The journal
Beyond the notes
Winemakers, sommeliers, spirits and the stories behind the glass.
July 26, 2023
The distinctive Buçaco wines of Portugal, bridging the gap between the Dão and Bairrada regions.
The distinctive Buçaco wines of Portugal are renowned for their exceptional quality and unique character, seamlessly uniting the flavors of the Dão and Bairrada regions. Among the masterminds behind these remarkable w
July 26, 2023
Define wine for you in a single word.
I ask winemaker, chefs, experts and Somms from all over the world to describe wine in one word. Complexity. Wine is a complex beverage, with a wide range of flavors and aromas. It can be fruity, earthy, spicy, floral, o
July 16, 2021
A Guide to Cava, Champagne, Prosecco and Espumante
They’re all bubbly and sparkle, but they stand out on their own?
March 11, 2021
The New Port - Dirk Niepoort
You will hardly ever spot Dirk Niepoort in a suit and tie and one has the distinct impression that despite frequently touring the world promoting his wines. Dirk acquired an almost legendary reputation since he branched
December 21, 2020
FERMENTATION & PICKLING BY Sommtable
Somm Simon Kistenfeger explains the importance of - do it yourself - fermentation and pickling. Preserving and fermenting at home: the secret of flavor • A quick walk through human history linked to preserving and ferme
December 21, 2020
Loreto Ruiz EXPERTO EN VINOS DE CHILE Sommtable.com
Loreto Ruiz - Todo lo que tienes que saber sobre los nuevos vinos chilenos: nuevas regiones, nuevas variedades y aclamados productores de moda, una SommClass de la experta en vinos Loreto Ruiz.
December 10, 2020
Simon Kistenfeger in Sommtable
FERMENTATION & PICKLING IN BARTENDING BY SOMM Simon Kistenfeger
December 08, 2020
Chef Pedro Lemos and Porto Wines
Off the beaten path at the mouth of the Douro river is Pedro Lemos’ eponymous restaurant, where the chef serves tasting menus of five or seven courses, as well as an à la carte option. Seafood and game feature heavily on
November 12, 2020
COLOMBIAN COFFEE EXPERT Juan Pablo Villota
Juan Pablo Villota believes colombian coffee should be treated like a great wine. Its terroir, its flavours, its aromas — all of these things should be considered and appreciated.
November 11, 2020
BOLIVIAN WINE with Sommelier Bertil Tøttenborg from Gustu
Sommelier at renowned GUSTU Restaurant teaches us everything we should know about magnificent Bolivian wines.
November 08, 2020
AWARD WINNING CHOCOLATIER Alejandro Campos | Sommtable
Alejandro Campos, One of Mexico's greatest gift to the world; Chocolate Award-winning chocolatier Alejandro Campos stands as a shining example of excellence in the world of chocolate craftsmanship, showcased throu
November 08, 2020
Somm Simon Kistenfeger - Sommtable: CLASS ON FERMENTATION & PICKLING
Somm Simon Kistenfeger explains the importance of - do it yourself - fermentation and pickling. Somm Simon Kistenfeger stands at the forefront of culinary education with Sommtable's
May 31, 2020
Hennessy: The Cognac of Hip Hop & Civil Rights (Part 2)
While many brands shied away from picking political and racial sides, Hennessy was one of the first spirits brands to invest, openly, in the African American community. None more particularly than in Ebony and JET magazi
May 17, 2020
Michael Jordan & Fred Scherrer
A Dynamic Pairing Michael Jordan (master Sommelier) and Fred Scherrer (Winemaker) are a dynamic duo in both the world of wine and music. In the realm of viticulture, they’re perfect complements. Both are incredibly enthu
May 11, 2020
The Original Garage Kings
The garage kings are out there and we wanted to let you know you’re not alone. While you’re playing your instruments for the whole neighborhood to hear, it might seem like you’ll never be heard on the radio. You’re coope
May 10, 2020
A Mother-Daughter Tour de Force
By Taylor Friedlander & Birdie deQuay Travaglini Wines | A Mother-Daughter Tour de Force Alessia and Cinzia Travaglini have a shared charisma in their smiles, a look that makes you want to strike up a conversation. Toget
May 02, 2020
Behind the Scenes of Tequila Making
A Cinco de Mayo Special: Behind the Scenes of Tequila Making
April 19, 2020
Hennessy: The Cognac of Hip Hop & Civil Rights (Part 1)
It’s safe to say we would all agree Hennessy and Hip-Hop are associated with each other in a special way. We would even go as far to say, Hennessy has reached global iconic status thanks to that fact. That being said, wh
April 19, 2020
Once Upon A Bar In Hollywood: The Spirit of a great film.
