The Hidden (Affordable!) Gems of Burgundy

AS PUBLISHED BY FOOD & WINE

There's no gentle way to put this: Burgundy has become ridiculously expensive. By now, many menu-building sommeliers have written the entire region off, trading in their exorbitantly priced red Burgundy for Oregonian Pinot or even (yes, Gamay-based) Cru Beaujolais. And when shopping for Chardonnay, why should we sell our organs on the underground market to afford the best of the Old World when California is trading in its buttery new oak for leaner, more elegant wines at a fraction of the cost of white Burgundy? Well, don't abandon Burgundy just yet — you only need to know where to look.

WineEthan FixellNovember 5, 2026Wine, Burgundy

English Sparkling Magnums Are the New Dinner Table Flex

AS PUBLISHED BY FINE DINING LOVERS

From buttery lobster rolls to marbled steak, English sparkling wine in magnum delivers bright acidity, layered complexity, and enough to go around.

WineEthan FixellOctober 9, 2026Wine, Wine Trends, Wine Advice

I Studied Wine for 12 Weeks. It Taught Me the Skills AI Can’t Replace

AS PUBLISHED BY INC.

I recently spent a concerning amount of my weekends agonizing over the sensory effects of malolactic fermentation and the strict mark allocations required to correctly identify the subregions of the Loire.

WineEthan FixellAugust 13, 2026Wine, Executive Advice, WSET

Beyond Barolo

AS PUBLISHED BY FINE DINING LOVERS

Piedmont may be famous for cellar-worthy reds, but its everyday wines are made for the way Americans eat now.

WineEthan FixellJuly 21, 2026Wine, Wine Trends, Wine Advice

The Smart Money Guide to National Wine Day

AS PUBLISHED BY FINE DINING LOVERS

Five undervalued American bottles that deliver world-class complexity, terroir, and elegance for $50 or less.

WineEthan FixellMay 27, 2026Wine, Wine Trends, Wine Advice

Wine Trends That Will Define 2026

AS PUBLISHED BY FINE DINING LOVERS

Last year, I gazed into my crystal wine glass and made a few bold predictions about the state of the wine world in 2025. Now, The Great Fixellini is back to predict the inevitable wine truths of 2026 for S. Pellegrino's Fine Dining Lovers!

WineEthan FixellJanuary 6, 2026Wine, Wine Trends, Predictions

Champagne Taste, Smart Budget: The Connoisseur’s Guide to Affordable Sparkling Wine

AS PUBLISHED BY FINE DINING LOVERS

Skip the splurge without sacrificing the sparkle. These traditional-method wines from Italy, Spain, the U.S., and France deliver Champagne-level finesse for a fraction of the price.

WineEthan FixellNovember 13, 2025Wine, Wine Advice, Champagne

How to Upgrade Your Mom’s Wine Game This Mother’s Day

AS PUBLISHED BY FINE DINING LOVERS

A good bottle of wine not only says, "I appreciate you, Mom,” but also, "Let's share something delicious together." It speaks volumes more than flowers or a scented candle ever can, and allows for you to share more meaningful moments beyond the holiday. If your mother’s wine rack looks like the discount bin at a 7-11, Mother’s Day is your opportunity to do something truly special for your Most Important Person.

WineEthan FixellMay 10, 2025Wine, Shopping, Wine Advice

Decoding the Digital Vine: How to Shop for Wine Online Like A Pro

AS PUBLISHED BY FINE DINING LOVERS

With a little general knowledge and a few insider tips, you, too, can confidently curate your virtual cart and discover some truly exceptional bottles on your own—and without breaking the bank, too. All it takes a quick study of the blueprint for the ecosystem that is the knotty digital vine—one I’ve laid out for you, my friends, below. (As they say, "Teach a man to fish"…)

WineEthan FixellMarch 12, 2025Wine, Shopping, Wine Advice

Sipping Into the Future: Wine Trends That Will Define 2025

AS PUBLISHED BY FINE DINING LOVERS

Gather 'round, ye thirsty masses, for 'tis I: The Great Fixellini, emerging from a wine-induced slumber to bestow upon you my divine prophecies! Gaze into my crystal wine glass and peer into the swirling mists of wine future, as I uncork this year's inevitable wine truths for S. Pellegrino's "Fine Dining Lovers."

WineEthan FixellJanuary 23, 2025Wine, Wine Trends, Predictions

From Hops to Grapes: Wines a Beer Nerd Can Bring to the Party

AS PUBLISHED BY CASKET BEER

Having trouble navigating the world of wine as a beer lover? Fear not — I am here to bridge the gap, pairing six popular, accessible beers with equally approachable wines. Learn what to grab for your next party without breaking the bank (or your palate)!

WineEthan FixellJanuary 17, 2025Wine, Beer Advice

Five of the Best Summer Wines for Less than £20

AS PUBLISHED BY MR. PORTER

My propensity for wine snobbery is normally high. But when it comes to summer drinking, we should be looking for two things: drinkability and value. Summer wine ought to be easy. It should be refreshing, ready to drink and, most of all, affordable. Here are five of the best inexpensive yet individual wines that will deliver the most quality for the least amount of money this summer.

WineEthan FixellJune 20, 2018Summer, Wine, Mr. Porter, Argentina, Italy, Spain

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