square neighborhood, then this should be your stop for all things natural wine. They host $10 tastings every Sunday from 12 to 3 PM, so pull up and pour up!

MEET JOSEFINA, THE FIRST BLACK + LATINA WOMAN-OWNED TEQUILA

My new friend Katherine Tinsley has launched Josefina, a tequila brand honoring her grandmother, and she needs our support. Click here to learn more about how you can contribute today!

PLEASE VOTE FOR MY LITTLE COUSIN!

SHE’S NUMBER ONE IN HER GROUP! But of course, the goal is to make her Toddler of the Year! Cast your ballot here. Thank you so much!

UPCOMING EVENTS

CHICAGO, IL – If you love a good crate dive, join Drop The Needle Vinyl Club for its first vinyl crawl this Saturday, August 16. And because I care, here is a promo code for 10% off: MEMBERS10. Grab your tickets here!

NEW YORK, NY – If you enjoy the finer things in life, then you should certainly pull up to the Fine Wine Festival next month at Citi Field. Tickets are available now!

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Two Up Wine Down is coming! Another production brought to you in support of The Veraison Project, this one-day tasting event is one you don’t want to miss. More information to come.

PAID SUBSCRIBERS, THANK YOU!

Kelly, Sarah, Sarah, Elaine, Jessicka, Teresa – thank you so much for your patronage and support!

Thank you to everyone who has shared thoughtful words and sentiments since my last post.

I was reluctant to write about such a personal topic, but I’m grateful that I pushed my fear aside and did it anyway.

Grief is a silent, yet finicky background character, so I’m keeping that in mind as I continue to take every day as it comes.

With that, this week did feel a bit better, and for that I give thanks.

And as I begin a new season of my regularly scheduled programming, I can’t help but think about the wines that could accompany this space and place I’m in.

So, for anyone who feels like they’re FINALLY tired of holding themselves back from securing the bag, making that BIG ask, or completing that one thing you started YEARS ago, here are three wines (and non-alcoholic options!) to give you a little push to do the thing.

SPARKLING: For brainstorming and dreaming big.

Franciacorta. It’s Italian and bubbly, yet sophisticated with a touch of whimsy. This is the wine you drink when you’re at the starting line of a project. Franciacorta would give me space to ask myself, “If I had Beyoncé money and her team, what could I do?”

Bottle recommendations: Bellavista Franciacorta Gran Cuvee Alma Brut and Ca’ del Bosco Cuvee Prestige.

N/A Options: Mionetto Non-Alcoholic Sparkling and Prima Pave Non-Alcoholic Blanc de Blancs.

WHITE: For organizing and setting yourself up for success.

Chenin Blanc. I’ve decided that I’m a Chenin evangelist because it is JUST THAT DARN GOOD. Chenin Blanc is grown worldwide and provides a transformative experience as a sparkling, still, or sweet wine. When I’m creating systems and processes for me to level up, this is the wine I want in my glass.

Bottle recommendations: Wade Cellars Chenin Blanc, Kumusha Chenin Blanc, and Beatrice et Pascal Lambert Chinon Chenin Blanc Le Droit Natural 2023.

N/A Options: Thomson and Scott Non-Alcoholic Noughty White.

RED: For go-mode and follow through.

Cabernet Franc. This red grape variety is so regal to me, and that’s probably because it is the PAPA GRAPE of Cabernet Sauvignon. Whether I am filing a story, asking someone for a favor, or deciding to say no to something, this is the wine I want to sip on as a reward and say, “Yep, you did that, sis.”

Bottle recommendations: Lang & Reed Cabernet Franc North Coast 2023 and Hermann Wiemer Cabernet Franc 2021.

N/A Options: Lautus Non-Alcoholic Savvy Red and Gruvi Red Non Alcoholic Wine.

Have a great weekend, beloved. -cc

WINE-ish NEWS

• Award-winning actress Regina King released a wine that beautifully honors her late son, Ian.

• Hey Michigan, everything okay over there?

• I have strong feelings about the cost mocktails, but I will keep them to myself.

• San Francisco Giants 🤝 Sonoma County Winegrowers

• I need to get my hands on some Japanese wine STAT!

• And so the tariffs begin.

