Nestled along the South Carolina coastline, Charleston boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and a burgeoning food scene that has quickly captured the attention of food enthusiasts and wine lovers alike. With an array of innovative restaurants and a focus on locally sourced ingredients, the city is a must-visit destination for gastronomes and oenophiles seeking a truly unforgettable culinary experience.&nbsp;

Charleston&#39;s food scene has been shaped by its historical roots, blending traditional Southern cooking with influences from African, French, and Caribbean cuisines. From the early plantation days to the present moment, the city&#39;s chefs have expertly crafted meals that pay homage to both its storied past and exciting future.&nbsp;

Over the past decade, Charleston&#39;s food scene has experienced remarkable expansion and innovation. With a new generation of talented chefs pushing the boundaries of culinary creativity, the city has become a hotbed for unique dining experiences that blend tradition with innovation. This burgeoning scene has attracted culinary enthusiasts from around the world, ensuring that Charleston remains at the forefront of the global culinary landscape.&nbsp;

Here are some of our favorites: &nbsp;

<a href="https://eatatfig.com/">FIG</a> - Offering Transcendent Flavors and Impeccable Service:&nbsp;

FIG, an acronym for &quot;Food Is Good,&quot; is a restaurant that has become synonymous with excellence in the Charleston food scene. Known for its transcendent food and inspired and informed waitstaff, FIG has garnered a loyal following of food enthusiasts. The restaurant takes pride in its seasonal food menu, which showcases the freshest ingredients sourced from local farmers and fishermen. Additionally, FIG&#39;s impeccable wine program complements its dishes perfectly, with knowledgeable staff recommending the ideal wine pairings to enhance the dining experience.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.corkrules.com/the-fig/episodes/782">CorkRules Podcast Episode #362</a> &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.cheznouschs.com/">Chez Nous</a> - Elevating Culinary Distinction from France and Europe:&nbsp;

For those seeking an elevated dining experience, Chez Nous is an exceptional choice. This hidden gem stands out for its culinary excellence and attention to detail. The menu at Chez Nous changes daily, reflecting the chef&#39;s creative vision and utilizing the finest local and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant&#39;s intimate atmosphere adds to its allure, making every visit a memorable and personal experience. To complement the culinary journey, Chez Nous offers a thoughtfully curated wine list, showcasing a selection of both Old and New World wines that beautifully complement the dishes.&nbsp;

<a href="https://eattheordinary.com/">The Ordinary</a> - A Seafood Haven with Unparalleled Freshness: Charleston&#39;s coastal location lends itself to an abundance of fresh seafood, and no restaurant captures the essence of the city&#39;s seafood scene quite like The Ordinary. With its outstanding reputation, this seafood-focused establishment consistently delivers top-notch dishes that highlight the best flavors of the sea. From oyster sliders to indulgent bisque soup, The Ordinary offers a menu that satisfies seafood lovers&#39; cravings. To enhance the dining experience, the restaurant boasts an impressive wine program that pairs beautifully with the flavors of the sea. From crisp whites to full-bodied reds, the carefully selected wine list elevates the seafood offerings, creating a harmonious tasting journey.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.corkrules.com/the-ordinary/episodes/811">CorkRules Podcast Episode #367&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://leonsoystershop.com/">Leon&#39;s Oyster Shop</a> - Where Oyster&rsquo;s &amp; Fried Chicken and Champagne Collide:&nbsp;

For a unique twist on traditional Southern cuisine, Leon&#39;s Oyster Shop beckons with its delectable combination of seafood and fried chicken. But it&#39;s not just the food that sets this establishment apart. Leon&#39;sis renowned for its exceptional grower champagne list, recognizing that bubbles go hand-in-hand with a variety of flavors. The addition of champagne to the menu adds an element of luxury and celebration to the dining experience, making Leon&#39;s a popular destination for both foodies and oenophiles.&nbsp;

