For wine lovers, collectors, and anyone who appreciates history in a glass, September 2026 promises to deliver one of the most exciting wine events in decades.
Luxury lifestyle publication VENÜ Magazine will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the legendary “Judgment of Paris” with an extraordinary blind tasting that revisits one of the most pivotal moments in the history of wine.
On September 8, 2026, Napa Valley will once again become the center of the wine world as AMERICA vs. FRANCE recreates the iconic 1976 competition that forever changed the global wine industry.
The Tasting That Changed Wine Forever
In 1976, an unsuspecting blind tasting in Paris shocked the international wine community. Judged entirely by a distinguished panel of French experts, California wines unexpectedly defeated some of France’s most celebrated Bordeaux and Burgundy producers.
The results forever altered perceptions of American winemaking, establishing Napa Valley as one of the world’s premier wine-producing regions and launching California wines onto the international stage.
Five decades later, VENÜ Magazine is bringing history back to life.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Anniversary Event
The anniversary tasting will feature wines from many of the same producers represented in the original competition, while also showcasing today’s finest Chardonnays and Burgundies alongside exceptional Cabernet Sauvignons and Bordeauxs.
The wines have been carefully selected by longtime wine writer Monty Preiser and renowned Master Sommelier Virginia Phillip, who will also oversee the tasting.
The event promises to offer a fascinating look at how both American and French wines have evolved over the past fifty years while paying tribute to one of the industry’s defining moments.
An All-Star Panel of Wine Experts
The judging panel is a remarkable gathering of some of the most respected names in the wine world, including:
Sally Johnson Blum, acclaimed consulting winemaker whose career includes Robert Mondavi, Pride Mountain and multiple 100-point wines.
Jean-Charles Boisset, internationally recognised winery owner with prestigious estates in both France and the United States.
Ken Frank, award-winning chef and owner of Napa’s celebrated La Toque restaurant.
Jeff Morgan, former Wine Spectator editor, educator and founder of Covenant Winery.
Sara Preiser, veteran wine journalist and co-founder of the American Fine Wine Invitational.
Shelly Rafanelli-Fehlman, owner and winemaker of Sonoma’s legendary A. Rafanelli Winery.
Chris Sawyer, internationally respected sommelier, educator and wine judge.
Deborah Parker Wong, noted wine journalist, educator and editor of The Somm Journal and Slow Wine Guide USA.
Together, this distinguished panel brings decades of expertise in viticulture, winemaking, journalism and hospitality to one unforgettable tasting.
A Fitting Napa Setting
The blind judging will take place at the renowned La Toque restaurant in Napa, one of California’s premier culinary destinations.
Following the competition, guests will gather at Feast it Forward for an exclusive “Reveal Dinner,” where the identities of the wines and the official results will finally be unveiled—a dramatic conclusion worthy of the original Judgment of Paris.
Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence
This commemorative event is made possible through the support of Wine Country this Month Magazine, Randall Scarlett and the Scarlett Law Group, Marybeth Ramey and Richard Hailey of Ramey and Hailey Law Firm, Fred Bollaci Enterprises, Katie Hamilton Shaffer’s Rotation, and Feast it Forward.
Why This Matters
Few moments have reshaped an industry the way the 1976 Judgment of Paris transformed the world of wine. It challenged centuries of convention, elevated California to global prominence, and proved that extraordinary wines can come from anywhere passion, craftsmanship and terroir intersect.
As VENÜ Magazine celebrates this landmark anniversary, the 2026 recreation is more than just a tasting—it is a tribute to innovation, excellence and the enduring spirit of competition that continues to inspire winemakers around the world.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector, an aspiring sommelier, or simply someone who enjoys discovering exceptional wines, AMERICA vs. FRANCE promises to be one of the year’s most memorable wine events and a fitting celebration of one of the greatest stories ever told in the world of wine.
Cheers to the next chapter of this legendary rivalry.
If you’ve followed NS Lifestyles for any length of time, you know I love discovering innovative products that truly make life easier—especially when they’re backed by a name I trust.
