Twice this week, I found myself in downtown Seattle, thirsty for a glass of wine. On both occasions, the new RN74 on 4th & Pike came to my rescue. Though I typically hate chains, I was willing to give this second RN74 location a try because of its amazingly accomplished chef (the original is in San Francisco). This restaurant and wine bar is a concept developed by Michael Mina, famed James Beard award-winning chef with several lauded...

The French really have it figured out. Just when I think they couldn’t get any cooler, I stumble upon a new find that blows my mind all over again. Imagine this. Take the essence of the most complex white French wine you’ve ever tasted (such as a White Bordeaux) and reduce it down to a rich, citrus and floral-perfumed elixir. Think syrupy rich. Now put it in an amazingly beautiful bottle, fit for a Parisian, and call it St....

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard that tonight is the big night for Hollywood. Of course a little Oscar-viewing wouldn’t be complete without a glass of good wine to keep you company, so I’ve compiled a set of wines to ring in the 83rd Academy Awards. Though celebrations and awards usually call for Champagne, let’s agree to ditch the predictable and reach for something that speaks a little more to our...

To get my Friday started out right this week, I was really craving a glass of bubbles. One of my guiltiest pleasures is sparkling wine, and I truly don’t think people enjoy it often enough. I mean, have you ever been in a bad mood when drinking Champagne? I think not. One of the hardest things about sparkling wine is that you generally need a buddy to enjoy a full bottle. (At least, you should have a buddy to try to avoid any embarrassing...