THE CHALK REPORT

Sagrada Familia is one of the most spectacular buildings created by mankind -- and only took 144 years to finish. FROM THE WIRES... Hotel Arts Barcelona invites guests to discover one of the city’s most remarkable new vantage points: the reimagined Skyline Suites, offering sweeping views of Antoni Gaudí’s iconic masterpiece. The completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ or Torre de Jesús - the tallest and most symbolic element of Gaudí’s vision, will be marked by a historic

FROM THE WIRES... Spring is officially in the air (finally!), and with it comes the traditional German biergarten season – long tables, soft pretzels, sunshine, and of course, great beer. And it doesn’t get more authentic than Paulaner USA. From the crisp and classic Münchner Lager to the citrusy sparkle of Grapefruit Radler, the bright bite of Pils, and the smooth, cloudy finish of Hefe-Weizen, there’s a Paulaner can for every biergarten moment. Whether you’re clinking stein

FROM THE WIRES... New White Wine Portfolio Honors Almost a Century and a Half of History, Heritage, and Innovation in American Winemaking LIVERMORE, Calif. (April 23, 2026) – Wente Family Vineyards, America’s oldest continuously family-owned and operated winery, is proud to introduce Cresta Blanca, a thoughtful revival of one of California’s first and most historic wine labels. Launching today, the collection focuses on a portfolio of white wines that bridge Cresta Blanca’s

by Andrew Chalk Yesterday, I wrote… I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?"

FROM THE WIRES... Destination 5: Compere Lapin (Chef Nina Compton) Dish: Roasted Jerk Corn Tip: Whether you’re grilling or roasting corn, balance sweetness with a little heat, acidity and crunch to make your summer corn stand out, like using a jerk butter with a tangy mayo and ranch breadcrumbs. Website: http://comperelapin.com/ Photo: Sara Essex Bradley

Emilia's by Andrew Chalk Next to the Kimbell Art Museum, at the back of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, one block down from the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. That location puts the Crescent Hotel in the epicenter of the Fort Worth Cultural District. Its 5* amenities make it the ideal place to stay when visiting. Front view of the Crescent Hotel The 200-room hotel, in a modern building at Camp Bowie Boulevard and Van Cliburn Way, opened just over two and a half yea

by Andrew Chalk Yesterday I wrote… I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?" I

FROM THE WIRES... Destination 4: The Bower (Chef Marcus Woodham) Dish: Whipped Feta Tip: Whipped feta is a perfect example of why cold dips and spreads shine during the summer. They can be made ahead, served chilled, and paired with everything from fresh vegetables to grilled bread for easy entertaining. Website: https://www.thebowernola.com/

by Andrew Chalk Yesterday I wrote… I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?" I

FROM THE WIRES... Destination 3: Tujague’s (Beverage Director Allison O’Keefe) Dish: Shrimp Remoulade Tip: For cold seafood salads, the dressing should never be an afterthought. Whether it’s remoulade, citrus vinaigrette, or an herb aioli, making sauces ahead of time gives the flavors a chance to meld, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish. Website: https://tujaguesrestaurant.com/

by Andrew Chalk Yesterday I wrote… I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?" I

FROM THE WIRES... Destination 2: Charles & Julia (Beverage Director Allison O’Keefe) Cocktail: CBD Spritz Tip: Allison says to elevate summer spritzes by skipping store-bought mixers and making your own creative fruit-and-herb syrup at home. Whether it's strawberry basil, watermelon-mint, peach-thyme or anything you can imagine, just a small splash adds layers of flavor and freshness. Website: www.charlesandjulia.com Photo: Sam Hanna

by Andrew Chalk Yesterday, I wrote… I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?"

FROM THE WIRES... Destination 1: Dolfy's (Chef Adolfo Garcia, Jr.) Dish: Gazpacho Tip: When making gazpacho this summer, Chef Adolfo Garcia Jr. says to freeze some of your vegetables before blending. Dice a portion of the tomatoes, cucumber, and/or bell pepper and freeze them for a few hours. When you blend the gazpacho, use those frozen pieces instead of ice. The soup gets refreshingly cold without becoming diluted, and the flavors stay concentrated.

by Andrew Chalk I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?" I said. "What is his

ShyBoy Blue Room FROM THE WIRES... Derrick Carter, Rich Medina, Lefto, SOULECTION founder Joe Kay, and Mark Farina headline a month of immersive programming inside Dallas’ first high-fidelity listening bar DALLAS, TEXAS (June 3, 2026) – Shyboy Hi-Fi continues its momentum this summer with a sensational June programming lineup that brings internationally respected DJs, genre-defying selectors, and community-driven music collectives to its intimate listening room in downtown

FROM THE WIRES... Just in time for Father’s Day, Espolòn Tequila has just launched its most ambitious bottle yet: Extra Añejo (MSRP: $69.99) - three years in the making and priced to stay within reach. The liquid is aged for two and a half years in American Oak and finished for six months in French Chardonnay casks. This rare double-cask approach sets it apart from traditional Extra Añejos, delivering toasted oak, vanilla, caramel and sweet spice with a rich, layered finish.

