Back from vacation - fabulous feedback....and ch-ch-changes!

Like most of you, I am returning from a brief summer vacation. As we're approaching our first year in Melrose, I was able to take a few days to unwind and relax (well, as relaxing as a family vacation to Hershey Park can be!). As sad as I am for it to be over - I'm so glad to be back.

To make the return even better, this morning I read this great article which really made me so very happy; this encapsulates what our business model is, and why we want the small wine boutique shop to be an experience - not just an errand. (http://passionatefoodie.blogspot.com/2010/08/rant-best-advice-on-buying-wine.html)

Labor Day is approaching - and that means Harvest is upon us. This is probably my favorite time of year; and to celebrate - some changes are coming to the Melrose store in the next month....window displays featuring Henriot Champagne is a big switch; if you are an enthusiast of the bubbles and have not yet tried this line - I insist that you try. Speaking of windows, a plan is in the works to pretty up the windows and give us a very classic and unique outside appearance. I'd been hoping to unveil it for Labor Day, but the schedule seems to be slipping on that one..

Hours are changing as well! We are now officially open until 9pm on Thursdays - and look for Sundays to stay open until 7. We know how halftime during football season is always the time that everyone needs to run out and refresh the coolers; or maybe you've got a Sunday dinner plan and forgot that bottle of wine to bring. No worries - we're here for you.

And of course...the inventory. Not sure if you've noticed, but the last three weeks I started stocking Harvest/Pumpkin/Octoberfest beer! Dogfish, Victory, Ipswich, Sam Adams, Shipyard - just to name a few. Who doesn't love a good pumpkin ale, right? We also have Fall Ciders from Woodchuck & Harpoon for those of you looking for something other than traditional beer or wine.

In the wine department - I'm cutting down on some of the lighter Spanish white wines, and re-engaging my South African section. South Africa has some delicious and exciting wines at fabulous prices. The "bigger" wines and higher end (but still not over the top in price) are bulking up as well. It's never too early to think about holiday gift giving!

And then, there's food.... Bread is coming back on Fridays in the next two weeks! I know some of you have really missed that, so I'm happy to announce the return. I've got some great food lines that I found over the summer coming in over the next month - and best of all - they're all LOCAL. Small, artisan food producers are so much fun to find for me - -and you can feel good knowing you're part of supporting our local economy. Buy local, buy fresh -- it's not just a tagline; it's a principle and business model I work hard to follow.

My batteries are recharged - and hopefully, you will enjoy the subtle changes that are going to be happening. My wine shop is your wine shop - and it is a constantly evolving, living thing. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome, and as always - thank you for your support.

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!

Jack O'Lantern, Jack O'Lantern....

Looking for something fun for the adults to drink for Halloween?
While pumpkin flavored wines are more often than not found at small fruit vineyards outside of MA -- have no fear, there's pumpkin flavored beer!


Pumpkin ales are perfect for Halloween and the autumn season in general.
Pumpkinhead by Shipyard is a great brand to try.


If you want to try something creative - make your own cauldron of Witch's Brew!

Place your "cauldron" into something deep, such as a planters barrel that you can paint black -- add some dry ice underneath and serve up a potion that's sure to make everyone feel as if you've cast a spell upon them!

Ingredients:
3 packages Lime Kool-Aid
1 bottle Vodka
1 bottle Fruit juice (any)
20-25 pieces Fruit, mixed
1 gal Sherbet (any flavor)

Mix all ingredients(in any order) in a large tub, which can hold several gallons. Stir so that the Sherbert is completely dissolved. With the exception of the kool-aid and sherbert, as much or little of the other ingredients may be used.

With all the flavored vodkas on the market today -- the possibilities for this Witches Brew are endless!!