A Must-Visit Destination for Foodies and Oenophiles:&nbsp;

Charleston&#39;s food scene has become a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and oenophiles seeking a truly remarkable culinary and wine experience. The city&#39;s historical influences, expansion, and innovation have created a thriving environment for culinary creatives to showcase their talents. From FIG&#39;s transcendent flavors and impeccable service to Chez Nous&#39; culinary excellence and attention to detail, Charleston offers a diverse range of dining options that cater to all tastes.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nestled along the South Carolina coastline, Charleston boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and a burgeoning food scene that has quickly captured the attention of food enthusiasts and wine lovers alike. With an array of innovative restaurants and a focus on locally sourced ingredients, the city is a must-visit destination for gastronomes and oenophiles seeking a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

Charleston Food Scene:

Wines from grapes grown in higher altitude areas with cooler climate has become quite the trend recently. This specific growing environment gives intense flavor but elegance and freshness to the final wines. To highlight and champion these conditions more and more winemakers are starting to use alto as a marketing and labelling term to show their grapes were grown in high altitude vineyards.

Decoding the wine label: Alto

Brut is a word often seen on labels for different kinds of sparkling wine. As you may have discovered when drinking these wines, it indicates that the wine is dry, meaning there is no perceived sweetness in the wine. But how about Extra Brut or Dry, what do they mean and are they the same as Brut?

Decoding the wine label: Brut

Semi-sweet Riesling, a type of wine falling out of style. It’s a shame, since these wines are perfect to pair with flavorful cuisines like Asian or Mexican, or simply drink as they come under the summer sun. The higher level of sugar left in the wine also means that the alcoholic fermentation was stopped before finishing, providing a wine with lower alcohol level and therefor easier grabbing a second glass of.

Decoding the wine label: Spätlese

Have you ever heard the word Xinomavro? Most have not. It is however a word on many sommeliers’ lips today, as it happens to be considered the grape variety with the highest quality in Greece, and one that is trending at the moment. The fact that Greece have been making wine for a long time comes as no surprise, but they have never exported an amount to make sure wine lovers around the globe tried it. With the growing wine tourism many have discovered these wines and are serving them in wine bars and restaurants in many countries today.

Decoding the wine label: Xinomavro

Chianti Classico, Valpolicella Classico, Soave Classico… Why do all these Italian wine regions have the Classico addendum and what does it mean? What is the difference for wines labeled as Classico?

Classico is a wine term in Italy seen on a few wine labels and it indicates that the wine’s from the historic center of the region, the heart. Using Chianti and Chianti Classico and their Sangiovese-based red wines as an example, Chianti is a rather large wine district within the Tuscany region. Chianti Classico is located withing Chianti as the central part and the one that originally existed. Back then this smaller region was actually called Chianti, but as the region grew the quality of the wine plummeted and the well-known characteristics of these red wines were watered down. The reputation took a hit and sales diminished. Eventually this led to the creation of Chianti Classico, which would be drawn from the original Chianti borders to recover the typicity of these wines. Today the quality of both Chianti and Chianti Classico have risen a lot due to modern techniques and knowledge about pruning, planting and temperature control in the winery.

Decoding the wine label: Classico

In the rarefied world of fine wine, where bottles can command prices equivalent to luxury cars, authenticity is everything. Laurent Ponsot's gripping memoir "FBI: Fake Bottle Investigation" reads more like a high-stakes thriller than a traditional wine book, chronicling his relentless pursuit of one of the wine world's most infamous counterfeiters, Rudy Kurniawan.

From Burgundy's Vineyards to the FBI's Most Wanted: A Winemaker's Quest for Justice

Chablis – one of the more popular styles of wine today and a region known by many. Most are familiar with the word Chablis and the light, fresh white wine with a touch of minerality it brings. Even though it’s a renowned wine, few knows what it really is.

