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Tickets are available now for the 2019 WINE EXPO. In this special bonus episode, the Barrel to Bottle team is joined by Barb Steadman, Assistant Director of Wine Sales at Binny's, who covers highlights from the Wine Expo - stuff like guided tours, seminars, the rose garden, a special VIP room, and a bunch more. Plus, the B2B team calls up the newest wine critic to write for robertparker.com, Anthony Mueller. Anthony shares his take on last year's Expo, and previews the seminar he is hosting at this year's Expo. Plus, the Barrel to Bottle team answers questions recorded live at last year's event. This year's big event is happening on Saturday, April 6th at Arlington International Racecourse. Get more info here.

Though this decadent recipe is a study in simplicity, be sure to use quality ingredients. Your better half will appreciate your efforts. Enjoy it with a glass of port.

Despite being constructed in the 1960’s, the only way to get a taste of GlenAllachie over the last half-century was through rare independent bottlings or as a component in favorite blended Scotch. That’s all changing with new ownership, and Binny’s is excited to share the new OB GlenAllachie bottlings. Noted Distillery personality David Keir offers the Barrel to Bottle team an insider’s view of the distillery and offers a taste of the new GlenAllachie lineup. Stick around for the Q&A segment, when the team answers your question about how tariffs affect the whiskey trade, both locally and internationally.

There's no need to break the bank this Valentine's Day. Treat yourself to more than one bottle of wine for your special celebration. Check out our wine education coordinator Kristen's top picks for Valentine's Day below - as featured on WGN radio.

What does it take to persevere through the many trials and tribulations to reach the highest recognized level of education in the beer world? The Barrel to Bottle team is joined by the Golden Nose himself, Master Cicerone Jason Pratt, one of just eighteen in the world to reach Master Cicerone status. Jason shares his sensory perception techniques and encyclopedic knowledge, covering topics including the latest trends and classic styles, plus his favorite flaws in beer. Stick around for the Q&A segment, when Jason helps the team take on your question about the true shelf life of different IPA styles. This one is for the nerds.

Here's our take on a game day classic - it will gratify not only your vegetarian guests but also your committed carnivore. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, our flavorful version of this pub classic is so close in texture to the original that your friends will scream for more.

It's easy to get caught up in local craft spirits, especially living in an area like Chicagoland that's home to an incredible collection of craft options. Just don't miss out on highlights from far away, including insanely remote places such as Hallock, Minnesota, home of Far North Spirits. This week, Johny Barbosa of Far North shares shares his incredible portfolio of criminally underappreciated craft spirits, from vodka to gin, rum to rye, plus a surprise or two. And of course, the team covers which spirits best pairing with hot dish. Stick around for the Q&A segment, when the Barrel to Bottle team takes on the question of best beverages for cooking.

Skins are a go-to game day dish. Our recipe takes it up a notch by brushing the skins with rendered bacon fat, which not only further crisps the skins but also infuses them with smoky goodness. Drizzled with cheese, our pigskins are bound to be the MVP of your game day party. Be sure to make extra!

Is that the red or the white? The Barrel to Bottle team takes a look at California's 'own grape' from the craze of the 1980s to today's high quality dry red versions. Zinfandel has a rather arcane history and no French connection, meaning this underdog had to grow into prominence all on it's own, of course with the help of a few dedicated grape growers and winemakers. You can't ignore how important it has been to the larger wine culture in the United States. The Barrel to Bottle crew samples Biale Black Chicken, Tommasi Heracles Primativo and the one that started it all, Sutter Home White Zinfandel. Plus, in this week's Q&A and in response to the more expensive versions displayed in the Holiday Cali Cab cast, the team shares their favorite value California Cabernets clocking in around $20.

Sliders are as American as they come, and a sure bet for tailgating or any game day gathering. What’s more, sliders are not only easy to whip up. They're also just the right size to enjoy along with whatever you decide to serve your guests. Our two recipes take it up a notch - after all this is the BIG Game. They’re super tasty and easy to make, and cover both the carnivore and the vegetarian. Odds are one of your guests will be begging for the recipes!