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!

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!

What's cooking..?

Just a reminder - if you need tenderloin, ribeye or any cut of beef for your Christmas dinner - we custom order from Dom's Sausage! You still have time....

We also have coming in over the next few days: Hand dipped Ricotta (if you've never used it before, check out this helpful link! ), Marscapone cheese, Bufala Mozzarella, Squid Ink pasta, Wild Boar, Foie Gras, Duck Breast, Meringue covered mixed nuts, Peppermint Funky Chunky, Buffalo Rib Eye, lots of appetizers and so much more.

If you we don't have a premade appetizers that suits your fancy, you can always buy our Smoked Salmon, Creme Fraiche and capers...perfect for a pre-dinner snack. Or bruschetta toasts, fresh roasted tomatoes and some truffle oil drizzled on top.

Of course, we always have the perfect wine for your glass.
(Speaking of glasses, don't forget our handpainted wine glasses make excellent gifts!)

Have you made your list - and checked it twice?

If you're as busy as many are these days - you may still not be done with your Christmas shopping. We can help make it easier on you!

We have everything from painted glasses, Vinturi aerators, artisan foods & fun baking gifts such as Molten Lava cake sets and Creme Brulee kits (with the torch!) - as well as gift certificates, and of course beer and wine. Best of all - we gift wrap as well. It's that simple.

Let us help take the stress out of your gift giving this season. And be sure to try some before you buy with our last tasting of the season on Saturday.

Need food for your dinner table? Then join us Thursday for a tasting with The Bread & Butter Co., and place your order for dinner rolls, biscuits, sweet breads and butters. We also have appetizers, fresh cheese, olives, souffles and so much more to help make your Christmas meal special.

'Tis the season....

We've had Black Friday, Cyber Monday - how about plain old fashioned shopping?

We have some tastings coming up to help you make the perfect selections for all the favorite people in your life.

12/3 - Kick off "Home for the Holidays" in downtown Melrose and Celebrate with Chandon! Sample all three sparkling varieties: Brut, Blanc de Noir & Rose. 5-8 p.m.

12/4 - Celebrate "Home for the Holidays" with live music and wine samplings. Wine TBD, 3-5p.m.

12/11 - Holiday Gift Giving, Part 1: Wines TBD, check back. 3-6 p.m.

12/18 - Holiday Gift Giving, Part 2: Wines TBD, check back. 4-8 p.m.

We have Vinturi aerators and gift sets...sake gift sets, beautiful glasses, gift ware, charms, cork screws and so much more for your gift giving needs. Come to downtown Melrose, shop and support your small businesses!

Are you ready for Thanksgiving....?

Just a reminder that no liquor stores are open on Thanksgiving Day - so be sure to stock up tomorrow on all your last minute holiday drinking & dining needs! Both locations are open early, and will be closing later than usual posted hours.

In addition to wine & beer - Melrose has plenty of fresh cheese, appetizers, ready containers of pepperoni, peppers, kalamata & gorgonzola olives, cookies, candies, pates, and so much more!

From all of us at the Beacon Hill Wine & Spirits - and Beacon Hill Wine & Gourmet family -
we wish you and your family a happy, healthy and safe holiday.

As always - please drink responsibly.

Cheers!

Holiday Tasting Schedule and more...

We've got a full month of tastings to help you plan your holiday dinner table!

Fri, Nov 12th: 5:30 - 8:00, La Crema Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
Nov 13th: 2-5pm Wines TBD
Nov 14th: See us at the Showcase Melrose - buy your tickets via the Melrose Chamber of Commerce
Nov 16th: Sake Class, $20/pp - sign up for space limited class with Richard Auffrey, certified Sake Master, 8-10p.
Nov 18th: The Bread & Butter Co., will be sampling fresh dinner rolls, home made butters, biscuits and sweet breads for your holiday table! 5:30 - 8:00
Nov 20th: Pre-Thanksgiving Wine Sampler, Part 1 - Wines TBD, 5-8pm check back for specifics
Nov 23rd: Pre-Thanksgiving Wine Sampler, Part 2 - Wines TBD, 5-8pm check back for specifics

Space Limited Sake Class!

Email or call to sign up for our first seminar - a Sake sampler class.
Learn from certified Sake Professional Richard Auffrey and expose your palate to a whole new world.

From sparkling to sweet, unfiltered to dry - Sake is more than what our experiences have probably shown us at local restaurants. Not only is it a fantastic accompaniment to a variety of foods...it's also a wonderful pairing for cheese, making it an interesting and unique way to enjoy a small gathering with friends, when wanting to depart from traditional choices.

Space is limited...and there are only 7 seats left -- so call or email to sign up.

$20.00/pp for a 2 hour class, where you will not only sample - but truly learn an education from someone who is exceptionally passionate (no pun intended!) about this exciting wine - and you can enjoy a variety of cheeses and foods that will pair wonderfully as well.

Pre-Thanksgiving Sampler

It's almost here - the first big holiday dinner that kicks off all things winter: Thanksgiving.

Join us Thursday, from 5-8 as we sample out the following:

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc
Oyster Bay Merlot
Michael Pozzan Cabernet
Casa Lapostale Carmenere

Hope to see you there!

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?

One Year Celebration for Melrose: An update!

Have you marked your calendars for Thursday, Oct 21st?

Henriot Champagne, Classic Wine, Harpoon Beer, The Bread & Butter Co., Emmiez Croutons, To Die For Dips are confirmed - others confirming by the week's end.

We'll also be sampling out cheese from our artisan cheese case!
This is one tasting event you won't want to miss...