Decoding the wine label: Chablis

Many grape varieties around the world of wine have names local to the region or country they’re grown in, even though they’re exactly the same. The most famous example would be Syrah in France where the same grape is named Shiraz in Australia. Another variety with two names is Pinot Grigio, or Pinot Gris.

Decoding the wine label: Pinot Grigio

Have you ever seen the term sur lie on a wine label? It’s not a grape and not a wine region, but a winemaking method used to give certain styles of white wine a rounder texture and a more complex flavor profile.

Decoding the wine label: Sur lie

Spago Las Vegas by Wolfgang Puck

Maria Valetta, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas take a trip to Spago, Las Vegas.

Wine List Review of Spago, Las Vegas

Maria Valetta

Spago

Spago LV Bellagio Hotel and Casino 

RT): Hello and welcome back to CorkRules! The wine podcast that&rsquo;s here to help YOU navigate all your favorite restaurant wine lists so you can learn to order wine with confidence.

I&rsquo;m Robert Tas, along with Maria Valetta, Wine Educator, and Certified Sommelier, also known as Maria The Wine Blonde. Welcome back Maria

MV: Hello Robert!

RT: It sure is, but before we get started, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules. CorkRules was created to help you navigate the wine list with confidence so you will always love the wine you drink. With CorkRules in hand, you can easily select wines from your favorite restaurant wine lists based on your preferences of flavor, style, region, and even price! Plus, you can check out which wines your friends ordered and try them yourself. Want to get started? Our podcast wine list reviews are here to help you find those hidden gems, value wines, and those special celebration-worthy bottles on the list. So be sure to listen and check out what our Top Sommeliers recommend at your favorite restaurant.

RT: Today we are reviewing the wine list from Spago LAS VEGAS IN THE BELLAGIO HOTEL AND CASINO

MV:&nbsp; Wolfgang Puck&rsquo;s legendary flagship fine dining restaurant within the Via Bellagio shopping promenade features globally influenced, seasonal market-driven fare served with a side of superior attentive service. The Design is inspired by Spago&rsquo;s original flagship location in Beverly Hills is a true modern affair with rich leather chairs and couches, oak wood floors, exquisite bright golden fixtures, and floor-to-ceiling floating glass windows. But may we suggest that you secure a spot on the coveted al fresco patio which gets you up close and almost in arm&rsquo;s reach of the captivating dancing Bellagio fountains. It is one of the most Instagram worthy backdrops in Vegas, so you should always have your camera ready, especially since the famous chef himself regularly makes appearances. On the diverse menu expect delicate handmade pastas, charcoal grilled steaks, and signature Puck dishes such as the Smoked Salmon Pizza and Chinois Chicken Salad alongside handcrafted cocktails and a robust international wine list.

RT: Maria, I know you spend a lot of time at this beautiful restaurant, tell us more about the wine list.

MV: Robert this list excellent. I try something new every time we go here. For the wines by the glass, they offer 2 sizes, a generous 6 oz pour and a hefty&nbsp; Vegas sized pour of 9 oz . And I love how many bottle options they have for under $150 no matter your budget you can find a wine you will love to drink here.

RT: Maria, let&rsquo;s make some selections from that by-the-glass list.

RT: Yes, Robert I think a perfect place to start is the Gr&uuml;ner Veltliner - Dom&auml;ne Wachau, &quot;Federspiel&quot; from Wolfgang&rsquo;s home country of Austria&nbsp;2018&nbsp;[15676] 14/21

I love this producer and rarely see this wine offered by the glass, it is going to be the most versatile option, perfect with the Smoked Salmon Pizza,&nbsp; the green apple, whiffs of herbs and touches of herbal white pepper )signature of Gruner Veltliner, is also an ideal pairing with Austrian cuisine, so Puck&rsquo;s Veal &#39;Wiener Schnitzel&#39; entr&eacute;e with Baby Arugula, is going to just pop-off with this wine! 

