Michael Austin – Page 31

When talking about wine, give yourself permission to stray from typical wine words. What does the wine smell and taste like to you?

What’s that aroma? How to talk about wine in your own words

May 31, 2019 at 1:42 p.m.

Years ago at a dinner party in a fairly swanky restaurant, I had a revelation about wine talk, the formality of service, and the nature of communication. I know —...

This entire bounty of vinho verde cost less than $50.

Vinho verde: A refreshing wine for less than $10

May 31, 2019 at 1:42 p.m.

We start, as it is always appropriate to do, with something light and fresh, perhaps with some sparkles. A unicorn? Well sure, that would qualify, but let's not forget that...

"I eyed a clear-glass carafe, a soaring tower from Spain or Italy, filled with a mysterious crimson potion," writes Michael Austin of his first taste of wine. "I filled a glass, lifted it to my lips, and drank. My life's wine journey had begun."

Our new wine columnist: How to take wine just seriously enough

May 31, 2019 at 1:42 p.m.

The day that I really tasted wine for the first time was a Thursday, and I was in junior high. I can hear you thinking, 'Wow, superhuman recall.' Yeah. I'm...

Before They Were Famous

July 3, 2026 at 2:11 a.m.

Before they hit it big in movies and music, books and business, sports and space, Chicago area high-school students such as Harrison Ford, Liz Phair, Hugh Hefner, and Lara Flynn...

THERE’S THE RUB

August 21, 2021 at 7:51 p.m.

I'M AN OCCASIONAL STUDENT OF our unconscious habits--we know which way the elevator's going, we'll usually know when to get off, yet we stare raptly at the floor numbers as...

WINTER PLEASURES

August 22, 2021 at 10:59 a.m.

What is that man in the photo thinking? It doesn't matter if it is dawn or dusk, if he is going to work or coming home, but let's say it's...

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