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Latest by Mark Stock

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What Is the Roseto Effect? How Close-Knit Communities Thrive

Not too long ago, an important study took place in the town of Roseto, Pennsylvania. The results are especially potent today, suggesting that relief for stress comes in a surprisingly straightforward and perhaps wildly effective form.
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The Interesting and Delicious World of Fortified Wines

Fortified wines makes up a vast category within the drinks realm, encompassing everything from aromatic vermouth to decadent port.
vineyard okayama japan

Understanding the Burgeoning World of Japanese Wine

It's not going to happen overnight, but Japanese wine is a growing entity and may someday give local staples like sake some healthy competition.
baboon

6 Craziest Vineyard Pests: Birds, Boars, and Baboons, Oh My!

Most often, it's small birds or bugs that wreak havoc in vineyards but because the wine world is so vast, there are some crazy pests out there.
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The Effect of Coronavirus on Sports: The Ball Is in COVID-19’s Court

The coronavirus pandemic has caused so many elements of daily life to come to a screeching halt, including the vast world of sports. Where do we go from here?
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The 7 Most Influential Record Labels of All Time

From Blue Note to Sub Pop, the most influential record labels of all time helped create and recreate what we call music.
Wine barrel in a field

The Tiny But Fascinating Realm of Irish Wine

It's about as small as they come, but the micro wine scene in Ireland punches above its weight in terms of intrigue.
Tolpuddle Vineyard

More Than Just Devils: A Guide to Tasmanian Wine

For the latest in interesting Oceanic wines, go beyond Australia and New Zealand to remote Tasmania.
what is muscadet white wine and oysters

What Is Muscadet? Uncapping the Ultimate Oyster Wine

Made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape native to the Loire, Muscadet is an oyster's very best friend.
Vinho Verde wine glass

Getting to Know Vinho Verde, Portugal’s Easy Wine Sipper

Vinho Verde is one of Portugal’s leading exports with bargains around every corner (many in the $10-$15 range).
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The Greatest Cover Bands That Are Almost as Good as the Original

Cover bands are far more than one-off groups destined for the wedding circuit, as these talented tribute bands demostrate.
Umami mushroom pasta red wine

What Is Umami in Wine? A Closer Look at the Fifth Type of Taste

Known as the fifth flavor and residing somewhere between savory and earthy, umami is a present-day obsession among foodies and winos alike.
Mars Volta performing

What Exactly Is Prog-Rock? We Break Down the Music Genre

Part rock 'n' roll, part anti-pop progressive mindset, Prog-Rock is the music genre you never knew you needed to expand your horizons.
white wine cellar aging

5 White Wine Varietals Worthy of Cellar Aging

We tend to think of red wines and port when we imagine cellaring bottles but these whites are proof that time can do great things to a lot of varietals.
Suzor Wines

5 Emerging West Coast Wineries You Need to Know

The West Coast is home to countless wine regions and talented winemakers, but these are some of the most noteworthy emerging labels.
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Why Argentinian Wines Are Surging In Popularity Worldwide

In Argentina, there's a wine wave coming to life and it's made of far more than just Malbec from Mendoza.
British Columbia Canada Okanagan Wine Country vineyards

A Guide to British Columbia’s Okanagan Wine Country

Up in the arid and scenic hills of the Okanagan Valley, there's an impressive wine movement afoot, one built around a beautiful lake and cool-climate wines.
best album covers recordstack

10 Best Album Covers to Gawk at for Hours

An album cover can be as iconic as the music inside the sleeve, as these artistic LPs suggest, from classic Beatles recordings to state-themed folk rock.
edivo vino bottles on beach

Why Some Wineries Are Aging Their Wines Underwater

A 2010 discovery of extremely old wine in great shape at the bottom of the ocean has a select group of producers looking into the sea's positive impact on wine.
Minneapolis, Minnesota

9 Coolest Concert Venues in the United States

From downtown Seattle to the Manhattan borough of New York, these are the coolest venues in America to catch a live show for the ages.
wine tariff glass money

Why You Need to Care About Wine Tariffs (and What People Are Doing About It)

The threat of tariffs is causing deserved panic throughout the drinks industry and many of its members are pushing back.
Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers 2007

The Legend of Kobe Bryant, Both the Ups and Downs

Arguably the biggest basketball star of his generation, Kobe was more than just a gifted hoops player. His legacy and his actions, both on and off the court, will not soon be forgotten.
Poached Pears in Red Wine with Dark Chocolate

Better Than Chocolate: 5 Foods to Pair with Wine this Valentine’s Day

Check out these inventive wine-and-sweets pairings that go well beyond what's typically expected from a stereotypical Valentine's Day match.
revisiting classic albums bob dylan highway 61 revisited getty

Revisiting Classic Albums: Bob Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisited

Bob Dylan's 1965 release is a potent effort that took American folk into the burgeoning realm of rock 'n' roll, with priceless lyrics to boot.
andy shauf

4 of Our Favorite Musicians’ Favorite Drinks

The stereotypical rock star drinks Jack Daniels but as this list of talented musicians suggests, the musician's favorite drink is often more sophisticated than that.
introduction to volcanic wines mt etna

