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Let’s talk turkey… the natural inclination is to pair turkey (and other poultry dishes) with white wine. But did you know that there are many red varietals that can work beautifully with your turkey and all the trimmings feast? Before you head to the wine store to stock up for the holiday, take a look at our favorite red wine choices for your Thanksgiving meal!Pinot Noir: If you like red wine, the natural choice is Pinot Noir. Intensely flavored, complex, with incredible longevity—it’s a wine meant to pair with food, and it won’t overshadow your meal. Sensuous, with an enticing, sometimes earthy perfume and soft, silky, yet structured texture.One of our favorites: Flowers Pinot NoirMerlot:The easiest drinking red there is, Merlot is soft, ripe, elegant, and a great starter wine for newer red wine drinkers. French for “The Little Blackbird,” the Merlot grape became known in Bordeaux for its ability to add softness and luscious fruit when combined with the region’s favorite grape, Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s ability to not overpower is what makes it so great with food.One of our favorites: Rodney Strong MerlotZinfandel:Classic Zinfandels have fruit-driven aromas and often include flavors of berries, black pepper, and spice, sometimes even with a hint of chocolate or citrus. While some zinfandels, are quite bold and spicy there are others that are more fruity and subtle. Those are the ones that you’ll want to select for your Thanksgiving table. One of our favorites: Rombauer ZinfandelCabernet:A bit heavier, but still a good red choice, Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most complex, layered wines around. Typically full-bodied, with dark fruit flavors and savory tastes from black pepper to bell pepper, there’s a Cabernet Sauvignon for everyone.One of our favorites: California Wine Project CabernetIn the end, Thanksgiving is about counting your blessings, while sharing food—and wine—with the people you love. Visit any Wine Country Store or Wine and Whiskey Country Store and let one of our Wine Pros help you pick out the perfect wine for a truly memorable Thanksgiving…Cheers!
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Let’s say there’s an occasion that calls for a gift. A birthday. An anniversary. Congratulations on a job well done. Or thanks for inviting us to your beach house for the weekend. There are literally dozens of times each year that you’re charged with picking out a gift for someone special and dozens of opportunities to wow them with your good taste. So what to get? Forget flowers. Pass on perfume. Skip those impersonal gift cards. We’ve got a suggestion that’s both easy and always the right choice. Wine. It’s the best gift ever and here’s why: 1. You’ll find a wine in every price range. Want to spend a lot, you definitely have choices, but the great thing about wine is that there are some outstanding bottles available today for under $20 and there are even great bottles to be found for around $10! 2. There’s a wine for absolutely everyone. Wine aficionados aren’t the only ones who will appreciate a gift of wine. From Chardonnay to Chianti, Barolo to Zinfandel — light and sweet or bold and intense — wine has flavor profiles to suit every taste and pair with every meal.3. Wine is for celebrations. Think of the best occasions — dinners out with friends, family meals, weddings, parties — chances are that wine is a big part of those occasions. Another reason why it makes the perfect gift. 4. They’ll probably want to share. It’s no fun drinking a bottle of wine alone, so chances are if you give them a bottle of wine they may just invite you to share it with them. Lucky you. 5. Wine is the star of any gift box. Pick out a gift box (we love the unique boxes available from GiftBoxPros.com), add a bottle (or two) of wine, choose some gourmet snacks, a novelty wine glass, a bottle opener, you name it, as long as wine is a part of the gift it’s a winner!There you have it. Our top 5 reasons why wine makes the absolute perfect gift for any occasion. Don’t believe us? Give a bottle the next time you need to bring a gift and see how happy you’ll make the gift recipient!Cheers!
Pinot Noir… perhaps the most romanticized red wine in the world. Why? Well, for one thing, Pinot Noir grapes are exceptionally hard to grow, making a great bottle of Pinot Noir a pretty rare find. Without question the world’s finest Pinot Noir comes from the Burgundy region of France—age-worthy, earthy reds, that are usually pretty costly. You can; however, find some affordable Pinot Noir wines from California and Oregon, as well as New Zealand, Australia and Chile, but they are typically more fruit forward, or lighter than their French counterparts.As Pinot Noir is grown in so many different regions around the world and since it is very much a reflection of where it is grown, it is hard to really pin down just one personality; however, Pinot Noir is typically delicate and fresh, with very soft tannins. Fruity aromas of cherry,strawberry and plum, are often paired with rustic notes of damp earth, worn leather and tea-leaf.Why we love Pinot Noir: Intensely flavored, complex, with incredible longevity—a wine meant to pair with food, that won’t overshadow your meal. Sensuous, with an enticing, sometimes earthy perfume and soft, round, silky, yet structured texture. Finding the perfect Pinot Noir is the Holy Grail of wines.Food pairing ideas: Great with salmon or other fatty fish, glazed ham, turkey, roasted chicken or beef, and mushroom risotto.Five of our favorite Pinot Noir wines:Flowers Pinot NoirWhy we like it: Deep garnet hue. Incredibly complex and ultra smooth, this is one of our favorite Pinot Noirs from California. Easy drinking and a wonderful partner with food this is American Pinot Noir at its very finest.Meiomi Pinot NoirWhy we like it: A distinctive California Pinot Noir with a world-class taste. Rich ruby hue with lush, fruity aromas and hints of vanilla, mocha and toasty oak. Silky texture and wonderfully balanced.Rodney Strong Pinor NoirWhy we like it: A lighter, friendlier red than your typical California Cab, this Pinot Noir is medium bodied, wonderfully aromatic and has crisp fruit and spice flavors that work beautifully with so many foods.Fess Parker Pinot NoirWhy we like it: A family-run vineyard producing world class wines, Fess Parker’s Pinot Noir features flavors of Bing cherry, cranberry, sage, black currant, black raspberry, green peppercorn and a touch of vanilla.Goose Bay Pinot NoirWhy We Like It: Pinot Noir is a lighter red, making it an easy pairing wine for some foods you might not think are typically red-friendly.Visit your local Wine Country or Wine & Whiskey Country store and one of our Wine Pros will help you select the perfect Pinot Noir for you.
