Open "Thank You" Letter...

I submitted the following letter to all of our news publications in the Melrose area - as well as the Boston Globe.  As I've yet to see it appear online or in print - I wanted to also put it on the blog so that anyone who visits here, will know how important everyone's contributions are and how they have not gone unnoticed.

"As we're approaching the holiday season, everyone has returned from their summer vacations and settled back into their daily routines; Thanksgiving is upon us, and what better time to reflect upon things that have happened in the past year, and remember people whom we are grateful for?

Giving back to the community is the advertising model that Beacon Hill Wine & Gourmet uses; as opposed to traditional advertising, we choose to use our funds towards donating to as many charitable events in and around our community.  We feel that it is a "win-win" situation and we're helping as much as a small business can.  In addition to that, we also run fundraisers throughout the year for various organizations that are near and dear to us, or for events that are tragic and strike our hearts.  This past year we held 3 such events - the first one was a Red Cross/Hurricane Sandy Victims Fundraiser; the 2d was our Annual Dana Farber/Jimmy Fund Fundraiser that we hold each April, the Sunday prior to Marathon Monday; and the 3rd one was our Fundraiser to Benefit Marc Fucarile, one of the more severely injured Boston Marathon Bombing victims in our community.

While I thank everyone for their support and participation for each event, I'd like to take a moment to show special appreciation and gratitiude for the fundraiser that benefitted Marc.  This was an event that was our largest ever, featuring over 9 vendors both inside and outside of our store - a "block party" so to speak. I'd like to thank my customers who shopped that day knowing that their purchase proceed was going to such a great cause; and then also donated to the raffle in addition to their purchase. I am truly thankful for your support. 

I'd like to thank not only the vendors that participated, but the incredibly generous donors who volunteered to donate items to our raffle once they heard about it.  I did not solicit any items; I planned on donating my own products to raffle off and I was overwhelmed with the generosity from local businesses. wineries across the country - and even customers - who graciously said " I want to do something to contribute".  We had over 30 raffle items donated ranging from gift certificates, handmade blankets & gifts, to autographed athletic jerseys and caps, bottles and cases of wine, Boston Strong glasses - to our largest of donations, a gas grill.  This was our most financially successful fundraiser to date, with 100% of raffle donations and over 15% of my sales for the day donated. 

I am proud to say that in September, I had the opportunity to meet Marc & his fiancee Jen - and present them with the donation of over $3200.00  I can tell you first hand, that all who donated can feel good knowing that their donation in kindness to a stranger - will absolutely have an impact on his life.

I'd like to publicly thank the following businesses & people:  City of Melrose, Gray's Appliances & Brad Hutchinson Realty, Melrose Boot Camp, Madison Avenue, Bodyography, Beacon Hill Wine & Spirits, MS Walker Wines, Oz Pacific Wines, Gauthier Vineyards, Vineyard Road Wines & Evening Land Vineyards, Harpoon Brewery, Craft Brewers/Michael O'Neill, Mayflower Beer, AFLAC, Sinfully Tanned, Diane Keohane, Lisa Miller, Tara Dillon, Kristina Harrison, Dr. Joel Alper DDS, Jessica's Brick Oven, Savory Food Importing, Dom's Sausage, Chilly Cow, To Die for Dips, Fiore Di Nonno, Wine Cask & Lapis Luna Vineyards, Marie Nyland/Stella & Dot, BYoga, Accardi Foods, Burke Distributing, Minuteman Press, Kristin Stelle/Maritignetti Distributors and Lisa Hall.

Lastly but equally as important,  I'd like to thank my staff who always go over and above in their efforts in everything that they do, most especially in events such as these.

While I know this was a long winded thank you, it was something that I didn't think could be skimped on; when saying "thank you" and showing gratitude and appreciation to so many, I think it's important to have everyone understand the importance of their actions, no matter how small they may have felt their contribution was.  I am so incredibly proud to be a part of a community who rises to the occasion time and time again - and for that, I will forever feel honored and thankful.

Best,

Rebecca Beraldi.
Beacon Hil Wine & Gourmet"

Next on the tasting schedule is....

So, if you weren't able to attend our fabulous holiday tasting this past Friday, then mark your calendars for this coming one! 