RT: And do you have a favorite red by the glass:

MV: Some really great options here, but what is catching my eye is the Syrah- The Talley &quot;Rincon Vineyard&quot;, from Arroyo Grande Valley, in California&nbsp;2018&nbsp;

16 for a 6 oz pour is a great price point. Remember we are in vegas &hellip;This single vineyard Syrah is going to be bursting with cracked pepper, Macerated Strawberries, Blueberries, some charcuterie notes and will drink much more like a Northern Rhone wine than a California wine, so&nbsp; a little more earthy, if you are having the Colorado Lamb Rack* with Vadouvan Spice, and Eggplant Curry, this wine will stand up to all of that flavor.

RT: Sounds very enticing Maria, on to value bottles for our listeners, what do you suggest?

MV: For a white, I would suggest the Pinot Gris, Domaine Schlumberger, Alsace&nbsp; FR 2018 Super food friendly, this is a nice dry classic Pinot Gris, remember pinot Gris is the same grape as Pinot Grigio, but in Alsace they always call it Pinot Gris and the wine shows spicier notes and has a rounder, fuller weight in the mouth than the light, crisp, high acid Italian PGs. pretty much a perfect pairing with all the appetizers on the menu, and it will really standout with the Asian style steamed halibut entr&eacute;e.

MV: I&rsquo;d also like to touch on a value Rose, Paul Lato, Santa Barbara, California&nbsp;2019&nbsp;as Spago is THE most perfect Brunch spot. This gorgeous rose made from Pinot Noir&nbsp; and is like biting into a fresh slice of watermelon but without all the sugar. Perfect for sitting outside and watching those fountains dance in the daylight.

RT: And we know you have a great red for us.

MV: I sure do, a fantastic value Cabernet under $75 , the Amavi, Columbia Valley 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon. $72. The Amavi winery is located in Washington State, I love this winery and their philosophy 100% estate wines, and certified sustainable, (they care about the health of the soil)&nbsp; incredible vineyards, plus lots of accolades! This is a velvety rich walla walla valley cab worthy of the white oak and charcoal-fired steaks non the menu.

RT: WOW &ndash; what a great find! A steal honestly!

MV: yes &hellip; I first had their Semillon and that&rsquo;s what made me fall in love with this winery. It blew my mind!

RT: Cool &ndash; Well Maria Spago is a pretty specatular spot, I am sure they see many celebrations, Anniversaries, and birthdays, so I think we should move on to the wines that will be worthy of such celebrations!

MV: Indeed&hellip; Let me suggest a lighter-bodied red and a fuller-bodied red

RT: I like that. idea, .

&nbsp;

MV: I would highly recommend the Jean Claude Boisset, Vosne Roman&eacute;e &quot;Les Jacquines&quot;&nbsp;2014&nbsp;From one of the genius winemakers in burgundy France, Production is quite limited, and here it is all in the details, his philosophy is to &quot;let the vine do the work&quot;. Remember this village in Burgundy is where the most coveted wines come from. Boisset, has really been transformed since Jean Claude&rsquo;s son Jean-Charles Boisset took over the business. he is so fun to follow on instagram. You should find this wine intensely floral, lots of roses and some exotic spice, complex for sure. And remember when we are talking about red burgundy here we are talking about the Pinot Noir grape!

What would you pair with this wine maria?

MV: Wolfgang&rsquo;s Roasted Half Jidori Chicken&nbsp; with Wild Mushrooms, Anson Mills Polenta, Natural Jus. I&rsquo;m not usually a chicken orderer&hellip; I mean I cook a lot of chicken at home so I usually want something more interesting, but this chicken is real a comfort food dish and not too heavy. Plus Pinot and mushrooms&hellip;love to mingle! Magical really.

RT: Makes me want to order that chicken&hellip; Now for that bigger bolder wine?