It’s officially weddings season! For the brides, grooms, parents and other loved ones who are happily planning for their version of “wedding of the year,” it can be a daunting task. Finding the perfect venue, gorgeous flowers and a mouthwatering menu that will have your guests talking for month is hard enough, but then you have to choose the wine! And, that can be very difficult.But, don’t worry, we’re here to help. The good news is that having good wines doesn’t mean having to spend a small fortune. We have some great suggestions and even greater prices on the perfect wines to serve for your big day.When choosing wines for weddings, or any large gathering for that matter, look for wines that are reasonably priced (under $20) and that offer wide appeal. Avoid wines with extremes in flavor profiles—too oaky, too much acidity, too sweet, weddings aren’t the time for those types of wines—instead look for wines that a wide range of people will enjoy, from wine novices to wine snobs.If your wedding is being held at a venue, they usually provide the wine, but will often allow you to select the wines being served. If you are holding the wedding in an outside or private location, you may be responsible not only for choosing the wines, but also determining how much wine is needed. The general rule is that each person will consume approximately four 5-ounce glasses. Of course, before you commit—to the wines that is—you really need to sample. Read reviews, pick a few that sound like they might be good and then buy a bottle of each. Sample them with your significant other and choose a few to be a part of your celebration, always keeping in mind your event’s menu. You’ll definitely want a mix of whites and reds and at least one sparkling wine to provide your guests with lots of tempting choices. Here are a few of our recommendations for some true-blue wines that are destined to be a memorable part of your big day.
Secco Italian Bubbles by Charles Smith Rosé Why We Like It: Highly drinkable and delightfully pink—this sparkling wine will have guests coming back for more than just the toast! Rich strawberry and Italian cherry with subtle biscotti and a hint of red vines and Necco Wafers!
California Wine Project Cabernet Sauvignon Why We Like It: Complex, lush, mouth-coating—all the hallmarks of the beautiful Cabernets from the top Napa Valley winery where it's made exclusively (and anonymously) for us.
Joel Gott Unoaked ChardonnayWhy We Like It: A great “unoaked” Chardonnay perfect for those who are sensitive to the traditional oaked versions. Aged in stainless steel, very smooth and summer friendly.
Rodney Strong Sauvignon Blanc Estate Charlotte's HomeWhy We Like It: We think Sauvignon Blanc is the absolute perfect warm-weather white because it’s so incredibly light. But, unlike some other Sauvignon Blancs out there, this one has some backbone to it, some real flavor. Your guests will love it and so will you!Visit your neighborhood Wine Country or Wine & Whiskey Country store and let one of our Wine Pros help you say “I do” to the perfect wines for your wedding or other upcoming event. Cheers!
Want to enjoy one of summer's coolest summer treats? Get ready to make a pitcher of Frosé. One part frosty, one part rosé, and totally addictive!
Slightly sweet, incredibly refreshing, and so easy to make you'll definitely want to try it at home.
What you need:• 1 750ml bottle of Dozen Roses Rosé • 1/2 cup sugar• 1/2 cup water• 8 ounces strawberries (quartered)• 2 1/2 ounces fresh lemon juice• 1 cup crushed ice
We suggest: Dozen Roses RoséWhy we like it: A wine that is made for dining al fresco, or enjoying a sunset with nothing but a wine glass and someone you love. Like summer in a bottle, you can practically taste the warm Spanish sunshine with every sip.
Now that we have our ingredients let’s make some frosé!
Pour your rosé into ice cube trays (Take a sip, cooking is hard). Let the rosé freeze for at least 6 hours. It won’t completely freeze because of the alcohol content, but will get pretty slushy.