THE CORK BOARD

SUBSTACK OF THE WEEK: Food & Feelings by Alex Hill

When it comes to amazingly dope and authentic food content creators, is one of my favorite follows on the internet. Not only does she make cooking fun and approachable, but she also invites her audience into who she is becoming. Make sure you subscribe to Food & Feelings today!

MEET JOSEFINA, THE FIRST BLACK + LATINA WOMAN-OWNED TEQUILA

My new friend Katherine Tinsley has launched Josefina, a tequila brand honoring her grandmother, and she needs our support. Click here to learn more about how you can contribute today!

PLEASE VOTE FOR MY LITTLE COUSIN!

SHE’S IN THE TOP 15! But of course, the goal is to make her Toddler of the Year! Cast your ballot here. Thank you so much!

UPCOMING EVENTS

CHICAGO, IL – Beyond The Glass presented by The Veraison Project is TOMORROW! This is your last chance to grab a ticket for the 2025 Beyond The Glass: Food & Wine Experience.

And because I care, here is a promo code for 25% off: TVPBTG25.

CHICAGO, IL – If you’re a lover of vinyl and love a good crate dive, then join Drop The Needle Vinyl Club for its first vinyl crawl next Saturday, August 16. Grab your tickets here!

Drafting this post has been a mainstay on my to-do list for months, but thank you for extending grace as I continue to create a ‘normal’ schedule for myself.

Now that I’m recommitting myself to writing daily, I want to ensure that I am serving you, my fiscally-savvy and supportive friend, well and with intention.

So, without any fu…

Read more

It has taken me two weeks to write this post.

July is always an interesting yet emotional month for me.

For starters, it marks the halfway point of my new year (aka, my half birthday), which is always a sobering concept. I’m less than six months away from 37, which means I’m practically 40 and…you see the rabbit hole I jump down??

Secondly, it’s a reminder that summer is moving swiftly, and I need to start doing fun, outdoorsy things before Chicago switches up its weather pattern.

But the seventh month of the year holds a bittersweet significance that is hard for me to ignore.

Saturday, July 12, marked the seventh year of my dear brother and friend Gerald’s passing. If you attended Syracuse University between 2008 and 2012, then you knew of G’s vibrant personality, booming laugh, and pretty sweet dance moves. Losing a best friend is never easy, and grieving his tragic loss over the last seven years has taught me a lot about my emotions and how to meet myself where I am when they arise.

On the morning of July 15, I received news that my Uncle Milton had passed away.

(For context, I was working out at the gym, which, interestingly enough, was the same place where I found out my grandmother passed away four years ago.)

Yesterday, July 29, would have been my Uncle’s 79th birthday, which he also shared with his granddaughter. My family did a beautiful job celebrating his legacy by decorating the bench he sat on outside the barber shop where he worked for over 50 years, as well as a sweet balloon release on the beach.

To me, grieving the loss of a loved one feels like the scab that never quite heals. You immediately tend to it with some Neosporin, a Band-Aid, and keep it moving. But every so often, when you’re “living your best life” and you’ve thought this wound has healed, you’re challenged to reactivate the healing process – but this time with new tools, some patience, and a whole lot of grace for yourself.

So, where does wine come into play? Great question, friend.

For me, wine has always been a catalyst for gathering and celebration. It provides a sense of normalcy when things are wonky and chaotic. Whether someone got a promotion, landed a huge deal, or I simply got through the day, opening a bottle and sharing it with people I care about brings me joy.

The day after my Uncle passed, I learned that his sister-in-law enjoys wine. Along with my cousins, who also love fermented grape juice, it was clear to me that I needed to make a run to Binny’s for a couple of bottles of the good stuff.

I grabbed bottles of Gruet Brut and Kumusha Chenin Blanc. The bubbles represented effervescence, whimsy, and a touch of sweetness–elements that we needed to lift our moods just a bit. And the Chenin, with its round, juicy notes of stone fruit and melon, represented a sense of groundedness and presence – a reminder of what we needed to be as we stepped into the weeks and months ahead.

And while many mental health professionals would probably advise NOT to consume alcohol at such a sensitive time, I’m always going to encourage folks to do so in moderation.

Like good food, wine can also be enjoyed to celebrate the lives of loved ones who have become ancestors. It can represent who they were, how you felt about them, and why it’s important to embrace one another in such a difficult season.

