Giving thanks....

From our family to yours...thank you for all the support you've given us not just this year, but in the past - and hopefully the future.

We wish you a day filled with love, laughter and most importantly - being surrounded with those who mean most to you.

May your glasses be full, and your dinners delicious.

Cheers!

The holiday season is upon us...

So, I have to admit - I've been horribly remiss on posting.   There has been many an event that I haven't had the time to add onto here, and for that I apologize.  So without further adieu, let's fix that problem, shall we?

In the Melrose store, we have lots of tastings coming this holiday - starting with this coming Saturday afternoon.  We're tasting out wine from 1-3, so if you're looking for some Thanksgiving suggestions, then come on by!  We're sampling a Carmenere Merlot, a NY Riesling, a Cote du Rhone and a Pinot Noir.   I promise I'll post our upcoming tastings in a schedule for everyone so you don't miss an opportunity to try something fun.

We also have new food items that we're excited about.  Good Tastes Macaroni & Cheese - a local foodie out of Newburyport who makes the most decadent mac & cheese you'll ever find in a freezer case.  If you're all about comfort food and cheese - then my God this is for you.

Dave's Cape Cod Smokehouse is out of Harwich, and if you love Wild Salmon Spread, Bluefish Pate, Codfish Cakes or Scallop Pie - you must come and try these.  We had Dave in for our Grand Tasting last week (again, I'm apologizing for not posting it on here....) and we sold through all of our stock.  We're freshly reloaded and ready for you to try them.

Wine....wonderful wine.  We're stocking up so that your Thanksgiving table options are exciting, delicious, innovative and most importantly - fun.  You want to be excited when you open a bottle and enjoy the flavors and nuances, and so we're trying to make sure that we've got everything from the simplest to the most complex of choices.  You have time to put in requests - but only until Monday morning.  After that, the orders will be done.

We're looking forward to celebrating with you this holiday season.....

Ole!

We're having a fabulous Spanish Fiesta this Saturday, from 2-5pm in our Melrose store - sponsored by Iberian Wines.  We're tasting 4-6 different wines, homemade Sangria, Marcona Almonds, Manchego Cheese & Sugared Tortas.

We're also raffling off TWO $50.00 gift certificates!!
You won't want to miss this.....

Check it out on Zvents & Boston.com: 
http://www.zvents.com/z/melrose-ma/saturday-spanish-fiesta--events--201948205

What's new, delicious and exciting....?

Coming no later than July 1 (at least that's what my rep tells me), the Melrose store is going to be graced with the presence of the Bialetti Moka 6 cup! With all the expensive espresso makers sold around the world, native Italians prefer espresso from stovetop espresso makers and more Italians use Bialetti for their stovetop Italian coffee. For an excellent cup of Italian coffee, the classic eight-side household coffeepot is considered a true Italian tradition.


Of course, you can't buy an espresso maker without espresso....so, we're also going to be adding to our culinary treats - Lavazza Espresso & Coffee!  Since the Moka is not only an espresso maker but a coffee maker, we decided to give you the option to indulge in some fine Italian coffee outside of just the expected Espresso.  By the way - coming soon is also a frother companion - and can be used with either warm or cold milk!  Hello Latte....

Also new this coning week is something I'm pretty excited about too - and also from Bialetti.  Their line of Aeternum saute pans in beautiful colors will be here - match a pan with some fantastic olive oil, a pasta & a bottle of wine - and wish someone a warm "welcome home" if they've just moved in.  Or for that new Mom who is struggling to get it all together - bring her a meal that you made in the pan and bring it to her house with the pan as a gift.  Trust me - she'll thank you for it!

And finally -- every week we add new wine & beer to our eclectic inventory.  New beer to watch for:  21st Amendment's Hell or High Watermelon and Live Free or Die IPA, as well as Notch Session Ale; Wolaver Wildflower Wheat is also making a return.  The Melrose store gets beer deliveries starting each Wednesday - so send me your request before then and I'll be happy to get your favorite brew on the shelf!

Wine is always changing - and there's always something good.  We've added a few new Organic wines to our rack, and of course 'tis the season for fabulously delicious wines that you can bring to a BBQ.  Don't think red is just for winter because trust me when I tell you that there are plenty of Zinfandels that aren't too heavy when you're hanging in the yard having a burger.

