It’s 11-11-11, make a wish! If you wished for an amazing *FREE* tasting of 11 wines from around the world at an adorable boutique wine store, it has come true! Harlem Vintage also offering 11% off off any 11 bottles and will be staying open until 11pm. The tasting is from 4-8 but the party continues next door at their bar Nectar where the “wine whisperer” Cynthia will be satisfying all your libation needs. Get the Manchego stuffed dates wrapped in Pancetta… it will blow your mind!

Here are a few examples of what you will be sampling at the tasting:

Fuentenarro “4 Months”

This lovely Tempranillo is a creamy mix of redcurrant, blueberry, plums and ripe peach fill the palate. A medium bodied wine, with sweet ripe tannins, well structured, showing great potential.

Santa Vincenzo Ventoso Morellino di Scansano

This is ablend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Ciliegiolo and 5% Alicante. It features very outgoing aromas of smoky cherry, violets and leather. In the mouth, it has bright medium-bodied cherryish fruit and finishes very long.

Baglio Dosa Nero d’Avola

A warm and plummy red wine with a touch of raisins and a hint of almonds in the flavor. There’s sufficient acidity to give it structure, but the overall impression is soft as velvet. Although the finish isn’t overly long, ripe and appealing fruit and surprising complexity hold up as a food wine perfectly paired with a juicy brisket or Hungarian stew.

Hannah Nicole Syrah

This powerful Syrah comes from Contra County California in the same region as Turley and Rosenblum which is famous for Zins and Syrahs. This wine explodes with fresh black pepper. Flavorful and rich, it is lush and abounding with flavor, with hints of smoke, cherry and fig.

Hope to see you all there!

The highlight of the event  was the Austrian section featuring Forstreiter, Andau, Fritsch, Stadlmann, Weninger and Nittnaus. I spent the majority of the afternoon there savoring each Gruner and Zweigelt but the most exciting part was meeting Toni Silver from Grooner.  She is the spritely spokesperson for the brand and is pictured on the bottles. Visit our Facebook page for pictures of the event.

Tickets are still available for Eat.Drink.End.Hunger in NYC from September 29th-October 2nd. 100% of the net proceeds from the Festival benefit the Food Bank For New York City and Share Our Strength®

To get tickets, click here to visit NYC Wine & Food Festival or call 866.969.2933.

Follow @FoodBankNYC & @ShareStrength on Twitter

• Cute Puppies: In addition to all of the precious pups in the store, Animal Haven will be on site with some irresistible faces that you may just want to take home with you. We’ll also be doing a raffle to benefit this wonderful organization.
• Doggy Portraits: You can get one for your pooch!
• Tickets To Astor Center Classes: Astor is giving away tickets to two of their popular wine and spirits classes.
• Wine & Cocktail Tastings: We’ll be pouring some special wines that will be on sale and preparing canine-themed cocktails.
• Food: Tasty treats will be served!

http://patrickbucklew.com/

Fischl tells The Herald Sun that Miss Louisa knows if a glass or barrel of wine is off due to tainted corks just by raising a nostril at it. Daniel says, “Most wineries rely on the human nose but that is time-consuming, costly and nowhere near as reliable as Belle, whose nose is 2000 times more sensitive than ours.” Miss Louisa’s nose can also sniff out mildew leaves on vines and faulty corks.

Coming from a long line of search-and-rescue dogs, Miss Belle has a keen sense of smell, but opted to abandon the family profession for sniffing wine. We’re sure her lineage of superior olfactory sense sure comes in handy!

For all you dog loving oenophiles you don’t have to travel to Australia to incorporate the two. This Wednesday, you can help mans best friend and enjoy some delicious wines!

Bideawee is collaborating with 67 Wine for a summer wine tasting event on August 10, 2011 from 4:00 – 7:00PM to raise funds to help support that wide variety of programs that Bideawee offers pets and the people that love them. Below is the information Bidawee has put out about the event:

The partnership between Bideawee and 67 Wine brings together two New York City mainstays to offer pet lovers the opportunity to taste three distinct styles of wines from the Les Compagnons collection from Gabriella Wines at 67 Wine’s Columbus Avenue location on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. At this pet friendly event, attendees will also enjoy light snacks and the pleasure of mingling with other pet lovers and their dogs. To commemorate the event each guest will receive a Bideawee wine glass and 67 Wine will donate $1.00 for each bottle of wine purchased during the event to Bideawee. Raffle drawings and prizes for wine enthusiasts and dog loving attendees will be held throughout the evening.

Bideawee adoptable dogs will be on site in hopes of finding a new forever home.

67 Wine
179 Columbus Avenue (at 68th Street)

Wine tasting event fee is a $10.00 donation to Bideawee. Well-behaved dogs are welcome and will receive complimentary treats and gifts from The New York Dog Shop.

For more information, contact Amy Hraniotis, Bideawee Event Manager, at (516) 785-4687, ext. 369

Maybe you’ll find a Miss Louisa Belle of your own!

"That batch has got to go!"

Wine Australia is using social networking to present an opportunity for Australian wineries to connect with some of their core audience and also donate profits to a great cause.

First, they have hooked up with the Open Space Alliance of North Brooklyn (OSA) for the Williamsburg Waterfront concert series taking place through September (this is their 3rd year running!). Wine Australia, the sole wine sponsor for these sold-out summer events, will serve a total of 19 Australian wines, in rotation, at the concerts. (100%of the profits from the wine sales at the concerts goes directly to OSA’s park developments and greening of the urban landscape in Brooklyn.)

In addition, this year you can actually find one or more of these 19 wines at participating retailers (see list below). What’s more, if you “check-in” via foursquare and also buy a bottle of one of the participating wines, you’ll get a Wine Australia gift-pack (take away glass and corkscrew) to go with your wine.

Picture yourself sipping on an ice cold glass of Woop Woop Verdelho while getting your boots dirty to Sonic Youth. Maybe the bold and spicy Running with Bulls Tempranillo is more your speed during Widespread Panic.

And remember to check in with Foursquare at one of the participating wine shops, get a few “tips” on the program as well as insider info on Australian wine and let your friends know where you got this special gift… or leave your own tip?

This is going on ALL summer so there are lots of chances for you to try different wines from Australia whether or not you actually get to a concert or not.  Whatever the case may be, this is an event not to missed.

Here’s the lowdown:

Remaining AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER Concerts:

Peter in his favorite section: Sancerre

America is known as the melting pot of the world, NYC is known as the melting pot of America, Astoria Queens is known as the melting pot of NYC and Grand Wines and Liquors is certainly the melting pot of diverse wines in Astoria.

Peter Panayiotou is the manager of the long standing establishment. So long standing in fact, that they have been in business since 1932! Grand Wines chooses wines from all areas, as the residents of Astoria come from all backgrounds, so there is something for everyone. Within their 900 labels you can find everything from your typical Napa Cab to an indigenous varietal from Nigeria or Thailand. You can spend $4.99 a bottle or splurge on a premium bottle for $499.00.

Panayiotou shares that over the years less gallon jugs and lower end wines are being sold; while more small vineyard, boutique and cellar bottles are being purchased. Especially since, after 9-11, a younger crowd started moving to Astoria: and as Williamsburg keeps getting more and more expensive, many Brooklynites have been migrating to Astoria to find a higher quality of life.  In turn, this neighborhood shop has been catering to this new crowd by stocking the shelves with hipper items.

Don’t know how to choose from over 900 different wines from every corner of the earth? Join Grand at their weekly tasting every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5-8.

Grand Wines & Liquor

30-05 31st St (Off 30th Ave)

Astoria NY 11102

718-728-2520

Hell’s Kitchen Wine Bars

French Mediterranean

653 Ninth Ave. 10002
Cross Streets: 46th & 47th St.
Phone: 212-333-5100

Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-2am

Come to Hell’s Kitchen for Happy Hour, brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks at this new wine bar.

The wines spread of over 100+ vintages and the savory dishes created by owner and chef Al Rineh: also founder of the international L’Ybane Restaurants. “We want create the experience of Nice with the essence of classic New York for our customers–that they taste and feel the richness of life found in southern France, immersed in the friendly and relaxed environment of our own La Carafe.”

More to come on wines and pricing. They serve a variety of hot and cold appetizers–spiced chickpea fritters, grilled merguez, eggplant caviar–and specialty pasta, seafood and Mediterranean entrees.

La Carafe’s floor seats up to 30 with its wood tables and copper covered bar aglow with oil candles. Customers can take in the charming details back dropped by funky lamps and shelved rows of wine accenting the exposed brick wall.

Midtown East Wine Bars

Cheese

590 Madison Ave., 10022
Cross Streets: 56th & 57th St.
212-355 -2217

Hours: Weekdays 7am-6pm, Weekends 9am-6pm

For a while, the midtown Manhattan mozzarella bar, In the public atrium at the IBM Building allowed you to enjoy bufala at its finest; now you can have it with a nice glass of wine. It was only a matter of time as not having wine has been the only serious criticism of Obika.

Now they offer a wide range of Italian wines, the perfect complement to the other ingredients served.  So, along with the much buzzed about fresh mozzarella and pasta fare, expect wine options from Campagnia, Veneto,Tuscany and Puglia, and “a few surprises.” More to come on wines and prices.

This is a nice place to go and avoid the heavily touristy fare nearby and enjoy a complete wine and cheese experience.

Midtown West Wine Bars

Italian

1496 2nd Ave. 10075
Cross Streets: 77th & 78th St.
212-249-1010

Hours: Sun-Tue Noon-11pm, Wed-Thu Noon-Midnight, Fri-Sat Noon-3am

Sister to Bocca di Bacco in Hell’s Kitchen, Bocca (as the uptown offshoot is being called) will offer communal dining and feature 45 wines by the glass (housed in a air-compression chamber to preserve their freshness).  In fact, they have an incredibly extensive Italian wine list (over 500 by the bottle) where you can order many by the glass or even 1/2 glass.

This outpost will have 80 seats, plus 45 outside. The menu and decor will be the same, but  they’ll be adding lunch and brunch items like panini and frittatas. Wine list, prices and atmosphere updates to come.

With wine barrels hanging from the wall, bottles of wine outlining every corner, and dim lighting, it is a great after work, relaxing wine spot where sitting at the bar splitting dishes and a bottle of wine is enjoyable and casual!  They offer snacks such as mixed olives, meat and cheese plates, and little nibbles like rice balls and marinated sardines.

Italian

77 2nd Ave., 10003
Cross Streets: 4th & 5th St.
212-228-2969

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-Midnight, Sat-Sun 9am-Midnight

Named after the current-day markets in Italy, Ballarò is an updated take on a modern, Sicilian deli, crossed with a rustically cool wine bar. In layman’s terms: A place for coffee in the morning, followed by easy-to-eat Paninis and crisp, refreshing wine ’til you think you might burst.

As the sun sets, cheese-and-salami plates make their appearance – free to sample with a purchase of a glass of wine (6-7:30pm). The wine list, covering all regions of Italy, starts around $8.

They actually have a nice selection of between the 40 to 50 Italian and California wines (owner Giusto Priola says the California selection is in there because we are, after all, in America).  Or go for the “wine tasting”. For $20 you get to choose 5 wines from any wine by the glass offered (you end up with a nice pour of each). A great way to explore the wine list.