Grief looks different for everyone. As I continue on my journey, I want to remember the light, joy, laughter, and good times shared with my uncle and be a support system for my family to do the same.

Continue to take care of yourselves, friends. I’ll be back in your inbox soon. -cc

WINE-ish NEWS

• Theo Huxtable. Malcolm McGee. Dr. Alex Reed. Dr. AJ Austin. The father, husband, actor, musician, and artist will be remembered forever.

• Wine country in Philly? You betcha!

• Is Gen Z destroying wine culture?

• Even if you don’t partake in drinking wine, here are five regions you should visit.

• Surprise, surprise: Millennials and Gen Zers are drinking less wine. *eye roll*

• Support the first Black Hispanic woman to own and found a tequila company.

THE CORK BOARD

SUBSTACK OF THE WEEK

For a little more kindness with a splash of thoughtful reflection and encouragement, and a heaping dose of creativity, you must subscribe to author, engagement strategist, my dear sister-friend ’s Substack, “Hey, More Kindness”. Not only do I love the title (it’s a nod to her initials), but I deeply appreciate Melissa’s analysis of Black culture and how she interweaves music, film, and television into her weekly posts. Get into it and subscribe today!

PLEASE VOTE FOR MY LITTLE COUSIN!

My two-year-old cousin Zariah is in the running to become Toddler of the Year! The campaign aims to support the efforts of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, which provides toys for children in need. Voting ends tomorrow, so please consider casting a vote for this cutie pie! And if you feel so inclined, you can donate to Toys for Tots to increase her chances of winning the grand prize. Thank you so much!

UPCOMING EVENTS

CHICAGO, IL – Beyond The Glass presented by The Veraison Project is BACK! Last year’s event was such a great success that we’ve moved it to a bigger venue! Grab your ticket for the 2025 Beyond The Glass: Food & Wine Experience happening on August 9 – I hope to see you there!

Can I be honest?

The AI trends that have taken over social media have been grinding my gears.

Have I tried one or two of them? Sure, you want to know what REALLY sours my grapes? People are failing to realize that these machines (Claude, ChatGPT, and others) are hoarding your likeness for future use.

About a week or so ago, I saw a wine negociant using AI to promote their wine brand on Instagram. They were creating ideal scenarios where their wine could be enjoyed with their “target consumer” sipping, laughing, and enjoying their wine. While it seems to be a way to attract a certain demographic, it ultimately creeped me out and feels like a lazy, unrealistic marketing tactic.

It’s one thing to use AI to make systems and processes more effective, but it’s a whole other thing to rely on AI to create things that can and should be made from human creativity.

As I was outlining this post last night, I came across a brilliant IG story rant about AI and wine from New York City-based award-winning advocate, author, and sommelier @Miguel de Leon.

(If you aren’t familiar with the force that is Miguel, read his James Beard Award-winning feature story “It's Time to Decolonize Wine" and thank me later. )

The more I clicked through his story, the more I thought, “Has he pitched a tent in my head? Because I was JUST about to write about this very subject on Substack!”

Miguel was dropping gems left and right in his stories, and I asked for his permission to use a few of those quotes, which I will share shortly.

Wine is meant to be enjoyed in real time with real people–FULL STOP. If we start relying on AI to tell us how we think and feel about a Cabernet Sauvignon from California or Vinho Verde from Portugal, then I’m afraid we’ve lost the plot entirely.

Which leads me to my first point.

1. AI can help you craft that clever social media marketing copy or build that story outline, but those computerized words lack human intellect, experience, and critique.

Yesterday, I shared my travels to Boise, Idaho, highlighting the things I ate, drank, and did over four days. I remain grateful for the experience and look forward to telling more family and friends about how awesome Idaho is as a travel destination.

Now, can a computer create a travel guide for you? Of course it can! But that guide might not have the real-life experience of walking Downtown Boise and conversing with an amazing group of individuals who attended the only Black church in Boise. It also won’t have the ability to tell you how delicious a 10-minute martini tastes after a long travel day. But if you want to know the best place to get a gluten-free donut that looks like and tastes better than anything Homer Simpson has, please ask ChatGPT right away!