We've got lots of events coming this summer as well.  Look for a Spanish Fiesta Sampler - complete with Sangria - coming soon, as well as another Champagne & Cupcake Soiree.  We have an upcoming Chandon Sparkling tasting which will debut a new flavor on our shelves -- the Riche.  And we also are going to be a participant in North Shore Magazine's Wine Week at the end of the summer.  So be sure to stay tuned as the dates for all these fun events and more will be posted here, on Twitter - and our Face Book page.

Happy Summer!

Happy Father's Day, Happy End of School year, Happy Summer -- Happiness in general!

We have all that you need for your Father's Day gift giving needs!  Whether it's that perfect bottle of wine - or just a gift card, we're able to custom order the "hard to find" bottles or even that "every day" wine for you to make that special person smile.   Dads, Grads, Teachers, Coaches, Friends - we've got you covered.

By the way, did I mention the Boston store has Bacon vodka in stock?  (To me, it doesn't sound appealing unless it's in my Bloody Mary...)  We also have Pinnacle Whipped Cream Infused Vodka as well as Cake Batter Vodka for your sugary sweet summer drinks.  Skinny Girl Margarita mix is flying off the shelf - and if you haven't tried Pear Brillet de Brillet - it's a MUST. We recently had some after dinner at Red Rock Bistro, and it was a dessert in of itself.  If you think you don't like Cognac because it's not smooth enough - then you will love this.  And if it's a gift - the bottle is gorgeous; pears are inside the bottle.

New things coming to the Melrose store - hopefully in time for Father's Day -- are these great Bialetti Moka Espresso makers and Lavazza Espresso.  So affordable, and they make the perfect cup of coffee!  Also, if your favorite men enjoy cooking, also coming is Bialetti Aeternum Ceramic cookware.  Saute pans in the 10" size, available with - or without covers!

Beer Can Chicken Roasters, Hot Sauces, Chili Mixes....Gelato Fiasco Gelatos & Sorbettos, Truffle Oils, Imported EVOO, Brie Bakers, Oversized Peanut Butter Cups, SuperDad wine glasses - and so much more! 

So make sure you come by either Beacon Hill or Melrose for the perfect gift for someone you love - or maybe just the perfect gift for you!

We are CLOSED on Memorial Day....

Memorial Day is one of only 3 days a year that we aren't open....so plan accordingly and be sure to stock up for all of your long weekend festivities!

Most importantly, be sure to take the time to honor those who serve our country - past and present.  Always be appreciative and supportive to those who choose to fight and die for freedom, so that those who choose not to, don't have to.

Celebrate Mom: Cupcakes & Champagne!

Bring your Mom, Sister, Aunt, Daughter, Wife - any woman who's special in your life - and celebrate Mother's Day with Ruinart Champagne & home made cupcakes by Melrose's own VCVC Cupcakes!

We're giving out free mini cupcakes and sampling delicious champagne - as well as having boxes of full size cupcakes free to anyone who buys a bottle of Ruinart Blanc de Blanc or Rose!

Saturday, May7th  1:00 - 3:00 pm
It will be a delicious day that you won't want to miss!

Happy Easter

From all of us, to all of you - have a happy & healthy Easter.

In case you're wondering - we ARE open on Easter.
Noon - 7 pm. for all of your entertaining needs.

Take me out to the ballpark....

So it's opening day at Fenway on Friday - and we're celebrating a night early with a Red Sox sampler!

Join us from 5:30pm until 7:30 this Thursday as we sample out the following:

Wachusett Green Monsta Ale & Boston Beer Works Fenway IPA
Big Papi Hot Sauces and Peach Mango Salsa
American Nut Peanuts

We even have a few bottles of Beckett Chardonn"KK"ay available.

Come on by and get ready to welcome the Boys of Summer back home.
Cheers!

Give back while you shop!

This Sunday, April 3rd we are having our 2d Annual Dana Farber Fundraiser Day.
In conjunction with Melrose Bootcamp, and on behalf of Joy Fay who's running the Marathon and raising funds for the renowned Cancer hospital -- we are donating 15% of our total sales for the day -- to Dana Farber!

For one day only, we are waving our half case and case discounts -- we want to raise as much money as possible -- so please, come shopping Sunday!

We will be having a wine tasting as well that afternoon from 2-5 featuring wines from Martignetti, and the varietals will be decided as we get closer to the time.

We are so fortunate to live in an area that features some of the most amazing hospitals in our own backyard -- so shop for you, and donate towards the lives of others.

Thank you...

What's going on these days.....

Got the Winter Blues? Taste the French Riveria & Italian Countryside....

