Ahhh, harvest season. For most of us this indicates a time to slow down and ease into the our impending hibernation mode, but for wine growing regions harvest time means long days, laborious hours dedicated to the vines with little time for relaxation or even travel. So it’s a treat that winemaker Julia Cattrall from Lumus winery in Oregon’s Willamette Valley has slipped in one more trip to Chicago before the season beckons her home. more ›

This snow sure looks pretty, but walking in it when can make you parched, especially when you have neighbors who don't shovel in front of their houses. 'Course, you can also use the weather as an excuse to stay in this evening. We don't mind; it just means that there'll be more beer for us this evening at LUSH Wine and Spirits University Village (1257 S. Halsted). They're hosting a vertical tasting of Schmaltz Brewing's He'Brew Jewbelation ale, including this year's "Jewbelation Twelve" release, made with a dozen malts and a dozen hops. This free tasting runs from 6-8 p.m. and seems like the perfect fire-stoker for this evening's glögg fest at Simon's. more ›