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USA Today
8 hours ago
- Business
- USA Today
8 Latino-owned wineries making a splash in the American wine industry
Winemaker Aurora Cória (pictured, center) embraces the family business – Photo courtesy of Cória Estates For generations, folks from Mexico and South and Central America have immigrated to the U.S. and made their mark on the American wine industry. Although in the minority, many Latino-owned wineries are making waves in the industry by blending heritage with innovation, from the vine to the bottle. Here, we toast to eight Latino-owned wineries creating a legacy and inspiring future generations of winemakers in the U.S. Ceja Vineyards, Sonoma, California The Ceja family welcomes guests to their winery – Photo courtesy of Ceja Vineyards Despite being founded in 1999, Ceja Vineyards' story began in 1967 when patriarch Pablo Ceja and his wife, Juanita, along with their six children, left Mexico and immigrated to the United States. They settled in the St. Helena area, where both parents worked and became acquainted with the art of viticulture. By 1983, the hardworking family, along with two sons, Pedro and Armando, and Pedro's wife, Amelia, took a leap of faith and purchased 15 acres in Carneros, which straddles Napa and Sonoma counties. Today, Ceja Vineyards spans 113 lush acres and specializes in chardonnay and pinot noir, along with a selection of other premium Carneros-based wines. Tastings are by reservation only. Advertisement Where to stay: Located in the heart of Sonoma, the elegant MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa offers spacious guest rooms, a spa, an outdoor pool, and three restaurants. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Cória Estates, Salem, Oregon Luis, Aurora, and Janice Cória are often seen welcoming guests at their family winery – Photo courtesy of Cória Estates Driving to Cória Estates will take your breath away. The tasting room is perched on a hilltop in Salem, offering expansive views of the valley below. Founded in 1998 by Luis and Janice Cória, they planted their first grapes on nine acres in 1999. Mexican-born Luis left home when he was only 14 years old, seeking opportunities in the U.S., where he eventually met Janice, who grew up in Idaho. Many years later, the property spans 104 acres and is a family affair; daughters Aurora and Elizabeth help run the successful business. Tasting experiences at this Latino-owned winery are fun and eventful, featuring a variety of delicious food offerings from the de la cocina menu. They also host live musical performances on the patio. Sit back and relax as you watch the sun go down, sipping their classic pinot noir or pinot gris. Reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Where to stay: Nestled along the Willamette River, the 72-room Independence Hotel is conveniently near antique shops, charming boutiques, and a nice selection of eateries in downtown Independence. Advertisement Guerrero Fernandez Winery, Windsor, California Founders Olga Fernandez and Martin Guerrero make boutique wines in Sonoma County – Photo courtesy of Guerrero Fernandez Winery Located in the Artisan Beverage District in Windsor, the husband-and-wife team of Martin Guerrero and Olga Fernandez founded Guerrero Fernandez Winery in 2004. The winery sources grapes from local vineyards in the Russian River Valley and Sonoma County, capturing the essence of the region's flavors in every bottle. Using traditional winemaking methods, their portfolio primarily features red wines, including pinot noir, merlot, zinfandel, and cabernet sauvignon. The couple's journey began almost 40 years ago when they left their home in Morelia, Mexico, to explore new opportunities in California's wine country. Guerrero worked at Korbel Champagne Cellars for 20 years, where he learned and fine-tuned his skills before pursuing his own business and becoming a winemaker. Where to stay: Nestled along the Russian River, Mine + Farm is a contemporary bed-and-breakfast offering cozy digs for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Atticus Estate Vineyard & Winery, Yamhill, Oregon Atticus owners Ximena and Guy Orrego host private tastings in their home – Photo courtesy of Carolyn Wells-Kramer Located in Oregon's Willamette Valley, Atticus Estate Vineyard & Winery is part of the Yamhill-Carlton American Viticultural Area (AVA), renowned for its vibrant pinot noir grapes. Winemaker Ximena Orrego, who founded the winery in 2005 alongside her husband, Guy, was born in Peru and raised in Venezuela. At Atticus Estate, you'll find by-appointment-only wine tastings offered in both English and in Spanish. 'One of the most meaningful changes I've witnessed is the increasing presence of women in the wine industry," says Ximena. "I've also noticed a slow but steady rise in diversity, which is bringing fresh ideas, broader perspectives, and renewed energy to our field. It's no longer just about tasting. People are seeking something deeper, more personal, and truly memorable.' Advertisement Where to stay: Stay in a converted grain silo at Abbey Road Farm, a splendid 82-acre property nearby. One bonus is the fresh multicourse breakfast crafted by celebrated chef Will Preisch. Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery, Camp Verde, Arizona Winemaker Ignacio Mesa's pups are some of the friendly faces you'll see at Clear Creek Winery – Photo courtesy of Ignacio Mesa / Clear Creek Winery The Verde Valley AVA is unique due to its high-desert atmosphere, rich soil, and diverse temperature changes from day to night. Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery was established in 1999 when owner and winemaker Ignacio Mesa purchased 10 acres of land. From the outset, Mesa was committed to organic farming, with a focus on sustainability. His passion and dedication to responsible practices earned him the Silver Innovator Sustainability Certification in Arizona in 2018, making him the first winery in the state to receive this recognition. Mesa's family is originally from Mexico. 'My grandfather moved in with us when I was in my teens," Mesa says. "He was very grumpy, but he became calmer when he had a glass of wine in the evenings. I recognized the benefit of wine and thought I would like to make wine someday.' Advertisement The Latino-owned winery is surrounded by mountain views and features a patio for outdoor tastings. Rhône, Bordeaux, and Spanish varietals are Clear Creek's highlights. Guests can make reservations for tastings online. Where to stay: Located in the Village of Oak Creek, Las Posadas of Sedona is a lovely boutique hotel offering suites and villas, along with a hearty homemade daily breakfast. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Story of Soil, Los Olivos, California Jessica Gasca saved money and began making wine while apprenticing on a vineyard – Photo courtesy of Lauren Maeve Photography Story of Soil, located in the picturesque town of Los Olivos in Santa Barbara County, is dedicated to small-batch, single-vineyard wines. Winemaker Jessica Gasca, a strong advocate for vineyard and farm workers in the area, created her first Story of Soil vintage in 2012 and opened the tasting room in 2017 with her husband. Story of Soil works with a curated selection of vineyards within the county to highlight the bold flavors of the region; Gasca's focus is on single varietals, showcasing each one's unique flavor. Enjoy these handcrafted wines — especially her pinot noirs — on the spacious outdoor patio. Advertisement Where to stay: Sleep in ranch-chic luxury at the Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection, just a few blocks away from the tasting room. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Jose Wine Caves, Garden Valley, California Jose Wine Caves owner Alfonso Elena keeps his family close – Photo courtesy of Jose Wine Caves Located in the Sierra Foothills about an hour from Sacramento, you'll find Jose Wine Caves on a small bluff overlooking the Coloma Valley. Owner and winemaker Alfonso Elena has been working in the industry since 1975, when he emigrated from Tonalà, Oaxaca, Mexico, to Napa. After spending many years there, he resettled in El Dorado County, where he purchased land and started growing grapes. He opened Jose Wine Caves in 2013, in dedication to his brother. The region's cooler temperatures and higher elevations create unique and complex flavors. Elena's specialties are zinfandel and syrah; although, he produces other blends. The wines are made with hand-picked grapes and contain a limited amount of sulfites. The intimate tasting room is family friendly and welcomes pets. Where to stay: Located about 15 minutes away from Jose Wine Caves, Rock Creek Inn offers six motel-style rooms with modern amenities. RG|NY Vineyards, Riverhead, New York Maria Rivero González keeps family tradition alive at RG|NY Wine – Photo courtesy of Estefany Molina / RG|NY The Rivero González family has been making wines in Parras, Coahuila, Mexico, since 1998. In 2018, the family purchased vineyards on the North Fork of Long Island and created RG|NY Vineyards. RG|NY spans over 200 acres amidst an established East Coast wine region that's home to more than 60 vineyards. Advertisement In addition to tastings, RG|NY hosts a wide array of events, including dinners and live musical performances. Maria Rivero González, CEO of RG|NY, taps her family's experience and success in Mexico and applies it to the vineyards in North Fork. The certified sustainable winery incorporates natural pest control, eliminating the use of toxic chemicals, and utilizes renewable energy. Where to stay: The historic Preston House & Hotel, in downtown Riverhead, offers guests a comfortable stay in a quiet neighborhood setting.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Woman Lets Boyfriend Try Her Food—Then Waiter Spots the Danger