They list 23 signature Paninis: with freshly carved meats and cheeses, brought in straight from Italy, not to mention plenty of veggies and four types of bread to choose from, the build-your-own option is awfully appealing too… like speck, buffala mozzarella, Gorgonzola, arugula and tomato on ciabatta.

The rustic décor is warm, yet somehow modern…with exposed brick walls; and clusters of garlic and peppers hanging over the bar.

Note: Cash only.

Williamsburg Wine Bars

International

232 N 12 St. 11211
Cross Streets: Driggs and Roebling St.
718-486-3900

Hours: tbd

American/ European tapas bar offering a diverse (and ambitious) menu and a fantastic selection of wines. More info on venue and wines to come.

Nestled in the menu of a wide-ranging but well-priced list of small plates are wood-fired thin-crust pizzas. The pies are all named for chart-topping tunes, like Let the Good Times Roll (mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta, sweet and hot sausages) and Heart of Gold (mozzarella, spinach, artichokes, mushrooms, peppers, tomato sauce). The rest of the tapas menu includes items such as pumpkin ravioli, a hummus plate and garlic shrimp—along with sandwiches and salads.  Most ingredients are organic or natural from sustainable sources.

Moomba seems perfectly positioned to accommodate larger groups looking for a family-style meal sharing experience.

Mediterranean

811 9th Ave., 10019
Cross Streets: 53rd & 54th St.
212-586-1201

Hours:  Mon-Thur 5pm-Midnight, Fri 5pm-1am, Sat-Sun  11am-11pm

Were you thinking bites/
mezze/ tapas/ small plates complemented with valued wines? You thought right.

Once a local paint shop, this newcomer hosts a heavy Western European/Mediterranean wine list with more than the usual Italian, French and Spanish suspects — such as bottles from Lebanon, Croatia and Israel. They actually have about 25 white wines to choose from and over 50 reds from many regions, including: Greece, Spain, Italy, France, Turkey, Montenegro, Lebanon, Israel, and more.  Major points for the inclusion of several $6 – $7 glasses on the menu.

The food is based on the different areas of the mediterranean cuisine culture, with a bit of fusion flare mixed in. Menus arrive on rustic, wood planks and feature European-Mediterranean tapas like lamb albondigas ($6), a small bowl of meatballs with pine nuts and raisins in a spicy red wine sauce, and the piquant marinated anchovy plate ($6). There’s also a short list of full-on entrées (rack of lamb, Cornish hen).

It’s an open vibe; in fact with an open kitchen
with a small counter where anyone can have a “quick cooking class”, a great large bar
and welcoming dining area. Or check out their lovely and somewhat secretive “wine cellar” that sports a big communal table; which is accommodating for private wine and food events, but can work out as a very cool
romantic dating spot if you don’t mind sharing an 11 ft long table with someone else.

Their website says they’ll soon will have a green and peaceful garden
space in the back? (spring 2011?)

Italian

310 Bleecker St., 10014
Cross Streets: Grove & Barrow St.
212-675-2009

Hours: tbd

A casual Italian joint cum wine bar cum espresso bar, set up as an outpost to it’s more formal restaurant in the space next door.

The focus here is on simple and savory bar bites, but the house cocktails like a michelada, as well as an all-Italian wine list of over two-dozen vinos (all available by the glass) add some buzz to the bite.

The stuzzichini menu is split among meats (bone marrow sformato, prosciutto with almonds), seafood (crudo with smoked chili and kiwi) and veggies (eggplant caponata with currants), along with a selection of cheeses and desserts.

Caffe Muzio is phase 1 of the overhaul of the once Choptank space, which has now been divided into two sections. The second section, next door, will feature a more formal Italian restaurant concept.

More to come on venue, wine list and atmosphere.

Soho Wine Bars

Italian

105 Thompson St., 10012
Cross Streets: Spring & Prince St.
212-226-1146

Hours: tbd

A smaller outpost of Vincent Cherico’s uptown spot Vai opened Spring 2011.  Without an actual bar, it is more a wine spot: with high tables lining one wall, a good wine selection and tasty small plates options.

This wine-centric small plate spot is serving up serious flavors. Each table has a place setting set with three wine glasses, to be filled with a combo of their 20 “by-the” offerings to make an appropriate tasting flight to pair with your light bites.  More to come on the wine list.

Liberally pulling from French, Italian, and Spanish culinary traditions of honest Mediterranean food, the evolving menu is built for exploration and is broken into categories like Formaggi, Crudo and Lightly Cooked offerings… including chili-sauced Alaskan king crab legs!  The dishes are elaborate, like tuna tartare and himachi crudo, bacalao salad (confit salted cod, cauliflower and potato puree), halibut and guancile cannellini bean cassoulet and roasted bone marrow.

The space is seriously intimate, as they only have room for tables on one of the walls.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner will soon be served.

12 North 5th St., 11211
Cross Streets: Kent Ave.
718-384-1275

Hours: Mon 4pm-9pm; Tue-Thu 1pm-10pm; Fri 1pm-11pm; Sat 12pm-11pm; Sun 12pm-9pm

A nice little wine shop right by the pier sandwiched by luxury condos. The boutique wine shop has a select portfolio of wines and spirits that reflect the evolving tastes of the Williamsburg neighborhood. The owners have been Williamsburg locals for years and enjoy engaging with the friends and families of the neighborhood.

Locals are pleased that the staff is friendly, they know their wines and can recommend wines for a dinner or aperitif – and within a price range. The owners say they love to share the stories that exist from soil to store shelves to dinner tables.

The unique interior design is thanks to the owners dad (who also designed a restaurant in Sag Harbor and the Science Playground (New York Hall of Science, Queens, NY)

Stop by on Friday evenings for weekly tastings.  It’s a dog friendly establishment too.  Water and biscuits for the pup!

South African

1614 3rd Ave., 10128
Cross Streets: 90th & 91st St.
phone

Hours: tbd

Opened Spring 2011. A farm to table inspired wine bar with a New World southern hemisphere winelist and craft beer.

KAIA means Hut in Zulu,and means some variation of “house” or “home” in most of South African’s 11 officially recognized languages.

The wine list is New World in style – South Africa (about 25% of the list), New Zealand, Australia, Uruguay, Chile, New York, Oregon, Argentina: serving up 14 whites/13 reds. Every wine is available by the glass and range from between $9 to $13 – for a good pour.  They are proudly unique in their choice of underexposed vintages: the wine list is happily off-the-beaten-path style.  Such as a wine made from Counoise, a minor red-wine grape grown in the southern Rhone Valley of France, used in red wine blends to add aroma, spice and freshness. Most bottles are under $50, and all are available by the glass, along with a list of craft beers.

They are also sharing some wines more close to home as they are pouring two “draught” vintages from the Gotham Project on the North Fork of Long Island—a Riesling and The Fork, a Merlot-based red blend.

The mixed Zulu and English on the menu, a multicultural mix that is also the trademark of the cuisine. (South African influences means lots of spices and complex aromas.) They serve a tight menu of small plates; heavy on meats and spices. According to the website, they use only locally 
sourced organic cured meat and cheese.

Music from the country plays in the background, and the décor is low-lit, exposed-brick spot with a nod to the rich culture and cuisine of South Africa.

The owners hail from Sfoglia and Babbo; and their background in hospitality shows… Kaia is the kind of place with the casual friendliness to make you feel like a regular customer from your very first visit.

Italian

1102 Bedford St., 11216
Cross Streets: Lexinton Ave. & Quincy St.
718-484-8474

Hours:

The most common grapes of the region include Chardonnay and Savagnin for whites and Poulsard, Trousseau and Pinot Noir for reds. The region also offers Cremant du Jura – sparkling whites usually made entirely of Chardonnay.

However, the whites are quite similar to Sherry because of the method of aging…. but don’t go running, these are whites with an attitude. Focused, rich, nutty with just the right amount of citrus backbone to carve smiles onto your face when drinking them.

“Namely the wines are aged in barrels for years under a film of natural yeast, known as voile in France, or flor in Jerez (region in Spain where Sherry is produced). This film allows a slow oxidation. The difference is that the voile is more beneficial for producing low alcohol wines than Spanish flor….”

“The reds are very similar to those in Burgundy in structure and balance. The wines are silky in texture, very elegant and need to be opened for about 2-3 hours before consuming. The most important fact of this region is that most of the producers make natural wines, ‘at the vineyard’, rather than ‘in the winery’.” (Taken from the Murray Hill Wine Blog. Read more about Jura wines - here.)

Being from the cooler, somewhat-northerly Western area of France, on the boarder of Switzerland, Jura has been a sleeper of a wine region to most of us, as it is one of the smallest wine regions in France. Only those in the know were enjoying the fruits of the Jura winemaker’s labors. And all of those Jurans drinking their own wines of course.

With the influx of wine imports, the increase of wine bars and wine shops around town, the elevated sense of personal wine exploration and the heightened awareness that wines from around the world are truly wonders of their own, we now are able to experience the flavors of the old country of France.

A quick search using the term “Jura” on Wine-Searcher, shows us that (even on the free version) there are numerous wine shops in town that carry a variety of Jura wines. From bubblies to flavorful whites to focused reds, you have plenty of places to scout out one of these unique wines.

Since there is not a simple search site that helps us find what wines are in our local wine bars (until we create one!), to find a Jura wine would require a little more thinking and follow through. A quick Google search turns up that Lelabar, Terroir, Anfora and Bubble Lounge have a Jura wine or two on their wine menus. And, knowing that Jura wines typically follow a “natural” winemaking process, it would be safe to assume that the Natural wine bars around town would carry a Jura or two – either year round or from time to time; so check in with The Ten Bells, Tangled Vine or Thirstbaràvin. Or stop by one of the French wine bars around town; maybe such as Pierre Loti, Adour, Le Bateau Ivre or Domaine Bar a Vins as a few suggestions to start.

As we discover these wines in New York City, we’ll be sure to let you know.  Do you know of any Jura wines in your neighborhood wine shop or wine bar?

FunWithWine.com
Presents
Spring Fling Wine Party

Date and Time:            Thursday, April 07, 2011 at 7:30 PM

Location:                        to be announced, NYC

Description:                   Join Funwithwine for one of our classic and renown wine parties.

This will be a walk-around event, with many great wines organized according to a TBD theme and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

This event will run from 7:30 to 10:30.

Cost:

$40. special early bird reservation price, which will rise to $60 during the week of the event.

RSVP & Cancellation Policy

You may pay online with VISA or Mastercard.

Cancellations are accepted until March 30th. After March 30th, cancellations are accepted provided a replacement can be found. All cancellations are subject to a $15 handling charge.

Celebrating Spring with Fine Wine

April 1, 2011 (Fri)
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Learn how to unravel and appreciate wine’s complexities of 12 Wines (Rated 90+) (led by a certified Sommelier); munch on delectable cheeses; and meet a BUNCH OF WINE LOVERS – at an artsy venue.

