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:

Omakase is experiencing a surge in popularity, let’s dig into what it is and of course what wines to drink.



 Omakase, a term that translates to "I'll leave it up to you" in Japanese, is rapidly gaining popularity in the culinary world. This dining experience places your meal entirely in the hands of the chef, who meticulously crafts each course based on seasonal ingredients and their personal creative flair. It's not just about seafood; while sushi often features prominently due to its status as a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, an omakase menu can include anything from Wagyu beef to seasonal vegetables.

Omakase and Wine Pairing: A Booming Gastronomic Journey

California Chardonnay: it's a name synonymous with sunshine, buttery richness, and maybe even a splash of white wine envy (looking at you, Bridget Jones). But how did this grape, originally hailing from France, become a Californian icon? Buckle up, because we're diving into the world of CA Chard, from its unexpected origins to the reasons it continues to reign supreme on wine lists.

Buckle up, because we're diving into the world of CA Chard!

Forget everything you think you know about sweet, syrupy wines. Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region that’s as light and bubbly as a summer day.

Lambrusco: The Party in a Bottle You Need to Try under $25

As the days grow longer and warmer, it's time to trade in your full-bodied reds and crisp whites for a glass of refreshing rosé. This versatile wine is not only perfect for spring but also pairs beautifully with a wide variety of foods all year round.



Rosé originates from France, specifically Provence - the world’s leading rosé region. It has been produced there since 600 BC when Greeks brought vines to southern France. Unlike its red and white counterparts, rosés are made using an array of grape varietals including Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault among others.

Spring into Rosé: The Perfect Wine for Warmer Weather

We are interested in understanding your dining and wine consumption habits to gain valuable insights into the wine and restaurant industry.

State of Wine and Restaurant Survey 2024

Aligoté: Burgundy's Unsung Hero Steps Out of the Shadows

For Chardonnay lovers seeking a refreshing, value-driven alternative, Aligoté, Burgundy's "other" white grape, beckons with its crisp acidity, subtle minerality, and undeniable charm. Often overshadowed by its more illustrious neighbor, Aligoté is finally gaining recognition for its unique qualities and exceptional quality-to-price ratio.

Aligoté: Burgundy's Unsung Hero Steps Out of the Shadows

A Hungarian Legacy: Imagine yourself in Tokaj, Hungary, a region steeped in winemaking tradition. For centuries, Furmint has thrived in its volcanic soil, basking in the warm sunshine. These grapes, loved for their thick skin and high acidity, became the cornerstone of Hungary's most famous wine: Tokaji. These sweet, honeyed treasures were once enjoyed by royalty and popes!

Furmint: Hungary's Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers

Check out these four whites wines under $24, from some great producers across various terroirs – France, Italy, Spain. Spring is in the air.

Four must try white wines for under $24 from France, Spain, and Italy

Eric Asimov's recent article isn't just about the "luxury" of sommeliers vanishing from restaurants. It's a stark warning about the potential collapse of a vibrant corner of our social and cultural ecosystem: the world of wine.

Why the Decline of Sommeliers Is a Crisis for All of Us

Estiatorio Milos

Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas hit the Las Vegas strip and pop into Estiatoria  Milos to review the wine list at this award-winning Greek restaurant.

Wine List Review of Estiatoria Milos in Las Vegas

Maria Valetta

Milos Restaurant Las Vegas in the Cosmopolitan 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! We are talking about authentic Greek food and wine on today&rsquo;s podcast!

RT: That&rsquo;s right Maria, but before we get started, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules. CorkRules was created to help you navigate the wine list so you will always love the wine you drink. With CorkRules in hand, you can confidently and easily select wines from 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? Then check out our podcast wine list reviews, our Top Sommeliers are here to help you find those hidden gems, value wines, and those special celebration-worthy bottles on the wine list of your favorite restaurant.

Now Maria, let&rsquo;s dive into Milos Restaurant in Las Vegas

MV: Estiatorio&nbsp; Milos has found a new home on the Las Vegas strip, at the highly regarded Restaurant row of The Venetian Tower. The new d&eacute;cor brings a bright, and airy Oasis feel with an extravagant open Kitchen. This is the best spot for fresh fish and authentic Greek cuisine.

&nbsp;

RT: I love Mediterranean cuisine. It&rsquo;s just so fresh and healthy! Maria, I am looking forward to having you guide us through this list.

MV: The list is well appointed with over 20 wines by the glass, and lots of options from Greece which is fabulous. what grows together goes together. And a little secret, they have an awesome power lunch of 3 courses with many of their best dinner options to choose from and a sommelier wine pairing should you want to indulge! It&rsquo;s my new fav lunch spot right now

RT: Great tip for our listeners Maria, So can you be our Milos Somm today and make some selections for us from the by-the-glass list to start us off?

MV: I sure can, so I always start with the Ktima Geravassiliou Malagousia 2021 a great Greek white that&rsquo;s aromatically expressive and also refreshing.