Here at Sommtable, we love a lot of things — and great cinema is surely one of them. We wanted to hit the pause button and take a second to take a look at Once Upon A Time In Hollywood; let’s have some fun pairing some o
October 03, 2019
The Living Legacy of Georgian Wine
October 3, 2018 To sip a glass of Georgian wine is to drink from the roots of history itself. With over 8,000 years of continuous winemaking tradition, Georgia is widely recognized as the birthplace of wine. In the lush
September 01, 2019
Herdade do Portocarro | José Mota Capitão
I stopped by a very special winery in Portugal called Herdade do Portocarro in Torrão. It's perfectly nestled on the border between the Peninsula of Setubal and the Alentejo, near Lisbon. There I met José Mota Capitão,
July 23, 2019
Through Matt’s Lens
We are used to being delivered a steady stream of beautiful images – especially in the artistic world of the average connoisseur. And to be honest, they can seem like background noise at some point.
July 17, 2019
Caley Shoemaker | Changing the Distilling Game
As the Head Distiller of Hangar 1, Shoemaker puts her golden Midas touch on an array of spirits with the inclusion of everything from fresh botanicals to actual fog. In March, the company transitioned from Hangar 1 Vodka
July 15, 2019
The First “Shot” Ever Served: A Tale of the West
It’s always a race against the heat in the West. Hell, there’s a score of difference races around here. There’s a race to the riches and a race to the hills where the riches lay. There’s a race to food and shelter and th
July 09, 2019
Andrea Leon | Winemaker profile
Today we spoke with Andrea Leon, a winemaker living amongst the vines in Colchagua Valleyin Chile. And when we say amongst the vines, we mean it. She and her family live right next to their vines, giving them a direct fe
June 13, 2019
The Perfect Father’s Day Gifts
“what am’ I going to get my Dad this year?”
May 25, 2019
Portugal, a Wine Lover’s Guide
Portugal, a wine’s lover guide Chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, riesling, malbec, barbera, Nebbiolo, sangiovese, pinot grigio. Those names instantly conjure images of vineyards in Ital
May 09, 2019
16 Mother’s Day gifts for Wine Moms
Mother’s Day is coming up soon. Do you know what you are going to get for your wife or mom? Our moms are so special. They take care of everyone without even asking for help. Even though we should show them appreciation e
May 05, 2019
Rolling out the New Trends in Barrel-Aged Craft Beers
Rolling out the New Trends in Barrel-Aged Craft Beers As timeless as barrel-aging is, it is relatively new in the field of craft beer. This is hard to believe, as the new trends in barrel-aged craft beers are creating so
April 29, 2019
Mexican Spirits | uno cero uno
When it comes to Mexican spirits, everyone's heard of tequila, and people are increasingly aware of mezcal. Less well-known is a third Mexican spirit, sotol, though any good mixologist will have a bottle on hand for cert
March 13, 2019
A Whiskey for St Patrick’s Day
With the recent boom in Irish distilling, we’re spoiled for choice on finding a whiskey for St Patrick’s Day on March 17th. Indeed, maybe you could even break with tradition and try one of the many excellent Irish gins t
March 05, 2019
French Brandy and Cognac 101
Brandy is made in many countries, but it is French brandy, and cognac in particular, that has gained a reputation for the best quality. Is this true? Let’s take a look at the basics of French brandy, cognac, and armagnac
February 14, 2019
Spice Up Your Spirits for Valentine’s Day
It's long been thought that spices are good for the sex drive. Eating spices like cloves and ginger increases the blood flow, which should make for a more passionate Valentine's night. Red wine is already known to be goo
February 13, 2019
XOXO; What it means (and can you drink it?)
XOXO; What it means (and can you drink it?) Most people understand XOXO means hugs and kisses. It’s a short, simple way to sign off on a cute valentine to a family member or loved one. While it may be more romantic to wr
February 10, 2019
Boozy Chocolates for Valentine’s Day
Forget regular chocolates, what you need are boozy chocolates for Valentine's Day. We take a look at some of your spiked chocolate options.
February 06, 2019
The Ancient Power of the Pomegranate
The Ancient Power of the Pomegranate “For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing forth in valleys and hills; a land of wheat and barley, of vines