As with all wines, the land the vines grow in is critical to how the wines turn out. So I recently went hiking with Austrian Wines in honor of the eight Styrian Wine Trails that lead hikers through the vineyards, hills and thermal spas in the region. Sadly, we were just in upstate New York instead …
I hope you’re watching Succession! Roman’s constant barbs are as delicious as wine. One thing I notice a lot is that no matter how rich people might be (and ok, granted they’re actors but even on reality shows) they don’t ever seem to hold wine glasses properly by the stem. The Roy family are all …
With COP26 underway, it’s a great time to take a look at some of the cool sustainability initiatives happening in the wine industry all over the world. Regional Regulations: In the Médoc, producers are working to make sustainability and biodiversity practices mandatory in their AOC regulations which would involve practices like reducing pesticides, preserving biodiversity, and managing the region’s carbon footprint. Sustainable farming helps …
Have as much fun learning about wine as you do when you’re drinking it! We share what wines you should drink for each month’s biggest events, whether it’s for the Super Bowl or the super moon, the premiere of Stranger Things or the finale of Succession, Tuesday night values or Saturday night splurges. So sign …
Yum to the rum. Just got back from Negril, and when you’re in Jamaica that’s what you drink. My favorite rum cocktail was the Dirty Banana – super refreshing and you’ll never feel guilty if you have it very early in the morning because it’s basically a nutritious shake! So here’s the recipe for 2 cocktails: …
The grapefriend wine totes have arrived!!! They’re totes amazing (get it?), and not just because they hold wine. I lug a lot of wine around. A lot. To friends, to dinners, to events, away for the weekend. I was tired of trying to find bubble wrap or random pieces of cardboard (liquor store style) to stuff in …
Or did it ever end? With the ridiculous explosion of Aperol spritzes forming seas of orange in piazzas and bars worldwide, these all-in-one Almare Spritz cocktails are fantastic to have on hand. Comes in three flavors: Classico is your typical Aperol style with lots of bittersweet orange; Hugo which has very pretty elderflower in it; and our … Continue reading
As you get ready for those pink-bud selfies in the park, tap into another taste of Japan with some awesome Japanese whiskey. I’m a huge fan of the more delicate texture of these, and recently had the slightly heftier Takamine 8 Year Old Whiskey ($99). It’s full of really delicious burnt orange peel and just a touch of … Continue reading
A great spring dinner is lemony chicken piccata with an equally citrusy Sauvignon Blanc. The zest in Matanzas Creek’s Sonoma County SB ($25) is balanced by some lovely white floral notes. Perfect for Earth Day, as Matanzas Creek is certified sustainable and has fields of lavender that attract all kinds of pollinators and insects. Want to be the first to … Continue reading
All the flowers are inspiring, but the temperatures aren’t quite ready for us to have rosés or whites all the time. Pop the corks on some light reds that fit the in-between bill. Varvaglione Primitivo 12 e Mezzo: Could there be a more springlike label? Luckily the wine is just as vibrant, bursting with red currants … Continue reading
And now for a few non-wine gifts (yes, they exist). Chill out with this Veuve Clicquot wine mini-fridge, designed by smeg in honor of the Champagne’s 250th anniversary. So chic, and a great way to keep your bubbly all together. $4000 This wine advent calendar will be sure to get you through any holiday stress. You get 24 mini bottles and … Continue reading
It’s that time of year when everyone starts asking me what wine to get for all the people they need to give a gift to—friend, family, boss, doorman. Here are some excellent suggestions, all under $100. Reds: Two reds that taste like they’re twice the price. White: Try expanding someone’s wine world with a fantastic white. Sparkling: A … Continue reading
It’s time again for that mishmash of holiday foods all on one table. I always drink American, so here are some basic styles that will be able to flex across all your flavors. Starting with bubbles, try Domaine Carneros Late Disgorged Brut ($58). Aged for six years on the lees in the bottle, it has a bit more complexity and … Continue reading
Pundits are curious about how the younger generation votes, and grapefriend is curious about how they drink. Someone was telling me the other day that younger people are drinking more (or even only) weird, funky wines. It’s interesting to think about how they might be nurturing their palate on newer styles and bolder tastes versus, say, a Sauvignon Blanc. One … Continue reading
This year, Sherry Week is November 7-13, and to celebrate González Byass sent a sampling of sherries and Jasper Hill Farms cheeses. My favorite pairing was the hard Whitney with either the fino or the amontillado. The fino was the suggested pairing and I liked the mild oxidation in the Tio Pepe with the cheese, but there was a nuttiness to it … Continue reading
I’ve been drinking a lot of bubbly lately. Not only is it refreshing in hot weather, but it tends to be a little lower in alcohol. We all know Champagne from France and Prosecco from Italy, but given how much sparkling wine I’ve been popping I decided to try some from lesser-known places—and was quite … Continue reading
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