When you think your rosé is frozen enough, bring the sugar and 1/2 cup water to boil in a medium saucepan. Stir the sugar until it dissolves, about 3 minutes. Add in the strawberries and remove from heat. Let sit for 30 minutes so the strawberries give the sugar syrup an intense flavor. Strain the mixture into a small bowl making sure that the pieces of strawberry are collected. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
Ok now it’s time to bring out our rosé ice cubes. Put the cubes in a blender, add lemon juice, the strawberry syrup, and crushed ice. Purée until smooth. Put the blender jar in the freezer for 25-35 minutes so your frosé can thicken.
When you are ready to serve, take your frosé out of the freezer and blend until slushy. Pour into glasses and enjoy!
Lambrusco: the sparkling red wine of Italy!There’s an exciting movement happening in imported wine and it’s getting a lot of buzz. Lambrusco is making a comeback. No, not the super sweet fizzy wine that was popular in the U.S. back in the 1970s and 80s, but REAL Lambrusco — dry, earthy, refreshing and beloved by Italians for generations.Actually, Lambrusco is both a red wine grape and the region where the wine is mad. Grown in four zones in Emilia-Romagna and one in Lombardy, around the provinces of Mantua (where Romeo was banished), Modena (also famed for its Balsamic Vinegar), Parma (parmesan cheese, anyone?) and Reggio nell’Emilia (an up and coming Italian fashion hub). Although this region has a winemaking history which dates back to the Etruscans, the most highly rated Lambrusco wines today are frothy, slightly sparkly (or frizzante as they say in Italy) red wines, meant to drink now. Made using the Charmat process, with a second fermentation inside a pressurized tank.From Italian Celebrations to Yours!Italians have long included sparkling wines as part of life’s celebratory moments. Some, like spumante are sipped for toasting at the start of a meal. Others, like sweet moscato d’ Asti are paired with desserts and often pushed aside after a sip or two. But, there are some effervescent Italian reds too good to set aside after toasting and meant to be enjoyed throughout the entire meal. These refreshingly dry, frizzante reds are the stuff of celebrations. Of family reunions. Of holidays. Of weddings. And, these are the wines that are arriving in America.The quality of today’s imported Lambrusco wines is astounding. Fruity and simple, with a touch of earthiness and loads of finesse. From dry — or secco —though semisweet; from pale rose to deep purple hues, there’s a Lambrusco for everyone. Plus, Lambrusco is a great value. With most wines coming in under $20 a bottle, it’s a whole new reason to celebrate.Planning a wedding? Make sure to invite Lambrusco!Perfect for weddings — it’s effervescent, light, has a lower alcohol content than traditional reds and the color is like romance in a glass. For the next big thing in sparkling wine, it’s time to go red!
A few of our favorite Lambruscos:
MOLO 8 Lambrusco MantovanoWhy We Like It: Brilliant as an aperitif. Rich fruit, but with a bubbly effervescence that brings this wine to a whole new level. You can drink it with anything, but actually you can drink it with nothing at all.
I Quercioli Secco Reggiano Lambrusco DOCWhy We Like It:It actually smells like violets! We love pairing this with an antipasta course of dried meats, parmigiano reggiano cheese, olives and crusty bread.
Lambrusco di Sorbara DOP Rosato FrizzanteWhy We Like It:The highest quality and most aromatic Lambruscos come from the Sobara region. Pour it in the glass and you'll smell rose petal, violet, and fresh red fruit. Elegant long-lasting froth wakes up your tastebuds.
Lighter and fresher than heavy reds, but with a tinge of color that gives it more personality than white, Rosé wine is actually made when red grapes are lightly crushed and left to soak with their red skins. The longer the skins sit in the wine, anywhere from a few hours to a few days, the “pinker” the finished wine will be and the stronger the tannic characteristics will develop.Rosé wines are meant to be enjoyed right away, usually within 2-3 years after the label date. And, since they are made from many grape varietals, which can include: Pinot Noir, Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carigan, Mourvèdre, and Sangiovese to name a few, you’ll be able to find rosé wines that span the taste scale from quite dry to refreshing and fruity. Basically, there’s a Rosé for every taste.The absolute perfect warm-weather wine. Poolside, al fresco dining, beach picnics, no wine is a better choice for summer than Rosé. And, because they are relatively inexpensive to make and don’t require aging, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a greater value than Rosé wine, so they’re typically as kind to your wallet as they are to your tastebuds.There are so many Rosé wines available, it can be confusing to know which ones to try, so we’ve pulled together some of our favorites: Montes Cherub Rosé of Syrah - $14.99Why We Like It:Intense aromas of fresh red fruits, lead to a smooth finish. Perfect with sushi or other seafood. And the label is pretty awesome, too!Etesain Pinot Noir Rosé - $12.99Why We Like It: Big and creamy, with tons of strawberry and cherry flavors, but you don’t care about that, you just want a really great Rosé that pairs with all of your favorite foods… well this is it.Crios Rosé Of Malbec - $13.99Why We Like It:They had us at Malbec — and a rosé version for warmer weather? Sign us up. Great with Chinese take out, make sure you let it breathe a bit before drinking. Charles Smith Sangiovese Vino Rosé - $13.99Why We Like It:Washington State winemaker, Charles Smith has a no-nonsense approach we really like. This mouth-watering Rosé has the added bonus of a screw-top cap so there’s no need to bring your wine opener when you’re enjoying it on the beach.Decoy Rosé - Estate Syrah & Pinot Noir - $16.99Why We Like It:The debut Rosé offering from the premiere vineyard which produces Duckhorn Wines, it’s a truly elegant Rosé in every sense of the word. Vibrantly fruity, beautifully poised, a