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A woman has captured the terrifying moment she gave her boyfriend a bite of food—only to realize that he's allergic. Dhaniela Marrero, who goes by Mimi, was enjoying a meal out with her boyfriend, Luis, when the accident occurred. She bit into a snail and was blown away by its delicious taste, and she simply had to get her boyfriend to give it a try. The problem however is that Luis, 23, has a shellfish allergy. Mimi, 22, of Miami, Florida, told Newsweek that she didn't realize snails were considered shellfish, and she "thought nothing at all about it." Neither did Luis, who didn't question it before tasting the food. "At the time, we thought snails were land animals since we see them all the time outside our homes, especially at night," Mimi said. Luis, 23, eating a snail before realizing it's a shellfish which he's allergic to. Luis, 23, eating a snail before realizing it's a shellfish which he's allergic to. @mimiimimosaa / TikTok Thankfully, Luis told their server about his allergy at the beginning of the evening and the staff quickly stepped in. After seeing Mimi feed Luis a bit of snail, the server was quick to address the issue. "He looked over at Luis eating the snail and raised concerns to us, saying that he cannot eat snails because they are shellfish," Mimi continued. "Luis was fearful and I felt immediate regret and fault for not being more cautious when letting him try new food knowing he has an allergy." Prior to this moment, Luis remembers cutting his hand on a fishing hook that had used shrimp as bait. The following day, he awoke with his hand "completely swollen and red." Fortunately, Luis didn't experience any symptoms after eating the snail, but he still took some Benadryl to be safe. Indeed, shellfish allergies are the most common food allergies in adults, with approximately 2 percent of the U.S. population reportedly suffering. It's thought that around 60 percent of people with shellfish allergies experience their first reaction as adults, according to the charity Food Allergy Research and Education. Shellfish are categorized into two groups, crustaceans and mollusks (or bivalves). Snails come under the latter, along with clams, mussels, oysters and squid. Mimi shared a video of the moment she accidentally gave her boyfriend some shellfish on TikTok (@mimiimimosaa). In just a matter of days, the video has gone viral with over 7 million views and more than 324,700 likes on TikTok at the time of writing. The online response has been mixed, as many people were shocked at how relaxed the couple were about a food allergy, while others also had no idea that snails are shellfish. Mimi told Newsweek: "I would like to add that we are human and make mistakes—this was one of them. None of us knew snails belonged to a shellfish family, or we would have never let Luis eat one. "I've had responses from people as shocked as us to learn that snails are a type of shellfish, to people bashing and belittling us for being unaware. Some people have even gone as far as saying he should break up with me, while other people see it was simple human error." Next time they're out for food, Mimi says she's going to Google search any food she's not sure about to play it safe. The viral TikTok post has generated over 2,800 comments so far. One user wrote: "This is exactly why you tell your server allergy vs preference. A good server will do exactly this: save your life." Another TikTok user replied: "I'm allergic to shellfish and had NO clue that snails counted as shellfish." While another comment reads: "Bless this waiter for being aware! Food allergies are no joke!" Do you have any viral videos or pictures that you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to life@ and they could appear on our site.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Report: St. John's guard RJ Luis to forgo college, remain in 2025 NBA draft
Report: St. John's guard RJ Luis to forgo college, remain in 2025 NBA draft St. John's junior RJ Luis will reportedly remain in the 2025 NBA draft and forgo his remaining college eligibility, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN. Luis was a consensus second-team All-American this past season, averaging 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, two assists and 1.4 steals on 33.6% shooting from 3-point range. He was also named the Big East Player of the Year, becoming the third player in program history to win the award. The 6-foot-6 forward registered 14 20-point games, including a season-high 30 points and 10 rebounds on Jan. 11 in a win over Villanova. He was one of two players in the conference to rank in the top five in both scoring and rebounding. Luis competed in the draft combine earlier this month, averaging 14 points, six rebounds and four assists in two scrimmage games in Chicago, Illinois. He also registered the 11th-highest max vertical jump among all participants this year (38 inches). The 22-year-old was among the notable prospects who were still weighing their decisions ahead of the early entrant withdrawal deadline at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday. He now leaves college after two years at St. John's and one at UMass. Luis, who has worked out with Golden State and Phoenix, is currently not projected to be selected on June 25-26. He will have the opportunity to improve his stock in team workouts and interviews, with four weeks to go until the draft.
