Today Rosé Week takes us to Tuscany with our 3rd summer selection! Castello di Bossi is one of those savory rosés that goes great with food. 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon make it heartier than other rosés, and this one has earthy and herbal notes. Kinda better with dinner rather than porch pounding. (16.99 … Continue reading
Author Archives: grapefriend
rosé week #4: pinot noir perfection!
#4 in our Rosé Week countdown is suuuch a good one! This Balletto ($20.99 here) from Russian River Valley is made from Pinot Noir – hands down one of my favorite rosé-making grapes. They’re really light and refreshing, but still have a lot of strawberry fruit and the best ones balance that with great acidity … Continue reading
rosé week is back – and it’s top 5 time!
In grapefriend’s long-standing tradition (ok, three years – and counting), Rosé Week is back in action! In past summers we’ve gone through how rosé is made, what songs it pairs best with, and which celebrities are making the pink. I’ve tasted over 75 of them since June, so this year we’re getting back to basics and … Continue reading
napa vintner dinners crush it
So in the midst of all the Auction madness, every night winemakers host these incredible dinners all over the valley. On Thursday we went to Clif Family Winery, where they love biking almost as much as wine. Their tasting room is full of bike gear, trip photos, delicious little snacks, and of course wine. A … Continue reading
big bottles, bigger bids: auction napa valley
Amazing weekend in Napa! Was there for Auction Napa Valley, which raises money for health and education charities in Napa. Winemakers from Napa Valley Vintners donate tons of their wine – some from the barrel, some finished bottles – and lot of over the top experiences for people to bid on. The weekend unofficially starts with vintner dinners each … Continue reading
rainy rosé
Rain rain go away, all of New York wants to rosé. Even if you can’t booze on the balcony, you can take your rosé inside. Or drink under the overhang. Ain’t no stopping you. Continue reading
cocktail friend: spring massey
I was looking for a good whiskey cocktail and came across a recipe for Raymond Massey cocktails (named after an actor). Those are rye, ginger syrup, champagne, and lemon peel. Well I couldn’t find ginger syrup and my friend has a bad reaction to champagne (tragic) so we improvised! I created these Spring Massey cocktails: … Continue reading
mad men wine count: i’d like to buy the world a wine
Well, it’s over. But I was thrilled to get one last grapey scene in the Mad Men finale! Who ever even knew Ken was such a grapefriend? After salivating over that ’53 Margaux a few weeks ago, he’s already drinking wine at dinner with Joan. And then she even gets on the grape train, asking “Can … Continue reading
mad men wine count: ken’s rise and fall as king grapefriend
Ken Cosgrove has never been a key player on Mad Men. I mean I loved the “It’s my job” speech, but until this episode I’ve never felt riled up about him. But then, he popped a Chateau Margaux at dinner. Suddenly, we have a new official grapefriend! Chateau Margaux is a grand cru from Bordeaux, and one … Continue reading
scandal wine recap: here comes the wine
Sorry for the delay, grapefriends! We’ve been recovering from the Scandal finale while simultaneously prepping for the Mad Men finale. It’s a lot! Anyway, let’s get to my and Abby’s recap, shall we? Another season of Scandal has come to an end and let’s just say it was not my favorite, but at least the … Continue reading