This morning when I came in - it just felt like a duck kind of day.  And we have plenty for you to choose from!  We have whole Muscovy ducks, Magret Breast and Confit Legs.  Pair them with a fun Rhone or Burgundy wine and find yourself transported to France.  Not sure how to cook it?  It's easy, trust me.  And ask my friends at Food Network how to make it - you'll find some of the simplest and most delicious recipes, with minimal ingredients to use!

And what are your plans this weekend?  How about sampling a little bit of the Italian countryside...?

Saturday, from 3 - 6pm we're sampling out a Bolgheri & Vernaccia -- along with an assortment of Italian cheeses & roasted tomatoes.  Taleggio, Brenta, Grana Padano and Mozzarella.  Never heard of those types of wine?  Exactly the reason why we want you to come in and try them!

So leave this winter state of mind behind you - and transform your thoughts to a place romantic, a littler warmer - and delicious!

And the Oscar goes too....

It's a snowy Sunday for the Oscars.
Don't let that hold you back from watching the show with all sorts of goodies!

Pick up some steak tips or boar roast, get some French red wine into a glass - along with a plate of fresh cheeses & olives - and you've got yourself a party!  And don't forget the Edible Hibiscus for the bottom of your glass of sparkling wine!

We've got fresh bread, sausages & cured meats - even Death by Chocolate frozen custard pies to make this Academy Award Sunday feel extra special.

What will be in my glass tonight?
Bubbly...but of course.

G'day Mate....

Saturday, February 26th - join us for an Australian wine tasting!
A very pretty Chardonnay for Southeastern Australian, and an approachable easy drinking Shiraz.

All easy on the wallet!

3-6pm.

Before that, come by after 11am and sample some delicious cheese that would go beautifully with either of those wines.

Enjoy!

Pamper the one you love with simple, affordable decadence!

It's Valentine's weekend....the perfect time for you to play Cupid and spoil someone special to you.

No plans yet?  Come sample wine with us!
Friday, Feb 11th 5:30 - 7:30 - Valentine's Sampler, Pt 1.  We'll be pouring Jacob's Creek Moscato, Banyuls ( a MUST try dessert wine), Robert Mondavi Cabernet - and a brand new Pinot Noir from Francis Ford Coppola that is in a perfect price point for all.

Saturday, Feb 12th 4pm - 7pm - Valentine's Sampler, Pt 2.  Join us as we sample Trentadue Chocolate Amore, La Caplana Gavi di Gavi, and Emeri Sparkling Pink Moscato.

Sunday, Feb 13th 2p-4:30pm - Bubbles & Love.  We are having a Chandon Sparkling Wine sampler featuring the classic Brut, Blanc De Noir (my personal favorite) and the Rose. 

Speaking of affordable decadence....we have Caviar & Creme Fraiche, Crepe Mix, Chocolate Bacon Pancake Mix, Applewood smoked bacon and more for a romantic breakfast or brunch.

Making a romantic dinner?  We've got you covered with everything from Steak tips to Muscovy duck.

And of course - in the glass.  Classic champagne, big Zinfandels & Cabernets, Dessert wine and of course the ever classic Chardonnay.

Anything and everything you need for a perfect weekend.
Hope to see you!

"Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance." --- Benjamin Franklin

Today, I attended a Silver Oak & Twomey Tasting at The Market Restaurant in the W Hotel in Boston.

I have to say - the food was outstanding; the downside - it was uber petite.
UBER. (Code for I was still hungry.  But that's okay, it really tasted outstanding.)

That being said, the wines were of course phenomenal. Standouts for me were the Twomey Sav Blanc, and the Merlot. LOVED the Merlot, but I'm always sort of crushing on good Merlot anyway. I think if someone was to say "quick, what's your favorite varietal".... I'd have to say Merlot, with the caveat of it being that it has to be 1.)well made and 2.) not over oaked. I don't love feeling like I'm chewing on a tree; I much prefer the beautiful fruit.

Out of the two Silver Oaks (Alexander & Napa Valley), my preference was by far the Napa. Amazingly delicious and best of all - ready to drink. Silver Oak is one of those producers who prefers to sell table ready wine, so you don't have to question whether it's ready when you buy it or not -- no surprises. You've got to love it.

You're going to find the Twomey on our shelves in the next week - and of course, Silver Oak - is already there. 
Cheers!

Are you ready for some football....

Okay, so we've adjusted to the fact that the Patriots aren't playing tomorrow.
That doesn't mean we can't enjoy a day of good eating & drinking with friends!