FROM THE WIRES... SPRING MOUNTAIN VINEYARD CHARDONNAY EARNS TOP HONORS AT THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JUDGMENT OF PARIS St. Helena, Calif. – April 22nd, 2026 – Fifty years after the tasting that forever changed the world of wine, Spring Mountain Vineyard, a storied estate nestled in the Spring Mountain District Appellation, in the Mayacamas Mountain Range in the Napa Valley, has once again taken its place among the elite—this time with a celebrated Top Three finish for Ch

Photo: Samantha Reynolds Photography FROM THE WIRES... Seasonal menu of spritzes, pizzas, oysters and shareable favorites available Sunday through Thursday DALLAS, TX (June 16, 2026) – This summer, Monarch is bringing the Italian tradition of aperitivo to downtown Dallas with the launch of Aperitivo Hour, a new seasonal offering available Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the restaurant's lounge. Designed for gathering over drinks and light bites before dinner,

Photo: Jonathan Zizzo FROM THE WIRES... Guests who order a martini on June 19 will receive a mystery envelope featuring a bounceback card redeemable on their next cocktail purchase DALLAS, TX (June 16, 2026) – This National Martini Day, Monarch, a celebrated fixture in Dallas' local dining scene, is inviting guests to raise a glass and try something new with a one-night-only celebration dedicated to one of the world’s most iconic cocktails. On Friday, June 19, guests who orde

Photo: Jason Dewey FROM THE WIRES... One-night-only event brings one of Napa Valley's most celebrated wineries to one of Fort Worth's most intimate dining destinations FORT WORTH, TEXAS (June 15, 2026) — The Crescent Hotel Fort Worth will welcome one of Napa Valley's most iconic wineries to Fort Worth for an exclusive Caymus Wine Dinner in The Blue Room on Wednesday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m. Designed for wine enthusiasts and culinary explorers alike, the one-night-only experie

FROM THE WIRES... Mezcal Trailblazer Honors Milestone Anniversary with Year-Long Programming BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (MARCH 18, 2026) – Ilegal Mezcal celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, reflecting on two decades of mezcal mastery born in Oaxaca and a legacy that shaped the mezcal movement. From its beginnings at Café No Sé in Antigua, Guatemala, to its evolution into an internationally recognized mezcal pioneer, the brand’s 20-year journey reflects a commitment to artisanal

FROM THE WIRES... While Portugal is well celebrated for its native grapes, a new benchmark for high-altitude Syrah has emerged from a surprising corner of the Alentejo. The launch of Quinta da Fonte Souto Syrah 2021 (SRP $48) is a profound testament to the Symington Family Estates’ commitment to world-class dry wines outside of their Douro home. The family's first acquisition outside the Douro, Quinta da Fonte Souto, strategically leverages the significant cooling effect o

FROM THE WIRES... BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse’s newest seasonal beer is Grass Attack, an all-new Cold IPA made for match days, watch parties and warm-weather sipping. The beer has just launched and will be available on tap exclusively at all BJ’s restaurants for a limited time. Brewed as a Cold IPA, Grass Attack brings together the bold, hop-forward character of an IPA with the crisp, smooth drinkability of a pale lager. At 6.5% ABV and 42 IBU, it pours pale and clear, ope

FROM THE WIRES...

FROM THE WIRES... AUSTIN, TX (June 9, 2026) - Dulce Vida Tequila, a pioneer in organic tequila, today unveils a bold new creative campaign alongside redesigned packaging for its core tequila pack, marking the first major evolution of the brand’s bottle design since its founding in 2009. Together, the national “For Those Who Know” campaign and redesigned bottles reflect the premium quality inside every bottle, placing Dulce Vida’s USDA-certified organic credentials and 100% Bl

Drone shot of the estate, October 2022, photo credit: © Wesley Steffens by Andrew Chalk The wines of perennial favorite Spring Mountain winery Smith-Madrone represent the unyielding convictions of Stuart and Charles Smith about how wines should taste. My insider contact reports (emphasis added): “Greetings from Smith-Madrone! Wildlife report: a litter of coyotes has appeared! Red-tail hawks are also often patrolling the vineyards! Stu and Charlie just celebrated the winery’s

by Andrew Chalk Type “Arche Winery” into the Google search box in your browser and the first entry that pops up in the list is: and that 100% authentic is what you get. Plus, the winemaking is some of the best in the state, often with challenging varieties. One unmissable here is the 2024 Chardonnay. Grown on the estate, just a short drone flight from the Oklahoma state line on a bluff above an imposing U-bend in the Red River. It is made in the New World style of barrel fe

