Do you love wine but struggle to make a great selection when going to a giant wine store? Yep, me…read moretoo! At www.CorkQueen.com owner Karen Koch ("Cook"). a.k.a. the "WineQueen", teaches you about wine from "the ground up". Starting with the top wine growing regions around the world, she educates you on the types of grape vines grown in each locale, the vines history and the types of soil they are grown in. Karen then teaches how those soils and the climate in each region work together to bring out the wine "nose" and "flavors" you will smell and taste. You will learn how to identify these smell and taste attributes that you prefer and how to match the wines from other countries and regions that will have similar attributes so you can easily make great wine selections on all of your future wine purchases. Some of this information in on the website but the best way to truly learn about wine is by attending one of the WineQueen events. Choose from her weekly Wine Down Wednesday, Wine Frenzy Friday or set up a private or group "Wine 101" private wine tasting event to celebrate a birthday or anniversary at the WineQueen CQ's Wine Works location, your home or business. The CorkQueen is not a classic brick and mortar wine store. It's more of a wine club. All purchases are made online. You can pick up your order at the CorkQueen CQ's Wine Works location or have your wine delivered. By creating her business this way the CorkQueen is able to offers thousands of different wines from every region around the world. Plus, for you beer lovers out there, the CorkQueen loves you too! You will find beers from around the world at www.CorkQueen.com that will both pleasantly surprise and delight your taste buds! Private Wine Events are available for booking now. Online wine and beer ordering and weekly Wine Down Wednesday and Wine Frenzy Friday events are scheduled to officially launch April 1, 2020 - April Fools Day! Be sure to check back on April 1, 2020 for the CorkQueen Launch Specials! The CorkQueen is looking forward to seeing you!

What a fabulous gem! The owner (The Cork Queen) has a deep knowledge of wine. Tell her what you…read morelike and she will make a fantastic recommendation! And take the time to educate yo on what to pair the wine with! There are events - wine tastings & education events. Lots of price points to choose from and lots of opportunities to try fantastic wines. Prices are also better than the big shops. And delivery locally in a gift bag, with a note. Great service. Can't recommend highly enough!

Went here for the Blueberry Festival! A lot of the event was super lively; people could shop from…read morevendors, pick blueberries, drink blueberry adjacent wines and beers, and have foods with a blueberry twist on them. Luckily there was a lot of outdoor seating, so it wasn't too difficult to find a seat. I ended up getting the sweet blueberry wine, blueberry flatbread (had caramelized onions, arugula, and prosciutto with a blueberries glaze drizzle), and the blueberry shortcake. The wine was lightly sweet and not dry. The blueberry flatbread tasted more of the caramelized onions and the blueberry drizzle added a little hint of sweetness and tartness. My favorite though was the blueberry shortcake. It was soft and the blueberry compote was absolutely delicious. Although it was rich, it didn't feel heavy. I wish I had gotten another slice. In general, I've been here before and it's nice and cozy inside with great service! I love trying all the flavors available with their wine and beer flights (some are seasonal). Honestly, sometimes I buy their wine by the bottle in stores because it's actually just that good.

Continues to be my favorite winery around. Made reservations with hubs to have a wine lunch then…read morestrawberry shortcake down the road. We chose to sit out on the patio. Service was great and so was the food. I got the sangria and the wine burger. Hubs got the tacos. Love their French fries too! The crispiness and the seasoning on them is just plain good. The wine burger was delicious and probably my fav entree they have.

Updated review! My second time visiting I was able to taste the cheeses and meats with my wine…read more The service from the bartender was prompt and vibes are relaxed, both times I've come in, there's not a crowd which is nice. Intimate and cozy.

Cute place with lots of great options! Service was good! They have very tasty grilled cheeses among…read moreother items! Great place to stop at for after work drinks too! I had a pistachio martini that was delicious but I didn't take a picture.

