With the economy still figuring itself out, everyone is looking for values. I have quite a few, although I was sharing some with people in my apartment building and someone said they thought even $20 was too high. Always good to get these reality checks. The good news: one of my favorites wines this month … Continue reading
In the states, we get lots of Chardonnay from California. But on Chardonnay Day (May 21), let’s explore the grape’s options from all around the world. Oregon: What I love about Chardonnays from Oregon is that they change your mind about what Chardonnay can be. This one from Yamhill Valley Vineyards was surprisingly light and crisp, much … Continue reading
As everyone’s in lockdown and perhaps starting to tighten belts, here are this month’s monthly value recommendations so you’re saving money but not flavor. I’m sharing a mix of specific bottles you might be able to find, more general regions and grapes that should be at your local shop (hopefully it’s open or will be … Continue reading
Back in the day it was rare to have a female winemaker. Luckily that’s all changed now, and today on International Women’s Day you have a ton of women-made wines to choose from. Here are a few I’ve enjoyed all over the world, often with the winemakers themselves. Caroline Diel at Schlossgut Diel in Nahe, … Continue reading
I love popping some pink bubbles pretty much any day, but I’ll take Valentine’s as an excuse. Sparkling rosé adds such a rich, decadent Marie Antoinette feel to your glass. And it just looks pretty too. Try these: Gratien & Meyer Crémant de Loire, $18. By now you all probably know how I feel about crémant: … Continue reading
Drink like the stars at your Oscar party. The official Champagne is Piper-Heidsieck, and to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Prohibition they made a limited-edition magnum with a replica of the Prohibition era label. In the 1920s, bootleggers would smuggle Piper-Heidsieck into the United States where it would be secretly served in speakeasys throughout New York City. Now, … Continue reading
It’s the best, booziest awards show of them all. They always have those big magnums of Moët on the tables, surely the source of some of the more entertaining speeches over the years. This year they’ll be pouring 125 cases of Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2009 and Moët Imperial Rose Magnums. But they’re also serving … Continue reading
Thanksgiving is a smorgasbord of events. Cooking. Company. And confusion, if you don’t know what wine to pour. So if pairing wine for the holiday has you feeling like this: Just stick with grapefriend and you’ll soon be feeling like this: My one rule: drink American, for obvious reasons. OK, let’s get started and take this course … Continue reading
Given that TV is way more exciting than movies these days, the Emmys are sort of THE awards show to watch. Grapefriend went to the Emmys and the Governors Ball after-party with Ferrari, which has been the official sparkling wine of the Emmys for the fifth year in a row. The house started in 1902 with the … Continue reading
ESPN seriously needs to up their reporting skills because it’s clear that the real reason Andrew Luck retired is so he can make wine like so many other retired players. Look at Charles Woodson, living his best life post-NFL. He just came out with a new wine line called Intercept (since he was one of the … Continue reading
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