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!

Getting ready for New Year's Eve!

Caviar, capers, creme fraiche & crackers; Champagne, Cava, Cuvee & more; Cold Brews, Chocolates, Cheese...Cheers!

We are open New Year's Eve until 9pm in Melrose - 11pm in Boston  -- and we are also open New Year's Day, for normal business hours.

However you celebrate the New Year -- enjoy and be safe!
Best wishes for a Happy 2010!

It's a Yellow-Ween....

Have plans for Halloween day?
Come to our Melrose store from 2-4 p.m. and sample Veuve Cliquot champagne!

It's a Spook-tacular event...who doesn't love a little bubbly in the glass?

Out with the old and in with the new....

Happy New to all....

So, in addition to always having different wine to choose from - we also try to mix things up in the food department. Starting this week, we'll be featuring some delicious products from South Africa -- and mark your calendars for a food & wine tasting, January 16th. We'll be sampling delicious food items such as cookies, chutneys and more - along with some delicious South African wine varietals such as Pinotage, Cabernet & Chenin Blanc. You won't want to miss it!

Sure, the winter holidays are over - but right around the corner is Valentine's Day. Champagne, sparkling wine, wine -- and of course chocolates and gifts -- are the perfect thing for that special person in your life. Just a little something to think about....

Another new something is delivery. Already available in Boston -- now Melrose residents can have orders delivered as well. Hours may be limited, so be sure to call ahead to schedule.

Until next time....

New Year's Eve is approaching.....

...how about inviting Montaudon, Pommery, Veuve, PJ, Dom, Gosset or Billecart to celebrate with you?

We've got all that and more -- including sparkling wines from all over the country if champagne proper isn't your "cup of tea".

Fresh bread in Melrose on New Years Eve for your dinner -- and your New Year's Day brunches!

Speaking of which - we are open in both stores on New Year's Day for you to be able to get bubbles for your morning Mimosa's, should you run out from the night before.

New Year's Eve -- Boston is open until 11; Melrose is open until 9.
New Year's Day, both locations are open regular hours.

As always, we appreciate your business and support this past year -- and we encourage you to enjoy your celebrations -- but please drink responsibly. Don't drink and drive; life isn't worth the gamble.

Happy New Year!

Great gift giving tasting for Thursday!

Don't miss out!
Thursday night in the Melrose store, we'll be tasting the following presented by Ruby Wine:

Graham Beck Brut (I love this sparkler from South Africa!)
Gossett Champagne
Lucien Crochet Sancerre
Trimbach Pinot Gris (fabulous holiday dinner wine... perfect for turkey or ham!)
Pine Ridge Chardonnay
Brandini Barbera
Groth Cab (Delicious!!!)
Chateau Clairfont Margaux (You don't want to miss this one. Trust me....)

It starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m. and these are fantastic holiday gift wines -- and even better if it's a gift for yourself.

See you there!

Nothing says decadence like bubbly...

Join us tonight in the Melrose store from 4-6 as we celebrate "Yelloween" - a grown up version of All Hallow's Eve, courtesy of Veuve Clicquot!

Great gift giving ideas!

Christmas is quickly rushing upon us!
Still not sure what to get for the wine enthusiast in your life?
Let me make some suggestions as to a few "cherry" items we have in stock!

1986 Grange
1990 Mouton Rothschild
1992 Caymus Special Selection
2003 Silver Oak Napa
Cristal
.....and a small but excellent selection of 1997 & 1999 Barolos.

This is just a small sampling -- we have ample to choose from and in a variety of prices!

Call for specific pricing!

Gift wrapping is available....as well as beautifully handmade wine gift bags.

If you're in need of delivery, please call early!
Our schedule is filling up very quickly, even for the immediate downtown Boston area.

Happy Shopping!

Thanksgiving is upon us...

I can't tell you how many phone calls I've received this morning asking for recommendations on what to buy for the holiday dinner. And that -- is a great thing.

The best advice I can give you is to have fun with whatever your drinking; and the most important thing to keep in mind, is not buy a wine that will overpower what you are eating. Basically, that means if Turkey is on the menu (as it most generally is!), than you want to avoid big and heavy red wines, or exceptionally dry and/or heavy white ones.

If your holiday turkey menu features sweet side dishes such as glazed carrots or marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes, you could choose a white wine with similar sweetness, such as a chenin blanc or gewurztraminer. If your menu items are savory, you can lean toward a Johannisberg riesling, savignon blanc, or even a light, fruity chardonnay. If your bird boasts a spicy sausage stuffing, sip a Beaujolais (Nouveau is the rage for today) or lightly chilled pinot noir. (Though I personally do not care for my red wine chilled, at all.)

Think out of the box a bit... don't be afraid to play. A great pairing for Turkey is champagne. You can feel decadent and fancy while drinking a deliciously light and fruity one; Rose champagne is a perfect compliment -- and looks pretty in the glass, for those who are into aesthetics, right down down to the bubbles.

If you don't want to break the bank with the champagne, then I'd wholly suggest buying it's Italian cousin: Prosecco. Light, fruity and inexpensive - Prosecco will dress up any meal and it's very food friendly.

I mentioned a Johannisburg Riesling, but if you want to be a red wine drinker and stray from the traditional Pinot & Beaujolais - then I'd recommend a South African Merlot or Cabernet (avoid a Shiraz blend -- too spicy!). South African wine is bright, fruit forward and not so heavy that it would detract from the food you are eating.

If you're in town today -- please don't hesitate to stop in and ask for assistance with your holiday gift giving or meal pairing selections. Gene is there all day and night -- and will be more than happy to assist you. He's worked very hard to ensure that we have an outstanding inventory that is able to please even the most discriminating wine enthusiast.

From our family to yours....have a lovely holiday.