mix of two outstanding grape varietals.Flowers Pinot Noir Rosé - $32.99Why We Like It:Another Rosé option for the discriminating wine lover, Flowers version has a brilliant coral hue, aromas of strawberry, grapefruit and rose petals and wonderful complexity. Matua Valley Pinot Noir Rosé - $12.99Why We Like It:The first thing you'll notice is the color — somewhere between blush and bubble gum – and it just gets better from there. Really.Seaglass Rosé - Pinot Noir & Syrah Rosé - $12.99Why We Like It:Got an invite to your friend’s beach house? Bring this one and ensure you’ll be invited back. It’s bright and juicy and everything you want in a summer wine. Breezette - Cinsault, Grenache & Mourvedre - $15.99Why We Like It:When we think about Rosé our first thought is always the Rosés from Provence and this one doesn’t disappoint. It’s pale salmon hued blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Mourvedre is in a word: exceptional. Hess Rosé - Syrah & Petite Syrah - $11.99Why We Like It:We can’t think of a better varietal blending than Syrah and Petite Sirah. They perfectly complement and enhance each other, resulting in a wine that’s smooth and just fruity enough.Ferrari-Carano Dry Sangiovese Rosé - $14.99Why We Like It:Don’t like sweeter wines? This California Rosé is dry and fragrant, with refreshing fruit balanced by the perfect level of acidity and an elegant finish.Juliette Rosé - Grenache & Syrah - $12.99Why We Like It:It works with some of the toughest wine-pairing foods we know — spicy Thai, Indian curry, Tex Mex, even pizza.There you have it… a dozen Rosés guaranteed to make your weekend. Pick up a dozen, or just one or two, at your neighborhood Wine Country or Wine & Whiskey Country Store.
Cheers!
Face it—the standard cocktail party has been done to death. Why not host a party with a decidedly different slant? One that combines your love of entertaining with your love of wine? Sounds like the makings of a truly memorable night and it sounds like something you need to get on your social calendar ASAP!Follow our step-by-step tips and you’ll have a wine tasting event your friends will be talking about for months!The Guests:To get the most out of your event, this wine tasting will need to be somewhat intimate. We suggest inviting no more than eight couples (plus you and your plus one, of course). If your friends are mostly single, try not to have a total of more ten people since you don’t want to have more than 10 bottles at the tasting or it will be too many bottles to effectively taste.The Invites:This is one party that really does need an invitation, so whether you do an electronic or traditional invite make sure you send invitations to your guests. It’s the most effective way to explain the rules (which we will get to shortly) and also to stress the importance of being punctual. The format of this wine tasting really won’t work unless everyone arrives on time, so leave your perpetually tardy friends for another event.The Wines:When hosting this type of a wine tasting at home, it’s best to decide between a red wine or a white wine tasting rather than a mix of both. Red wine tastings are arguably more interesting to do; however, doing a white wine tasting in the warmer months could be a fun way to try some new white wine varietals. The Details:Ask each couple (or guest if your friends are single) to bring one bottle of their favorite red (or white) wine—no price requirement, no regional or country requirement, the only request is that it is either red or white depending on your instructions (wines will be poured for the tasting later and you don’t want to be mixing reds and whites in the same glass).The Food:Since you won’t know exactly which wines your guests will bring, stick with tried and true wine-pairing basics: cheese, crackers, dried meats, crusty bread and olives. If you want to provide more extensive food choices, keep them simple finger foods that don’t require you spending time in the kitchen while your party is in full swing.The Glasses:If you don’t have enough wine glasses to pull this off and you’re thinking about resorting to plastic cups—STOP! For a small investment you can get real wine glasses at your local dollar store that you’ll have on hand for parties for years to come. The Start:When guests arrive, take their bottle of wine before any other guest sees it. Place the bottle into a paper lunch bag, so only the neck of the bottle is visible, secure the top with a rubber band or tape and label the outside of the bag with a letter. Have an area set up for mingling and invite your guests to enjoy an assortment of light white wines (or maybe sparkling wine) you’ve provided for them. Flume Blanc, Chenin Blanc or Sauvignon Blanc are three light whites that come to mind or pop open a bottle of Prosecco or Champagne. Need help? Ask your local Wine Country Wine Pro for advice. The Rules:Once all of your guests have arrived and you’ve enjoyed some time with friends–and with white wine—it’s time to start the tasting!Give a two minute explanation of the process:• Keep pours small—about an ounce of wine. That’s it. It’s a tasting. Oh, and all wine pours are self serve.• Everyone gets a ballot with the lettered wine choices and a ranking for each from 1 to 5. Be sure to have enough pens/pencils on hand for everyone. • As guests taste—small tastes of each, please—they will rate the wine on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the best). Have a pour bucket on the table for guests to discreetly dispose of wines they don’t like.• When all wines have been tasted (generally no more than an hour), gather the tally sheets and do a simple averaging of the wine’s rankings and award the winner. The Winner:The wine having the highest average rating wins! Award a prize that is wine friendly. Might we suggest one of our exclusive Gift Box Pros wine gift boxes or you can buy a really special bottle of wine to award as the prize, it’s up to you.Congratulations! You’ve just hosted your very first wine tasting. Now enjoy the rest of the night with your good friends and a whole new assortment of wines you may have not tried before. Cheers!