That’s why I’m so excited to introduce Hint, the brand-new AI-powered home management platform co-founded by Martha Stewart. If you’re a homeowner (or planning to become one), this may be one of the smartest apps you’ll add to your phone this year.
Imagine Having Martha Stewart as Your Personal Home Advisor
For decades, Martha Stewart has been the go-to authority for creating beautiful homes, entertaining effortlessly, and maintaining every detail of a well-run household.
Now she’s bringing that expertise into the digital age.
Hint combines artificial intelligence with decades of real-world home expertise to help homeowners stay organized, prevent expensive repairs, and better understand one of their biggest investments—their home.
What Makes Hint So Exciting?
Instead of trying to remember dozens of maintenance tasks throughout the year, Hint helps you stay one step ahead.
Some of the features include:
✨ Personalized maintenance reminders 🏡 Instant insights about your specific home 🔍 Information based on your property’s location, climate, flood risk, and more 🛠️ Early warnings that can help prevent costly repairs 📱 An easy-to-use dashboard that keeps everything in one place
It’s like having a trusted home expert available whenever you need one.
Why I’m Joining the Waitlist
As someone who loves discovering innovative lifestyle products before they become mainstream, I signed up immediately.
Whether you own your forever home, recently purchased a property, or simply want to protect your investment, Hint looks like an incredibly valuable tool that can save both time and money while taking the guesswork out of homeownership.
✨ Exclusive Access Through My Referral Link
I’d love for my NS Lifestyles readers to be among the very first to experience everything Hint has to offer.
Use my exclusive referral link below to join the waitlist:
Once you join, you’ll receive priority updates as Hint prepares for launch, and you’ll also have the opportunity to earn referral rewards through the official Hint waitlist program. Eligible participants can qualify for special experiences, including a virtual launch event and other rewards described in Hint’s official promotion.
Why I Think This Will Be One of 2026’s Biggest Home Innovations
Artificial intelligence is changing nearly every aspect of our lives, and homeownership is no exception.
Instead of reacting after something breaks, Hint is designed to help homeowners stay proactive, organized, and informed—bringing together technology and Martha Stewart’s decades of trusted expertise in one intuitive platform.
I have a feeling this is going to become an essential app for homeowners everywhere.
Don’t Wait!
Thousands of homeowners have already joined the waitlist, and the app is launching this summer. If you’d like early access and want to be among the first to discover everything Martha Stewart and Hint have created, now is the perfect time to sign up.
✨ Click my exclusive referral link below and join me on the Hint waitlist today!
For many high school seniors, receiving that college acceptance letter feels like crossing the finish line. But for thousands of young women headed to universities with Greek life, another significant challenge awaits—the sorority recruitment, or “Rush,” process.
Rush is exciting, but it can also be one of the most intimidating experiences of a student’s college journey. Multiple rounds of conversations, long days, first impressions, wardrobe decisions, etiquette, confidence, and navigating the emotional highs and lows can quickly become overwhelming. It’s a process that many students—and parents—find themselves completely unprepared for.
One of the country’s leading sorority recruitment coaches, Trisha has helped countless young women approach Rush with confidence, authenticity, and a clear strategy. Rather than navigating the process alone, her clients receive expert guidance every step of the way—from preparing months before recruitment begins to walking into each round feeling confident and ready.
Trisha understands that Rush isn’t about becoming someone you’re not. It’s about presenting the very best version of yourself while finding the sorority that truly feels like home.
Through personalized coaching, Trisha helps students:
Build confidence before recruitment begins.
Understand every stage of the Rush process.
Prepare for meaningful conversations and interviews.
Navigate recruitment etiquette and expectations.
Develop wardrobe strategies that are polished and authentic.
Manage the stress and emotions that naturally come with recruitment.
Find the chapter that is the best long-term fit—not simply receive a bid.
Her thoughtful, encouraging approach has made her one of the most respected names in sorority recruitment coaching. She has also been featured in The Wall Street Journal and the MAX documentary Bama Rush for her expertise.
