A Change of Seasons is Coming. Drink Wine.

We finally may be done with the 90-plus-degree fun-time weather for the year, which means it's now safe to indulge in some wines that will transition you into cooler weather. Of course, any wine can be enjoyed at any time of year, but we're standing by our transition concept. Viotti Albarossa and Cortese Piedmont, Italy Albarossa A unique wine to excite your taste buds! Don’t feel bad if you don’t recognize this grape; we hadn’t had it either. Albarossa is a cross between Barbera and Chartreuse and tastes like rustic, brambly fruit and forest herbs. Organic and natural. Pairings: [...]

By | 2024-10-01T19:42:14+00:00 September 10th, 2024|

What is Natural Wine?

Many of you may have noticed how many buzzwords there are these days regarding the world of wine (specifically, natural wine), so we thought it might behoove us all to take a moment (or many) to delve into these words and phrases that have become so commonly used of late. Words/phrases like "natural," "organic," "biodynamic," "unfiltered," "low intervention," "pet nat," "chillable red," "skin contact," and "glu glu" are all terms you may have heard, but what do they mean? Like REALLY mean. When it comes to "natural" wine, there's no single clear definition that encompasses the term fully, so [...]

By | 2024-10-02T18:48:06+00:00 September 5th, 2024|

Behold Refreshment, Courtesy or our August Wines of the Month

If you're a sucker for a great wine label, there are some true winners this month, notably the Pomelado and the Lucky Tiger. If you're a sucker for great wines, our August Wines of the Month will keep you suspended in a state of what the scientists are calling "wine jubilance." The fact that they're all amazingly affordable just adds to the jubilance. Pomelado Orange Wine Castilla-La Mancha, Spain A very approachable and delicious orange wine. This Spanish orange wine is lively, fresh, and dry, with tantalizing notes of orange blossom, savory apple, citrus, almonds, grass, and a kiss [...]

By | 2024-08-20T19:17:58+00:00 August 8th, 2024|

Refreshing Wines for July

As the summer heat intensifies, there's nothing quite like sipping on a chilled glass of wine to cool down. Whether you prefer a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a delicate rosé, or a lighter, chillable red, these refreshing options are perfect for July gatherings. And we guarantee that there are grapes included here that you have never heard of, one of which would make a great name for a cat. Après Rosé of Mondeuse/Gamay Savoie, France Drink more wine from the mountains... If you've ever been curious about Swiss wine but find it too expensive and hard to find, TRY THIS! [...]

By | 2024-08-20T19:18:16+00:00 July 5th, 2024|

Wines So Good, They’ll Make You Forget Winter Ever Existed!

Spring is the time when every bottle of wine whispers, "I’m the reason you spring forward and not fall back." As the days get longer, so, most likely, does your wine list, because nothing says "spring cleaning" like making room in the fridge for more rosé. (Is spring cleaning still an actual thing?) And remember: We always maintain a glass-half-full attitude when it comes to drinking wine in spring, or as we like to call it, optimistically prepped for a top-off. Our Wines of the Month for May will have you embracing spring with all the ardor of a [...]

By | 2024-08-20T19:20:06+00:00 May 4th, 2024|

Two kosher wines from Israel – perfect for many occasions

Did you know we carry kosher wines? New to the shop, we have the Hermon Cab/Merlot blend and the Gilgal Chardonnay. We love them because they check all the boxes: 1) kosher; 2) great for pairing with some matzo ball soup from Marczyk Fine Foods, or any braised brisket dishes; 3) delicious! These wines are great whether you need specifically kosher wines or not. The Hermon Cab/Merlot blend, from Galilee, Israel, is a medium-to-full red blend for everyone. It has notes of dark and red fruits, earth, fresh herbs, and cocoa. $23.99/bottle The Gilgal Chardonnay, from the Golan Heights [...]

By | 2024-08-20T19:20:26+00:00 April 14th, 2024|

Raina is drinking this crisp, dry German Müller-Thurgau

Borell Diehl Müller-Thurgau Germany $18.99/bottle Step into spring with this German liter of Borell Diehl Müller-Thurgau. It is not sweet, I promise. It is crisp, dry and refreshing with notes of green apple, pear, lime, and minerals. This will make a perfect picnic wine, or a perfect wine for any gathering with family/friends. I paired this light organic wine with a smoked kielbasa from Marczyk Fine Foods on a brioche bun topped with Tillamook sharp cheddar cheese, spicy mustard, and a side of salty potato chips. This would also be fantastic with your favorite charcuterie board. Did I mention [...]

By | 2024-08-20T19:20:43+00:00 March 28th, 2024|

Devin has a free-wheelin’ Willamette Pinot Noir

Grochau Cellars Commuter Cuvée Willamette Valley, Oregon $24.99/bottle Wanna go for a joy ride? Take your place atop this supple and resilient tannin frame on a comfortable and well-balanced seat of fresh black cherry and lavender-hinted oak. Commuter Cuvée is a blend of 11 vineyards, located all over the Willamette Valley. Each vineyard lot is fermented separately and aged in a mix of 70% French oak, 15% stainless steel, and 15% concrete tanks. It is then aged for 9 months before bottling. There's very little new oak in this wine, the aim of which is to make a fresh [...]

By | 2024-03-27T23:44:48+00:00 March 25th, 2024|

Yes, Patagonia makes more than just fleece.

What are we drinking now with the FABulous Kristen Verum Chardonnay Patagonia, Argentina $28.99/bottle While it's a touch more classic to pair a white Bordeaux or Burgundy with an elegant French fish dish like Sole Meunière (see the recipe below), I just love a unique pairing to get wine drinkers thinking outside the box. While I chose a Chardonnay to pair with this buttery-but-delicate French favorite, I went just a touch further south than Burgundy to a much lesser-known region: Patagonia, Argentina. Patagonia is such a hot spot (figuratively, not literally) to be drinking wine from right now (really [...]

By | 2024-03-13T22:38:19+00:00 March 8th, 2024|

Wine – because no great story ever started with a salad

March Wines of the Month Our Wines of the Month for March will cover you for the transition into spring — hearty reds for cooler days, chuggable whites and rosés for warmer days. Or vice versa — you call the shots with your wine. (And look at our multi-bottle discounts at the bottom of the page.) Altos las Hormigas Tinto Red Blend Mendoza, Argentina We've all had Argentinian Malbec before, but what about a blend including Bonarda (Barbera) and Semillon??! The wine is juicy but still structured with loads of red fruit, a touch of spice and herbs, and [...]

By | 2024-08-20T19:21:11+00:00 March 7th, 2024|