Turtle Creek winery from Lincoln MA will be in the house for a very special wine tasting. Join us from 5-8 for some wines made in Massachusetts style! 

Cheers!

There's always something new going on.....

Did you know that every Saturday in our Melrose store, starting at 11am we sample out wine and cheese?  Rain, Snow, Sleet, Sunshine - it doesn't matter....the tastebuds are alive and kicking and we're happy to share some of our favorite finds with you.

Coming next week to both the Beacon Hill & Melrose:

LOCAL WINE FANS - hold onto your hats.  Mill River Winery out of Rowley, MA will be on our shelves.  Their Plum Island Sweeter Red and Plum Island Sweet White are sure to make your summer soirees feel a little more "beachside"....and their Sauvignon Blanc & Unoaked Chardonnay are quite nice.  We really think you're going to enjoy them.

DOG LOVERS -- Also coming are the Stray Dog Wines....inexpensive and delicious, these wines are not only fun - but they're generous!  A portion of the proceeds of my buying cases goes straight to the ASPCA!  If you try these wines and find that you seriously love them - you may want to consider buying cases of them.  You get 15% from me - while allowing for more money to go to the best organization in the world for protecting our furry friends.  Just something to think about.....

THEY'RE BACK -- after a two week hiatus, we're happy to tell you that Maitland Farm's Holly's Spicy Pickles are back in the refrigerator in Melrose.  These are hands down the most delicious pickles in town.  You've got to try them if you haven't already - and you'll see what we mean!

As always, we're happy to help you find something special for your wine glass, beer mug or dinner table.  Special orders are always welcome and it's our pleasure to work with you.

Cheers!

Fundraiser for Marc Fucarile - SUCCESS!

We are thrilled with the turnout for our Fundraiser to support Marc Fucarile, one of the Boston Marathon Bombing Survivors from Stoneham yesterday.  So much so, that while we were taking raffle donations yesterday - we are going to continue accepting them today (June 2d) as a result of so many people asking to donate - who were unable to attend yesterday.  So if you missed the block party - that's okay!  You can still donate today....

Here's a snapshot of the fun....
(And did I mention that I have the best staff, ever??)

A HUGE thank you - to all of our wonderful vendors who participated:  Dom's Sausage, Chilly Cow of Arlington, Fiore Di Nonno, To Die For, Savory Food Importers, MS Walker Wine, Oz Pacific Wines, Harpoon Beer and Jessica's Brick Oven Bakery!

An even larger thank you to all the wonderful people who came out and donated...both my incrediby generous customers, and equally generous commercial counterparts in Melrose and in the wine/food industry.  It is your kindness and generosity that allowed us to help in a small way - someone who's life has been forever altered.

Boston Strong - Fundraiser for Stoneham's Marc Fucarile, 1 June 2013

The Boston Marathon bombings had such a tremendous impact, because while Boston is a major metropolitan city - it's still a very small world.  It is almost impossible to not know someone that was either injured, or at the very minmium - present - at the time of the tragedy.  It doesn't take 6 degrees of separation to have a personal tie for most of us, and that is amazing and scary when you stop and think about it.

We wanted to do a fundraiser, but rather than donating to the One Fund - we wanted to do something more personal - and have an event with proceeds to go directly to one victim.  After hearing the breadth of injuries that Marc Fucarile suffered, we felt drawn towards supporting him and his family, and have coordinated a fundraiser to benefit him specifically.

Please join us on June 1st, from 12-4 as we have beer, wine and food vendors and some incredibly outstanding raffle items!  15% of the total sales for the day are being donated as well as 100% of raffle donations. 

Here's just a sampling of what we have lined up for vendors (more being determined as of this writing, so keep checking back!): Distlers Pretzels, To Die For Dips, Dom's Sausages, Fiore di Nonno Cheese, Jessica's Brick Oven Breads,  Harpoon Beer, Oz Wine, MS Walker Wine and more!

