Crafting Cocktails – Part 3: Crafting your own recipes

I previously described the fundamentals for proper preparation (see Part 1) and explored the notion of using classics as a recipe blueprint (see Part 2). In this part I will describe how to build upon classics to create original, new cocktail recipes. As we keep in mind what we have learned from the previous two […]

Crafting Cocktails – Part 2: Exploring the classics

Once you understand the fundamentals of preparation and ingredient selection (see Part 1), the next step is exploring the classics. If you want to learn how to make new drinks, you need to have a good understanding of the classics. There is a reason the classics have been consumed over centuries and continue to make […]

The History of American Wine

Grapes have been growing in the North American continent for a very long time — long before any European stepped foot on American soil. Let’s see how America grew from a region with poor grapes to the world’s fourth largest wine producing country. Read more about The History of American Wine

Crafting Cocktails – Part 1: Learn to walk before you run

Craft cocktails have become increasingly popular over the past 10 years. With many pioneers reinventing the scene and modernizing the industry, the craft cocktail movement has produced some of the most delicious and creative libations one can imagine – it truly is a beautiful thing! But for a cocktail neophyte, it can be difficult to […]

Interactive Wine Food Pairings

Looking for that nice pairing of wine and food? In my opinion, if the food is good, the wine is good, and the company is at least tolerable, pairings won’t really matter too much. However, here are some guidelines if you are looking for that extra touch. Read more about Interactive Wine Food Pairings

The History of Croatian Wine

Croatia is a country that gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, however the viticulture is far older than that. It is widely believed that the area has grown grapes for over 2,500 years, dating back to the Ancient Greeks. You may also know the Croatian city of Dubrovnik as the filming location of King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. Read more about The History of Croatian Wine

A Tale of Two Kyle’s

In the words of David Bowie, ch-ch-ch-changes are coming to AFSOH.co! We have brought on board two new authors to help us bring you exciting new content about beer and cocktails. While they will surely leave their own mark, here is a quick background on our new contributors: Kyle Morton brings his home brew expertise to […]

Wine Time: Understanding Types of Sparkling Wine

You’ve probably seen those various specifications on bottles of sparkling wine;  BrutDemi-Sec, Asti Spumante. But what does it all mean? Let’s find out! Read more about Wine Time: Understanding Types of Sparkling Wine

Wine History: Australia

Australia is home to more kangaroos than people and contrary to what you may believe, it has 10 times as many camels than it does koalas. What does this have to do with wine? Nothing, but they are interesting facts. However, the recent history of Australian wine starts with the British, but truly honors the French. Oh and next time you’re “Down Under”, consider a trip to Mt. Disappointment (a real place).

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The History of Australian Wine



Australia Before Wine

Between 150 and 140 Ma (mega-annum, or a million years) ago, during the second phase of the breaking up of Pangaea, Australia began to separate from the rest of Gondwana. Then in the Late Cretaceous period, New Zealand, New Caledonia and the rest of Zealandia began to separate from Australia. During the third phase of the Pangaea break-up, Australia split from Antarctica and moved quickly northward. As an FYI, Australia is considered to be on a collision course with the south-eastern coast of Asia. But don’t worry, we have about 150 to 250 million years before things get dicey. In the meantime, lets talk about wine! Read more about The History of Australian Wine