Brewers do not view winemakers as the opposition; rather they see often wine as an area for experimentation. Some breweries mix grape juice into their beer, producing a hybrid offering that boasts qualities of both. Others rely on the flavors wine leaves behind, storing beer in leftover barrels for added flavor and textural development. North Carolina-based brewery Wicked Weed (known best for its barrel-aged sours) …
Nashik is the capital of India’s winemaking region despite being best known in the country for “onions and table grapes, farmer activism, and its many temples, including Trimbakeshwar.” Visiting Sula Vineyards, India’s biggest wine producer, reveals an industry in flux. Substantial developments around the winery, its restaurant, production factories and tasting rooms aim to heighten the overall wine-tasting experience, draw more tourists and educate visitors. …
The first sip of Armand de Brignac (colloquially known as Ace of Spades) is an unforgettable moment. Mine was in the hotel bar of the Plaza Athénée—a legendary Paris hotel. The waiter came to our table and slowly poured a glass of the Gold Brut, the brand’s flagship cuvée. Armand de Brignac bottles are mesmerizing; it’s easy to find yourself staring. And yet, what is …