The Rush Bible
For students and parents who want an insider’s guide before recruitment begins, Trisha’s new book, The Rush Bible: Secrets to Crush Sorority Recruitment and Find Your Forever Greek Home, is an invaluable resource.
Packed with practical advice, real-life insights, preparation tips, and encouragement, the book serves as a roadmap for one of the most important—and often misunderstood—parts of the college experience.
If you live in the Fairfield County area, you’ll have the opportunity to meet Trisha in person during her upcoming book signing.
Tuesday, July 28 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM Elm Street Books New Canaan, Connecticut
Whether you’re a future college student, a parent preparing for the next chapter, or simply interested in learning more about the Rush experience, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet Trisha, hear her insights, and have your copy of The Rush Bible signed.
Getting into college is a tremendous accomplishment—but for many students, it’s only the beginning. Sorority recruitment can feel like an entirely new challenge, filled with uncertainty and pressure.
The good news? You don’t have to navigate it alone.
With Trisha Addicks by your side, you’ll gain the confidence, preparation, and expert guidance needed to approach Rush with less stress, more clarity, and the assurance that you’re putting your best foot forward every step of the way.
At NS Lifestyles, we love introducing our readers to brands that embody exceptional craftsmanship, timeless design, and inspired living. That’s why I am thrilled to welcome Ornare as our newest sponsor, with two extraordinary showrooms serving our readers in Greenwich, Connecticut, and Paramus, New Jersey.
For more than 35 years, Ornare has been recognized around the world as a leader in bespoke luxury interiors. From spectacular kitchens and luxurious closets to elegant bathrooms, home offices, entertainment spaces, and custom architectural millwork, every project is thoughtfully designed around the people who live there. The result is a home that is not only beautiful but deeply personal.
A Tale of Two Extraordinary Showrooms
Walking into an Ornare showroom is more than visiting a design studio—it’s stepping into a world where beauty, craftsmanship, and inspired living come together.
The newest addition to the Northeast is ORNARE GREENWICH, the company’s eighth showroom in the United States. Located in the heart of downtown Greenwich, this elegant space is truly a jewel box. Sophisticated, intimate, and impeccably curated, every room showcases Ornare’s signature attention to detail. It’s the kind of showroom that invites you to slow down, appreciate every finish, every texture, and every thoughtful design element, while imagining the possibilities for your own home.
Together, these two showrooms perfectly capture Ornare’s philosophy: luxury should be both timeless and livable.
The Paramus showroom, located inside the renowned Paramus Design Center, is nothing short of a showstopper. Grand in scale and breathtaking in its presentation, it offers room after room of extraordinary design inspiration. From magnificent kitchens and luxurious dressing rooms to beautifully appointed living spaces and sophisticated home offices, every vignette demonstrates why Ornare has earned its reputation as one of the world’s premier luxury interior brands.
Serving the Tri-State Area and Beyond
One of the things I especially love about Ornare is that these two beautiful showrooms make world-class design more accessible for homeowners throughout the region. Together, the Greenwich and Paramus locations serve clients across the tri-state area and beyond, offering an exceptional luxury design experience closer to home.
While Ornare is also proud to have a showroom in Manhattan, the Greenwich and Paramus locations provide a convenient alternative for clients throughout Westchester, Fairfield County, Bergen County, New Jersey, and the surrounding suburbs. Rather than traveling into the city, visitors can experience Ornare’s breathtaking collections, meet with their expert design team, and begin creating the home of their dreams in an elegant, welcoming setting.
Whether you choose the intimate sophistication of the Greenwich showroom or the dramatic scale of the Paramus showroom, you’ll discover the same commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, personalized service, and timeless luxury that has made Ornare one of the world’s premier names in bespoke interiors.
More Than Beautiful Design
What makes Ornare truly exceptional is its ability to create complete lifestyle environments.
Every collection combines innovative engineering, premium materials, impeccable craftsmanship, and sophisticated design. Whether you’re building your dream home, renovating a kitchen, creating a custom dressing room, or designing the perfect home office, the Ornare team works closely with each client to transform a vision into reality.
Every detail is intentional. Every finish is exquisite. Every space feels effortlessly luxurious.
