A bright, balanced cocktail with citrus lift, gentle bitterness, and warm bourbon depth. Ingredients 1 oz bourbon 1 oz Aperol ¾ oz fresh lemon juice ½ oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water) 1 dash orange bitters Ice Garnish: Wide orange peel twist Instructions Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add bourbon, Aperol, lemon juice, … Continue reading Citrus Aperitivo Cocktail
Category: Wine, Beer & Cocktails
Karie Engels Invited to Italy’s Prestigious Notte Rosa del Vino 2026
Basil & Salt Studios and Endorphin Films to Film the Journey for Streaming on Basil & Salt Lifestyle Network and G1NBC Western Washington — November 2025 Basil & Salt Studios is honored to announce that founder and publisher Karie Engels has been invited to participate in the 6th Edition of the Notte Rosa del Vino, … Continue reading Karie Engels Invited to Italy’s Prestigious Notte Rosa del Vino 2026
Perfect Wines for August: Harvest-Adjacent Picks from Around the Globe
August wines with easy pairings, quick links, and zero fluff. Late summer calls for wines that are fresh but not fleeting. Here’s a global lineup that pairs perfectly with seasonal eats—plus quick links to buy and learn more. What We Like Albariño (Spain & Beyond)Pair with: chilled seafood or crisp saladsShop: Do Ferreiro Albariño 2023 … Continue reading Perfect Wines for August: Harvest-Adjacent Picks from Around the Globe
The Alchemy of Craft: Where Craft Winemaking Meets Bean-to-Bar
A Central Valley Collaboration – Chocolate and Wine Pairing By John Krause | California Corks In California’s Central Valley, two artisans—one working with grapes in Clovis, the other with cacao in Fresno—find themselves practicing a similar alchemy. Though one fills glasses and the other wraps bars, the shared heart of their work lies in transformation: of soil into story, fermentation into flavor, and … Continue reading The Alchemy of Craft: Where Craft Winemaking Meets Bean-to-Bar
10th Annual Breckenridge Wine Classic: Global Wine Adventures at 9,600 Feet
10th Annual Breckenridge Wine Classic, August 21–24, 2025. Enjoy world-class wine, chef-led dinners, scenic hikes, and global pairings at 9,600 feet in Breckenridge, Colorado. One of Colorado’s most anticipated events, the 10th Annual Breckenridge Wine Classic, returns August 21–24 with more than a dozen unforgettable wine-centered experiences. Set at an elevation of 9,600 feet, this … Continue reading 10th Annual Breckenridge Wine Classic: Global Wine Adventures at 9,600 Feet
Whipped Feta with Roasted Strawberries
A luxurious blend of creamy whipped feta, balsamic-roasted strawberries, and fresh basil — this seasonal dish is made even more irresistible when paired with a chilled glass of rosé. Includes top-tier wine recommendations to sip alongside.
A White Wine Worth Talking About: Massican’s Coastal Cool in the Heart of Napa
A chilled glass, a hot air balloon, and a sip of Napa’s most compelling white wine — explore the cool elegance of Massican. When we think of Napa Valley, bold Cabernets and opulent tasting rooms often spring to mind. But in the sea of reds, there’s a rising tide of white—and at its helm is … Continue reading A White Wine Worth Talking About: Massican’s Coastal Cool in the Heart of Napa
Cabernet Franc: The Quiet Powerhouse of the Wine World
Exploring the roots, elegance, and rising reputation of Cabernet Franc in California’s Paso Robles AVA Cabernet Franc has long played the supporting role in Bordeaux blends, quietly contributing elegance, structure, and earthy spice to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. But this parent grape—yes, it's one of the genetic parents of Cabernet Sauvignon—is increasingly taking center stage … Continue reading Cabernet Franc: The Quiet Powerhouse of the Wine World
Ziveli Winery: A Croatian Family Legacy Rooted in California Wine Country
From the Adriatic Coast to California’s Central Valley—how one family blends heritage, hospitality, and handcrafted wines at Ziveli Winery. by John Krause | California Corks John and Rondi Nale own this winery. It is a family business built on hard work and creativity. The Nale family’s vineyards in Fresno, California, grow special types of wine … Continue reading Ziveli Winery: A Croatian Family Legacy Rooted in California Wine Country
5 Unusual Rosé Wine Descriptions Explained
Rosé season is here, and so are the confusing tasting notes. We’re breaking down five of the most unusual rosé wine descriptions—so you can sip smarter. By Basil & Salt Living Editorial Team Rosé wine is known for being light, blush-colored, and perfect for summer sipping—but have you ever read a rosé wine description and … Continue reading 5 Unusual Rosé Wine Descriptions Explained