2. We need artists to create colorful labels for the wine we love!

There’s something to be said about the designs of wine labels and the artwork that is commissioned to create them. You can scan the shelves of any wine shop or grocery store and see how the art on

This morning, I had breakfast with Breck O’Neill, the Executive Vice President of Business Development for O’Neill Vintners and Distillers. As we were tasting through some of the wines currently in the Chicago marketplace, he put the spotlight on the Rabble Wine Company 2023 Rosé.

Notes of puckery strawberry, watermelon, and raspberry with a beautiful bouquet, this certified porch-pounder is available at Jewel-Osco and Whole Foods locations throughout Chicagoland.

A cool interactive moment for the consumer: scan a QR code that will prompt you to scan the label and see this:

BUT PEEP THIS: AN ARTIST HAD TO CREATE THAT for the brand to deem it plausible to create such a dope experience.

I don’t mind AI being used to enhance storytelling, because sometimes technology can do what the human body can’t (like tell the story of a wine IRL in the aisle of a grocery store). I think as we think about how we implement AI into our wine work, we have to be intentional and not neglect the power of our brains to think, create, and execute ideas.

And on to my final point…

3. HUMAN CONNECTION is crucial to the enjoyment of fermented grape juice.

And this is the most IMPORTANT point.

From the hard-working folks in vineyards, wineries, and tasting rooms to the sommeliers on restaurant floors, in retail shops, and at private gatherings, PEOPLE MAKING, POURING, SELLING, AND PROMOTING WINE MATTER.

But more than that, a human can help you to gain more information about a wine region’s soil composition and climate, the grape variety’s finicky qualities, and what food to perfectly pair with a glass of Cremant, Cava, or Champagne.

And in the words of my good friend Taj Rani (who is celebrating a birthday today and is also the author of ), THAT’S THAT ON THAT.

Two weeks ago, I landed in the capital of Idaho, excited and expectant as can be.

As a wine writer and journalist, I’m always grateful to explore new places and learn from the people who make them special. When I received an invitation from the Idaho Wine Commission and Visit Boise (pronounced BOY-SEE) to visit, I accepted without hesitation. Not only had I never been to the land of potatoes, but I’d long had a curiosity about wine from this northwestern state.

Ahead of my adventure, I received a shipment of Idaho wines to prepare my palate for what I was to experience. With that delivery came information about Snake River Valley, which is Idaho’s first American Viticultural Area (AVA) established in April 2007. Spanning 8,263 square miles with over 1,350 acres of vineyard plantings, the Snake River Valley AVA encompasses most of southwestern Idaho and a few counties in Oregon.

Idaho has yet to claim one grape variety as its own, and that’s because it considers itself an ideal place to grow and produce several grape varieties well. According to the Idaho Wine Commission’s website, the 43rd state grows the following white grapes: Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris/Grigio, and Viognier; and these red grapes: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, and Malbec

The Idaho Wine Commission dubbed 2025 the year of Tempranillo, which I think is great given that this Spanish grape thrives in the Snake River Valley. Coincidentally, this region sits on the 43rd Parallel – the same latitude as European wine regions such as Bordeaux, Bulgaria, as well as parts of Italy and Spain.

Get into my favorite sips and tips below, and trust and believe that there is something for EVERY PALATE in Idaho wine country.

WHERE TO STAY

Downtown Boise is a walkable, vibrant, and beautiful place. Everywhere you turn, you see someone riding a bike or zooming down the street on a scooter.

I stayed at Hotel 43 (a sweet nod to Idaho being the 43rd state and its wine country being on the 43rd parallel), which is also connected to one of the city’s most cherished steakhouses, Chandlers.

FUN FACT: I’m a hotel girlie through and through and will always choose a hotel–boutique or major chain–over an Airbnb. (I ain’t sorry!)

Other hotels in downtown Boise that were cool included Hotel Renegade, The SPARROW, Inn at 500 Capitol, The Avery Hotel, Arcardia Hotel, and The Riverside Hotel.

WINERIES TO VISIT

From urban wineries to traditional tasting rooms, there are plenty of options in Boise for wine enthusiasts to explore. When working with the Idaho Wine Commission to coordinate my visit, I wanted to ensure that my itinerary had a mix of everything.