Brief History

The celebration of St. Patrick’s Day started because the Irish wanted to honor Saint Patrick (c. AD 387–461), the most commonly recognised of the patron saints of Ireland. (It is said he was called to Ireland, to Christianise the Irish. Folklore tells that one of his teaching methods included using the shamrock to explain the Christian doctrine of the Trinity to the Irish people. – wikipedia.org

Over the years, people of all backgrounds have joined the celebration on March 17, the religious feast day and anniversary of St. Patrick’s death.  People dance, drink and feast—on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.

The wearing and display of shamrocks and shamrock-inspired designs – or the “wearing of the green” – have become a ubiquitous feature of the day.  They represent a celebration of national, religious and political history to many.

Parades

The oldest parade was organized by the Irish Society of Boston: the first Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in the colonies as well as the first recorded Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in the world on 18 March 1737.  (The first parade in Ireland did not occur until 1931 in Dublin. – wikipedia.org)

However, NYC holds the claim to be the longest-running (and largest) US based St. Patrick’s Day Parade, as it was inaugurated on March 17, 1762.  Today, that parade is the world ‘s oldest civilian parade and the largest in the United States, with over 150,000 participants. Each year, nearly three million people line the 1.5-mile parade route to watch the procession, which takes more than five hours.

Contrarily, the shortest St Patrick’s Day parade in the world takes place in Dripsey, Cork. The parade lasts just 100 yards and travels between the village’s two pubs.

Wine tastings, instead of beer guzzling, on St. Patrick’s Day?

So, what does any of this have to do with wine? Well, wine is a social beverage and this is a social celebration. Furthermore, if the traditional meal is cabbage and sausage, though beer is quite an acceptable pairing, wouldn’t a crisp wine with good acidity to balance the richness and flavors be even better? We think so.

So we found a few wine events that are being held on March 17 that you can hit up after you wave on your fellow Irish friends and family down the parade route…. or forgo the green nuttiness and go straight to gold with one of these alternatively festive options:

Austrian Wines

Kurt Gutenbrunner is hosting an Austrian wine tasting, featuring winemakers, and wines from more than 13 wineries. Join them at Cafe Kristall and you will get a chance to ask the winemakers questions while sampling a few of the best wines, in one of the Best Austrian Restaurant in NYC. Chef will be creating some lite bites to taste with the wines. RSVP today (info@weygandtselections.com), March 15, and get in for just $5. (Note: for those of you unsure of your ability to make it so far south into Soho from the UES, you may be able to hit up the door between 4-7pm and get in for $10.)

Cafe Kristall
70 Mercer St., Soho – between Spring and Broome
4-7pm ($5 if RSVP by March 15, $10 at the door)

South African Wines

UPDATE: Unfortunately, we see that the eventbright link says it’s sold out, but if this sounds too fabulous, email tastings@snooth.com or hello@generalassemb.ly to see if there are any last minute cancellations and/or to find out when the next event will be held.

The people behind the online wine behemoth, Snooth have joined up with General Assembly, an urban campus for entrepreneurs, and are hosting a special wine tasting with a South African winemaker, because… well because drinking with the winemaker is cool.  Enter: Rijk Melck, winemaker from 300 year old estate in Simonsberg-Stellenbosch South Africa.

You’ll enjoy a sparkling wine reception at the kick off the evening, followed by a tasting of 6 more wines (Chardonnay, White Blend, Red Blend, Pinot Noir, Shiraz & a Vintage Port) served with light food.

General Assembly
902 Broadway, 4th Floor – between 20th & 21st St.

Dirty Wines

Leave the mess on the streets and Irish Bars of Manhattan and get thee to City Winery. At the Dirty Wines Gone Dirt Cheap event, you’ll experience pay dirt – in wines that is.  There’s nothing dirty about these wines except the soil they were grown in.  Vestry Wines’ (Tribeca) fabulously keen manager, Cynthia Sexton, will lead a tasting of six ‘dirty wines’ that reflect aspects of the soil and environment in which they’re grown.

Let your palate experience what “they” really mean when they claim a wine has flavors of wet stones or road tar or chalky sea-fossil soils.  A flavor exploration not to miss. And thanks to City Winery and LocalWineEvents.com you can attend this tasting for only $32.50 (50% off original price…. true representation of the theme!)

The Wines:: Marie Noelle Ledru Champagne Brut 2006 (welcome wine with appetizers), Pepiere Muscadet 2009, Clothilde Davenne Chablis (08 or 09), Terres Dorees Beaujolais Cuvee Ancien VV 2009, Descendientes de Jose Palacios Bierzo ‘Petalos’ 2008, Chateau LaRoque Pic Saint Loup VV 2006, St. Hugo Cabernet Sauvignon (Coonawarra) 2005

City Winery NYC
155 Varick Street – between Spring & Vandam
7-9pm

Italy North to South

For you couples out there who want to escape the random revelers in Chelsea, check out this wine class that will give you a tasteful exploration of Italian wines: From North to South. From the minerally perfumed whites of the Tre Venezie and Val d’Aosta to the dark, powerful reds of Sicily and Campania, Italy’s thousands of grape varieties will certainly leave you always in discovery. The North provides big, brooding, tannic reds and crisp, focused whites – where the South brings richer tastes of flowers, spice, juiciness and pepper….

Includes artisanal cheeses & cured hams to pair.

$90/ per person. (Note: the majority of attendees to these events are couples.)

NYC Wine Class
167 West 23rd Street
7-9:30pm

Other Tastings Around Town:

Brooklyn Winery Spring 2011 Winemaking Open House Tours

The Spring 2011 winemaking program is just around the corner (it starts in April). If you want to find out what the “make your own wine” fuss is check out this open house and find out 1.) what’s involved in making wine at Brooklyn Winery and 2.) get all the details on their winemaking packages. If a barrel of wines will be too much to handle on your own open house tours are a great chance to meet other wine enthusiasts and sign up to share a barrel with them.

They are also hosting Flight Night Thursday Flight Night Thursday… buy a flight and then enjoy a free glass of the wine that you liked best! All night.

Brooklyn Winery
213 North 8th Street

67 Wines Tasting Series

Join them for an informal discussion, stories and sips – led by buyer Ben Wood. They’ll pop open exclusive bottles of “orange” wine, that you can sample without having to spend a dime. Get a glass in hand, under your nose and discover some exceptional wines with us. Featured wines are always 10% off during the tasting. 4-7pm

Orange wines to taste: Tocai Friulano “Jakot” Radikon (Friuli) 2004, Ribolla Gialla, “Lunar” Movia (Slovenia) 2007, Cistercensi Coenobiaum “Rusticum” (Lazio) 2008

67 Wines
179 Columbus Ave.
4-7pm

Tasting of Chateau Guiraud Premier Grand Cru Classe Sauternes via localwineevents.com

Augustin Lacaille, Chateau Guiraud Brand Ambassador, will handle the tasting. He will explain how Sauternes wines are made and how they can be paired creatively with food… 6-8pm

Sauternes to taste: Chateau Guiraud 2009: RP (94-96) and WS 95-98, Chateau Guiraud 2006: RP 92 and WS 93, Chateau Guiraud 1998: RP 92 and WS 89

Millesime
1355 2nd Ave.
6-8pm

Paul Grieco, wine guy behind Hearth (& Terroir wine bars) – establishments that know a thing or two about wine and food pairings – will be joined by beer man, David Flaherty of Grapes and Grain… and both will step into the arena to battle: beer vs wine + food.

With the number of craft beers coming in the market, the number of beer pubs, beer-only retail stores and beer loving epicureans appearing in the NYC drink scene, it is no surprise we will soon see more valid standoffs between food’s top beverage partners.

The ‘funnest’ part? You’ll decide which is the ultimate food pairing: grape or grain (more information and full menu here – via Grapes&Grain).

Organic grape growing means that no pesticides or chemicals are used in the vineyard.

Biodynamic grape growing is a type of organic viticulture that uses special preparations of herbal sprays and composts, and time their applications according to the lunar calendar.

Natural wines are wines made with the least possible use of chemicals, additives and overly technological procedures. That includes chemicals in the field, such as pesticides, as well things like like sulfur or any of the almost 200 allowed additives that are legally permitted in wine. And it includes many technological manipulations of wine that erase the individuality of the product and the place it comes from–the terroir. Think of the definition of natural wine as similar to the German purity laws of beer making, which say that beer can be made only of water barley and hops. Purely natural wine is made of grape juice and little else… it must be also be vinified as naturally as possible. After the grapes have been cultivated organically or biodynamically, there must be a minimum use of additives and technological manipulations. (jenny & françois)

See for yourself if it makes a difference.

15 natural, organic, biodynamic winemakers have come to NYC from France, Italy, Spain and California to share their wine with us for the next week and a half at wine dinners, free tastings and educational events around town.

Here’s the schedule via jenny & françois selections’ “Natural Winemaker’s Week 2011 New York City.”

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: (Click on each event for more specific details)

THURSDAY, MARCH 3

Free tasting with the first winemaker to arrive! Come start off the week with us:

5:30-7:30pm: Sussex Wine & Spirits, 300 E. 42nd St. (2nd Ave.), 212.867.5838.

FRIDAY, MARCH 4

Free tastings with winemakers at the following locations:

5-8pm: White Star, 907 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn NY, 718.389.4520.

5-8pm: Winfield-Flynn, 558 3rd Ave., NYC, 212.679.4455.

6-8pm: Fermented Grapes, 651 Vanderbilt Ave., Brooklyn, 718.230.3216.

6-9pm: September Wines, 100 Stanton St. @ Ludlow, NYC, 212.388.0770.

SATURDAY, MARCH 5

3-6pm: Astor Center Grand Tasting (upstairs), 399 Lafayette St.@4th St.,212.674.7501. $20 includes seminars, meeting 15 winemakers, tasting over 30 wines. Please reserve: www.astorcenternyc.com. Sells out fast!

SUNDAY, MARCH 6

Dinners, classes & tastings:

6-9pm: Brooklyn Kitchen, 100 Frost St., Brooklyn, 718.389.2982. American Natural Winemakers team up with Meat Hook butchers for a natural wine/sausage making class. Reservations: www.thebrooklynkitchen.com, $60.

7:30pm: Tangled Vine, 434 Amsterdam Ave. @ 81st St., NYC, 646.863.3896. Mediterranean Winemaker dinner. Unlimited food & wine. Reservations, $49.

8pm: Egg, 135 N 5th St., Brooklyn, 718.302.5151. 4 course French wine & rabbit pairing dinner. Reservations, $65.

8pm: Thirst Bar, 629 Classon Ave., Brooklyn, 718.857.9227. 3 course wine dinner. Reservations, $45.

Free tastings with winemakers at the following locations:

4-7pm: Appellation Wines, 156 10th Ave., NYC, 212.741.9474.

4-7pm: West Side Wine, 481 Columbus Ave., NYC, 212.874.2900.

5-7pm: Thirst, 187 DeKalb Ave @ Carlton, Brooklyn, 718.596.7643.

6:30-8:30pm: Discovery Wines, 10 Avenue A, NYC, 212.674.7833.

MONDAY, MARCH 7

10am-5pm: Jenny & François Portfolio Tasting (trade & press only – please RSVP) *NOTE THE LOCATION HAS CHANGED* The Smith Restaurant, 55 3rd Avenue, Manhattan. Call 646.775.6400 or email: info@jennyandfrancois.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 8

5pm-2am: Anfora Winemaker Night, 34 8th Ave., NYC, 212.518.2722.

