<img height="1" width="1" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=403686353314829&amp;ev=PageView%20&amp;noscript=1">

White Burgundy Added to Stellar Class and Wine List

You may hear it in the air: birds chirping, breeze in the trees, and wine pros everywhere slurping, spitting and scratching in their notebooks. Because if it’s Spring, it’s time for wine list ...

Read More

Wine Vocabulary 201

A wine vocabulary helps you communicate aspects that you enjoy in wine and maybe some you don’t. Most modern winespeak is easy, such as the term ‘rich’, meaning a wine that’s rich in flavor and ...

Read More

There's More than Just Cooking in Chianti

One thing you may not realize about The Chopping Block's Cook Like a Tuscan tour is that it is just as much focused on the wine of Tuscany as the regional cuisine. Whether you already know the ...

Read More

It’s Gotta Be Fun: Mary's Motto for Wine Classes

“It’s gotta be fun!” is the best advice I received from my mentor Kevin Zraly, who, as founder of The Windows on the World Complete Wine Course, knows something about wine education. So, I feel as ...

Read More

Which Wineglass Is Right for Me?

Guests know they’re in for a good time when they arrive to The Chopping Block for a wine class and see an array of glasses – whites, reds, flutes, sometimes even copitas and coupes – glittering and ...

Read More

Which Type of Wine is Best? It’s Up to You!

“It’s so cheap!” is the first thing people say about wine while travelling in Europe, and “It’s so delicious!”

Read More

That’s a Good Question

As every teacher knows, if one student has a question, then undoubtedly other students have the same question but are too embarrassed to ask. Here are questions from my recent How to Bluff Your Way ...

Read More

I Never Knew I Liked…

I never knew I liked rice. Then I discovered authentic Indian cuisine with its basmati and jasmine rice, quite a contrast to the glop served up in 1950’s America when I was raised. Next, I discovered ...

Read More

Uniquely Spain

Of all the great gigs I’ve enjoyed as a consultant to the culinary industry (including The Chopping Block, of course!), there’s been none better than representing Wine & Food from Spain. I got to ...

Read More

Three Wine Terms You’re Probably Using Incorrectly

The best advice I’ve ever received about wine is this: “If you’re not a little confused, you’re not paying attention.”

Read More

Subscribe to Email Updates

Most Recent Posts

Limited Space? Here's Your Grilling Solution

Grilling season is finally in full swing, and I couldn’t be more excited! After years of not...Read more

Highlighting a Unique Herb: Tarragon

A coworker recently asked me what my favorite nontraditional herb is. It was a great question, and...Read more

Hot Honey: A Fiery and Sweet Condiment

  A current drive through any city neighborhood tells you farmers’ market season is upon us,...Read more

What I Got Out of a 15-Pound Prime Rib Roast

As a chef, I’m always looking for ways to stretch ingredients and make the most out of quality...Read more

What to Do with an Abundance of Rhubarb

  Rhubarb is thriving this time of year here in the Midwest, both in home gardens and in the...Read more