My first day in Boise, I borrowed a bike from my hotel (which highkey is one of my favorite accommodations in a bikeable city) and rode along Boise River Greenbelt–a 29-mile long pathway–to my two tasting appointments.

First up: Split Rail Winery in Garden City.

Founded in 2010 by winemakers Jed Glavin and Suzanne Meyer, Split Rail is a small production winery that likes to have fun. From making a pet-nat of Riesling (White Noise) to blending Roussanne with a sour beer, Split Rail uses 50 percent Idaho fruit and 50 percent Washington fruit to make their wines. They were also one of the first wineries to can wine in the Pacific Northwest.

One thing I completely nerded out on during my tour was the five different aging vessels in the winery. A true flex, this helps in their mission to make minimal intervention wines that put the grape varietals at the center stage.

Next, I rode my bike for less than five minutes to Telaya Winery, which is situated right along the Boise River with a beautiful outdoor patio. Owned by husband and wife Earl and Carrie Sullivan, Telaya–which is a blend of their two favorite places, the Tetons and la playa–uplifts Bordeaux varietals while delivering exceptional hospitality.

My second day was comprised of a wine tour led by Snake River Wine Tours. This four-hour tour led me and my fellow passengers to the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, which is about 40 minutes outside of Boise. While not yet officially a recognized AVA, Sunnyslope is home to beloved Idaho wineries such as St. Chapelle, Koenig Vineyards, Hat Ranch Winery, and Scoria.

On my final full day, I visited 3100 Cellars (Idaho’s ONLY sparkling wine house), which is located in Eagle Foothills AVA. As Idaho’s second AVA, Eagle Foothills has a unique soil composition and grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Tempranillo very well. Making my way back to Downtown Boise, I stopped by Veer

Honorable mentions: Rolling Hills Vineyard, Famici Vineyards, and Cinder Wines.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for me, especially when I spend most of the day tasting wine. ā café, Neckar Coffee, and Guru Donuts (the Healthy Homer is DIVINE!) each provided me with yummy bites to get my day started.

LUNCH
For this to be my first stop after I got off the plane, Acero Boards + Bottles did not disappoint. They have a wonderful lunch menu as well!

DINNER
Hemlock (located in the Inn at 500) and The Avery Brassiere both offer different culinary experiences that are rich had flavorful.

CIDER + COCKTAILS
Water Bear Bar, Highlander Bar, Chandlers, and Meriweather Cider Company are all within walking distance and provide a satiating and refreshing taste of Boise.

WHAT TO DO

While there is SO much to do in Boise, I would highly recommend scheduling a food tour with Indulge Boise. Founded by Angela Taylor in 2016, Indulge Boise tantalizes the senses and provides a wealth of information about Boise. I took the Sip and Savor tour, which was a lovely combination of rich, salty, sweet, and spicy flavors.

Honorable mentions: Basque Block & Museum, Boise Art Museum, Idaho Capitol, and Freak Alley Gallery.

Many thanks again to the Idaho Wine Commission and Visit Boise teams for curating such an amazing itinerary for my stay. Your kindness, enthusiasm, and incredible hospitality made my first visit to Boise incredibly memorable, and I cannot wait to return.

WINE-ish NEWS

• Is the wine industry really ‘fighting for its life’ or simply in a moment of transition?

• Smokiness in wine might be a good thing.

• Kudos to my fellow wine writer on writing this lovely story spotlighting queer wine professionals for Bon Appetit!

• Did y’all know the Duchess of Sussex came out with a wine?

• epically articulates why the discourse around this year’s Essence Festival was warranted, and why the consumer has to be patient as transformation and transition occur.

THE CORK BOARD

SUBSTACK OF THE WEEK

If you love books, music, and pop culture commentary, then you should subscribe to immediately. Based in the DMV, Erin Duncan is a good friend of mine whose penmanship and love for reading I’ve admired since we met almost a decade ago.

What makes Erin’s Substack so special is that it gives readers a glimpse into her thought process when it comes to selecting her reads and assembling her wonderfully curated playlists.

UPCOMING EVENTS

CHICAGO, IL – Beyond The Glass presented by The Veraison Project is BACK! Last year’s event was such a great success that we’ve moved it to a bigger venue! Grab your ticket for the 2025 Beyond The Glass: Food & Wine Experience happening on August 9 – I hope to see you there!