7:30pm: Crave Wine Bar, 570 Henry Street, Brooklyn, 718.643.0361. Natural California. Reservations, $65.

7-9pm: City Winery: 155 Varick St, NYC, 212.608.0555. Women & Wine: Organic & Biodynamic Wines, panel discussion & dinner. See website for details: www.citywinery.com

10pm-2:30am: Blue Ribbon Wine Bar, 34 Downing St., 212.691-0404.

Free tastings with winemakers at the following locations:

5-8pm: Natural Wine Company, 211 North 11th St., Brooklyn, 646.397.9463.

6-8pm: Maslow 6, 211 W. Broadway, NYC, 212.226.3127.

6-9pm: DOC, 147 Broadway, Brooklyn, 718.388.0087.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9

6-8:30pm: Ten Bells, 247 Broome St., NYC, 212.228.4450. $25 flight of 8 wines & charcuterie, back room.  2 seatings @ 6.30 & 7.30, 20 seats each.
Make your reservation @ 212 228 4450.

6:30pm or 9pm (2 seatings): Northeast Kingdom, 18 Wyckoff Avenue, Brooklyn, 718.386.3864. Winemaker dinner. Reservations, $50.

7:30pm: Rouge Tomate, 10 East 60th St., NYC, 646.237-8977. Reservations required, $150 per person includes 3 courses and amuse bouche.

Free wine tasting with winemakers at the following locations:

4-7pm: 67 Wine & Spirits: 179 Columbus Ave., NYC, 212.724.6767.

5-7pm: Chamber’s Street, 148 Chambers St., NYC, 212.227.1434.

6-8pm: UVA, 199 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn, 718.963.3939.

THURSDAY, MARCH 10

Free wine tasting with winemakers:

5-8pm: Natural Wine Company, 211 North 11th St., Brooklyn, 646.397.9463.

FRIDAY, MARCH 11

Free wine tasting with winemakers at the following locations:

5-7pm: West Side Wine, 481 Columbus Ave., NYC, 212.874-2900.

5:30-8:30pm: Dry Dock, 424 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn, 718.852.3625.

Saturday March 12

4-6pm: Heights Chateau, 123 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn NY 718.330.0963.

6:30-8:30pm: Gnarly Vines Wines and Spirits, 350 Myrtle Avenue 718.797.3183.

For info call: 646.775.6400

info@jennyandfrancois.com

Now that’s what I call a pretty sweet deal.  Especially, because, according to Nearsay “There will even be opportunities to try pricey wines that don’t always get included in large-scale tastings, like Amarone, Barolo and Chauteauneuf-du-Pape.”

“A Taste of Spring: Wines From Around the World.”

•  Sip on Old World and New World varietals, expect to find wines from France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Chile and South Africa, including high-end Amarone, Barolo, Rioja, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and Priorat; one of the planet’s only chocolate wines; and the “Best Carmenere in the World.”

•  Taste meats-and-cheeses courtesy of Salumeria Rosi and Murray’s Cheese

•  Mingle with other hot and hip New York City wine lovers

The Altman Building, located at 135 West 18th Street, between Sixth and Seventh Avenue

Thurs., Mar 10th, 6-9p

Not sure how many tickets are available, but on the site they say: Spaces are limited.

If you, which I’m assuming you are, are one of these givers, here’s a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish that ranks among them all…. The Wine & Wishes wine tasting event (presented by The Charmer Sunbelt Group). Since inception, Wine & Wishes has raised over 3 million dollars – helping grant the wishes of local children with life-threatening medical conditions.  (Thanks to the generosity of some of the country’s best sponsors, guests and the participating restaurants, caterers and wineries.)

Enjoy an evening of exquisite wines and gourmet food from many generous sponsors.

Join the bidding during the live and silent auction.

Participating restaurants include Abigail Kirsch, Beekman Hotel, Benjamin Steakhouse, Bridgewaters, Butterfield 8, The Capital Grille, Cercle Rouge, Culinary Institute of America, EE Cookies, EN Japanese Brasserie, Fig & Olive, Honest Tea, Kellari Taverna, Lola’s Kitchen & Wine Bar, Chef Dave Martin from Top Chef, The Melting Pot, Pescatore, Public House NY, Thalassa, Tonnie’s Minis, Trattoria L’incontro, Tribeca Grill, and Twenty Four Fifth.

VIP ticketholders gain access to “Coveted Corks” – a private tasting, featuring vintages from Archery Summit, Banfi Vintners, Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Far Niente, Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Luce della Vite, Penfolds Grange, Pine Ridge Fortis, Robert Kacher Selections, Silver Oak and Tenuta dell’Ornellaia.

Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers
23rd Street and the Hudson River
New York, NY

Event Schedule:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
6:00pm- General Tasting, VIP Tasting, & Silent Auction

8:30 to 9:15pm- Live Auction
10:00pm- Tasting Ends

Tickets:
General Admission: $250 ($150 is tax deductible)
VIP Tickets: $1,000 ($750 is tax deductible)

Event website: www.wineandwishesnyc.kintera.org
Twitter: @winewishesnyc

If you would like additional information on sponsorship opportunities, how to reserve a restaurant or winery table for tasting or to donate an auction item, please contact
Amy Epstein at 212-957-9474 or aepstein@metrony.wish.org

Just recently we came across this fundraiser, Wine Tasting for a Cause, hosted by Tangled Vine, on Saturday, Feb. 26 (from 3-6pm) to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society…. and we think it has value from a variety of angles.

The most important value is that they are donating 100% of the proceeds to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. If we can get enough wine lovers to stop by, that’s a lot of juice to share and money to give.  The suggested minimum is $50… really not a bad price for a regular wine event… not to mention a fundraiser.

The other more tangible values are: you will have access to tasting 20 different wines from all over the globe… and because Tangled Vine specializes in Organic, Biodynamic and Sustainable wines, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn a little more about how these production processes can deliver wines with some unique flavor profiles.  Of course, Mediterranean inspired food will be passed around for pairing ideas and stomach filling.

Here’s why we think this is a good wine fundraising event. The importers of some very prestigious wine producers will be on hand serving up some of their favorite wines. This means the cost of that wine is covered… more money for charity!  We bet Tangled Vine is covering their kitchen/ staff labor and overhead costs, so hopefully the only costs taken out of your donation is food and other event related tack on costs.  A good deal all around.

Attendance will be limited. Reservations are required.

Please call 646.863.3896  or  email fundraiser@tangledvinebar.com

Well, according to Wikipedia: The Ides of March was a festive day dedicated to the god Mars and a military parade was usually held. In modern times, the term Ides of March is best known as the date that Julius Caesar was killed in 44 B.C…. and supposedly it is also the day that General George Washington quelled a mutiny of his Officers in 1783.

OK, so overall, it’s a festive day. If the Roman Hash House Harriers can run down the streets in their togas on this day, we can drink the most festive of drinks – Champagne and sparkling wines. The bubbles themselves can lift the spirits of most.

This is the third installment of the NYGS events. They always pack the house, so getting in early with tickets secures your space…. and for over 50% off, that itself may be reason to celebrate. It’s a Tuesday, so don’t say we didn’t warn you to watch how much you try…. otherwise, you may need to heed the warning: beware of the ides of march this time around.

1.) Brunch: with a pair of entrees and a glass of champagne each… for two. $24

2.) Dinner for two: two appetizers, two entrees, one dessert—and two glasses of wine. $54

We’re always game to check out a new wine spot…. Even more so – or at least more sooner than later – when they offer such a nice special. (Even us wine lovers need a little push to get to all of the wine options around town!)

We commend and thank all of our friends in the business who show compassion and the desire to give back. Just recently we came across this fundraiser, hosted by Bottlerocket for Kiva.org, on Saturday, Feb. 26 (from 6-8m), to support their local endeavor; Kiva New York Team Fund….. a collection of funds donated by New Yorkers.

Kiva’s mission is to connect people, through lending, for the sake of alleviating poverty. Kiva empowers individuals to lend to an entrepreneur across the globe. By combining microfinance with the internet, Kiva is creating a global community of people connected through lending.

$40 gets you tastings of six different wines from South Africa and Chile, countries that are currently supported by Kiva.org. Tickets are available HERE.

If this is they type of philanthropic engagement you’d like to learn about, why not stop by Bottlerocket to find out more?   Presentation begins at 6:15pm with the Kiva New York Team introducing itself, Gabe Francis, an ex-Kiva Fellow, explaining the process of Kiva briefly for those unfamiliar with it, before the presentation and tasting of the wines.

All money raised goes toward the Fund, which so far has supported over 400 business owners.

BottleRocket is located at 5 West 19th St., New York, NY, 10011

As mentioned previously, when highlighting the upcoming Kosher Wine and Food experience, NYC is seeing a trendy boom in Kosher wine bars, Kosher wines shops and Kosher wine events.  With the growing number of global wine lovers living in the city metro… many who are exploring more wine with open palates… this is a trend that is truly seeing the start of it’s cycle, indeed.

The Kosher Wine and Food Experience is expecting over 1,500 attendees to sample over 200 Kosher wines.  If you want to go, it’s $90 (use code sl2011 for the $10 off) and be prepared to be wowed beyond your expectations.

However, if you want to just dip your toe in the Kosher water (pardon the bad pun?), why not start with the upcoming Israeli Wine Lover’s meet up groups Kosher wine tasting event on February 23?

For $36 you get to try 9 wines and meet 2 winemakers… while noshing some tasty hummus and other mediterranean snacks. This is a great time to have a more intimate discussion with the people behind the wines, and really find out what is going on that has changed the quality of Kosher wines.

Why we think is cool: they encourage participation at this event. From the attendees, they will collect tasting notes and other sundry tidbits and put them together in a succinct newsletter for all guests. So, you don’t have to worry about writing furiously flavor notes and likes and dislikes, and you really can enjoy the spirit and engagement of the evening. And, you can use the newsletter to help you shop for Kosher wines on your own time.

Or, better yet, why not go to both?

Not to be outdone, Maialino has taken their specialized hyper-focused wine bar idea to the next stage – now showcasing some great winter red wines – from Italy… Northern Italy to be exact.  If we were asked to name some Northern Italian wines, we would most likely would say some of the following: Barolo and Barbaresco (from the Nebbiolo grape), Barbera (becoming a better known approachable red wine from the Piedmont), Dolcetto (the little sister red of the Piedmont), Gavi (white wine from the Cortese grape), Valpolicella and Amarone (versions of a Corvina, Rondinella and Molinera blend from the Veneto), Prosecco (affordable sparkling wine from Veneto), Pinot Grigio (no explanation needed), Soave (another fresh white wine)… and maybe Friuli (formerly known as the white wine Tocai).

But, now, you can explore more of the unknown.

Of course, you might see some of those better “known” varietals;  more likely, though, you’ll discover some super unique, interesting indigenous wines you may have a hard time pronouncing: like Lagrein, Iugum and Schioppettino.