Why We Love Ornare
At NS Lifestyles, we celebrate companies that value artistry, quality, and enduring style. Ornare embodies all of those qualities, making them a natural addition to our family of trusted partners.
Over the coming months, we’ll be taking you inside both the Greenwich and Paramus showrooms, introducing you to the talented designers behind the brand, showcasing inspiring projects, highlighting the latest luxury design trends, and bringing you exclusive event coverage and behind-the-scenes looks.
Whether you’re embarking on a full-scale renovation, building your forever home, or simply searching for design inspiration, I encourage you to experience both locations for yourself.
The Greenwich showroom is a jewel box of sophisticated design. The Paramus showroom is a showstopper that will leave you dreaming about your next home project. Together, they beautifully represent everything that has made Ornare one of the world’s most respected names in bespoke luxury interiors.
Trust me—you’ll leave inspired.
Visit Ornare
Ornare Greenwich 34 East Putnam Avenue, Suite 34A Greenwich, CT 06830
Ornare Paramus Paramus Design Center 762 Route 17 North, Unit C1 Paramus, NJ 07652
Please join me in welcoming Ornare to the NS Lifestyles family. I am so excited to introduce this remarkable brand to our readers and look forward to sharing more from these two extraordinary showrooms in the months ahead.
Broadway lovers…our fall theater lineup is here! And it is OUT OF THIS WORLD GOOD!!!!!!
We’re excited to announce three incredible shows that we’ll be seeing together this fall. Whether you’re a longtime theater fan or looking for the perfect excuse for a night in New York City, we’d love for you to join us.
🧛 The Lost Boys
Tuesday, September 15 🎟️ Orchestra Seats – $130
The cult classic vampire film comes to Broadway in an exciting new musical packed with thrills, unforgettable music, and plenty of ’80s nostalgia.
Don’t miss this highly anticipated Broadway revival starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Ed Harris, Allison Janney, Lily Rabe, and Joe Keery. This limited engagement is already one of the most talked-about productions of the season.
One of the season’s most anticipated new productions, Inter Alia is already generating excitement among Broadway fans and is sure to be one of the must-see plays of the fall. I had been dying to see this when I went to London this spring, but it was completely sold out for all performances. I am so glad we are getting it this time around in NYC.
Our NS Lifestyles theater outings are always a wonderful way to experience Broadway with fellow theater lovers. Seats are limited and are expected to sell quickly.
Every Friday, I love introducing you to someone whose passion, creativity, and personality inspire others—and this week, I’m thrilled to introduce my friend Debbie Gross, the face behind Deb’s Dine & Dash.
If you’re always searching for your next dream home or your next unforgettable meal, Debbie has you covered.
As a South Florida Realtor and foodie guide, Debbie has created a unique platform that blends two of life’s greatest pleasures—beautiful homes and incredible dining experiences. Through Deb’s Dine & Dash, she takes her followers on a culinary tour of South Florida’s best bites, highlighting everything from neighborhood favorites and hidden gems to the hottest new restaurants everyone is talking about.
What I love most about Debbie is that her recommendations come from genuine experience. She isn’t just posting beautiful photos—she’s sharing places she’s truly excited about and helping both locals and visitors discover restaurants worth adding to their list. Her enthusiasm for supporting local businesses shines through every post.
As someone who works with luxury brands and businesses every day, I know how valuable authentic storytellers are. Debbie has built a community by combining her expertise in South Florida real estate with her love of food, giving her followers a fresh perspective on the neighborhoods she serves. After all, finding the perfect home also means discovering the perfect places to dine, celebrate, and make memories.
Whether you’re relocating to South Florida, planning your next vacation, or simply looking for an amazing restaurant recommendation, Debbie’s page is one you’ll want to follow.
So this Fashionable Friend Friday, I’m excited to spotlight Debbie Gross—helping you discover your next home and your next meal, one delicious stop at a time.
Be sure to follow @debs_dine_dash for:
🏡 South Florida real estate insights
🍽️ The best local restaurants and culinary hotspots
🚗 “Dashes” to hidden gems and must-visit dining destinations