You’ve got your holiday list and if it’s anything like ours, it gets bigger every single year! But what about those unexpected guests who show up around the holidays — gift in hand — while you mentally sort through things in your house that could be wrapped up and re-gifted in a pinch? This year why not be prepared with special little gifts for last-minute guests, the guy at the parking garage you see every morning, the coffee barista who always gets your order right or your favorite manicurist? A good bottle of wine (really good, in fact), hand-selected by us, and each just $10 or less! Add one of our exclusive single bottle holiday gift boxes (so festive and pretty, you can skip the wrapping paper) and you’ve got an oh-so appropriate gift you’ll be proud to give and they’ll be thrilled to receive. We recommend:Dozen Roses Red This exceptionally easy-drinking Tempranillo from Spain is perfect for holiday entertaining and one of the smoothest reds we've ever tried (seriously like velvet in a glass). Plus the lush, rose-covered label is practically made for gifting. We've noted some incredible reactions when we've done samplings of this wine in our stores — people absolutely love it (really, really love it) and they are shocked to find it in our $10 & Under section, but it is. Pick this one up, you will not be disappointed.Stone Castle Vineyards and Winery ShirazThis is one of those great wine surprises, from a region not traditionally known for its wine production. A hidden gem from the heart of Rahovec Valley in Kosovo, a region with more than 2.000 years of winemaking, and passion you can taste in every bottle. This full-bodied Shiraz has distinctive flavors of forest blueberries and blackberries, with a long, exotic finish. Out of the ordinary and definitely worth trying.Eaglestone Winery Pinot Noir We love finding truly unique, hard-to-find wines and this is one of our absolute favorites. Before you say something like, “that’s not impossible to find, I’ve had Eaglestone before.” True, you may have had their California Cabernet or their Red Blends (both excellent, we might add), but their Pinot Noir is the unicorn of wines. Practically impossible to find, but we have it and it’s AWESOME. Fabulous at $30 or more, but you can get this one direct from our $10 & Under collection! No joke.Adega Grande Reserva TintoIf you're looking to explore the wines of Portugal, this is a great one to start with. It's fruity, soft, easy drinking and just right for sipping in front of the fireplace, while admiring your Christmas tree. A surpisingly good wine, at an incredibly good price. 80 Vinho Regional AlentejanoIf you like a good red blend, you'll love this one. A soft, balanced mix of Aragonez, Trincadeira, and Castellan grapes from Portugal, it's a uniquely different wine than the typical red blends from California. A find at any price, a steal under $10.
It’s all in the presentation…Forget gift bags, and don’t even think about trying to wrap a bottle of wine. Pick up a few of our exclusive holiday design gift boxes (two shown above), perfectly sized for holding a single bottle of wine and wonderfully festive without a stitch of wrapping paper! Simple — and affordable — gifts for anyone on your Christmas list. See our entire assortment of $10 & Under Wines at your neighborhood Wine Country or Wine & Whiskey Country Store! Cheers!
In addition to spending time with loved ones and pausing to reflect on what we are most thankful for, Thanksgiving is all about food. Lots and lots of food. The centerpiece may be the turkey, but it’s your recipes that make your Thanksgiving meal distinctly yours. A reflection of your family, your ancestry, even the region of the country where you are from.
And, all of those dishes need wine (because everything does, doesn’t it?). And there’s no better holiday-worthy wine than Dozen Roses (even the bottles seem dressed for the occasion). After all, holidays call for crowd-pleasing wines, the kind you’ll enjoy just as much as your Great Aunt Mabel and your niece just home on college break.
Because, whether you choose the red, the white or the rosé, Dozen Roses Wine has the perfect hint of sweetness to work with roasted turkey with cranberry sauce, candied yams, glazed carrots, sweet potato souffle, and of course, homemade apple pie.