Without needing a plane ticket you can taste the soil and the land of Northern Italy from your barstool. Expect distinctive wines that carry a salivating sweet-sour, even bitter, taste, wonderfully overlapped with flavors such as sour cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry, black cherry, raspberry, spice, roses, tar, ripe strawberry, truffle, minerals, cocoa, spice and earth….

We know you are an explorer at heart. So why not check out Maialino and tour the tastes of Northern Italy reds. You can sample them by the glass, quartino (about one-third of a bottle), bottle or even a half-glass.

(Important note: Italians make their wines to go with food. That is why when you grab a glass of red at an Italian wine bar when meeting a friend, it might not taste the same as it did when you had dinner the other night at a rustic Italian hideaway with the same wine. The food transcends the wine (and the wine transcends the food) to a point where the producers intend to take you. So, please, order a snack or two and release your taste buds.)

In the spring, news is they will change this concept to White Wines of Northern Italy.

(Find more on  NYWineSalon and photo.)

237 W. 13th St. 10011
Cross Streets: Greenwich Ave & 7th Ave.
212-255-8870

Hours: Mon-Wed Noon-8pm, Thu-Fri Noon-10pm, Sat 11am-10pm, Sun Noon-7pm

A boutique, under the radar, wine shop in the heart of the West Village serving up collectable and vintage wines; specializing in obscure and hard-to-find wines.

The owner, Matt C. Franco, is extremely well-informed liaison between the world of good wine and the discerning customer.  He has almost a religious fervor about wine. “I sell wines I firmly believe in,” he says. “Wines that I find to be of true quality — wines that are authentic, honest and soulful.”

This is a place you can go where — after thoughtful consideration of you as a person — you can really discover something special.  Stop by with an occasion, food, or mood in mind, and he’ll help you find a great pairing, no matter your budget.

1 7th Ave. South, 10014
Cross Streets:  Carmine & Leroy St.
212- 255-9935

Hours: Noon-5pm, 6pm-2am

Small cozy place with wines from “Globe to Globe”.  More to come on wine list and prices.

Serving affordable tapas style plates, house cured and pickled items, cheese, panini, bone marrow bruschetta, served alongside a selection of beer and wine.

Executive chef Solange Johnson worked under Todd English and then at 202 in the Chelsea Market.

Check out the range of flavors this grape can produce at one of our fave little quaint wine bars, Wine Spot on February 19. Get tickets/ info here.  Their wine classes, dubbed Wine University, cover the gamut of what’s hot and what’s under the radar.

For $45, this is a great way to try new flavors, grapes, regions and meet others who feel the same.

If you’ve found yourself ever describing the flavors of wine in a similar manner, this deal is for you.

Because Best Cellars classifies its bottles by taste and style instead of grape or origin, you will receive 3 reds and 3 whites based on your answer to the question, “What kind of wine do you like?”

Why we like this deal: It doesn’t seem like it’s 6 “pre-determined” bottles. And it works out to be around $7+ a bottle…. that’s less than a glass of wine at a local wine bar, so now you can share more tastes with others for less.

147 Flatbush Avenue Extension, 11201
Cross Streets:  Tech Pl. & Gold St.
646-495-1520

Hours: Mon 5pm-10pm, Tue-Sat Noon-10pm, Sun Noon-8pm

New wine shop in the neighborhood with a helpful and knowledgeable staff.

They carry an nice range of foreign and domestic small-vineyard, family-run wineries. Keep an eye out for hard-to-find bottles and unusual varieties from around the world; some not the standard issue wines you see everywhere else. They have a pretty nice selection that fall within reasonable price ranges (from $10 to $25 on avg.).

More to come on wine selection.

Beer, Wine, Cheese

1259 Park Ave., 10029
Cross Streets: 97th & 98th St.
212-289-1581

Hours: tbd

**Fine Cheese-Related Comfort Foods**

**Draft and Canned Craft Beers**

**Growlers to Go**

**Organic Wines**

This Upper East Side spot from the owner of Vinyl Wine Shop is bringin a much needed dose of reasonably priced bar snacks, craft beer, cheese and organic wine to the neighborhood.

More to come on wine selection and prices.

Spanish

1668 3rd Ave., 10128
Cross Streets: 93rd & 94th St.
212-426-1416

Hours:  tbd

In a neighborhood full of sports bar, Irish bars and small café appears a space that is a combination of rustic with original brick walls and wood floors and modern with curvy leather upholstery and sultry lighting. A welcome oasis of a wine bar, serving up a solid UES wine list and Spanish tapas.

More on the wine selection and prices to come.

The menu may be a little full of itself, featuring over 20 different tapas, imported meats (like an 18th-month cured Serrano ham), cheeses and Paella – therefore the food may suffer during it’s first few growing pains. But the atmosphere is comfortable and the wine list delivers. So go for the drinks and company.

Mediterranean

181 Essex St., 10002
Cross Streets: East Houston & Stanton St.

Hours: Sun-Mon 11am -Midnight, Tue-Thurs 11am-2am, Fri-Sat 11am-3.30am

A Mediterranean wine and tapas joint has taken over the old Essex Ale House, transforming the space from classic dive bar status into a cozy spot with chandeliers and exposed brick.

The 120 varieties of wine and beer lists cover the world with heavy concentration on the Mediterranean: including Italy, Greece, Turkey and Israel (including kosher options) France, Argentina and California. They also offer Mead (a honey wine) on tap, arguably the oldest alcoholic beverage known to man.  Apparently, Mead is not offered anywhere else in the city.  They carry select beers in bottle, including a gluten-free beer from Spain, and several on tap.

Menu items include modest priced small plates – such as hummus and tzatziki dips and halumi cheese, salads, a variety of crostini at 3 for $9, salmon carpaccio, spinach crepes and chicken samosas; traditional meze plates; and heartier skirt steaks and salmon ($18). Patrons will dine at communal tables with barstool seating, enough for roughly fifty people.

401 E 76th St. 10021
Cross Streets: 1st & York Ave.
212-249-2700

Hours: tbd

The address was once a foundry that turned out manhole covers when the UES was more “country” style, and called Jones Wood: so the owners wanted to create something you’d find in the countryside. OK, if this is a British food-centric pub on the Upper East Side that doesn’t want to be acquainted with the term “Gastropub,” how is it on a wine bar list?

True, many might go in for their craft beer selection, which is focused on a UK/Euro-centric brew program — Skullsplitter, Chimay, Fuller’s, etc. — highlighted by oddballs like a St. Feuillien Triple 9L Salmanazar (the “largest beer bottle in the world”), or the JWF-exclusive Six Point brewed using barley from Perthshire, Scotland.

However, the wine selection is pretty spectacular for a pub.  Beer prices start at $7 and wines by the glass start at $8 (avg around $12+). Because they are close to a school, they’ll make do with a beer and wine license by developing an interesting cocktail list such as First Bloom (Sauvignon Blanc, Elderflower Cordial, Lemon Juice, Club Soda) and some creative recipes using vermouth.

More on the wine selection to come.

Pair any beer or wine with the cheese plate at $14; or heartier fare, such as steak and kidney, and curry chicken pies, poached haddock with potatoes, two kinds of fish and chips, bangers and mash, and Lancashire hot pot —  and you’ll have a winner place to start or finish your night… or like at many British pub patrons, stay the whole night.

Wine, Beer and Cheese

362 1/2 West 23rd St. 10011
Cross Streets: 8th & 9th Ave.
646-863-7291

Hours: tbd

Do you like wine and cheese or would you rather have beer with your grilled cheese sandwich?  Thanks to the folks hailing from Klee Brasserie, you don’t have to decide until the last minute… or you can choose both.

Little Cheese Pub splits the traditional wine-and-cheese route and co-highlights cheeses other tasty companion, beer. However, both wine and beer lists provide optimum flavor support to the menu’s rustic ode to cheese.

The beer list offers up almost 40 options in drafts, cans and bottles (even large formats)… certainly a wide enough selection to pair with swiss raclette or italian pecorino.  Not to be outdone, there are 8 whites served by the glass or the taste, 8 reds by the glass or taste and almost 30 well priced global by the bottle selections…. Both the beers and wines are sourced from all over the world, many from the same regions of the cheeses presented.

Choose from grilled cheese sandwiches, numerous varieties of mac-n-cheese, mix and match your own cheese plates from more than a dozen options – at three for $13 and five for $20 – or choose one of the themed cheese plates, such as the “Proud to be American” ($13), which includes three distinct cheeses from American creameries.  (They do have some non-cheese focused snacks, such as generous sized dips and salads.) And, yes, they do have cheesecake to round out your cheese tipplings.

It’s important to note: the space is small and not especially good for groups. But if you can crowd around a table, the flavor fusions are worth the tight squeeze.

And, since the whole world is going green (from NBC to your local rooftop-gardened restaurant) maybe this is a good time to find out what everyone is talking about when it comes to Natural, Biodynamic, Green, Sustainable, or Organic wines.

Actually, plan to come taste and talk… because 15 of these natural wine’s winemakers will be on hand to not only serve you their pride and joys, but also answer whatever questions you may have – like, do biodynamic farmers really plant only on a full moon and bury a bovine skull nearby?  (Yeah, I don’t think I am quite clear on those techniques either, so I shall be bringing my pad and pen.)

Best of all, these are wines imported by Jenny and Francois, a charming duet who focus mainly on French Organic style wines. So, you will be tasting wines directly from the winemakers of Burgundy, Loire Valley, Bordeaux and the South of France.

Not sure if this will be a sell out, so we’ll suggest you secure your tickets early enough. The room at Astor Center is pretty roomy, but they do have a fire code to follow.

Some say there’s a budding Kosher wine scene happening here in NYC.  Don’t believe me?  Why, then, could there be a sell out event, with hundreds of interested wine lovers trying over 200+ Kosher wines, for 5 years running.  (Last year they say there were almost 1,500 people who attended!)

In fact, we are we seeing Kosher wine bars and Kosher wine shops popping up all around town, like:

V-Note Wine Bar on the Upper East Side serves both Vegan and Kosher wines.

Basil Pizza & Wine in Crown Heights serving a variety of kosher wines, gourmet pizzas and Mediterranean-inspired dishes under the supervision of OK Kosher Certification.

The Cellar at Darma (the city’s first wine bar nestled in a Kosher Moroccan Restaurant) opens late night on the Upper West Side, serving from an all Kosher wine/bar list.

Terroir Wine Bars also offers a list of kosher wines.

L’Chiam Kosher Wines Shop in Williamsburg sells Kosher Merlots, Cabernets, Shiraz & Rieslings.

T.B. Ackerson Wine Merchants in Flatbush go green with choices including organic, bio-dynamic and kosher wines.

Also, Murray Hill Wines, Windsor Court Wine Shop, Union Square Wines, Astor Place Wines, Bowery and Vine, Embassy Wines, Gotham Wine and First & Vine all claim to have an ample (or perhaps obscure) tasty selection of Kosher wines from which to check out.

So, it may just be time to start believing that the new regimen has arrived on the scene led by numerous smart, talented and savvy producers making Kosher wines that can stand up to others in competitions and blind tastings. You should try for yourself before you make another rash judgement that all Kosher wines taste like grape jelly: with options sourcing from France to South Africa, Israel to Australia, Argentina to California.