Another great choice is the Assyrtiko Mikra Thira from the island of Santorini. This one is for my sauvignon blanc lovers as this indigenous Greek white grape has a similar zippiness. Both of these whites are going to be fantastic with the Mezze platter, or the grilled octopus appetizer, two of my favorite starters.

RT: How about reds by the glass and a pairing for those?

MV: With this many wines by the glass we have some great options. The Agiorgitiko Ktima Driopi Nemea, Greece is going to be a complex full-flavored red. Agiorgitiko is the most widely planted grape in Greece. And the word Ktima we&rsquo;ve seen that twice now, well that means estate.

&nbsp;If you want something lighter-bodied, try the pinot noir from Biblia Chora (khora)a Pinot from Pangeon Greece (NW) the mushroom mix would be perfect with this selection.

RT: On to bottles anything caught your eye?

MV: Yes, since they have a great selection of raw fish (crudo/sashimi style) a bottle of champagne would be lovely to start, and I would recommend the Phillipponnat Royale Reserve Brut. This deep golden colored Champagne made of premier and grand cru vineyards is one of my favorites.

And another gem, they have a Viognier from Ktima Gerovassiliou the 2018, I&rsquo;d love to try that, I bet that is going to be fantastic. And a hold on , one more, a red that I love , a good secret-find, the Ghost Block 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley Cali. That&rsquo;s a rock star and definitely needs decanting. 
RT: Fantastic, some great options for our listeners to try. Now how about value wines, can you help us with some selections from the menu?

MV: I would stick with the indigenous Greek grapes or those from the surrounding countries, that is where you are going to find super values plus they will be perfect with the cuisine, I promise! A great value wine I had recently, the Xynisteri Alina from the Vouni Panayia winery &ndash; I posted this on my Instagram it was so fabulous. It went with the Greek flavors, the Greek salad, the whole dourade fish, the grilled shrimp&hellip; it enhanced everything! It&rsquo;s from Cyprus so it makes sense that it pairs really well with anything from the surrounding waters.

RT: How about selecting us a value red from Greece?

MV: Here you go, the Xinomavro Valos 2015 from Ktima Katsaros a small family-run organic winery located on the hills of Mount Olympus. Xinomavro literally translates to Acid-Black, it&rsquo;s the second most planted grape in Greece and is often compared to Nebbiolo as it has aggressive tannins and high acid and as it ages, the savory notes come through. A definite for the Colorado Prime lamb chops.

RT: That sounds awesome honestly.. and now, what about some special night-out wines..

MV: Here you could hit up nearby France for white and have a perfect pairing for the fish market options. The Sauvignon Blanc Pouilly Fum&eacute; Silex from famous Loire Valley producer Didier Dagueneau, with any of the whole fish in salt-crusted is going to be so insanely delicious. Everyone will want to be at your table.

MV: And while I definitely suggest the fish, if you are bent on getting meat, you should go big or go home, get the 34oz C&ocirc;te de Boeuf their 40-day dry-aged steak and a bottle of the Bevan Estate ONTOGENY FROM Napa Valley. This is a big wine, so steak is the way to go and if you won big at the craps table, then take it up another level and order the TUSK Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 FROM Napa Valley. Incredibly hard to find and made by one of the best winemakers in Napa, Philipe Melka. This is cult category wine, rich, deep, and concentrated. Maybe even call ahead and see if the chef can do a whole lamb if you&rsquo;re ordering this one! Haha!! Now that would be really memorable!!

RT: What a great idea for a group dinner! Well, that&rsquo;s all we have time for today.&nbsp; Thanks for helping us navigate the Milos Las Vegas wine list. Check out 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. Prices and selections subject to change, please drink responsibly.

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Ken Forrester is a highly respected wine producer in South Africa, known for his exceptional Chenin Blanc and other varietals. He is committed to sustainable farming and producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Coastal Region.

Renovated historic tavern with a George Washington link offering pub eats & live music.

Viva Garcia

Brera Osteria

Buddy V's

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CHICA Las Vegas

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Hell's Kitchen, Las Vegas

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request

Join us each week as we pour a glass and share top restaurant ‘wine list’ picks, providing you with the knowledge to confidently navigate the ‘wine list’ through somm recommendations, suggested food pairings and masterclass insights.

Fraunces Tavern®

Available Wines
Total Wines - 6

Dashwood

Sauvignon Blanc NV

Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, New Zealand

Achaval-Ferrer

Malbec NV

Malbec

Mendoza, Argentina

Gloria Ferrer

Estate Pinot Noir NV

Pinot Noir

California, USA

Penfolds

Bin 389 Cabernet - Shiraz NV

Cabernet Sauvignon

South Australia, Australia

Charles Krug

Cabernet Sauvignon NV

Cabernet Sauvignon

California, USA

Krug Grande Cuvee eme Edition Brut, Champagne NV

Champagne, France