Don't worry about burns. This candle is not real. by Andrew Chalk The proprietors of this fugazi French restaurant must think Dallasites will put up with anything. From the ‘French tat’ design, apparently by a designer whose closest proximity to France was Paris Texas, to the food, wine, and service, it is an underwhelming and too expensive experience. Ironically, ‘French bistro’ is not an oversupplied category in Dallas, where there are some good examples but there could be

FROM THE WIRES... The Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva 2018 (SRP $16) is the perfect Spanish-hearted solution for easily creating these everyday connections. The Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva is the quintessential go-to wine for effortless entertaining, bringing a spark of joy and spontanity to any gathering. This crowd-pleasing, hearty red simplifies hosting, allowing guests to relax and focus on connecting, rather than the beverage list. The 2018 Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva is surpr

View from the tasting room at Blue Ostrich Winery & Vineyard by Andrew Chalk On a narrow legal basis, the ‘North Texas Hill Country’ does not exist. However, one look at the sweeping vista outside the floor-to-ceiling windows of the tasting room at Blue Ostrich Winery & Vineyard moves one to create it. Sweeping slopes cascade away in all directions. To the Red River in the north (that is how close to the state line the winery lies), to St. Jo, Muenster, and, eventually, Fort

by Andrew Chalk There is a widespread, but seriously inaccurate, image of the French wine industry as being slow to change, hidebound, and introverted. “They still use corks” might characterize the view, at a time where screwcaps are ubiquitous on Australian and New Zealand wines, and spreading elsewhere.. Over 20+ visits to winegrowers in France have convinced me that this view is wrong. A closer statement would be that they rightly, and justifiably, celebrate their success

Part of the 'About' page of the Landon Winery web site by Andrew Chalk At the Drink North Texas Wine Festival I had an experience unlike any other. I wandered up to the Landon Winery booth and noticed they had a Chardonnay. I asked the sullen-looking guy behind the counter (he did not sound at all happy. He appeared to be having a bad day and intent on taking it out on people who visited the Landon booth) where the grapes came from. “Washington State”, he said. “What is it d

The floor at Drink North Texas, 2026 by Andrew Chalk I have just returned from Drink North Texas Wine Fedstival 2026, held in the spectacular, unforgettable setting of the Frontiers of Flight Museum next to Dallas Love Field Airport. The setting brings in hundreds of people keen to learn about Texas wine because they get the run of the museum too. Everything from early biplanes to F/A-18 Super Hornets that flew in The Blue Angels. Little wonder that the festival has already e

by Andrew Chalk Following up on the antipodean Sauvignon Blancs of last week, Southern Starz also has a range of Aussie Grenache wines. Eliding the oddity that they do not call the grape by its correct name, Garnacha (reflecting its Spanish origin), viticulturalists and vignerons in that innovative wine country are resculpting it in a way that I predict can only lead to its reentry as a major type in the US wine market. The words to describe this change were better chosen by

FROM THE WIRES... Château d'Esclans stands apart. This year, the brand offers even more reason to celebrate, marking the 20th anniversary of the iconic Whispering Angel; a bottle that has helped redefine rosé as a symbol of effortless elegance. Known for elevating rosé into a luxury experience, the Château d'Esclans offers a thoughtful twist on gifting by allowing bottles to be customized, turning an already elegant pour into something deeply sentimental. The customization tr

by Andrew Chalk Auteur, one of the most innovative wineries in Sonoma County, just released three wines as their Spring 2026 selection and, having just tasted them, can readily recommend them. TASTING NOTES First, if you like Chardonnay, like its rich New World style, but like it to retain vibrant acidity, then the Auteur 2024 Chardonnay from Green Acres Vineyard in the Carneros region is the wine for you. I suspect it did not go through malolactic fermentation, hence the vi

by Andrew Chalk It has been a decade since I discovered DAOU, toured their spectacular rolling estate vineyard, and tasted their wines. A lot has changed since. In 2016 Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines flew under the radar, unmentioned in Napa and Sonoma Cabernet reviews. Now, they are recognized for their quality, with DAOU as one of the flagship wineries and its region, the Adeleida District, drawing attention of its own. Bring on the 2023 vintage of DAOU’s flagsh

by Andrew Chalk The preamble to part one read… “More people are coming round to the idea that Texas can make good wine as they sample more of it. But the ultimate test of gravitas in, at least red wines, is how they age. How does Texas do in that regard? To find out, I am doing a series of tastings of Texas wines, all 10+ years old, and assessing how they are doing. I am choosing them based on how their peers in other parts of the world do at the end of their first decade.”

