Report: 2025 Chicago Speakeasy & Bartender Lab
Overview: From February 5th-12th, 2025, the BevFluence Chicago Speakeasy took over the Windy City and particularly Eris Brewery and Cider House, bringing together an exceptional mix of sommeliers, bartenders, brand representatives, and influencers. This multi-day experience featured blind tastings, hands-on bartender labs, educational seminars, and curated dinners, highlighting tequila, gin, Norton wine, and innovative cider […]
EWE25: Solving a Grape’s Identity: Using DNA or Ampelography? Norton or Cynthiana
As Eastern viticulture reemerged after Prohibition in the late 1960s, Norton and Cynthiana were mixed in vineyards and officially deemed as synonymous. — Lucie Morton With the return of the Norton and Cynthiana grapes post-prohibition in Missouri, Virginia, Arkansas (courtesy of Stone Hill Winery in Missouri, Horton Vineyards in Virginia, and Post Familie Vineyards in Arkansas) the common perception was that the two grapes were […]
Effervescence Unleashed Cocktail of the Month for April 2025: The Sparkling Grappa
The Effervescence Unleashed Cocktail of the Month for April 2025 is the Sparkling Grappa. Simply add grappa and liqueur to a glass and stir. Top with sparkling wine. Ingredients Ducard Vineyards opened 15 years ago and their estate is located in a beautiful valley on the eastern edge of the Shenandoah National Park in the shadow […]
Effervescence Unleashed: What is Crémant de Bourgogne?
Part of the Effervescence Unleashed program is to highlight the various sparkling wine regions and methods used throughout the world. One of these is Crémant de Bourgogne, a regional appellation for sparkling wine in the Bourgogne region of France. According to The Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB), “the appellation Crémant de Bourgogne is restricted to effervescent wines made from still wines (called […]
Effervescence Unleashed Bonus Cocktail: The St Patrick’s Day Black Velvet
We have a special bonus Effervescence Unleashed Cocktail: The St Patrick’s Day Black Velvet. Celebrate with the Irish with this easy cocktail featuring just two ingredients: Guinness Stout and a sparkling wine. We choose the draft can of Guinness along with the very accessible Ruffino Prosecco. Cheers.
The Global Artisan Vintners Alliance: Founding Members include Nine Distinguished Wine Regions from Across the Globe
“Our vision is to create a network of global wine region partners who share the same ideals and values, who share the same struggles that we all endure, but coming together to trade ideas, tips and tricks, secrets of how we do our business, sharing with each other.”, David Haubert, D1 Supervisor County of Almeda […]
Effervescence Unleashed Cocktail of the Month for March 2025: Mardi Gras Old Cuban
The Effervescence Unleashed Cocktail of the Month for March 2025 is the Mardi Gras Old Cuban. Capstone Vineyards is a family-owned winery located on the slopes of Blue Mountain in Linden, Virginia. The vineyard produces some of the best fruit in Virginia, resulting in handcrafted wines that are expressive of the land and the people […]
BevFluence Chicago Speakeasy: The Story of Norton
In 1873, the international wine community was stunned when a Missouri produced Norton wine produced by Poeschel & Scherer was declared the “Best Red of All Nations” at an International competition in Vienna, Austria. Then another medal at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1873. The popularity of Norton exploded – worldwide. At the time […]
BevFluence Chicago Speakeasy: Cambio — A Mexican-styled Tequila
Tequila is one of the only spirits in the world to retain a sense of place through its entire process, it retains its Terroir. Every choice we made with Cambio is to enhance the effect and show the true potential of the spirit.” John des Rosiers – Founder of Cambio Tequila At the very beginning of John des […]
Why We are Attending the Eastern Winery Exposition
“EWE coordinates the biggest trade show outside of the West Coast. This dynamic conference offers industry members to learn from the vendors who often can supply a wide range of practical advice and discuss the latest vineyard and winery equipment. The EWE seminars feature regional winemakers and entrepreneurs who willingly offer their success stories.. And […]