Love to cook?  Well, the Melrose store has everything from whole Muscovy Ducks, to Duck breasts, Confit Legs (for Cassoulet), Venison, Boar - and good ol' fashioned steak tips, chicken breast, pork ribs & sausages.  Speaking of sausages -- there's Chorizo, Duck & Armanac, Chicken w. Truffles, Garlic & Sausage - and of course, a selection of italian sausages and pepperoni for snacking.

Need cheese?  From Sage & Derby, to Taleggio -- Cabot Clothbound to Manchego -- Stilton w Cranberry to Huntsman Layer, have we got cheese for you.  Have you tried our Gorgonzola Stuffed Olives?  To die for.... (and we have a full selection of "To Die for Dips" as well, now that I mention it!)

Making chili for the big game?  We've got you covered with Chili Mix, cold beer and a large selection of hot sauces to help "kick it up a notch",  Pretzel dipping sauces, chocolate sauces, and of course - Chilly Cow frozen custard pies for dessert.

Ice cold beer - ranging from Budweiser to Pretty Things, Abita Purple Haze to Frosty Knuckle Ale, Hop Stoopid to Ommegang, Amstel & Heineken to Sierra Nevada - and everything in between....

And of course, the wine..... no matter what you're serving, who you're hanging out with - we have something for the novice to the most discriminating palate!  Need recommendations?  We're happy to help...whether you're looking for an inexpensive Cabernet that delivers big - or an easy drinking white wine, we've got something to make everyone happy.

(Suggestions?  LeMire Tuscan Blend, Chocolate Box Shiraz, Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc, Vivacious Vicky, Ruffino Orvietto, Liberty School Cabernet, Red Truck Zinfandel Blend, Dom Brunet Pinot Noir, Casa Del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc, Norton Merlot...just to name a few!)

Chips, dips, crackers, cookies, chutneys, gourmet popcorn and always the beverages.
Let's get this party started, shall we....?

'Tis enough of winter.....

Okay, so it's winter in New England -- we've had enough snow to last us a long, long time.

That being said - it's perfect red wine drinking weather.

If you're looking to expand your horizons and try something different - let us know, we're more than happy to make recommendations.

New in the freezer are things like:  Uncured Applewood Smoked Bacon, Demi Glace, Wild Boar Roasts, Duck & Armanac Sausage, Buffalo Steaks & Venison Medallions.  Coming next week should be Duck Legs and Boar sausages - amongst a few other surprises.

In the refrigerator - we have caviar; right now King Salmon is all that's left but look for Sturgeon, Paddlefish as well as smaller Salmon Roe; they have a fabulous shelf life, are in beautiful bottles and would the perfect accompaniment for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner.

Speaking of the Valentine's holiday - keep checking for tasting information!  I've got three tastings lined up and some include bubbles...!

Here's a tried and true recipe for the wild boar; I made it myself last week and it was fantastic.  If you've never had boar before (I certainly hadn't!), it's not as gamey as you might think.  There was a little something that was reminiscent of duck - but it was like the most delicious, darkest piece of pork you'll ever see.  Try it for yourself and see!

Take the roast and coat it with kosher/sea salt, black pepper, red pepper and then drizzle with honey. (You can drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil on top prior to seasoning; it's a lean meat - so it won't be greasy.)
Place a few cloves of garlic in the roasting pan as well.
Preheat oven to 425; cook the roast for 15 minutes at 425, then reduce to 345 for the next 30 minutes.

Remove from oven, slice it - then add additional salt/pepper & honey.  Add a little garlic salt if you like at this point; then finish under the broiler for 5-7 minutes to get a completely finished roast and a little crisp from the honey.

Serve with a delicious Cote du Rhone -- or try Chasse Garde Fitou!

Enjoy -and let me know what you think!

New ideas for the new year!

One of the new things I'd like to try in the Melrose store - is to feature a celebrity chef demonstration monthly.  I'm looking to have someone come in, do a cooking demo and we'll pair it with wine.

I've got a few chefs in mind I'd like to approach, but if anyone has a good suggestion on someone who is a favorite of theirs - please feel free to pass their name onto me.  You can either post their name here - or feel free to email me!

The beginning of the year is a good time for those of us who are retailers to try and shake up our inventory -bringing in fresh and exciting new products, while keeping the some of the same tried and true lines as well.  If there's anything new that you've tried over the past year - and you think we should give try it - don't hesitate to let me know.  Not only are custom orders something we specialize in - it also provides an opportunity for something new to grace our shelves.

We're looking forward to celebrating with you this year, whether it's a new job - new house, new baby; wedding, engagement, graduation - or just celebrating the end of the work week.

Cheers!