Great experience! Good memories made. Worth it!!! Great location and atmosphere,nice peopleread more

My husband and I had the most incredible date night at the Epicurean Theatre! We attended the…read more"Dinner with a Master Chef" class on Friday, July 18th 2014. Our instructor was celebrity chef, Whitney Miller, winner of Master Chef (season 1). The Epicurean Theatre is a gorgeous and very modern culinary classroom in the Epicurean Hotel in South Tampa. The culinary classroom has a kitchen in the front of the theatre for the instructor/ chef and stadium-style seating for the students. (If you want a seat near the front of the class arrive early!) Flat screen televisions are located in the front corners of the classroom to display close-ups of the food as it is being prepared. The layout of the classroom allows participants to eat and drink while watching a cooking presentation. After the chef completes each course of the meal the Epicurean's wait staff serves the dish. Whitney Miller was so charming and entertaining throughout our class. I loved her stories about growing up in Mississippi and being a contestant on the Master Chef. Her menu in our class included some of her favorite Southern dishes: First Course: Arugula Salad with Grilled Figs, Homemade Buttermilk Ricotta Cheese, Crispy Prosciutto and a Citrus Vinaigrette (Wine Pairing: Schiopetto Pinot Grigio) Second Course: BBQ Shrimp and Cheese Grits (Wine Pairing: Black Bird Rose) Third Course: White Chocolate Bread Pudding (Wine Pairing: Rosa Regale) Everything was so delicious and I cannot wait to make these dishes at my home! Confession: I probably won't make my own ricotta cheese for the arugula salad because who has time for that?! We received so many great cooking tips from the class and I plan on purchasing Whitney's cookbook so I can introduce my husband to more Southern cooking. If you are interested in taking a class at the Epicurean Theatre I highly recommend it! They offer a variety of classes from cupcakes to cooking to wine or even speaking a foreign language. They even offer brew bus tours! The classes range from $45-$125. Our Master Chef class cost $65 per person which wasn't a bad deal in my opinion considering we received a two hour demonstration from a celebrity chef, a three course meal, and three wine tastings. Can't wait to take my next class at the Epicurean Theatre!

Cannoli making class was fun…read more So the 3 stars is based on their customer service & how we were treated. 7 of us signed up for a week night class. We arrived late because we thought the class was 30 mins later than it was but we text them we were on our way. They were visible annoyed when we walked in & we did not get a warm welcome. I have to say there was only 2 people, a couple, in the class so it wasn't like we interrupted a big class. We were bringing the big class. And they had only poured milk into a pot & letting it warm up when we arrived so we had not missed anything. The whole class the women that worked there were not giving warm fuzzy vibes. It lacked fun & enjoyment honestly. We felt like we were treated like a nuisance & like we couldn't even laugh. The cannolis were good & we learned a lot.

We rented out the space on a Saturday afternoon to celebrate a friend's birthday. The space was…read moreclean and everything was setup when we arrived. They also have a nice selection of wine. We made the Sweet Ricotta Brule. They was a total of four people on staff to assist our class of 12. Everyone had a great time. I am looking forward to taking the pizza making class this summer with my son.

If you're a wine lover and enjoy free tastings, Florida Orange Groves Winery is definitely worth a…read morevisit. This location offers a huge variety of wines made right on-site, with unique flavors like key lime, peach, strawberry, passion fruit, and more. Their Hurricane wine is their bestseller and for good reason. I did the tasting flight with 4 flavors for $17, and it was a great way to sample different wines. They also offer complimentary tastings, wine slushies, flavorful spreads, and cute trinkets throughout the shop. There's even a cozy lounge area in the back where you can relax and enjoy your drinks. The customer service was excellent, and the staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about all the wines. I make it a point to stop by every time I'm in the area. Bonus: you can also order wines for shipping directly from their website

I absolutely loved the Florida Orange Groves Winery. The customer service was top-tier. We stopped…read morein after the beach and decided to stick around for the wine tasting that was starting shortly. We got to try several different Florida wines that are made in house at the winery. Some of my faves were the hurricane and I enjoyed each one of the wine slushy's including the strawberry banana, the hurricane, and the best of all was the orange Creamsicle slushy. I decided to purchase some of the orange Creamsicle wine slushy mix to take home and make orange Creamsicle mocktails and received some of the cute little wine bottle greeting cards. They also have military discount.

I like cheese. As I have learned through experimentation, not every cheese is a winner. The…read moreArtisan Cheese Company had a wide variety of cheeses in a wide variety of prices. They also offer additional offerings that look great and seem priced equitable. The staff is wonderful. They have provided education and cheese insight with no pressure tactics and a seemingly sincere desire to be helpful.