Happy July, beloved!

Yes, it has been a minute and a half since I last entered your inboxes, but in my defense, it has been with good reason! In addition to life doing what it does, I have been in my Chasity SanDiego mode and traveling.

I started this newsletter on Friday while sitting at the Boise Airport after spending the last few days exploring the state’s wine region and relishing in the deliciousness it has to offer. And what better time to finish it than on the first day of July!

I’m dedicating a separate newsletter to my Boise experience, so stay tuned!

Meanwhile, earlier this month, I partnered with in their first Chicago event. Alongside my amazing Chicago wine colleagues, Derrick C. Westbrook and Lauren Hunter Lee, and Ehler Estate’s winemaker, Adam Casto, we discussed the various problems currently existing in the wine industry.

While many perspectives were shared as we enjoyed Ehler Estate’s 2023 Sylviane Estate Blanc and 2021 1886 Cabernet Sauvignon, my biggest takeaway was that folks want to have these candid conversations. From getting millennials and Gen Zers to drink wine, to determining whether wine scores are still relevant for sales, a lot was covered in a short amount of time.

Although these problems will take some time to solve, I’m excited that there is interest in creating change that is sustainable for all involved.

And one thing about Chicago wine professionals? They show up, participate, and enjoy good fellowship. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PULLED UP!

And many thanks to my friends at Ehlers Estate for partnering with me on this event. I look forward to working with you all again in the future!

Let’s keep the conversation going: What do you think the issues are in the wine industry today–consumer or otherwise? Comment below with your thoughts!

WINE NEWS

Last week, I was featured as a guest on not one, but TWO wine podcasts! Many thanks to Kelly of A Cork in the Road and Billy of Vint Wine Podcast for having me!

My latest for Food & Wine explores how to choose the best Pinot Grigio for the summertime.

A few months ago, I updated this list of Black-owned wine shops for Wine Enthusiast, which I will probably need to refresh quarterly.

Finally, I interviewed three millennials who recently moved to Chicago for The TRiiBE, spotlighting their reasons for moving and how they’ve adjusted to life in the Windy City.

THE CORK BOARD

Events, Announcements, and More!

SUBSTACK OF THE WEEK – To hold myself accountable as a true Substack girlie and supporter of this wonderful writing community, I will be spotlighting a Substack in every weekly issue of Bright & Balanced. This week, I’m showing BIG LOVE to my sister and friend Channing Beumer, founder of CNKDaily and the author of.

Channing has owned and operated her media company since 2017, working with notable sneaker brands such as NIKE and Jordan. She is also working to open the first Black woman-owned sneaker retail store in Dallas, which is VERY exciting!

Show my girl some love by subscribing to her baby, Everything But the Exit.

CHICAGO, IL – Beyond The Glass presented by The Veraison Project is BACK! Last year’s event was such a great success that we’ve moved it to a bigger venue! Grab your ticket for the 2025 Beyond The Glass: Food & Wine Experience happening on August 9 – hope to see you there!

I’ll be back in your inbox soon!

On Monday, June 16, hundreds of hospitality professionals will attend the Lyric Opera House for the 2025 James Beard Foundation Restaurant & Chef Awards.

I attended my first Beard Awards in 2023. After scoring a ticket from an industry friend (Hi, Nina!), I immediately became nervous about attending. Why? Mostly, it was because I had long dreamed of attending the Beard Awards, but I didn’t feel I was “part of the industry enough” to be in the room. I was also sharing space with monumental culinary greatst that long admired and watched on television like Eric Adjepong, Esther Choi, Gail Simmons, and Andrew Zimmern.

I arrived at The Lyric excited and full of anticipation, and an ounce of anxiousness. As I showed the usher my ticket, I assumed I’d be in the back, far away from the stage, and lucky to be there.

Not even for a minute.

I’m not sure how this happened, but I was mere rows away from the edge of the stage. (See the photo above.) In this seat, I saw Kann, a Hatian restaurant in Portland, Oregon be crowned Best New Restaurant; Friday Saturday Sunday be awarded Oustanding Restaurant; and Black Farmer Fund receive the Humanitarian Award.

