Wine, Beer & Cocktails

Let's Start the Bidding

The Florida Winefest Auction Offers a Number of Terrific Wine Experiences

But the clock is ticking... The virtual auction ends on Sunday, Oct. 24.

10/19/2021 By Bob McGinn

I got the blues

Looking for a New Wine? Give Austria's Blaufränkisch a Try.

The wine is light, with good color and balance, and goes great with food.

10/13/2021 By Bob McGinn

Put a Bid on It

Florida Winefest Is Holding an Online Auction With Some Seriously Impressive Items

Money from the event goes to help nonprofits that assist kids and families in need.

10/06/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Race for the prize

Sarasota Brewery Hosts Running Club With Ice-Cold Rewards

Big Top Brewing Company is home to a running club that meets at 6 p.m. every Monday.

09/27/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Back to School

Want to Learn More About Wine? Enroll in 'Wine School.'

Eric Asimov's monthly column helps wine lovers explore new varietals and examine their biases.

09/22/2021 By Bob McGinn

Vive la France!

A Unique Sarasota Club Gathers to Celebrate the Wines of Bordeaux

The local chapter of the international Commanderie de Bordeaux hosts regular dinners that highlight specific varieties of Bordeaux wines.

09/17/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Fright Night

'Haunted Tavern' Pop-Up Cocktail Bar Promises a Scary Good Time

The national touring event comes to Bradenton Sept. 9-11.

09/08/2021 By Marc Griffin

Clubs and corks

The Surprising Overlap Between the Worlds of Golf and Wine

Multiple professional golfers have their own vineyards and wines, and special wines are created for some of the world's biggest tournaments.

09/08/2021 By Bob McGinn

Wine Freak

You've Got to See These Amazing Local Wine Cellars

Sarasota collectors spare no expense when it comes to custom wine cellar designs.

09/03/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Kippis!

Miles Teller Talks 'Long Drink,' a Tasty, Gin-Based Alternative to Hard Seltzer

The actor, who stars in the upcoming Top Gun: Maverick, grew up in Florida and co-owns The Finnish Long Drink. He tells us why he likes the beverage so much.

08/30/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Booze Flash

New Liquor Store Opens in Lakewood Ranch

The new ABC Fine Wine & Spirits includes a walk-in cigar humidor, a walk-in beer cooler and a station for refilling growlers.

08/19/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Wine Maven

Meet Gina Lyons, Sarasota's Champagne Doyen

Through her company, A Vine Affair, Lyons offers in-depth Champagne seminars and tastings in private homes and corporate venues.

08/18/2021 By Bob McGinn

Alcohol Olympics

'Set the Bar' Cocktail Competition Will Return in October

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals contest will feature drinks from 25 different restaurants.

08/06/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

And the winner is...

Three Local Restaurants Join Wine Spectator's 'Award of Excellence' List

The Crow’s Nest, Grove and Sage were recognized this year, joining a number of other local restaurants that maintain strong wine lists.

08/03/2021 By Bob McGinn

Top tapas

Another New Wine Bar? Yes, Please!

Checking out Vino Bistro, a new addition to the Sarasota wine scene.

07/21/2021 By Bob McGinn

Passion project

Give Your Spritz a Tropical Twist With Chinola

The passion fruit liqueur tastes great on its own, but it's even better when mixed with sparkling wine.

07/16/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Big Top, Big Plans

Big Top Brewing Is Taking Over the Cock & Bull

The legendary Sarasota beer bar, which is closed for renovations, will reopen later this summer as Big Top's tasting room.

07/14/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Stream team

Motorworks Creates New Beer for Central Florida Golf Resort

Little Payne Creek Lager will be served exclusively at Streamsong in Bowling Green, Florida.

07/12/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Birthday party

Gecko's Is Throwing a Party to Celebrate the Sarasota County Centennial

100 Years Feature Night will take place 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 13, at the Gecko's Grill & Pub near Fruitville Road.

07/07/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker