Holiday Sampler, Part 1

Please join us tomorrow, from 4:30 - 7:00 pm as we taste out the following wine that would be perfect for your holiday dinner table this weekend. We like to pick things that allow you to think "out of the box" a bit for each holiday, so be sure to stop by and try what we've got!

Domaine Pellehaut Rose
La Caplana Gavi di Gavi
Bell Cabernet
Annamaria Abbona Dolcetto

Holiday Week....

It's a big holiday week for everyone....and both stores have selections that are perfect for both the Easter & Passover Holidays.

Both stores are offering wines that are Kosher for Passover, including Tishibi Cabernet/Petit Syrah, Tishibi Emerald Riesling, Golan Chardonnay & Cabernet -- and of course, Manischewitz.

Our Melrose location has three tastings this week - and more specific information regarding what we'll be sampling will follow shortly, so keep checking back.

Thursday: Holiday Dinner Sampler, Pt. 1
Friday: Go Green Organic Sampling
Saturday: Holiday Dinner Sampler, Pt.2

We've got chocolates, candies, (even jellybeans!), oversized chocolate peanut butter cups and more for all your Easter gift basket stuffing.

The cheese case will have a fantastic selection, as well as a nice selection of fresh pasta that is available to add to your dinner table.

There's always something new going on in the Melrose shop.... and we're always changing our wine inventory in both locations, so come on by and pick out something that will be just perfect for your holiday table -- or just a quiet evening at home.

What's happening over the next few days...

Okay, so there's a lot going on so my wine recommendations have fallen to the wayside temporarily.

Sunday, we're having a fundraiser for Dana Farber Cancer Institute. In conjunction with Melrose Boot Camp, we're sponsoring a shopping day where 10% of our sales from the Melrose store from Sunday will be donated to DFCI via Joy Fay - who is running the Marathon and raising money for this fantastic facility. Unfortunately, in this day and age there is virtually no one that isn't affected by Cancer in some way and in some capacity -- so this is a great way to help contribute to the fight against the disease. So come by on Sunday and know that your contribution will help!

Monday, we will be part of the special that Chronicle is running on wine! So you dont' want to miss out on that...

We've got lots of tastings coming up in the next week for the holidays. I'll post more on that Tuesday.

In the meantime, here's a snapshot of our freezer and cheese case (at least how it looked as of this morning!) -- just in case you'd like to pop in at some point and indulge. Remember, we carry Dom's Sausages, Steak Tips & Ribs!

Radio Interview 1: Fairness Doctrine

Here's a link to the recent radio interview I did with the Fairness Doctrine from two weeks ago.
This link is for the whole show -- but we're the first segment, so you don't need to fast forward --right after the intro, it's showtime.

(I had a cold at the time, so I apologize if I'm a little difficult to hear.)

http://www.archive.org/download/TheFairnessDoctrine-March2010/F.d.March8Hour1.wav

Happy Springtime.....

This week has certainly felt like Spring....and hopefully the fever will last!

Today in the Melrose store, you can come by and sample Silvaner; it's a lesser known varietal than Riesling and it's perfect for warm weather - and also a great wine to go with holiday fare.

At 3pm, we're going to be opening up some Black Raspberry Chilly Cow Frozen Custard, as well as Chocolate. You've got to give this incredibly decadent ice cream a try....and, here's a thought: drizzle Trentadue Chocolate Port over Vanilla custard. Oh yeah.....

Upcoming tastings to note: Thursdsay 4/1 and Saturday 4/3 we'll be sampling wines that go great for the holiday table! Keep checking back for specific details.

We'd hoped to do an Opening Day celebration but since the Fenway opener is Easter Sunday, we may have to just have a "Take me out to the Ballpark" day another time in April. Look for that to feature Fenway Park & Green Monster Beer, Dom's Sausages, and maybe some peanuts & ice cream!

Next post - I'll share some of my personal favorite bottles that we added to the inventory over the past few weeks.

What's going on this week...

Today I was interviewed on air with WDIS AM -- where I'm one of their wine sponsors for the show "Fairness Doctrine". I got a great 5 minute interview and if they post it online, I'll gladly share the link here. If you enjoy political banter, then you really should check their show out. Left meets Right - and everything in between.

This week, we've got new wine as always -- and some new products including dark chocolate covered espresso beans -- as well as savory chutneys, such as carmelized onion chutney which is amazing on tenderloin or any kind of oven roast.

Chilly Cow Black Raspberry is gracing our freezer chest....probably the most decadent tasting black raspberry I've ever had.

And Friday, we are sampling out delicious steak tips and country ribs from Dom's Sausage -- and pairing it with Plymouth's own Mayflower Beer. It's a shop fresh, shop local tasting that you will not want to miss!

Beacon Hill Wine & Gourmet on Chronicle!

Today, the Melrose store was recorded for an upcoming episode of Chronicle that will be featuring wine and wine shops!

It was exciting, and a lot of fun - though truthfully, I'm a little nervous to see myself on television. Who really likes the way they look or the sound of their voice? But hopefully, the shop will look beautiful and I will have represented our corner of the world in Melrose fabulously.

One of the things I talked about is a feature that I hope will pick up -- did you know we offer a rack registry? Whether you're getting married, moving into a new home - or celebrating a golden anniversary, registering your wine rack is a great way to start your own private wine collection! You can schedule a private consultation to pick out your preferences -- we set you up with a web page that only you and your guests can access -- and they can shop for you. The best thing is -- duplicates are a welcome thing! Email or call for more details if you or someone you know is interested.

In the meantime, keep checking back to find out when the episode will air!

If you weren't able to attend the Sake tasting yesterday...

....then check this very generous review out!

http://passionatefoodie.blogspot.com/2010/02/beacon-hill-wine-gourmet-sake-tasting.html

Domo Arigato.... and more!

This Saturday (tomorrow....) we're having a Sake sampler. Join us from 5-7 as we sample the following varieties:

Moon Rabbit Sparkling
Murai Tanrei
Chikurin Fukamari Junmai
Hakushika Junmai Ginjo
Ozeki Osakaya Chobei Dai Ginjo
Murai Nigori Genshu

If you have always thought sake was only for chinese food -- or meant to be digested warm, you're in for an interesting and pleasant treat!

We've brought new cheese in this week: Three Cream Gouda, Duchess Sara Gouda as well as delicious Applewood Smoked Cream Cheese and Pesto Butter.

Did you know we carry Dom's Sausage Steak Tips & Turkey Tips - as well as Country Style Ribs? They're delicious, and we charge the same amount as Dom's does so you aren't being charged any differently and you don't have to travel to Dom's direct if you don't want to! We also can order custom cuts of meat for you from Dom's, with only three days notice!

Speaking of Dom's as you can see from the photo on our new chalkboard -- we're sampling out Dom's Sausage meats AND having a beer tasting the same evening. You won't want to miss it!

Lots of new wine this week on the racks -- and in all regions! So come on by and indulge a little bit. You deserve it, don't you?

Even though today feels like Spring, there's still time for a big Red...

Chateau D‘aydie “Les Sarments" Vin de Pays

Of humble origin in terms of the large growing area in southwestern France from which it comes, this offers loads of flavor and enjoyment - the ultimate over-achiever! A blend of Tannat, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, this exhibits ripe black fruits with some spiciness that lends more complexity than expected. Great with beef and all dishes with some heartiness to them. 

This wine is an example of a bottle which improves with aeration -- it loves to "breathe".

I personally love this wine; it reminds a bit of a good Pinotage. It's got a gaminess to it, and an earthiness that is very rustic and old world style. I think it just screams to be enjoyed with lamb -- but I had it with a sausage dish and enjoyed it just the same. Check it out and let me know what you think -- it's inexpensive, and worth the chance!

That's amore.....

So many things to do during the week & weekend of love......

Thursday-- it's bubbles, bubbles and bubbles in both stores as Beacon Hill & Melrose are both tasting out Rose, Blanc de Noir and Brut Chandon.

Friday -- Melrose is having a fantastic wine tasting with some new Bordeaux and a fantastic chocolate dessert wine, as well as a delicious White Burgundy.

Saturday --Melrose will be pairing Ruby & Tawny ports with Milk, Dark & Peanut Butter filled chocolate.

You won't want to miss these so be sure to stop on in!

New Things, Tastings & More...

Friday night, 5pm - 7pm in Melrose - it's a Beer Tasting! Sample Sam Adams Noble Pils & Cherry Wheat, Ithaca Cascazilla & Flower Power. Complete with some cheese -- it's a great way to start your weekend!