I would also witness Chicago being put on in the BEST way:

• Chef Damarr Brown of Virtue was awarded Emerging Chef

• Tim Flores and Genie Kwon of Kasama were awarded Best Chef: Great Lakes

This year, I won’t be in attendance for the Awards Ceremony, but I am excited to see colleagues and friends at various events over the course of the weekend.

And while Beard Awards weekend may seem super duper exclusive, there are actually a number of events that non-industry folks and hospitality enthtusiasts can attend.

Speaking of which, if you’re a foodie and want to know the move for Friday night, check out the first installment of Instagram series, “Let Me Order For You”.

Here are other free Beard Awards weekend events that are worth checking out:

• The Chef’s Collection (June 14 from 9 am to 4:30 pm) at Third Season.

• Up South (June 14 from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm) at Justice of the Pies. RSVP BY 6/13.

• Connect, Converse, and Celebrate The Humans Who Feed Us (June 14 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm) at Loyola University (Regent Room). RSVP HERE.

• Dan Richer's Razza (June 15 from 12 pm - 3 pm) at MIDDLE BROW. RSVP Here.
  Note: RSVPs do not guarantee you a table at the event! Please use RESY to book a table.

• Served Up: A James Beard Pop-up with James Beard Finalist Bar Collete (June 14 from 5 to 10 pm) at Chateau Carbide at The Pendry Chicago. Note: Reservations are available via OpenTable, walk-ins accepted space permitting.

• Rooftop Brunch at Nobu Chicago (June 15 from 11:30 am to 2 pm) at Nobu Chicago. RSVP for the event by tomorrow, June 12.

Best of luck to all of this year’s nominees! More juice below.

WINE NEWS

• Chicago may not be on this list, but I love these six cities that have underrated wine bar scenes.

• A visit to Missouri wine country is long overdue.

• Mason jars help keep wine longer?

THE CORK BOARD

Events, Announcements, and More!

*PAID PARTNERSHIP* – TODAY, I’m excited to participate in “Ehlers in the Wild: Addressing the State of the Wine Industry”, a dialogue around the state of the wine industry. My fellow panelists and I will discuss the current condition of the wine industry, how it impacts us here in Chicago, and what we can do to be the change we wish to see. RSVP here.

CHICAGO, IL – I’m so thrilled that the book is nominated for a James Beard Media Award, and even more excited that author Tyler Balliet is hosting an event this Friday, June 13, at Passages Wine & Books to celebrate! This hour-long stand-up comedy show and wine tasting will feature eight French and California wines and snacks. Tickets are $35 and moving fast!

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Tomorrow, Thursday, June 12, Brown Estate and Morton’s Steakhouse SF will join forces to present an unforgettable sensory experience. Master Sommeliers Chris Gaither and Keith Goldston will spotlight six Brown Estate portfolio wines paired across a four-course dinner. Click here to secure your seat!

ST. LOUIS, MO—The founders of Pour Decisions STL recently announced that they have changed the format of their upcoming event, The Art of Alcohol, to a one-day event. Tickets are on sale now!

My Riesling Camp experience was fulfilling, edifying, and affirming.

Last Monday, I arrived in Geneva, New York, anticipating a transformative professional experience. I had heard many good things about Riesling Camp, and long wanted to visit the beloved wine region.

Little did I know that spending three days in the Finger Lakes region (which I’ll note as FLX moving forward) with 23 other wine professionals would rekindle my love for wine travel, increase my appreciation for viticulture and winemaking, and spark an urgency for me to walk out all of my ideas as it relates to fermented grape juice.

From the moment I arrived at Geneva on the Lake, we were engulfed in everything Riesling. Whether it was sparkling, still, sweet, or dry, the point was for us to get as much exposure to the versatility of this grape and how the place can have a major influence on the style produced.

Kyle Pallischeck, Executive Director of the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance, led us in a crash course of the Finger Lakes region, which included facts like:

• The Finger Lakes were carved thousands of years ago by waves of glaciers, which go as deep as 618 feet!

• FLX is a pre-Prohibition wine region, and the first vines were planted in 1829. By 1900, over 50 wineries were established along the lakes.

• The Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuga Lakes are essential to the cool—climate winegrowing region.

