AG Pick: HB Picpoul de Pinet 2010

As the summer nears its end (at least according to the calendar), the lingering hot temperatures call for white wine. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing white to enjoy outdoors or want something to drink with lobster or other shellfish, the HB (Hugues Beaulieu) Picpoul de Pinet 2010 from La Cave de Pomerols is the [...]

Dining Atlanta: Week of August 29, 2011

By Eric Harvison Dining Atlanta spotlights what is opening and closing around the city. Check in at the beginning of each week to find out what is changing in your neighborhood. Click here to read earlier columns Avondale Estates Reluctant to share this one until I have a chance to go back and get more, [...]

How Oak Barrels are Made

A Tour Inside Vicard Cooperage Oak barrels play an important role in the production of wine and eau de vie. Go inside Vicard Cooperage in Cognac, France for a look at how barrels are made. The process of making a barrel starts with the oak tree. Seventy five percent of Vicard’s barrels are made with [...]

Dining Atlanta: Week of August 22, 2011

By Eric Harvison Dining Atlanta spotlights what is opening and closing around the city. Check in at the beginning of each week to find out what is changing in your neighborhood. Click here to read earlier columns Buckhead The kitchen at the new FARM BURGER, Buckhead will be led by James Beard Award nominated chef [...]

AG Pick: Antica Napa Valley 2009 Estate Chardonnay

The finesse of Italian tradition and the high quality of Napa Valley come together in the elegant Antica Napa Valley 2009 Estate Chardonnay. The name is a combination of Antinori and California, the former being one of the most well-known wine families and companies in Italy. The Antinori family has a history of winemaking that [...]

Pineau des Charentes: Aperitif of Cognac

Pineau des Charentes is a sweet fortified wine produced in the Charente and Charente-Maritime departments in France. It is a blend of Cognac and grape juice that is most often enjoyed as an aperitif. The juice comes from grapes that are used to make wine. For white Pineau, grapes including Ugni Blanc, Colombard or Folle [...]

A Visit to Chateau de Beaulon

About 30 miles southwest of Cognac in the commune of Saint-Dizant-du-Gua in Charente-Maritime is Château de Beaulon. The château was built in 1480, with eau de vie production on the estate dating to 1720.  From 1543 to 1574 the home belonged to Francois de Beaulon, Lord of Saint-Dizant and advisor to the Bordeaux Parliament.  Today [...]

AG Pick: Mandolin Syrah 2009

Easy to drink and easy on the wallet, the 2009 Mandolin Syrah is the kind of wine you can enjoy any day of the week. This wine comes from the Monterey region in California’s Central Coast, an AVA that is influenced by its proximity to the ocean. Vineyards in this part of the Central Coast [...]

Dining Atlanta: Week of August 15, 2011

By Eric Harvison Dining Atlanta spotlights what is opening and closing around the city. Check in at the beginning of each week to find out what is changing in your neighborhood. Click here to read earlier columns Avondale Estates THE BEER GROWLER has opened at 39 North Avondale Road selling, well… beer growlers.  In addition [...]

Midtown Restaurant Week 2011

The summer may be winding down but the dining deals are about to heat up. The 6th annual Midtown Restaurant Week kicks off on the last weekend of the month, offering diners a great way to taste a number of the Atlanta neighborhood’s restaurants. From Saturday, August 27th through Sunday, September 4th more than 30 [...]