Sara Ventiera

2 months ago | wineenthusiast.com | Sara Ventiera

Over recent years, there has been a seemingly endless number of grim headlines for the wine and spirits industry. Supply imbalances, the rise of neo-prohibitionism and declining consumer demands continue to weaken sales and curtail growth. Throw in the current tariff turmoil, and expectations feel even bleaker. However, while wine sales dropped about 8% year-over-year in 2024, according to the latest data from Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America’s SipSource, legal marijuana is on the rise.

Feb 28, 2025 | wineenthusiast.com | Sara Ventiera

“Can it Kirkland?” asks the New Age band The Never Ending Fall in their viral Tiktok series that compares nam- brand spirits and Costco’s private label via their own (less rigorous) version of blind tasting. The group came up with the idea—and insanely catchy jingle—after discovering the beloved brand’s “ridiculously oversized, extremely cheap bottles of liquor” while trying to save money on their booze bill, they told The Seattle Times.

Feb 12, 2025 | wineenthusiast.com | Sara Ventiera

Wine’s impact on health has been under the microscope for the past few years, with numerous headlines citing its cancer-causing potential. Sales are down across the industry and consumption has dropped substantially. These stories certainly are fear-inducing, yet many don’t paint the full picture. It seems for every study that claims that a glass (yes, a glass) a day will kill you, there’s another that has found low- to-moderate consumption of alcohol is fine or can even boast potential benefits.

Jan 27, 2025 | blog.resy.com | Paolo Lucchesi |Sara Ventiera

Today 2 Close Remove 2 Add Update Close Funke map Beverly Hills A meal at any of pasta maestro Evan Funke’s restaurants (which include Mother Wolf and Felix) is bound to be special. But his three-level flagship in Beverly Hills might just be his magnum opus. This romantic restaurant offers impeccable service a glass-encased pasta room that churns out a new selection of nonna-style, hand-rolled pastas, “fatta a mano,’ and world-class pastries (save room for the meringata and citrus panna...

Nov 4, 2024 | blog.resy.com | Sara Ventiera

Today 2 Close Remove 2 Add Update Close Ètra map Melrose Hill Since debuting in early 2024, this dimly-let pasta and wine haven has garnered a steady following for its comforting but upscale fare. Dishes span from bucatini al vongole and ricotta gnudi to ribeye with salsa verde and tuna crudo. Like the menu, the wine list offers a tour of Italy with stops in France, California and other respected regions, leaning toward low-intervention bottlings. The restaurant can seat up to 10 guests in...