Go here to get your ticket ($100) to explore something new. Use code sl2011 for $10 off the ticket price ($90).

Small Producers

765 Fulton St., 11217
Cross Streets:  S Portland Ave & S Oxford St.
718-797-9463

Hours: Mon-Wed/ Sun Noon-9pm, Thu-Sat Noon-10pm

Petite wine shop that focuses on small estates and vineyards throughout the world; a huge variety of both familiar and exotic flavors.  This outpost brings in extra finds from NY state for the locally minded. Favors bottles from $20 or less. Customers like the ‘rewards system’ that keeps track of their purchases. There’s a bottle open everyday for tasting; cases are 15% off.

Sister wine shop to Greene Grape downtown FiDi area.

306 East 86th St., 10028
Cross Streets: 2nd & 1st Ave.
212-396-3535

Hours:  Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri/Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 1pm-11pm

OK selection at this basic wine and liquor shop.  The English Bulldog adds a touch of charm. Stop by on Saturday afternoons for a free tasting (5-8pm).

1375 First Ave., 10021
Cross Streets: 73rd & 74th St.
212-288-0100

Hours: Mon-Wed 11am-9pm, Thu-Sat 11am-9:30pm, Sun Noon-8pm

Small, under the radar, wine shop serving vino to the neighborhood with brotherly love (the owners are brothers). It’s a local shop for locals: with a large selection of wines and liquors. The brothers know wine, know their business, are genuinely nice and helpful – and enjoy suggesting wines you might not have wouldn’t otherwise found.

There’s also a decent selection for under $20 and it’s easy to find a great bottle for $10 or so if you’re on a budget. Wine tasting on Thursdays.

Do you need to update your wine glass selection?

Are you unsure of what to get your father-in-law who loves wine?

Here’s a pretty good deal then: pay $25 and get $55 worth of wine ware through WineEnthusiast.com.  Glassware, corkscrews, foil cutters and other wine accessories for $30 off the asking price… basically.

Thanks to the peeps at Buywithme.com. Buy the deal here.

OK, we have a few trends heating up on the wine scene lately.  Wines on tap, wines by the half of bottle and self-serve enomatic wine bars.  The latter, you’ll find at Clo wine bar in Time Warner Center, the new Bar Basque in the Eventi Hotel and at SD26 (wine bar/ restaurant headed up by the owners of the late San Domenico fame).

The SD26 program allows you to buy a “tasting card” that allows you to buy wine at their front wine lounge in 1, 2, and 5 ounce pours, so you can try a wine before you commit to a full glass. Located in the mod lounge area, it makes 24 perfectly preserved vintages available for swillers to self-serve at their leisure. (Note: the prices of these pours might start at a few dollars for a 1 oz pour, but can soar pretty high for more premium options. Which is WHY this deal is SUCH a good one. You can sample wines you might not have considered before, with freedom.)

Thanks to Daily Candy for this deal: buy their Enomatic SmartCard now for $50 now and get $100 to use at your leisure. Because the other cool thing is you can use it when you want – without expiration – in their automatic wine dispensing machine.

A lesser known fave in the lower Soho/LES area, Tapeo 29 is offering 50% off their fare.

Tapeo 29 serves up true Spanish tapas – their recipes are devoted to authenticity - and has some fun wine options to pair with them. Mixed with the underground vibe (hip people and dark ambiance) and great music, you have yourself a destination for tonight.  Not to mention you’ll be able to taste some of the most flavorful stuffed dates (Datiles Rellenos: cheese-stuffed, Serrano ham-wrapped dates) we’ve put into our mouths. Yes, we ordered thirds the last time we went. And, if you are even remotely interesting in Sangria, sample some of the city’s finest here. (There are contenders around town, don’t get us wrong, but these guys can make Sangria that tastes more like the true wine cocktail it should be rather than a fruit punch.)

New wine bar Tolani wants you to come and check them out.  Get the deal here via CBS Local. (Valid Sun-Wed only.)

Tolani
410 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10024

After their first few months of growing pains, they are offering a menu of small plates (from Greek, Carribean, North African, Brazilian or Thai) and a vast international wine list. The by the glass program skews a bit more “new world” palate – bigger fruit and fullness. (20 wines are offered by the glass, priced from $9-$18.) However, if you have a more earthy, rustic palate, they have a full on by the bottle wine list that offers a worldly range of options: with bottles priced from $30-$80.

This is just the reason you need, if you haven’t checked this space out before, to go. It may become your local fave too, even if you don’t live in Tribeca!  We agree with the Scoutmob team – the owner, Stacy’s energy and vibe is gregarious and welcoming. We experienced it when we happened by after a wine event and had the same immediate connection to the place.

For wine lovers: Their mostly Argentinean, Portuguese and Spanish wine selection, often from boutique and family wine makers and displayed in a wall-sized floor-to-ceiling shelving unit in the main dining room, is constantly changing, so as to keep all you regulars (yes, that includes you—it’s only a matter of time) on your toes. With about 10 reds and 10 whites at any given time, plus a couple of ridiculously low-priced reserves (nothing crosses over the $70 mark), the longstanding staff can help you find something to pair perfectly with even your dessert.

McCabe’s Wine
1347 3rd Ave
New York, NY 10075

Good through 2/22/2011

Now, supposedly, a new wine decanter has been uncovered – from Starbucks!?

Starbucks Trenta cup: this new super-duper-larger-then-large cup of java also holds a full bottle of wine.

As a passionate wine enthusiast, I frequently attend wine tastings and wine themed events here in New York City.  Though I’m not a professional in the wine industry, I do consider myself to be an “advanced amateur.”  In fact, lately I can be found behind the table, pouring at events organized by professional colleagues and friends.

I recently checked out the latest installment of City Winery’s ongoing wine and live music-pairing series, “Drink Your Own Way” – featuring the music of Fleetwood Mac (performed by the Fleetwood Mac cover band “Fleetwood Maxx”).

The “music and wine pairing” concept, though a bit anomalous, intrigued me.  Clearly such a concept was meant to be a fun and light-hearted premise with which to enjoy some good wines, not a serious discipline? (Actually, I’ll embrace any excuse to drink wine.  “It’s Monday!”)   Plus, I’m a big fan of Fleetwood Mac.  I pretty much know all the songs of the Buckingham-Nicks-McVie era.  I’ve been a fan since their 1987 “Tango in the Night” album.  Unfortunately, they were already past their peak in 1987—much like a left-bank Bordeaux from that same year is today.  (OK, so I had to look that one up.)

If you’ve never been to a concert at City Winery, it’s a great venue performance space—very intimate, not a bad seat in the house.  As I scanned the crowd throughout the performance, I noticed most attendees ranged in age from mid-thirties to early fifties, representative of when (the actual) Fleetwood Mac was at its height in popularity.

The event featured twenty songs in eight “sets” of 2-3 songs, each accompanied by a specific wine.  Handy placements laid out the complete wine and music lineup.  Roger, our faceless announcer, introduced each wine over the PA system prior to the respective performances, providing background information about both the songs and the wines, with a ‘hook’ linking the two.   Prior to the band’s entrance on stage we were poured a glass of the first wine, Cristalino Cava.  Throughout the show servers poured two wines at a time, ensuring that we had the appropriate wine as each new set began.

Many of the music and wine pairings were a rather tenuous at best.  But I liken it to food and wine pairing—while there are rules of thumb and guiding conventions, at the end of the day you drink what you like with the food that you like.  Perhaps the same applies here.  I very much enjoyed the music, and when the wine I was drinking was particularly appealing, the marriage of the two made the moment all the more pleasurable.

Do I buy into the music and wine pairings concept?  Not completely.  Would I go again?  Absolutely.

Here’s the rundown of the wines and songs they were paired with:

The band opened with an instrumental of “Tusk”, then segued into “Gold Dust Woman”, the latter from the iconic “Rumors” album.  While I’m a big fan of cava (sparkling wine from the Penedes region of Spain), I tend to frown upon the mass produced stuff in favor of the small production, artisanal offerings from that region.  This cava, available in almost any wine & spirits store, was unspectacular, with dry, crisp, citrus and apple flavors.

I was quite intrigued by the second wine, And Co. Sauvignon Blanc “Supernatural” 2009 from Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. I would never have guessed it was a Sauvignon Blanc.  I found it to have an intense, floral nose with a creamy, smoky taste, along with the more traditional citrus and melon flavors.  As the announcer explained: “The citrus, yet smoky, rich, opulent notes harmonizes well with Christine McVie’s sultry voice on ‘Say You Love Me’”.  Who could argue with that…?

Perhaps my favorite wine of the night was the Daniel Barraud Macon-Vergisson ‘La Roche’ 2008, a white burgundy.  This soft, smooth chardonnay had lemon-butter and citrus notes, with a hint of oak.  This wine paired well with a soft, tender rendition of “Landslide”, a Fleetwood Mac classic.  The band’s rendition of “Over My Head” followed, which seemed a bit “off” to me in the beginning, like an unbalance wine.  But by the end of the song the vocals and accompaniment improved.  Perhaps the song just needed time to “open up”.

The next set featured Urano Malbec Rosé 2009from Argentina.  I’ve had quite a few rosés in my day, but this one was quite possibly the most bold, dense, full-bodied one I’ve ever had.  I generally love rosés, but this one reminded me of Vick’s cough syrup—an association I could not shake.  Paired with Fleetwood Mac’s signature tune “The Chain” it held up surprisingly well, though I might’ve gone with a full-bodied spicy red for that song.

The wine continued to flow with two reds that I found particularly enjoyable, Elio Altare Dolcetto d’Alba 2008 and Domaine Duseigneur Lirac ‘Antares’ 2007, the latter being a GSM blend from the Rhone Valley.  The Dolcetto was paired with “Silver Springs”, one of my favorite Fleetwood Mac songs.  The Rhone blend had black raspberry and black cherry flavors, and as a big, spicy wine with a punch, it paired well with the band’s excellent cover of Stevie Nick’s “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”.

The seventh wine was a Pinotage blend from South Africa, paired with “Blue Letter”, an obscure but catchy tune from the 1982 Mirage album, “Gypsy” from the same album, and Stevie Nick’s solo duet “Leather & Lace”.  The final wine was a sweet wine from Argentina, Santa Julia Late Harvest Torrontes.  I’m not a fan of the Torrontes grape in its dry form, but I enjoyed this dessert wine version paired with the classics “Don’t Stop” and “Rhiannon”.  (Interestingly enough, I’ve been to the winery that produced this wine, Familia Zuccardi in Mendoza.)

And on Friday night, February 25th or Saturday afternoon, February 26th you can see how much you can cover.  In fact, this is a great way to taste the “old world” wines of Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Spain and Portugal and compare them to the “new world” wines of South America, Australia, Canada, South Africa and the United States.

Save $10 on Friday Grand Tasting Tickets with Promo Code: WINE.  Purchase tickets here. (Discount ticket offer good through February 18, 2011.)