Raffle Items donated to date (more being donated, updates to follow!):   2 collections of 6 bottles of Gauthier Wine & 2 Boston Strong Wine Glasses, (courtesy of Gauthier Wines & Diane Keohane), Bodyography Gift Certificate (Bodyography), Sinfully Tanned Personalized Tanning Certificate (Sinfully Tanned),  Madison Avenue Gift Certificate (Madison Avenue), Weber Gas Grill (Brad Hutchinson RE & Grays Appliance), Tiganello (MS Walker), Craft Beer collection (Craft Brewers), Beer donation (Mayflower Beer), Giant AFLAC duck (AFLAC) and more!

Please make it a point to come, because every dollar counts - and we want to make this the most successful fundraiser ever. 

Boston is strong...but most importantly, Boston is supportive of one another.

Hurricane Sandy Fundraiser....

After watching the fundraiser this past weekend on televison, I was able to see just how much devastation took place just south of us with Hurricane Sandy.  There was so little that was shown to us here locally in MA - that the full breadth of what devastation took place really was understandable - at least not to me, until then.

We all try to donate to different organizations, and we certainly at BHWG & BHWS do our more than fair share.  But after seeing what these people are going through and how they still have no power or gasoline - how can we not continue to do even more.

In the Melrose store, this Friday - we are hosting a wine & food tasting, and I will donate 10% of my sales to the Red Cross/Hurricane Sandy fund.  I will also have a bucket set up should anyone want to donate extra as well - I'm happy to include your donations with mine.

Please make it a point to come by, try some wine - and know that with every purchase, your contribution just might help someone with a new coat, or funds towards a new apartment while they're waiting to get back into their home - or maybe just food on the table.

Thank you...

Happy Anniversary...and Thank You!

October 19th is the 3 year anniversary mark of our Melrose store being open.  It's been so much fun getting to know all of our customers, and I certainly hope that you all enjoy us as much as we enjoy working with you!

Thursday, October 18th is our 3rd Annual "Thank You" Celebration, featuring over 18 different wines ranging from Champange to Port - and everything in between; Mayflower Beer will be sharing and tasting out their truly awesome local brews; and we are also featuring 4-5 different food vendors who are excited to share with you their culinary treats.  All food vendors participating are local and have delicious treats!  You will not want to miss this event....

Thursday, 10/18
5:30 - 8:30 pm

We hope that you are able to come and have a great time.  It's one way that we like to say thank you for your patronage, and let you know how much we really enjoy what we do. 

Hope to see you there!

Sometimes you feel like a nut...sometimes you don't!

People often ask me what type of wine I like to drink.
That's actually a more difficult question than you would think.
I don't have just one favorite.
For me, it's very mood driven.

When I give that answer, sometimes I'm met with a look that's a bit puzzled - as if to say "you don't have one style that you stick to?".  It's actually not a surprising reaction, because as a retailer I often find that most people find a favorite and then drink it until they're bored of it - and move on to something different.

I've just never been that way.

Actually, I don't pair my wine with food so much as you might think; I go for what I'm in the mood to enjoy.  It doesn't often conflict with my meal choice, and if it does - then I'll indulge a bit before dinner, set my glass to the side - and finish after my meal.

That's typically the advice I try to give to people when they're shopping.  If you're going to dinner at a friend's and want to bring a wine for dinner - absolutely, let's pair it up as best we can.  If you're cooking a specific meal to enjoy with a wine and want it to be perfectly aligned, sure we can do that as well.

But I try to encourage people when they are indulging without being food specific - to try different things; shake it up a bit.  So that they too can be mood driven for what they will enjoy in the glass. 

Sometimes in the dead of summer, I'll still crave a big California Cab - such as Stag's Leap Artemis.  Other times it may be a lighter Viognier.  Or in the winter, sitting by the fire - I still might just want the crisp acidity of a Vouvray.  It's just how the mood hits me.

So the next time you're shopping and you're looking to try something new - let us help you think out of the box - and out of your comfort zone.  You just might find something perfect to fall in love with.

Are you ready for some football...?

We are rip roaring and ready to go...the kids are back to school, the seasons are changing - and football season has started!

Lots of tastings in both stores this weekend!  Hope you can join us!
Beacon Hill: 
Thursday, 9/6 at 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Wines TBD, presented courtesy of Ruby Wine

Friday, 9/7 at 5:30 - 7:30pm
Wines TBD, presented courtesy of United Wine

Melrose:
Saturday, 9/8 at 11am - Join us as we pop a bottle of something that you're sure to love

Sunday, 9/9 at 1:00pm - It's Victorian Fair in Melrose!  Come visit one of the best downtown neighborhoods north of Boston and sample the local restaurants and business' fares & wares.  We're going to have a bottle or two open to celebrate the festivities, so stop on by!

