Blog Archive
From Farm to Vineyard: An Engaging Q&A with Ellie Anest of Eleven Eleven Winery
Ellie Anest, the dynamic co-founder and CEO of Eleven Eleven Winery, has an inspiring journey that begins on a working farm in Nebraska and winds its way through diverse professional landscapes to the heart of Napa Valley. Raised amidst the rustic charm of her family's agricultural operations, Ellie developed a [...]
Master Art + Wine Pairing Now!
Photo Credit @NkairoPhotography I am excited to share what I have been working on! I have expanded beyond the theme of my book, ‘Searching for Cloves and Lilies, The Wine Edition’ where I pair wine and poetry. I am now exploring intersections where wine converges with other disciplines, [...]
10 Wines to Show You Why Small Luxuries Matter Now More Than Ever
In times of economic uncertainty, many are postponing major pricey purchases. It might seem logical that with a fluctuating job landscape and a fear of state-of-the-world issues consumers would be cautious of all spending. However, retail analysts reveal a different trend: despite challenges, consumers are increasingly splurging [...]
Loca, the ‘Crazy Good’ Low Calorie Wines from Argentina
Photo Credit: Marc Kirkpatrick These bottles of low alcohol Chardonnay and Malbec were sent to me as samples and I really enjoyed the Chardonnay as a chilled pre-dinner glass. It’s perfect for a warm Chicago night paired with an early summer pea salad and makes a [...]
Discovering the Essence of Calvados: An Introduction to France’s Apple Brandy
I was thrilled when I received the call to partner with Business France to create a Calvados activation in the Chicago market! I have been a long fan of this French apple brandy since 1999 when I worked for a wine and spirits distributor. This project is an opportunity [...]
How I Fell In Love With Rosé and 3 Wines To Try Now
“Rosé, rosé how I love thee! Let me count the ways,” — Literally! As a seasoned rosé connoisseur, I drink rosé all... year... long. My love affair with the famed pink elixir happened a few years ago when I began experiencing intense discomfort in my stomach after a night [...]
Celebrate Love: LGBTQ-Friendly Chicago Restaurants and More to Enjoy This Pride Month
Last week Shall We Wine featured The Best LGBTQ+ Cocktail Bars for Pride Month. This week we’ll be taking a look at some restaurants and other establishments for you to try. When it comes to supporting LGBTQ+ spaces, Northalsted—more commonly known as Boystown but was adjusted in recent years [...]
The Best LGBTQ+ Cocktail Bars for Pride Month This June
June is Pride month, the best time of year to support and celebrate the queer community. Chicago is lucky to have numerous bars in Boystown (Northalsted) that are queer-owned and operated and create a fun, welcoming space for all- especially LGBTQ+ communities. According to Choose Chicago, Boystown was the [...]
Don’t Sleep On These Wines — Picks from Cameleon and Danaus
Time for a mid-year check-in! If expanding your wine repertoire or simply trying to indulge in new experiences was part of your New Year's resolutions, Shall We Wine is here to help you catch up. As we move past the halfway mark of the year and gear up for [...]