But don’t take our word for it, try our Easy Apple Pie recipe, paired with a perfectly chilled glass of Dozen Roses White Wine and get ready for compliments!
Easy Apple Pie
Store-bought puff pastry pie crust
8-10 apples, cored, peeled and sliced (choose your favorite variety, we like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp and Braeburn)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon flour
1 tsp. Cinnamon
½ tsp. Nutmeg
Preheat oven to 425ºF. Roll out dough if needed and place in bottom of pie pan.
Mix apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg in bowl and place in pie shell. Top with second pie crust. Crimp edges together and vent top of crust by making 4-5 slits in top of crust. Brush with egg white and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake at 425º for 35-40 minutes. Serve with a chilled glass of Dozen Roses White.
Dads come in all shapes and sizes and all different personalities from Relaxed to Sporty, Fun-loving to Serious. And, every dad has a drink of choice that fits his personality to a tee.Before you disappoint Dad with a necktie this Father’s Day, get him a Gift Box Pro gift box filled with his “spirit animal” beverage. He’ll love it, you’ll become his favorite child.Has your Dad perfected the fine art of relaxing? Is watching the big game from the comfort of his easy chair his idea of a great day? If so, he’s a Relaxed Dad!Just for him…Bourbon Lover Dad Gift Box For that whisky-loving, TV watching kind of dad, a trio of top selling American whiskies to sip with a remote in one hand, a tumbler in the other. Nothing more, because for a whiskey-lover, nothing more is necessary. • Michter’s Unblended American Whiskey - Deep butterscotch and vanilla notes, hints of caramel and dried fruit with a ripened fruit finish.• Basil Hayden Bourbon Whiskey - Spicy and light-bodied with a gentle bite and a dry, clean, brief finish. • Clyde May's Special Reserve Alabama Style Whiskey 110 Proof - Limited edition, ultra smooth whiskey with hints of dried apple on the nose and finish. Three distinct interpretations, three incredible whiskies.Does your Dad like being outdoors & active more than anything? Does he play sports, camp, fish, hike, or chop down trees? Sounds like he’s a Sporty Dad!Just for him…Dad You're The Best Sam Adams Seasonal Beer Crate Does your dad love beer? Your search for the perfect gift ends now. A reusable wooden crate, packed to capacity with an assortment of six seasonal beers from Sam Adams. And since Man does not live by beer alone, we've even included some beer-lover games accessories that will make him smile long after the beer is just a fond memory.Is your Dad the life of the party? Is he more likely to crack a joke than to discuss the merits of that award-winning foreign film? Sounds like he’s a fun-loving Dady.Just for him…Dads Clyde May's Deluxe Gift Box It's what you get when you combine a serious whiskey, with a whole lot of fun! It's a gift any Dad would love to receive — starting with the exclusive "just for Dads" gift box that's perfect for Father's Day, Dad's birthday, or when you need to get him a little something just for being such a great Dad! Inside, a bottle of Clyde Mays Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a real whiskey-lover's choice if ever we saw one. And, so Dad has something to remember your gift by (after the whiskey is just a fond memory, that is), we've chosen an assortment of fun little extras that will put you straight on his "favorite kid" list. Does your Dad read the financial page before breakfast? Does he get excited planning a project that will take all weekend? Is he wearing a tie… right now? You have yourself a Serious Dad!Just for him…Our Dad Gift French Wine Gift Box Two fabulous French reds that Dad will love sharing with his wine-loving friends and a wheel of epoisse cheese direct from France.• Chateau Haut-Goujon La Rose Saint Vincent - Notes of ripe fruit and a lingering peppery, spiciness give it freshness; a subtle woodiness and a harmonious structure make this a very elegant, fruity wine.• Chateau Haut Gravet La Croix Fourche Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Red - This one exceeds its reputation. Savor with a great meal. If you have a decanter, use it, this wine needs time to open up, but your tastebuds will thank you.Whatever type of Dad you have—or you are—all of us at Wine Country wish you a very Happy Father’s Day!