FROM THE WIRES... Fans Can Enjoy $1 off Select Hungr-Busters through the DQ App BEDFORD, Texas (May 21, 2026) – In celebration of National Burger Day, DQ restaurants in Texas are giving fans a reason to enjoy a Hungr-Buster®. From May 25 to May 31, DQ fans can get $1 off select Hungr-Busters through a one-time app-only offer at participating DQ restaurants in Texas. The deal highlights one of the most iconic menu items served at DQ restaurants in Texas: the Hungr-Buster®. “T

FROM THE WIRES... Bramble Ski by Le Collectionist has curated an edit of four private chalets across Verbier, St Anton and Méribel, perfect for a creative escape this summer. These are spaces designed for focus and stillness, with light-filled interiors, open views, and thoughtful details such as libraries, dedicated offices and reading mezzanines - ideal for writers, artists and travellers seeking a quiet summer alpine getaway rather than a packed programme. The propertie

by Andrew Chalk The advent of Bilt 2.0 upended the Frequent Miler first year valuation method. It valued the Bilt Palladium card at $505, a frankly poor valuation for a card that has an annual fee of $495. Just a cursory valuation showed that the card was worth several times this amount. As the calculations below show, no matter what personal valuations you put on the benefits, that valuation is hopelessly wrong. I orignally exposed their errors in "Using Frequent Miler’s Val

FROM THE WIRES... Valdobbiadene (Treviso) Italy, April 29th 2026 The stunning hills of Valdobbiadene DOCG, a true paradise nestled between two other jewels of the Veneto—Venice and the Dolomites—are renowned worldwide for their historic winemaking vocation. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage, they form a cultural landscape rich in excellence, stretching from the scenery itself all the way to the wine. Immersed in such a setting, Col Vetoraz stands as tangible proof of how a s

by Andrew Chalk On the WSET (Wine & Spirits Education Trust) Level 3 blind tasting exam, it is quite likely the white wine to be tasted is a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. The island country sits alone in the South Pacific Ocean and has developed its wine industry with a singular cast of mind. Sauvignon Blanc is widely grown and, in stereotypical parlance, produces wines of vibrant acidity, citable citrus fruits, and herbaceous aromatic notes. This Occum’s Razor will not just

VinePair Podcast: Where is the Market for Domestic Sparkling Wine Elisa Christopher is just one of a steadily lengthening list of Texas sparkling wine makers by Andrew Chalk Now that we are making creditworthy sparkling wines in Texas it is time to adopt a practice of nation states. At state dinners, they go through bottle after bottle of sparkling wine in the cause of celebratory toasts. Nations promote their national sparkling wine for this purpose. The state of Texas shoul

FROM THE WIRES... Two Weeks Away Get Your Tickets Now For Drink North Texas! Saturday, May 30th from 10 am - 8 pmthe Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas, TX What’s pouring in 2026: 40+ award-winning North Texas wines to taste BRAND NEW VIP EXPERIENCE — exclusive lounge, catered bites & bonus pours (VIP is NEW this year!) Live jazz music Local shopping + artisan vendors Stunning floral installations The largest collection of vintage aircraft in North Texas North Texas Wine Co

Photo: Kimberly Ha FROM THE WIRES... New Orleans has always worn its French heritage proudly, be it in parlance or on the palate. But walk through the French Quarter, and the architecture tells a different story; almost every building is unmistakably Spanish. That contradiction is exactly what Chef Adolfo Garcia Jr. and partner Sophia Petrou Garcia are bringing to the table with Dolfy’s, their Basque-inspired, wood-fired restaurant, which opened in March 2026 at 4508 Freret S

by Andrew Chalk The D Magazine online blog Sidedish contains a recent article entitled Where Can You Still BYOB in Dallas? According to the piece, BYOB is a dying practice as something (not explained) has compelled restaurants to start alcoholic beverage programs. Apparently, at a time that wine consumption is falling. As evidence, they cite one data point. At least that was one more than most of the claims they make. In the Dallas area, at least so far as wine is concerned,

The family’s first classic Vintage Port declaration in seven years marks a return to classical Douro harmony, with wines defined by remarkable elegance. FROM THE WIRES... SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – April 14, 2026 - Symington Family Estates, a five-generation producer of world-renowned Ports and premium wines, has declared their 2024 Vintage Ports. After reviewing the best wines made in 2024 from across their Douro estates, the family felt compelled to take the rare decision to

FROM THE WIRES... What if the easiest way to bring a little more joy, color, and connection to everyday moments was simply opening a bottle of Spanish wine? That’s the spirit behind Campo Viejo, the iconic Rioja producer helping Americans rediscover Spanish wine in a fresh, modern way. Known for vibrant, expressive wines grounded in Rioja’s rich tradition, Campo Viejo captures the essence of “Spain in a Bottle.” Beyond its vibrant character, Campo Viejo wines are crafted