For you more studious drinkers – or for those who want to experience great wine without the potential massive hangover – they are offering separate seminars and classes – sold separately – covering topics such as grape regions: Rhone Valley wines or Wines from Navarra or Wine Basics: How to taste or Wine 101. Class tickets are just $25-$30 for a 1-hour seminar style tasting. (Seminar presenters include Gloria Maroti Frazee, who oversees Wine Spectator School; Leslie Sbrocco, award winning author, and Founder of “Thirsty Girl” a multi-media company focused on wine, food and travel; and Mark Oldman, best-selling author of Oldman’s Brave New World of Wine.)

Tickets can be purchased here.

$85 for Friday night – 4 hours (6pm-10pm)
$95 for Saturday afternoon – 4 hours (2pm-6pm)

Why the extra $10 on Saturday afternoon vs Friday night? We really don’t know. But, we’ll assume it’s either because more people will get there on time, so more consumption OR more people would opt for Saturday, so they post a slightly lower price for the Friday night session…..

By the way, per the website, Your Admission To The New York Wine Expo:

• *  Includes a souvenir glass that is yours to keep…. this is one you will be tasting from all day.
• *  Includes a show program outlining all the exhibitors that are present and where to locate them, plus schedules for the guided tastings/seminars along with other show facts.
• *  Takes place in the Special Events Hall at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
• *  Will have countries and wine regions grouped together on the show floor.
• *  Will be showcasing the latest wine accessories and specialty food companies at the Grand Tasting.

We would assume there should be plenty of specialty foods to help fill your stomach to balance the wine intake. However, we recommend that you plan your food: wine ratio ahead of time… and accordingly.

The food and wine prices are affordable and the selection alluring enough to try a second glass.  With this offer, you can even explore more of the hearty European white wines from Austria, Germany or even Greece, that you may never considered with blind ambition. Or if you are a red only wine lover, fear not, they have plenty of exciting reds, both light and full bodied options, to tempt your palate.

Vyne is a true way to explore the flavors of Europe without leaving the West Village.

Note:  The price for two glasses will equal half the bottle price.

From kgb deals.

This West Village tapas/ win bar is headed up by Chef Franco Barrio, previously of Casa Mono and Boqueria.  Spanish-fusion cuisine that blends the great tastes of New York brunch with traditional Spanish ingredients.

Choose from classics like Eggs Benedict, steak and eggs, or banana pancakes with thick-cut smoked bacon, or try smoked lox with spicy goat cheese, caper and piquillo relish, the chorizo and fried egg sandwich with salsa verde, or the LBLT (lamb bacon, mixed greens, tomatoes, herbed yogurt, and home fries).  Is that a hint of truffle in the hash browns?

hy·brid \ˈhī-brəd\ noun: Something having two kinds of components that together produce the same or better results; such as a vehicle powered by both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine.

The concept of hybrids is hotter than ever and we’re sure to see more combo- deviations in the coming years, such as these:

• A hybrid work out can wake up a stale routine as well as challenge your muscles, such as the yoga hybrid, Koga (yoga meets kickboxing).

• A hybrid bike—a mixture of a road bike and mountain bike—has become the popular choice when riding in and around Central Park roads and terrain.

• A hybrid shoe offers both style and comfort, so you can wear sexy heels without the high heel pain… i.e., Cole Haan Nike Air – a high heel utilizing Nike Air cushioning.

And now the coffee shop-wine bar establishment is having the same hybrid trend success.  They may seem counter intuitive, but they’re really the best of both worlds. They move gracefully from morning to evening, espresso to Bordeaux, muffins to tapas.

These newly hip spots offer you a place to get out – morning or evening – to get a drink, read a book, keep to your own company or meet others. Many even offer wi-fi so you can do research for your novel during the day and do some character research at night.  (Even Starbucks knows a good thing when they taste it as they have opened a pilot store in Seattle that has beer and wine sales.)

And a recently released AXE survey (related to the “science of attraction”) found that most NYC women “are apparently most attracted to male dates if they sense a coffee aroma.”  So, maybe the dreaded first date coffee or a drink thing could be taken care of with a simple order: Glass of wine with an espresso chaser?

As NYC was on the forefront of this trend there are plenty options to visit around town. Here are a few of our faves:

Ost (441 E 12th St) is a quaint European coffee shop-wine bar hybrid that serves up delicious espresso all day, yet in the evening they specialize in serving Austrian wines such as Riesling, Grüner Veltliner and Blaufränkisch.

Cocoa Bar (2 locations: 19 Clinton St. and 228 7th Ave; Park Slope) embodies decadence with velvet drapes, homemade chocolates and classy live music. Wine and beer is served alongside espressos, lattes and of course numerous chocolate concoctions.

VBar (2 locations: 225 Sullivan St. and 132 First Ave) is known for their solid, well priced coffee, free wifi, quiet atmosphere, classical music in the mornings and indie in the afternoon, sunlit space during the day, candlelit tables at night, and extensive wine (a rotating 30 wines by the glass program) and beer selection.

Tarallucci e Vino ( 3 locations: 163 1st Ave, 15 E 18th St, 475 Columbus Ave) serves breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch. In the evenings, it becomes a wine bar (featuring 25 varieties by the glass from small-producers) with a small-plates menu.

Waltz-Astoria (23-14 Ditmars Blvd, LIC) is a unique artistic coffee/wine bar/ performance space that overlooks the city of Manhattan.  Locals socialize with friends, relax with a book, study for an exam, or simply chill with a glass of their famous sangria.

Zora Space (315 4th Avenue, Park Slope) is a combination coffee shop/wine bar/art gallery; with a charming spot with a gallery/ storefront, and it also sports a backyard patio.

Tazza (2 locations: 311 Henry Street and 72 Clark Street; Brooklyn Heights) is a charming favorite because besides serving awesome coffee and delicious baked goods (from Baked and Balthazar, etc), they have a great wine list.

Others to note:  Village Tart, The Red Room Vinoteca, Oro Bakery & Bar, Gray Dog, Doma.

Do you have any favorite hybrid Coffee/ Wine Bars? Please share with us!

$45 for 16 wines and 10 tasting dishes! Great Value! (Original price $75.)

Our friends at HDL Enhancement have a great upcoming tasting and have offered an exclusive deal that we came across and want to share!

A tasting that will match deliciously rich and flavorful wines with the creative Savory & Sweet cuisine of Mark Fahrer Caterers in an exclusive engagement at The Estonian House.

February 10, 2011 (Thu)
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Estonian House

243 East 34th Street
New York, NY 10016

What’s the deal?

If you weren’t lucky enough to attend any of the La Paulée events here in NYC this year, fear not, you still may be able to taste some of the greatest wines of Burgundy. Shhh, hears the word from City Winery… send an RSVP to concierge@citywinery.com before Feb 8th to secure an invitation to an exclusive late-night after party.

What’s going on?

Enjoy live music, meet the winemakers behind some of the best wines in Burgundy, network with other wine professionals and keep the spirit of La Paulée alive with an assortment of Daniel Johnnes Selection wines being poured by the glass to enjoy.

Who’s the live music?

Musette Explosion – Live French Jazz group that explores and expands on French musette, dancehall music of the 1930s and 1940s that often merged with swing and Gypsy guitar music.  They are a lineup of accordion, guitar, and tuba that bring a fiery rhythmic sense, a love of improvisation, and their own luminous original compositions to the table. Sounds trés fun!

What is La Paulée?

Between February 10 and 12 2011, New York will host the legendary wine gathering La Paulée, produced by James Beard Award-winning sommelier Daniel Johnnes. More than thirty of the most sought-after Domaines of Burgundy will be in New York to share the newest releases and older vintage wines sourced directly from their cellars during a series of truly distinctive wine tastings and dinners.

This Burgundian wine celebration is steeped in rich tradition. The original event, La Paulée de Meursault, is an annual gathering where winemakers and their guests come together to celebrate the harvest and share wines from their cellars. Today it has become the most sought-after ticket for lovers of great Burgundy.

Johnnes says, “La Paulée de New York is my homage to the original event held in Meursault and the traditions of Burgundy. It is my humble attempt to transport the Burgundy spirit of generosity and camaraderie to an enthusiastic and passionate wine loving community.”

La Paulée de New York is proud to host over fifty of our nation’s finest sommeliers, who will handle the wine service throughout the event.

At the La Soirée des Grands Crus, the wines from 23 Grands Crus & Grands Crus Classés de Bordeaux Estates ranged from tight and edgy to smokey and aggressive.  The vintages presented ranged throughout the late 2000s, but if lucky you were able to find a 2001 to compare to the coveted 2005. No matter, you were bound to find a style and flavor profile to adore. The blending ratios varied enough from producer to producer – to best match the terroir (place and climate where the grapes were grown) and style (personal taste) of the winemaker. I always find it interesting to talk to the crowd and find that everyone has a favorite, yet few overlapped. That is a true testament to these skilled young gentlemen.

There were sponsors from Brietling to Hugo Boss dispersed throughout the space, but if you were there for the wine (although in appreciation of their participation to bring you the event), you noticed nothing else, because you were in Bordeaux’s house for one night.

For more information on the event and the participants, visit www.lasoireedesgrandscrus.com

For some detailed tasting notes, check out our friend, wine writer Karen Ulrich’s review on Imbibe New York.

The next day, in conjunction with the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux and Zachy’s Wine, gave opportunity to trade and consumer to get a sneak peak of the 2008 vintage of Grand Cru Bordeaux.  With almost 100 Chateaux showing, from the best of the best areas in Bordeaux – St. Emilion, Pomerol, Listrac-Medoc, Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac, Saint-Estephe and Sauternes – again, one would find it hard not to discover a wine or two to want to take away.

The 2008 vintage has been talked about to be a “weaker” one than the 2007, the 2006 and certainly the heralded 2005. And even lesser so to the now acclaimed 2009 vintage. Even so, many of the 2008s stood strong on their own.

Admittedly, it seemed to be a better year for Cabernet Sauvignon than Merlot, the typical dominant grapes that are used in the Bordeaux blend. The Cabs showed a lot of fruit and seemingly less assertive tannins while the Merlot harnessed restrained fruit and aggressive astringency.

This is where the true skill of the winemaker’s house takes the lead in the game. Knowing the grape’s strengths and having the keen sense of ability to blend, several winemakers showed promise in their wines.  Though some seemed almost ready to drink now, many showed enough edginess and fight to make us trust they could age with grace and finesse.

I’d be remiss not to mention the white Bordeaux. Though there were only 3 or 4, they all showed a heightened sense of minerality with a feathery whisper of refreshing citrus.

Only time will tell which of these strong players will beat the dealer.

Haute Living gives a nice, succinct review of one of the city’s first Organic focused wine bars, The Ten Bells.

And, here is Part 1 of an interview with Philippe Essome (aka Fifi), the wine buyer at Ten Bells wine bar, talking about serving French natural wines. We especially love this quote: “With experience you learn that natural wine doesn’t have to smell like the ass of a cow…”

If you enjoyed that, read on about the state of natural wines from one local Frenchman’s point of view in the follow up post.

With at least a dozen whites and more red options by the glass, all at affordable prices, the wine pairings with these menu items were probably as equally mouthwatering.

Conclusion: If you haven’t gone, you should.

The G Spot, The Titanic, Verdehlgold – punny French labels!

Since it is a common practice for many to buy unknown wines by triggers on the label, I think these triggers will certainly get traction here in New York City wine stores.