The weather is warming up and that can only mean one thing…it’s BBQ season! A time for healthy grilling, dining outdoors and of course, great wine! But, what wine should you serve with your favorite BBQ fare? It depends. Certain wines blend beautifully with burgers, but horribly with grilled fish, so it all comes down to the right pairings. But, don’t worry about making the wrong choice—we’ll take the guesswork out and give you some great tips on which wines to pair with the most popular BBQ foods.Burgers & MalbecTake the all-time American grilling favorite and pair it with the National Grape of Argentina!Argentinian Malbecs are renowned for their dark fruit flavors and smoky finish. And, if you’re looking for an alternative to higher priced Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this is it. Big juicy burgers are the perfect food for Malbec. And, if the weather is really hot, don’t be afraid to pop your Malbec in the fridge to add a bit of chill—despite what wine snobs might say, red wine needs to be served cooler in hot weather.We Recommend: King Malbec, Maipe Malbec Reserve Mendoza, and Achaval-Ferrer Malbec.Sausage & ZinfandelSure opposites attract, but sometimes the very best pairings are those that are alike.With its unique taste, deep dark color and sometimes off-the-charts alcohol content—Zinfandels pack a real punch, with fruit-driven aromas and flavors of berries, black pepper, spice and sometimes even with a hint of chocolate or citrus. Add a spicy grilled sausage to the mix and you’ve found “foodie nirvana.”We Recommend: Predator Old Vine Zinfandel, 1000 Stories Bourbon-Aged Zinfandel, and Bogle Vineyards Old Vine ZinfandelPortobello Mushrooms & Pinot NoirYou don’t have to grill meat to enjoy a good BBQ and we’ve got the perfect wine to go with that meatiest of all veggies…the mushroom!Sensuous and silky, Pinot Noir’s enticing sometimes earthy perfume is practically made to pair with mushrooms. Intensely flavored, complex, with incredible longevity—it’s a wine meant to pair with food and since it’s lighter than heavier Cabernets, Pinot Noir won’t overshadow your meal.We Recommend: Joel Gott Pinot Noir, Decoy Pinot Noir, and Gloria Ferrer Etesian Pinot NoirChicken & RoséThere’s lots of reasons why Rosé appreciation is on the rise and one is it’s ability to pair with classic summer foods.Rosé is the absolute perfect hot-weather wine. Poolside, al fresco dining, beach picnics, no wine is a better choice for summer than rosé. Now, add some grilled chicken with your favorite dry rub or tangy BBQ sauce and you have the makings for a memorable summertime feast.We Recommend: Estesian Pinot Noir Rosé, Crios Rosé of Malbec, Breezette RoséSeafood & ChardonnayHotter weather sometimes calls for lighter foods and wines and few combinations are lighter and more refreshing than fresh fish and chilled Chardonnay!One of the few white wines that gets better with age, some Chardonnays won’t reach their peak of flavor for five to eight years. The aging process, done mostly in oak barrels, give buttery and toasty flavors to the wine and a crispness that really enhances the flavor of your favorite grilled seafood.We Recommend: J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay, Hess Napa Valley Collection Chardonnay, and Butter California ChardonnayOne last thing about BBQs…For many, BBQs are a natural setting for bringing out the beer—and with good reason. The carbonation, acidity and coldness of beer acts as a natural palate cleanser. But, fear not, wine lovers you too can experience that same palate-cleansing effect, that same freshness.How you ask? Sparkling wine. It’s bubbly, it’s cold, it’s the perfect effervescent beverage to kick off a season of outdoor dining, warm nights and good wine.We Recommend: Contessa Annalisa Lambrusco Rose, and Cantina Montelliana ProseccoSo, cheers to the unofficial start of summer and to a season full of perfect wine and BBQ pairings!
Chardonnay is among the world’s most popular white wines. So popular, in fact, that we celebrate National Chardonnay Day each year on May 24th.Paired with food or all on its own, Chardonnay is a great wine 12 months a year. While heavier reds can be tough in the heat of summer, Chardonnay knows no season. As comfortable with grilled chicken at a BBQ or turkey at Thanksgiving, Chardonnay is a wine for all seasons and all reasons.Chardonnay is one of the few whites that actually gets better with age, in fact some Chardonnays won’t reach their peak of flavor for five to eight years after bottling. But, one of the things that really gets people going about Chardonnay is its “dual-personality” — some chardonnays are crisp, fruity and bright, while others are creamy, buttery and oaky. It’s like they are two entirely different wines. But they’re both Chardonnay. Interesting, right?Simply put, it’s all in how it’s aged. During the fermentation process, essential to all wines, the barrel that the wine is fermented in has a huge impact on the flavor of the wine.Steel-aged Chardonnays tend to be fruiter, with lots of bright apple and citrus flavors. You’ll find many European Chardonnays are steel-aged, but there’s one from California that we really like and there’s not a hint of oak in it (not even in its name): Tolosa No Oak Chardonnay.American Chardonnays are almost exclusively oaked and usually have a rich creaminess their European counterparts do not. Oak-aged Chardonnays are less fruit-forward, and are often described as “buttery.” Some oaked Chardonnays are aged elsewhere and then stored in oak barrels, resulting in a wine that is less oaky than those that are both aged and fermented in oak barrels. Nothing makes us happier than a “butter bomb” chardonnay and one of our absolute favorites is California Wine Project Chardonnay. It’s smooth, creamy, imminently satisfying and did we mention it’s just $10 a bottle! Don’t miss it!Whether you like your Chardonnay with or without oak, be sure to have your favorite bottle ready to toast on National Chardonnay Day! Cheers!