• While the Finger Lakes is one of New York State’s most prominent wine regions, six other AVAs make up NY wine country: Hudson River, Lake Erie, Long Island, the Niagara Escarpment, Champlain Valley, and the Upper Hudson.

• And finally, FLX is known for growing Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and a host of hybrid and native grapes.

Throughout Riesling Camp, I’m certain that I sampled over 50 wines (not including the 24 selections from our wine speed dating experience) of various styles and grape varieties from the following wineries, which were gracious hosts and partners in the Riesling Camp experience:

Here are a few bottles that continue to live rent-free in my head:

• 2011 Hermann J. Wiemer Riesling Reserve Dry (pictured bottom right)

• 2005 Dr. Konstantin Frank Reserve Riesling (picture top left)

• 2022 KSV Cuvee (pictured top center)

• 2023 Ovid Line North Riesling

• Fox Run Vineyards Gruner Veltliner

• Six Eighty Chenin Blanc Clayver and Cabernet Franc Carbonic (pictured bottom left)

• 2024 Keuka Spring Vineyards Blanc de Cabernet Franc (pictured top right)

• Lakewood Vineyards Bubbly Candeo

• Living Roots Pet-Nat Riesling (pictured bottom center)

Finally, here are three major takeaways from my Riesling Camp experience that I hope will inspire you to want to explore wines from the FLX too:

Riesling is a versatile grape variety that has incredible RANGE.

Over three days, I was shocked at how many different styles of Riesling I sampled. Riesling can be transformed in many way–from the driest of sparkling to the sweetest of still. I love how creative and unapologetic winemakers are when it comes to expressing the grape. It was also a treat to taste library Riesling from places like Dr. Konstantin Frank and Hermann J. Wiemer that still hold their freshness and brilliant acidity.

The FLX region is accessible, affordable, and built on community.

From beginning to end, everyone was so incredibly kind and welcoming. Furthermore, how the wineries across the region support one another is something to be admired and appreciated During our last session, my fellow Campers and I were able to provide feedback on our experience to the partner wineries, and impart some constructive criticism on what they can do to (in so many words) “gas themselves up” as a region. And while a certain publication thinks FLX is vying to be the next Napa Valley, the Finger Lakes has much more charm, grit, and beauty that more wine lovers at all levels can appreciate.

Cabernet Franc has got next.

While Riesling is queen of the Finger Lakes, Cab Franc (the papa of Cabernet Sauvignon) is indeed the red wine grape that rules the region. During our speed dating experience with the 24 partner wineries, I asked several wineries if they believed that Cabernet Franc should be dubbed the premier red wine of FLX. While many responses were modest, it was clear to me that Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc is not only delicious, but can measure up and hold its weight against other regions.

All in all, I would highly recommend that any wine professional apply for Riesling Camp next year if you want in learning more about the Finger Lakes region and Riesling. I’m so incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to visit this region, and I look forward to returning very soon to continue my exploration.

Keep scrolling for more juice, and I’ll be back in your inbox next week!

WINE NEWS

• Napa is Napa, and no one else is truly to be Napa, okay?!

• Justin Timberlake’s wife just announced their new wine project.

• Stop saving your wine for the “perfect” day!

• I see some of y’all are still trying to make Spicy Sauvy B fetch…

• Who doesn’t love books that feature wine as the main character?

• Virginia wine has always been for lovers.

THE CORK BOARD

Events, Announcements, and More!

I’ve partnered with Ehlers Estate out of Napa Valley for an industry event on June 11. “Ehlers in the Wild: Addressing the State of the Wine Industry” will be a dialogue around the state of the wine industry from a macro level and what we’re doing in Chicago as a collective to move the needle forward. This event is for you if you are in the wine, spirits, or hospitality space. RSVP here.

ST. LOUIS, MO—The founders of Pour Decisions STL recently announced that they have changed the format of their upcoming event, The Art of Alcohol, to a one-day event. Tickets are on sale now!

NAPA, CA – Summer is right around the corner, and if you’re looking for an immersive experience in California Wine Country, Cookout at the Vineyard is for you! A Juneteenth weekend (June 19-22, 2025) celebration complete with food, music, and good times, all proceeds will go to supporting The Veraison Project. Get your tickets here!