GO PATRIOTS!

Labor Day Weekend....

We're not quite ready to see the summer end....are you?

Even still, the season change is rapidly approaching and so we're already starting to think of wines for your holiday dinners and gift giving.

It's never too soon to be prepared, is it?

Looking for something fun and interesting to do? Taste wine and learn about life!

Tomorrow in the Melrose store, at 2pm - we're tasting out some wines that are perfect for this Summer weather that we're so fortunate to still be enjoying:

Saumur Rouge - 100% Cab Franc from the Loire that is a bit brighter and more minerally than it's big brother Chinon.

Abyme Savoie - Few white wines say summer better than this gem.

Henri Bourgeois Quincy - Love Sancerre, but don't want to pay the price?  Check this consistently beautiful wine from one of the leading producers out of the Loire.

Colterenzio Pinot Nero - Don't love some of the syrupy Pinots that come out of Italy?  Us too.  But this bottle from the Alto Adige region is a rock star.  And at a great price, too!

We always try to shake things up a bit in Melrose, and have twists with our tastings.  This time, we're featuring local Certified Life coach Jim McCoy -- he will be on hand to demystify any interpersonal issues from dating to job changes --  through informal chat and Q&A. (www.merlincoaching.com)

We've also got some tastings lined up for the Beacon Hill store, which I hope to post in the next day or so.  You won't want to miss them!

 And of course, Victorian Fair is approaching in Melrose shortly, so we're thinking of a fun tasting to line up.  Last year we did an acoustic music pairing - so if you have any fun ideas, pass them along! 

Until next time...

Think out of the box....

So, tomorrow is "Try Something New Tuesday"...
Pic Poul Blanc.  Roussane.  Monterey Pinot Noir.  Chilean Cabernet.  Muscadet.  Orvietto.  Barbera D'Alba.  Belgian Ale.  Dry Cider.  Russian Stout.  Chipotle Ale.  Pumpkin Beer.  Robiolo.  Gorgonzola Dolce.  Spicy Pickles.  Homemade Pizzeles.  Cave Aged Cheddar.  Vegan Pate.  Foie Gras.

....what are YOU going to try?

Its been a long time...but let's try again!

Sure it's been a while since we've added something to the blog.  Partly because I was incredibly busy - and partly because - well, no one seemed to be reading it.  But let's give it another try, shall we?

We've got lots cooking in the Melrose shop... this coming Saturday, July 28th at 1pm we have a Port & Chocolate tasting.  I may even throw a little Dutch Vintage Gouda in there just for funsies.  Come on by and sample some of the best boutique port on the market that is at a very affordable price! 

Did you know that every Saturday in the Melrose store we have a bottle of some type of wine open as well as different cheeses and food items?  Check here, on Facebook and Twitter for all the announcements every Saturday morning.

Speaking of food....we've added so many new and exciting food lines to the Melrose location:  Boston Burger Salsa, Big Papi Salsas, Gelato Fiasco Gelato, Boxford Granola, Papa's Pizelles, Number 9 Tortillas, Something Sweet without Wheat maccaroons and Woola's Gluten Free Pastries -- just to name a few.  Did I mention that every single one of those are local food producers?  That's right, from Concord to Revere - Lynnfield to Boxford, you can feel good about shopping local and shopping fresh!

What's happening in the Beacon Hill store....well, we've been going through some renovations due to some water damages we suffered, so thank you very much for your patronage and patience through all of it!  We're enjoying the summer to re-energize the store and get ready to keep the most rocking 400 sq. ft. of alcohol stocked to the gills for this upcoming fall.  Summer is busy in Boston, but nothing like when late August rolls around.

In case you're looking for something special at any time, Monday is ordering day for both locations!  So be sure to get your special requests in to us as soon as you can!  You can email or call and we're more than happy to try to get the items you're looking for.

So for now - this is a good way to get the ball rolling again.  As always - please feel free to ask us anything, we're more than happy to answer it for you.

Cheers!

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!