Saturday night, 4-7pm in Melrose - it's a Chandon Sparkling Wine Tasting! Demi Sec, Blanc de Noir & Rose...it's a great way to prep for Valentine's Day and enjoy a Saturday night before dinner.

New items this week are.... Foie Gras, Italian Cookies (coming Thursdsay!), Deano's FRESH Pasta (lobster agnilotti, canneloni florentine & four cheese shells -- delicious!), Food Should Taste Good Olive chips, Chocolate Covered Almonds, Jelly Belly Jelly Beans, & Gummi Bears! Ricotta Salatte as well as Feta should be in by Thursday as well...

And of course, as always -- we're bringing in new and exciting wine for you to enjoy and try! Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations and suggestions -- we're happy to help!

Cheers & Bon Appetit!

What's new - and what we're tasting!

So, this week - we added some more fun things!
Now available -- Dom's Sausage delicious Steak & Turkey Tips! Available in both Original and Zesty Teriyaki -- and Caesar & Honey Mustard for the turkey. And trust me when I tell you that I've priced them right.....

Also new in the cheese case is Danish Fontina, and Fol-Epi - as well as Mimolette Jeune (young) and Veille (aged). I'm hungry just thinking about it....

Dijon mustard has found it's way to the cheese case....and I'm trying really, really hard to find a good local honey! If anyone knows a resource please share - because it's been quite difficult to find someone who will return my phone call. Who doesn't love a little honey with their cheese?

Tomorrow night, 5-7pm we'll be tasting out some truly delicious wine: Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Vouvray & a Chinon. We'll also be sampling an Argentinan Malbec -- so if you're in the neighborhood.....come on in!

Bring back "Wednesday is Spaghetti Day"....

Tomorrow in Melrose - we're running a special for dinner.

Your choice of a bottle of red wine or white, a bag of artisanal pasta, a jar of imported spaghetti sauce, a wedge of parmigian reggiano and a box of pizelles -- all for under $30.

What take out, when you can take in?

While supplies last!

Tasting information & more!

Tomorrow, look for three new cheeses in the case at the Melrose shop:

Fol-Epi, Chimay Beer, and Danish Fontina.
How's that for delicious?

We're also bringing in Multigrain Chips & Jalapeno Chips by Food Should Taste Good.
Chocolates and more coming this week as well.

On Friday, we're tasting out wines from Provence -- and they're outstanding. I'll have some tasting notes and more information posted here as we get closer. The tasting is from 5-7, and you won't want to miss it.

Also coming soon -- Feb. 13th, mark your calendars for a Port & Chocolate tasting, perfect for Valentine's Day!

It's a Crazy Camel Dessert Hummus Tasting!

Saturday, 1/23 at 10:30 a.m., Crazy Camel Hummus is doing an instore tasting in Melrose.

Delicious for snacking, awesome for cooking - and pairs fabulously with wine! Come on by and check out the varieties -- lower in fat than traditional hummus - and even better, you can buy it frozen and thaw in minutes!

Chocolate Mousse, Peanut Butter, Pumpkin Pie, Toasted Almond & Maple Walnut.

Check them out at www.desserthummus.com

See you there!

A little 'tage...a little chenin....a little Chutney... a little nougat....a little Biltong!

Mark your calendars for a South African soiree...
Join us Saturday, January 16th from 2p - 6p as we taste some of the delicious and new food items I brought in from Capetown Traders - South African specialty importers.

They'll be at the store at 2 -- and then at 4, we'll be pairing the food with some fantastic South African wines: Nederberg Pinotage (which by the way, is the official wine of the World Cup for all you soccer enthusiasts!), Cederberg Chenin Blanc, and Goats in Villages Shiraz/Pinotage.

We hope you can join us!

Speaking of out with the old.....

Well, it's not old - but not exactly seasonal!
All holiday candy -- including Holiday Gourmet Chocolate Pizzas -- are 50% off in the Melrose shop! Funky Chunky, oversized holiday peanut butter cups, pizza slices -- get them while they last for half the price!

Nothing like a little chocolate to make the day seem a little brighter.
As well as wine....

Speaking of chocolate - coming this week, Rosenblum Desiree Chocolate Zinfandel dessert wine!

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!