Wine, Beer & Cocktails

R.I.P.

Remembering 'Two-Buck Chuck' Creator Fred Franzia: Pariah to Some, Innovator to Others

The winemaker blazed a unique trail in the wine industry.

10/05/2022 By Bob McGinn

That is the question

To Drink or Not to Drink?

Conflicting studies send contrasting messages about alcohol's effects on health.

09/21/2022 By Bob McGinn

Hit Me With Your Best Shot

Head to Mattison's Forty-One Next Week For an Interactive Cocktail Masterclass

Expand your cocktail recipe arsenal with three delicious drinks and a step-by-step class on how to prepare them.

09/20/2022 By Lauren Jackson

In Vino Veritas

A New Sopranos-Themed Wine Bar Has Opened in Gulf Gate

The shop is run by Mitchell Soffer, who owns TheWinetoBuy.com.

09/07/2022 By Bob McGinn

Prize Possession

Sarasota Restaurant Wins Prestigious Wine Award

Marcello Ristorante Italiano recently received the 'Best of the Award of Excellence' from Wine Spectator.

08/17/2022 By Bob McGinn

Bottled Up

How Local Restaurants Are Dealing With Rising Wine Prices and Delivery Delays

We spoke with chefs and owners about how they are responding to challenges in the wine world.

08/10/2022 By Bob McGinn

Withering on the vine

Extreme Heat, Droughts and Inflation Are Hitting Winemakers Hard

And, in response, wineries are consolidating and cutting costs.

07/20/2022 By Bob McGinn

Small But Mighty

Osprey Is Emerging as a Wine and Food Destination

Mel Weber recently opened Southern Vines Fine Wine & Spirits, among other new ventures in the town.

07/06/2022 By Bob McGinn

Best brews

Summer Beer of the Week: Calusa Brewing's Citronious

Want a tasty local beer on your boat this weekend? Try this juicy IPA bursting with citrus and tropical flavors.

07/01/2022 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Consumer Reports

Why Are Cocktails So Expensive Right Now?

With some drinks now costing as much as a nice meal, it’s hard not to wonder whether the drink is worth it.

07/01/2022 By Lauren Jackson

Bartenders Anonymous

Bartenders Are Begging You to Avoid These Amateur Drink-Ordering Moves

We asked several unnamed drink makers to reveal what they wish they could tell customers, but can’t.

07/01/2022 Photography by Kim Doleatto

Cheers!

Sarasota's Best Bars

Whether you’re looking for a toes-in-the-sand tiki hut, a secretive speakeasy or a big boisterous beer garden, Sarasota has the bar for you.

07/01/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker, Lauren Jackson, Allison Forsyth, and Kim Doleatto

Best brews

Summer Beer of the Week: Big Top Brewing Company's Hotter Blonde

Looking for something refreshing to sip while lounging in the pool? Try this golden ale spiced up with jalapeños.

06/30/2022 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Best brews

Summer Beer of the Week: Motorworks Brewing's Low Light

Looking for something refreshing to sip while lounging in the pool? Try this 'very light lager' flavored with lemon and lime.

06/29/2022 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Five O'Clock Somewhere

Corporate Ladder Brewing Is Crushing the Sour Beer Game

An award-winning Palmetto brewery is knocking out outrageously flavorful beers.

06/14/2022 By Lauren Jackson

What to Buy Dad

Wine Is an Excellent Father's Day Gift

And here are some of your best bets.

06/08/2022 By Bob McGinn

Straight to the Source

Now Is a Great Time to Plan a Trip to Wine Country

The cost of going to Napa Valley has skyrocketed, but there are many less-explored and more affordable regions to visit this year.

05/18/2022 By Bob McGinn

That time of year again

Forks & Corks Is Back!

While the popular Grand Tasting won't take place this year, there are plenty of other great wine and food events happening next week.

05/04/2022 By Bob McGinn

Don't Mock It Till You Try It

Cool Off With a Refreshing Mocktail From Siesta Key Oyster Bar

Alcohol-free versions of cocktials are all the rage these days. Here are four to try.

04/26/2022 By Samantha Lane

Guest Star

Wine Icon Bo Barrett Visits Sarasota

Bo Barrett of California's Chateau Montelena recently participated in a spectacular dinner at Michael's Wine Cellar.

04/20/2022 By Bob McGinn