A RaRe "EDIBLE...WHERE have you been all my LiFe!" Rating!…read more ++ Ambiance is clean, upscale deli market located in the artsy Rosemary District. It's my new favorite gourmet store / resto in SRQ. The Artisan Cheese Company is a woman owned epicurean food shop. We visited on a weekday afternoon and it had a steady stream of locals. The space isn't huge, but inside is bright with big windows filled with goodies strewn about. In the rear is the order counter behind the cured meats and cheeses. There are few dining tables next to the patio as well as a handful of tables on their patio. +++ The ACC seems to specialize in harder to locate artisan cheeses, butters, gourmet goodies for pantries and has a limited rotating lunch menu. They have so many of my favorites that are difficult to locate, it was impressive. I found Ploughgate cultured butter for the first time in several years, Jasper Hill, Monista teas, Spanish Marconas and even Meridith Dairy marinated cheese here!! DelightFuL to find such a well stocked market! They also serve interesting and comforting light lunches and offer beautifully prepared charcuterie boards. Everything we tried was delicious! We had their open face grilled cheese, tomato soup and tacos which seemed more like tostadas with interesting toppings. This is a perfect place for easy party boards, hostess gifts for those with discerning palates and satisfy your cravings. = Price is high...nothing has a price tag ++ Service is quite good and the staff are knowledgeable! + Parking is street and was easy. This is a non-touristy art district. It is an excellent gourmet shop and sure wish this ACC was in Atlanta! MY RATINGS - - - Inhumane - - Disgusted - Don't bother = Missed the Mark + Good ++ Better +++ EDIBLE...WHERE have you been all my LiFe!

One of my favorites while living down in SRQ.. has the best selection, pricing, staff, and light…read morebites (charcuterie board, and popcorn with balsamic!) Craig was very helpful in selecting wines based on what we told him we were looking for. They also host wine walks every few months that are Halloween themed, spring, etc., and they are amazing!! Absolutely recommend for a glass, or a few, alone or with friends/family.

I really enjoy going to Fine Wines and Tastings on Main St in Lakewood Ranch. Scott and his mom…read morehave created a wonderful atmosphere for buy wine by the bottle or by the glass. They have a revolving selection of well known and under the radar wines for you to enjoy. They also offer a small selection of fantastic light snacks to eat while sipping good wine. Additionally, they have a couple of beers and seltzers. If you find yourself wanting a nice glass of wine, please give Fine Wines and Tastings a chance. I promise you will love it.

PHENOMENAL!! I've lived here four years and never once walked through the door. The nights of…read moreindulgence I've missed are honestly shameful. Upon entering, I was struck by how small the space was, but it's cozy and intimate, and I understand exactly why it's been voted the most romantic restaurant around. It was our wedding anniversary, and we were acknowledged for 22 years of marital bliss. We were seated in the back left corner booth - THE prime table for two, right next to the sommelier station. We were promptly greeted by Sean, our server. There are some people you just know, from the moment they greet you, will take great care of you all evening. Sean has that rare tableside manner that blends personality, hospitality, and professionalism that exemplify the truly elevated dining experience. His presentation of the menu was practically an oration, painting a vivid picture of each dish, activating the cephalic phase of digestion. We started with his recommendation, a goat cheese bite for hors d'oeuvres. I'm still not sure what the base was, but it set the tone as the catalyst for every flavor that followed. For starters, my wife and I both chose the bisque: an onion-and-potato-based delight. I honestly don't remember what was in it, and honestly, I didn't care; it was perfection. From there, my wife went with the Black Pearl salad while I opted for the Caesar, curious to try their take on the classic. Her choice was the clear winner. The Caesar was generous and beautifully plated, but not the standout of the night. During his presentation, Sean claimed the filet was the best in Tampa Bay. Naturally, we had to find out for ourselves. Served Pittsburgh style, it did not disappoint - the heavy char deepened the juicy, flavor-packed bite with every cut. Best filet in Tampa Bay? It has my endorsement! Finally, dessert. We finished strong with the Banana Foster, a recipe with origins from the owner's grandmother. We also went with the Tarte Tatin, reportedly the most popular dessert on the menu for the past 18 years, per Sean. Once again, extraordinary. We're used to heading into Tampa or St. Pete for elevated dining. So happy we found this "pearl" right in our own backyard. Take my money!