Montreal Gazette
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Montreal Gazette
Dunlevy: Legendary Montreal rock bar Bifteck celebrates 30-plus years of cool
The world may be moving at a bewildering pace, but anyone who ever set foot inside Bifteck will be relieved to know that nothing — and I mean nothing — has changed. Officially called Bar Bifteck St-Laurent, Bifteck is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its '90s heyday Thursday starting at 6 p.m. The place itself is approximately a decade older than that. It was reportedly a strip club back in the 1970s, then a steakhouse. Then at some point in the mid-'80s, it became a bar — nothing special, just a regular drinking hole with a couple of pool tables and cheap beer on a desolate and sometimes scary strip of St-Laurent. There was little to suggest it would become the epicentre of alt-rock cool just a few years later. Nancy Ross was a 19-year-old McGill student in 1990, working as a cocktail waitress at Gibbys steakhouse in Old Montreal. On her way home to the Plateau, she would stop off at Bifteck because she knew the bartender, a Portuguese guy named Luis. She was sitting at the bar a few days after quitting Gibbys when Luis offered her a job as a bartender. 'It was my hangout, so it was great,' Ross said. She is hosting Bifteck's sort-of 30th anniversary party with former waitress Susan Moss and owner Jose da Eira, 71, who bought Bifteck in 1995 from a fellow Portuguese expat. What was working at Bifteck like in those days? 'It was absolutely non-stop,' Ross said. 'You would start your shift at 8:30 and you wouldn't stop until last call. It just seemed to attract everybody, and then everybody kept coming here because this is where everybody was.' Walking into Bifteck in the early '90s was like walking into Montreal's hippest house party. It was a melting pot of alt-rockers, skaters, locals, university students and staff from Montreal's four cultural weeklies as well as a little magazine called Voice of Montreal, which became VICE. There was (and still is) free popcorn, loud music and, again, cheap beer. 'It was just a real community,' Ross said. 'It was all artists and punk-minded people, and definitely musicians — but you didn't know (what people did). You might be drinking next to a plumber, and you might be drinking next to a guy who plays in a band that goes on tour around the world.' It was the heyday of grunge and the last decade of the pre-internet era. The tastemaking soundtrack of underground rock and rap was lazily overseen by tape-flipping cassette jockeys at the back of the bar — one of whom, Melissa Auf der Maur, would go on to play bass in Hole and the Smashing Pumpkins. Later in the decade, her then-boyfriend Dave Grohl would drop in when his band passed through town. Also spotted at the bar over the years have been members of REM, Garbage, Pixies, Rancid and Blink-182, to name a few. And then there are all the Montreal bands: Doughboys, Bootsauce, Me Mom and Morgentaler, Bionic, Shades of Culture, Slaves on Dope, the Snitches, Rise, Tricky Woo, the Dears, Stars, Patrick Watson, and the list goes on. Ross formed a band called Bite in the early '90s, with a crew of female friends she met at Bifteck. Moss was a regular before she started waitressing there in 1995. 'It was the kind of place where you go and you know 100 people — like, everyone in the bar,' she said. The first time I ever met Nick Farkas, now vice-president of concerts and events at Montreal's main concert promoter, Evenko, was at Bifteck. Moss was a photography student and freelance photographer for Hour magazine and the Mirror at the time. She is now a concert photographer for Evenko. Ross began working with Farkas, Dan Webster and Paget Williams in the early '90s at their former company, indie-rock promoter Greenland. She then became a partner in the business after Farkas's departure until it was sold in 2021. 'It's crazy how this (place) is ground zero for so many things,' said Ross, who kept a weekly shift at Bifteck up until 2016. (Moss held on to one day a week until 2011.) 'People talk about halcyon days, and it seems corny but it really was special.'
USA Today
26-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Warriors bringing in multiple prospects for pre-draft workouts
Warriors bringing in multiple prospects for pre-draft workouts Warriors are bringing in the following players for pre-draft workouts. First group with more to come. Warriors have the 41st pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Milos Uzan, Houston Kobe Johnson, UCLA RJ Luis, St. John's Nate Bittle, Oregon Steven Crowl,Wisconsin Tamar Bates, Mizzou — Danny Emerman (@DannyEmerman) May 21, 2025 Although the Golden State Warriors won't have a selection in the first round of June's NBA draft, Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Steve Kerr are slated to be on the clock in the second round of the 2025 edition of the draft. Prior to the draft, the Warriors are reportedly hosting a group of prospects for pre-draft workouts. The group headlined by multiple college stars, including Houston's Milos Uzan, St. John's RJ Luis and Oregon big man Nathan Bittle. UCLA's Kobe Johnson, Wisconsin's Steven Crowl and Missouri's Tamar Bates round out the group of six prospects, according to Danny Emerman of the SF Standard. After transferring from Oklahoma, Uzan helped lead the Cougars to the national championship game against the Florida Gators in the NCAA Tournament. Uzan earned All-Big 12 second-team honors, averaging 11.4 points on 45.3% shooting from the field with 4.3 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game for the Cougars. Bittle, a former McDonald's All-American out of high school, earned third-team All-Big Ten honors and was named to the Big Ten All-Defensive team during his final season in Eugene. The 7-footer averaged 14.2 points on 51.1% shooting from the field with 7.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists per contest. Johnson spent three seasons at USC before transferring across town to UCLA for his final season in Hollywood. During his four seasons at the college level, Johnson proved to be a fierce defender, being named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive team twice and the Big Ten All-Defensive team once. Luis was a consensus All-American last season and was named the 2024-25 Big East Player of the Year. Luis averaged 18.2 points on 43.9% shooting from the field and 33.6% from beyond the arc. Luis added 7.2 rebounds and two assists per contest for St. John's. This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
