It’s convenient to live in a city that happens to be such a fantastic and welcoming wine market – everything from the Old World to the newest Southern Hemisphere selections is fair game. We are discerning drinkers by now – we know Italy, we know France, we know California. We’ve been at the forefront of it all, as usual. But there is one wine area, fortunately, still, that has that pioneer spirit of authenticity and individuality that once so captivated Napa Valley before it became a commercial branding enterprise. That area is the actual western frontier – it’s the Pacific Northwest. Notably…

As festive as it may be, the holiday frenzy is over. I think we can all appreciate some quiet time. Business-wise though, no one is resting on their laurels in the wine and restaurant industry. The discounts continue. January is generally a slow sales month, which is perfect when you are looking for deals. Fleming's Steakhouse at the Park Plaza hotel has put together a few enticing offers. Sunday Prime Rib Dinner Fleming's is inviting you to bring your family and friends close again, just like the holidays, and begin a new tradition of together-time over a meal of exceptional three-course …

The celebration of First Night in Boston is always a fun and well-prepared for event. The beauty of the New Year's holiday is that it knows no religion -- it's a universal moment of celebration that's about looking forward, turning over a new page, festivities, and welcoming the year to be with something bubbly and, hopefully, some cheerful company of friends and family. It's all about that one moment -- the second that the clock turns 12 and everyone in the universe pays homage to the inevitability of time -- and wishes that what lies ahead will be as good or better than what's left behind. …

No matter how well we prepare for the holiday season, there always seem to be a few names on our list that end up in that "uh-oh, I need a last-minute gift, quick" category. Co-workers, bosses, acquaintances -- they appreciate a bit of holiday good-heartedness as much as the more primary people in your life. Wine makes a fantastic present -- it's fun to drink, it pleases people and makes them happy. More goodwill for you the giver. The folks at Bauer Wine & Spirits had the forethought to put together some clever ideas, realizing you may not have time to for hours-long deliberating. Oyster Bay…

The holiday season is officially in full swing, and with it comes a frenzy of activities -- and apprehension -- from shopping to entertaining to events to promotions. Given how most of us put off gift shopping until the last moment, the idea of multiple discounts all at once on Newbury Street on a weekend day is alluring, to put it mildly. The folks with businesses on Newbury Street have decided to alleviate the pain of holiday shopping (and cut their margins) this coming Saturday, Dec. 18, with a promotional event dubbed the Holiday Stroll. It will include all sorts of promotions, special …

Fleming's Steakhouse & Wine Bar on Park Plaza is noteworthy for more than juicy prime ribs. It features an award-winning collection of 100 wines by the glass – the aptly named "Flemings 100"—acknowledging our preferences to sample many wines before, or rather than, committing to one (expensive) bottle. National wine director Mariam Jansen complements this by also having a dynamic wine flight tasting program and an overall impressive wine list, which keeps getting improved as no self-respecting restaurant should sit on its laurels. Last month, Fleming's introduced its newest private label wine…

Social media is a fantastic communication tool due to its word-of-keyboard power and instant feedback potential. Businesses—including restaurants—who want to stay on top of their customer's minds are starting to use this power in ingineous ways. Sonsie restaurant on Newbury Street has just launched a Twitter-centric wine campaign in November. They are offering a special deal—a specific wine at a discounted price to Twitter followers only, who are instructed to simply ask for the "Twitter wine" if they wish to order a bottle. This November, the first month of the program, the featured wine is …

When the Pilgrims celebrated their first successful harvest in New England with a three-day feast, there was no Boston, no Black Friday, and no wine.   The only religion they shared with the natives who taught them how to grow and hunt things is the only one with the potent power to transcend cultures—the joy of sharing food, and the certainty of knowing more is available. (At least until the next harvest.) If the first settlers had had access to good fermented grape juice, maybe we'd have a wine tradition just as we have the protein tradition of serving turkey. But California Cabernets and …

Due to wide variations of average and misinterpretation of "simple", the allure of Italian food has lost its sophistication in this city. Until you encounter a restaurant that refuses to mass-market its Italian ethos. Enter Erbaluce, a cozy restaurant and wine bar tucked in the back of Park Plaza that serves a nightly changing menu of regional Italian cooking and features an all-Italian wine list. (Erbaluce is also the name of a native white wine grape in Piedmont.) Seasonal local ingredients. Expert preparation. Seamless service. The idea is as basic and elegant as all authentic Italian …

Boston is a mecca of grape delight. Perhaps because this isn't wine country, we are equal opportunity drinkers, unbiased when it comes to geographical variety. Chile vs. France, compared to New Zealand? Bring on the diversity. With all the choice, the only way to tackle this ever-expanding world of wine is to taste. A lot and often. Tasting is a social thing. And social tasting is an urban thing. What the consumer wants, market provides. Wine bars, or restaurants that offer pairings or tastings (by the ounce or glass), have turned up the creativity notch and invented a variety of enticing …