An Introduction to Understanding Volcanic Wines

If you're looking for striking, expressive wines that sum up the power of terroir, look for volcano wines like those from Mt. Etna and the Canary Islands.
Legal Remedy World Mocha Blonde Stout

6 of the Best Chocolate-Infused Beers

Chocolate and malt are a match made in heaven, exemplified through these fantastic Valentine's Day-friendly dark beers.
Louis Roederer Official

How Champagne Producer Louis Roederer Innovates While Also Staying Old School

Making Champagne and sparkling wine means more than just good bubbles for the sustainably-minded family at Roederer, first launched in 1776.
tasting greek wine

A Beginner’s Guide to Greek Wine

Greece is an ancient land of philosophers and world-changing craftspeople but it's also home to a nimble winemaking culture worthy of your glass.
Bon Iver

Revisiting Classic Albums: Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago

The Manual’s classic albums series is young yet, but it wouldn’t be a proper grouping without a few provocative selections. Bon Iver’s debut is a breakup album for the ages.

6 American Vermouths to Add to Your Home Bar

Vermouth is a key ingredient in many cocktails. Check out these delicious American Vermouths that you can add to your home bar today.
benihana japanese steakhouse sushi bar success 1

The Story Behind Benihana, the World-Famous Japanese Steakhouse

Benihana launched from very humble beginnings back in 1964 and has since become a national chain known for its knife-savvy chefs.
club 33

Where to Drink At Popular Amusement Parks Around the Country

Amusement parks across the country have their share of watering holes for adults, none more famous or exclusive than Club 33 in Disneyland. Outside of Disneyland, many other theme parks have their own drinking establishments as well.
detroit vineyards

A Quick and Easy Guide to Michigan Wine

Michigan is among the fastest growing wine-producing states in the country, increasingly known for Rieslings, Chardonnays, Cab Francs, and more.
Mt Veeder Winery vineyard view

Majestic Mt. Veeder Is One of Napa’s Highest Sub-Appellations

While there's quality abound in the expansive Napa Valley wine region, sometimes you want something rugged and different, like the wines of Mt. Veeder.
winter winemaking roles 3

After the Grapes Are Picked: Winter Winemaking Roles

Winter falls after harvest and before the next growing season but there's still plenty to do for today's winemaker.
The Prada Marfa sculpture

The Magical Appeal of Marfa, Texas

The tiny west Texas town has become a creative retreat, artist and musician hangout, and destination for anybody looking for inspiration.
Portland Cider Company Sorta Sweet

How One Cidermaker Is Innovating to Stay Competitive in the Hard Seltzer Era

First, craft cider had to compete with wine and craft beer and now it's taking on hard seltzer, mixers, and a host of other trending beverages.
Fieldwork

Super Bowl of Beers: The Best Brews from San Francisco and Kansas City

With the Super Bowl LIV match-up decided, it’s time to take a look at a few of the beers and breweries that define the home of the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs.
pink floyd

Revisiting Classic Albums: Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd's remarkable concept album is sheer genius, taking on the troubles of the modern world with a direct dose of prog-rock.
grasshopper cocktail drink

What’s a Grasshopper? A Closer Look at an Oft-Overlooked Drink

Created a little over a century ago in New Orleans, the Grasshopper is both the subject of great bar jokes and an eye-catching cocktail.
Michael Jackson

You Should Listen Responsibly: Don’t Separate the Artist from the Music

The music industry has always had its share of sour apples but how are we to listen in the wake of #metoo and revelations about the likes of R. Kelly and Michael Jackson?
Harry and David pears

How Gift Basket Company Harry & David Keeps On Trucking

Almost a century on, the gourmet food delivery service Harry & David is still doing its fresh fruit and high-end munchies thing.
Old Saloon Montana

A Love Letter to the Old Saloon, Emigrant, Montana’s Most Famous Bar

While most western-themed bars overdo it or don't do enough, the Old Saloon in Emigrant, Montana does the perfect amount.
punch fantasia

Punch Fantasia Is the Perfect Italian Drink for Winter

Hailing from the snow-capped mountains of Marche, Italy, Punch Fantasia is a complex liqueur built for winter.
Old Rasputin beer bottle pour

Why Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout Has Such Staying Power

Old Rasputin started in the mid-1990s and has gone on to become on of the best and more balanced imperial stouts in craft beer.
André Mack Maison Noir

Why Winemaking Is About More Than Making Wine

The modern wine industry requires much more than just a product, it demands relentless travel and a certain performance element.
wine glasses barrel

8 Second Labels From Top Wineries You Should Pay Attention To

The second label can reward imbibers with tremendous values from world-class producers all over the planet.
austrian wine varietal guide a to varietals

A Guide to Austrian Wine Varietals

Austria is the alpine land of classical music and tremendous ski culture, but it's also home to a highly respectable wine scene.
Bruce Springsteen acoustic performance

Revisiting Classic Albums: Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen

Brice Springsteen's 1982 wonder was originally supposed to be a demo but turned into one of the greatest pieces of intimate folk ever.