I&rsquo;m going to say the Staglin, Napa Valley&nbsp;2015 Cabernet Sauvignon]&nbsp; $450&nbsp; and I know that this is another Cab, well actually it does have 8% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot in it, but mostly cab, and that is because California labeling laws only require a wine to be 75% of that grape for it to be labeled as a single variety, the other 25% can be any other grape.

But back to Staglin, This is a special property, The proprietors Shari, and Garen and their adult children are kind, warm, welcoming and generous, they have an amazing property filled with really interesting art. This family truly cares about the estate, the wines,the land,(Cert Organic )&nbsp; and giving back to the community, their motto being Great wines for great causes&rdquo;,

RT: I really like to see these wineries being philanthropic.

MV; I do too,&nbsp; a reason alone to buy this wine. Plus this 2015 is going to be Rich, round, layered and opulent and will be the perfect wine to slowly sip as you gaze at the glittering Paris Casino Eiffel tower across the way and watch the fountains sway the night away.

RT: This was fantastic Maria! I&rsquo;m ready for a Vegas Vacation now! Thank you for all of your wine highlights from Spago&rsquo;s wine list.

Be sure to follow Maria on Instagram @Mariathewineblonde. Thank you everyone for joining us here on CorkRules. Remember the only rule in wine is &ldquo;drink what you LOVE&rdquo;.

MV: Have a favorite wine List? Let us review it here. Send us your requests at <a href="mailto:info@corkrules.com">info@CorkRules.com</a> You can find previous episodes on your favorite podcast platform and on

The CorkRules website. Be sure to follow @CorkRules on Instagram for episode and app updates Must be 21 and older, please drink responsibly.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

BRAT

Bocca di Lupe

Gap Weekend: A Film Shoot in Wine Country

Alba Restaurant

Alba

10 Greek Street

L'Auberge Chez Francois

Andrew Edmunds

Salt Seafood and Oyster Bar

Matteos Ristorante Italiano

Matteo's

One Stone Cellars is a boutique winery that produces small lots of premium wines from their estate vineyard in Paso Robles.

Elegant Italian restaurant with chandeliers & a gold-plated pizza oven firing signature pies.

Frenchette

Le Bernardin

Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels

La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels

Charlie Bird

Becco

Buddha-Bar Restaurant New York

Buddha Bar

Franks Wine Bar

Frank's

Maison

Maison Premiere

Pastis

Aldo Sohm Wine Bar

Aldo Sohm

homepage

CorkRules application allows you to discover wines at your favorite restaurants, learn with friends and be confident with price transparency. Order wine with confidence at restaurants and retailers. Get personalized recommendations. #DrinkWhatYouLove

L'Ardente

Borghi Ad Est

Pinot Grigio 2020

Pinot Grigio

Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy

Massolino

Barolo 2020

Nebbiolo

Barolo, Italy

Villa Borghetti

Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie Grigio Luna 2020

Pinot Grigio

Delle Venezie, Italy

Cleto Chiarli

Vigneto Cialdini NV

Lambrusco

Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro, Italy

Vasco Sassetti Montecucco Rosso, Tuscany 2020

Tuscany, Italy

Sassetti Livio

La Querciolina Montecucco Rosso 2020

Sangiovese

Montecucco, Italy

Valle dell'Acate

Grillo Zagra, Sicily 2021

Sicily, Italy

San Salvatore

Trentenare Fiano Paestum 2019

Fiano

Paestum, Italy

Michele Satta

Bolgheri 2020

Riesling

Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy

La Toledana

Gavi 2021

Cortese

Gavi, Italy

Montenidoli

Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Fiore 2019

San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy

Tamellini

Soave 2020

Garganega

Soave, Veneto, Italy

Idlewild

The Bee Flora & Fauna White, North Coast 2021

North Coast, USA

Pala

Stellato Vermentino 2021

Vermentino

Sardinia, Italy

La Valentina

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2018

Montepulciano

Abruzzo, Italy