Unfortunately, it seems that these wines are still only found in France – from the Loire Valley.  Those Frenchmen are certainly using their time creatively.  However, I dare say there are some USA vintners who make take this as a challenge.  What great labels have you seen – in a wine bar or wine shop – lately?

We promise, if we see these (or other unique versions) come into the market, we’ll be sure to share the whens and wheres. I’d hazard a guess that the NYC wine shop that dares carry them will certainly see a ‘heightened sensation’ in sales – not a sinking one…. ba dump bump.

Lot18.com is a membership-by-invitation website offering unmatched deals on premium wines.  You can get an invite through tippr (hosting this deal) or feel free to ask us for an invite.

Lot18.com works closely with the most exclusive wineries to make their coveted creations available at irresistible discounts.

Soho Wine Bars

French

69 Thompson St. 10012
Cross Streets: Spring & Broome St.
212-431-3330

Hours: Daily 11am-2am

Authentically French in the best way…. This is a wine bar to go with a friend or two and try some small production French wines the way the French do… by sharing a bottle with friends.  In fact, with only a few by the glass options, think of this spot as more a wine by the bottle wine bar.  Though there aren’t many wines by the glass, the by the bottle list boasts over 30 options are $40 or less. It’s an all-French wine list of interesting picks, that pairs well with its short French food menu.

The kitchen releases unfussy French cooking, but immensely flavorful dishes. French classics with an American twist.  Or go simple and try the cheese plate, which has a generous portion of three cheeses accompanied by slices of apple, grapes, dried plums, and nuts.   The breadsticks are fresh and warm, like mini baguettes.  And, looking at many reviews, most people seem to enjoy the weekend brunch as well.

The setting is both handsome and comfortable, as the atmosphere seems to match the neighborhood & the crowd.

What could be simpler than Wine and Flowers?

40 Exchange Place. 10005
Cross Streets: Williams & Broad St.
212-361-0007

Hours: Mon-Thu 9:30am-9pm Fri/Sat 9:30am-10pm Sun Noon-8pm

Tucked in the shadow of the recently converted residential tower 20 Exchange Place. The store caters to a new and growing residential community, offering a diverse array of fine wines and spirits at reasonable prices.

According to their site, they are “committed to helping you find the right wines and spirits to suit your taste and budget.”

Everything about Rosetta Wines feels more like an old living room than a Wall Street wine shop. The charming woodwork, quiet, relaxed feel, and low-key music—they’re all part of what owner Shermon Peters is hoping to achieve.

“We buy what we like to drink,” Peters said. “We like to be able to say ‘we’ve had that.’ It makes people feel comfortable.”

Soho Wine Shops

Spanish

410 Broome St., 10013
Cross Streets: Lafayette & Centre St.
212-219-1550

Hours: tbd

The newest expansion of long time Spanish imports store Despaña is a compact but extremely well-stocked wine shop, right next door. The floor-to-ceiling shelves hold about 400 different wines – grouped according to region – and has the deepest txakoli, cava, and sherry selection of any wine store seen in the city… with 30 sherries, and more than 30 sparkling wines (and even several ciders).

Prices start at around $8, with more than 60% of the wines selling for less than $25.  Though, at the high end, you will find bottles of Pingus and Vega Sicilia Unico (upwards of $700). The adjacent food shop makes it easy to provide tastings with cheeses, cured meats and other tidbits.

The store’s sherry category will be “the most challenging but nevertheless fun category;” ranging in price from $7 to $113 a bottle, although half of that number are wines that cost less than $25.  Interestingly, they sell “about three or four bottles of Sherry a week;” including that $113.00 one.

Despana also offers educational tastings, to help widen their customers’ knowledge. There will be free tastings of wine and food pairings on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Find the deal on Bloomspot.

Interesting note: the pairing wine is a Rosé from Jura. VERY unique, but VERY on trend for wines. Rosé consumption is up 26% this year. Most likely because they are great pairing wines, but also because we are getting exposed to fabulous dry, rich and even powerful rosés from around the world. (Dare not think about White Zinfandel again! Completely different animals.)

4-Course Tasting Menu:

Amuse-bouche:

Gougeres

Shot of Soup du Jour

First Course:

Haricot Vert Salad with Smoked Trout, Dill-Crème Fraiche, Mustard Vinaigrette

Second Course:

Sauteed Skate Wing with Blood Orange Grenobloise, Cauliflower

Third Course:

Bavette Steak Frites

Fourth Course:

Crème Brulee “Le Cirque”

Paired Wine:

2 glasses of Frederic Lornet Cremant du Jura Rose

Get this

An edgy-esque wine and tapas joint from Alessandro Peluso (Bocca and Cacio e Pepe) and Alessandro Piliego (the House) serves all things Spanish influenced, from the wine to the small plates to the design.

Includes choice of four drinks and two tapas for two people
P.S. AmEx or cash only.

Taste Over 95 Bordeaux at One Time

Ticket Price: $45 per person (ticket proceeds benefit HANY)
Tastings of this caliber and scale usually cost up to $125—

The UGC (Union des Grand Cru) Bordeaux Tasting and Zachy’s is holding another a out of this world tasting (similar to the one they did 2 years ago), right here in the heart of NYC. Why fly to France when you can take a cab?

The UGC is a group of Top Name Bordeaux Chateaux that are coming personally to showcase the upcoming releases! This year’s tasting focus is the terrific 2008 Vintage.

The 2008s are just starting to arrive and now is the perfect time to taste wines and see how they have progressed in bottle.

Did we already mention that there will be over 95 different Chateaux showcasing their wines!?! There will be over 150 Bordeaux open to taste and you will have the chance to meet over 95 of Bordeaux’s best Chateau owners and winemakers. This is a don’t miss tasting opportunity!

Purchase your tickets via this link on Zachy’s website.

Date: Friday, January, 28, 2011

Location: Metropolitan Pavillon
110 West 19th Street (between 6th & 7th Avenues)

She is quite impressive with her wine knowledge. We even tried to stump her ( asking crazy, off the mark, wine questions), yet she was still able to correct our (seemingly) wayward notions… in a very laid back and nice manner.

Turns out, she is also teaching a Wine 101 type of class at Abigail Café & Wine Bar in Brooklyn this weekend. I think it’s the first class of many that will be set up in on-going series hosted by this establishment.

So, if you want a laid back atmosphere, some great wines and an enthusiastic and knowledgeable wine steward to be your guide, check out this class. At $40, where you get to taste 4 whites and 4 reds, that sounds like a pretty darned good deal, too.

Get tickets here. Starts at 4pm.

And if you go, get back to us and tell us what you thought. Happy Exploring!

Many of these wines are giving our French cousins a run for their money.  And, with the caliber of the top wineries and producers that are showcasing their wines here in NYC, this is the best way (besides flying out there yourself) to explore the gold standard flavors.

Participating Wineries:

Balboa Winery, Cadaretta, Foundry Vineyards, L’Ecole N0 41, Long Shadows Vintners, Northstar, Rasa Vineyards, Reynvaan, Seven Hills Winery, Sleight of Hand Cellars, Spring Valley Vineyard, Tertulia Cellars, Three Rivers Winery, Waterbrook Winery, Waters Winery and Woodward Canyon.

When:

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Where:

Astor Center
399 Lafayette Street, New York

Tickets here are $50

BUT, tickets here are $26.50 through January 31st!  (No reason NOT to buy, now!)

Many times you barely find a discount of 10% off a case… so 20% off 3 bottles is awesome.

Note, you must print out the coupon online and take in with you.

*750 m/l/m. Excludes sale items. In store only. Cash & carry. Coupons may not be combined with any other offer. With Valpak® coupon only. Coupon void if altered. Expires 02/10/2011

McCabes is on 1347 3rd Avenue, between 76th & 77th streets.

For its small size -it is packed floor to ceiling with all sorts of wines from around the globe at all price points.

We filtered all wine and food events coming up in NYC and found there are 100 events posted for the near future.

Just another event finder making life a little more simple.

Thanks, Eventbright!

If you have been looking for something different to do, that’s unique, fun, tasty and full of intrigue, Thursday night is the night for NYC wine enthusiasts.  Take a one night journey to Bordeaux.

… and if you use the code BORDEAUX you get $50 off the ticket price. (Trust us, this is a value.)

Twenty-three Grands Crus & Grands Crus Classés de Bordeaux Estates are joining the First Annual Soiree des Grands Crus to create this premier social event:  a vintage wine tasting and the opportunity to meet 17 young, hip and dynamic Châteaux owners – certainly names that will be known around the wine circuit from this point forward.

New to wine or not, this is a chance for you to be one of the first to know what’s happening in one of the most prestigious wine regions of the world….  Even if you’re well versed in these wines, we can guarantee you’ll learn something new.

To have this opportunity any other way, you’d have to fly yourself over to France, contact a Bordeaux representative that can get you in front of these vintners and hope you can taste just a few of these spectacular wines.

However, on this one night, 82 Mercer will be transformed into a modern wine cellar; where you can have the rare opportunity to connect with these new generation owners of Bordeaux chateaux and experience their passion, knowledge and, of course, enjoy 23 of their latest fine wines from Bordeaux.

The wines showcased at the event can also be ordered onsite, via LeDu’s Wines Store.

What you can expect:

• *  Meeting 17 young Bordeaux chateau owners/ winemakers
• *  Tasting 23 wines showcased from both the Left Bank (Pessac-Léognan, Margaux, Saint-Éstèphe, and Saint-Julien) and the Right Bank (Saint-Émilion and Pomerol) of the Garonne River
• *  Enjoying Bordeaux-inspired hors d’oeuvres and cheeses to pair with your wines
• *  Sampling a selection of chocolates from third generation Patissier and Chocolatier, Francois Payard
• *  The Breitling Grand Cru Challenge, a blind tasting event for guests to win fabulous prizes (see more below)

At the Breitling Grand Cru Challenge, guests will test their wine knowledge (blind!) to win prizes including a Breitling B01 Chronomat Watch and some fabulous magnums and double magnums of Bordeaux Wines for their personal collections.  A fabulous bunch of prizes anyone should try to win!!

For more info and to buy tickets, visit: www.lasoireedesgrandscrus.com.

General Admission (7:30-11p.m.) $185; ($135 if use the code BORDEAUX). Again, think of what you are getting!

WHERE:
82 Mercer, between Broome St & Spring St. Soho

WHEN:
Thursday, January 27

• VIP arrivals at 6:00 pm;
• General Admission: 7:30 pm.
• The Breitling Grand Cru Challenge from 8:45 -9:30 pm.

……..

Don’t worry, it’s confusing to most of us.

Turns out Sean Myles, a geneticist at Cornell University, developed a gene chip that tests for the genetic variation commonly found in grapes and found that 75% (of over 1,000 grape varieties tested) were as closely related as parent and child or brother and sister.

“Previously people thought there were several different families of grape,” Dr. Myles said. “Now we’ve found that all those families are interconnected and in essence there’s just one large family.”

Thus merlot is intimately related to cabernet franc, which is a parent of cabernet sauvignon, whose other parent is sauvignon blanc, the daughter of traminer, which is also a progenitor of pinot noir, a parent of chardonnay.

No w