Interview: Carlton McCoy Jr, Master Sommelier + CEO of Demeine Estates

One of only three Black Master Sommeliers in the world, the wine expert is ushering in a new generation of Black producers and palates

The wine world remains glaringly white—from producers to shop-owners and especially the elite group of Master Sommeliers. In fact, there are just three Black Master Sommeliers in the world. Carlton McCoy Jr, the President and CEO of Demeine Estates and Napa’s Heitz Cellar, was the second to earn the title and he’s an unwavering advocate for diversity and advancement within the industry. He has joined …

Exploring the Enigmatic Chilean Spirit, Träkál

Distilled from apples and pears, this spirit is unlike any other

Deep in the southern fringes of the Americas, a land of extremes has captivated the hearts of explorers for centuries. A land where towering spears of granite and serene glacial lakes give way to lush temperate rainforests, the remote landscape dotted with tenacious wildlife ranging from the tiny pudú to the ferocious puma. For the lucky individuals who have spent time exploring Patagonia, the memories …

The Experimental Gastronomy Project Reinvents + Reimagines Dining Out

A collective that invites artists to craft tableware and renowned chefs to concoct dishes that match

The Dutch creative collective Steinbeisser (which translates to “biting on rock”) was founded in 2009 by Jouw Wijnsma and Martin Kullik. In 2012, the pair formed the Experimental Gastronomy Project, a string of fine dining events designed to dismiss preconceived notions about dining out. Guests would sip from intricate, artist-made cups and eat from plates with mountainous ridges through them or boards crafted to look …