Wow! Incredible! Perfection! Amazing experience! I would…read moregive more than 5 stars if possible! This is a very small venue with limited tables so make sure you get a reservation. You get very personal service and luxury experience. We had hors d'oeuvres, wine service, appetizers, bread service and our main meals. We also ended with desserts we all shared. Absolute 5 star food and service! Cannot recommend highly enough! What an incredible find!

Bunker Hill Vineyard in Parrish is such a quaint little gem! We discovered it on our way to the…read moreStrawberry Festival and are so glad we stopped. It's a small, family-owned spot with such a warm, welcoming feel. The owners were incredibly friendly and made the whole experience even better. We even donated about six of our used wine bottles to them, which made it feel fun and personal in a unique way. They offer wine tastings, and the wines themselves feel clean, light, and thoughtfully made. Definitely a hidden local find worth visiting!

TL;DR - I was totally blown away by this hidden gem. There's no other way to describe this…read moreexperience. Let's just say I learned a lot about Bunker Hill Vineyard & Winery. I also had the pleasure of meeting the husband and wife duo that makes all of these Florida grown products. They made this experience so much fun. All you need to know is that their natural wines, jellies, and jams were all amazing. There's something for everyone here. So, I decided to take a different route back to Brandon from Ellenton just so that I could try these wines. It was an easy drive on US-301 as I made my way to Wauchula Rd. This is where the adventure started for me. It's a 2 lane road with a speed limit of 60 MPH that takes you past farm lands and phosphate mines. I honestly felt like I was lost in the middle of nowhere. Thank goodness for GPS. I pretty much knew that Bunker Hill Road would be coming up soon after passing Lake Parrish, and there it was. The winery is across the street and to the left of the fork in the road. There's plenty of parking in front of it along rows of grape vines. At that point, I was just happy that I found it. I didn't really get a chance to explore around the vineyard. Lenora found me in front of the farm winery accessory building where the wine tasting would begin. That's when I also met Larry as they invited me inside the tasting room. What a cool set up they have! It's inside of what looks like a heavily insulated Quonset hut. Larry explained the differences between unfiltered and filtered wine. Honestly, I didn't know there was a difference. It raised so many questions, and actually made me aware of all the additives that are placed into manufactured wines during the filtering process. Some that I have actually been sensitive to in the past. It was interesting to hear about their process, and even the way they recycle their bottles and jelly jars. They are truly sustainable. What I also noticed is that most (if not all) of their wines are vegan. I'm not vegan, so it's not something that I usually look for. I just didn't know that animal proteins are commonly used in the process of making wine. It's all very interesting. Let's talk about the wine tasting. There's a list of medium dry, dry, and sparkling wines. I made my selections from the list of medium dry wines. I did take some suggestions from them, and I'm so glad that I did. Otherwise, I would have never tried the Bamboo Herbal Tea or Dandelion Flower Petal. Just open your mind to all the possibilities. Your palate will thank you later. There are fruit, vegetable, flower, coffee, tea, and even bamboo wines. I think I saw rice wine as well. If it has grape, then it's the muscadine variety. If you want a mixture, then I totally suggest the Strawberry/Grape wine. This one was one of my favorites. I was also in love with the Guava wine. The same goes for the jam. It's insanely wonderful. You can get it with or without the seeds. I wanted to buy all of the ones on my list. I ended up getting six 12 oz. bottles so that I could share them with my husband. He was just as amazed as I was with his samples of wine. The flavors are so clear and with such a great color and aroma. There was no unpleasant after taste, and it wasn't overly sweet like other Florida fruit wines that I've tasted. I didn't get that wine headache which usually happens with red wines. I guess I'm just sensitive to something in it. I also sampled Lenora's Bamboo Leaf Herbal Tea. It was so refreshing! What a great way to end the tasting. Anyway, I tried 6 different samples for $6. They are truly just a sample. Don't expect to get full size glasses. It's not a wine bar. However, you can purchase a charcuterie platter if you call 24 hours in advance of your tasting. They'll have it ready for you. Once you do the first wine tasting, the other tastings will be complimentary when you return. That's when I plan on trying the vegetable wines. There is one that actually tastes like a salad. I didn't get to try the coffee wine, but I did sample the coffee wine jelly. It was actually very good. The starfruit wine jelly is even better. I can't wait to go back. Hopefully my husband will come along with me next time. I think he would love sampling the wines and jellies. I didn't really get to see the rest of the vineyard this time around. Maybe next time. Thank you Larry & Lenora for making it such an informative & fun experience.