Sure flowers are pretty for Mother’s Day, but what Mom wouldn’t be a whole lot happier with a “bouquet” of a dozen Rosés instead? Beautiful pastel colors, light, refreshing and as necessary for summer as sunscreen and barbecues. Lighter and fresher than heavy reds, but with a tinge of color that gives it more personality than white, Rosé wine is actually made when red grapes are lightly crushed and left to soak with their red skins. The longer the skins sit in the wine, anywhere from a few hours to a few days, the “pinker” the finished wine will be and the stronger the tannic characteristics will develop.Rosé wines are meant to be enjoyed right away, usually within 2-3 years after the label date. And, since they are made from many grape varietals, which can include: Pinot Noir, Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carigan, Mourvèdre, and Sangiovese to name a few, you’ll be able to find rosé wines that span the taste scale from quite dry to refreshing and fruity. Basically, there’s a Rosé for every taste.The absolute perfect warm-weather wine. Poolside, al fresco dining, beach picnics, no wine is a better choice for summer than Rosé. And, because they are relatively inexpensive to make and don’t require aging, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a greater value than Rosé wine, so they’re typically as kind to your wallet as they are to your tastebuds.There are so many Rosé wines available, it can be confusing to know which ones to try, so we’ve pulled together some of our favorites so you can gift your Mom with a Dozen Rosés she’ll absolutely savor… plus, buy any two bottles of wine and get one of our exclusive “Mom” or “Dozen Roses” gift boxes!Montes Cherub Rosé of SyrahWhy We Like It:Intense aromas of fresh red fruits, lead to a smooth finish. Perfect with sushi or other seafood. And the label is pretty awesome, too!Etesain Pinot Noir RoséWhy We Like It: Big and creamy, with tons of strawberry and cherry flavors, but you don’t care about that, you just want a really great Rosé that pairs with all of your favorite foods… well this is it.Crios Rosé Of MalbecWhy We Like It:They had us at Malbec — and a rosé version for warmer weather? Sign us up. Great with Chinese take out, make sure you let it breathe a bit before drinking. Charles Smith Sangiovese Vino RoséWhy We Like It:Washington State winemaker, Charles Smith has a no-nonsense approach we really like. This mouth-watering Rosé has the added bonus of a screw-top cap so there’s no need to bring your wine opener when you’re enjoying it on the beach.Decoy Rosé - Estate Syrah & Pinot NoirWhy We Like It:The debut Rosé offering from the premiere vineyard which produces Duckhorn Wines, it’s a truly elegant Rosé in every sense of the word. Vibrantly fruity, beautifully poised, a mix of two outstanding grape varietals.Flowers Pinot Noir RoséWhy We Like It:Another Rosé option for the discriminating wine lover, Flowers version has a brilliant coral hue, aromas of strawberry, grapefruit and rose petals and wonderful complexity. Matua Valley Pinot Noir RoséWhy We Like It:The first thing you'll notice is the color — somewhere between blush and bubble gum – and it just gets better from there. Really.Seaglass Rosé - Pinot Noir & Syrah RoséWhy We Like It:Got an invite to your friend’s beach house? Bring this one and ensure you’ll be invited back. It’s bright and juicy and everything you want in a summer wine. Breezette - Cinsault, Grenache & MourvedreWhy We Like It:When we think about Rosé our first thought is always the Rosés from Provence and this one doesn’t disappoint. It’s pale salmon hued blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Mourvedre is in a word: exceptional. Hess Rosé - Syrah & Petite SyrahWhy We Like It:We can’t think of a better varietal blending than Syrah and Petite Sirah. They perfectly complement and enhance each other, resulting in a wine that’s smooth and just fruity enough.Ferrari-Carano Dry Sangiovese RoséWhy We Like It:Don’t like sweeter wines? This California Rosé is dry and fragrant, with refreshing fruit balanced by the perfect level of acidity and an elegant finish.Juliette Rosé - Grenache & SyrahWhy We Like It:It works with some of the toughest wine-pairing foods we know — spicy Thai, Indian curry, Tex Mex, even pizza.There you have it… a dozen Rosés guaranteed to make you the favorite kid this Mother’s Day. Pick up the entire dozen, or just one or two, at your neighborhood Wine Country or Wine & Whiskey Country Store.And, don’t forget, buy any two bottles and we’ll give you a FREE “Mom” or “Dozen Roses” gift box — so pretty you can skip the wrapping paper.Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Wine Country Stores!
Face it. The neighborhood Book Club thing has been done to death. And Bunco? Don’t even get us started. But a Wine Club — a way to share your love of wine (and learn about it), while hanging out with your friends? That sounds like something worth spending a Thursday night doing.What You’ll Need to Get Started:• Friends• Wine• A Place to HostPretty simple, right?Friends - Put out an All Points Bulletin for friends who enjoy wine. Post on your Facebook page, on your Office Intranet site, do a group text, you’ll be AMAZED at how many people respond when the word “wine” is included.Wine - The point of a Wine Club is not to spend a fortune, it’s to learn about wine and enjoy doing it with the people you care about. Read up, look for that unknown wine that will blow your friends away (we’ll get to some recommendations later). A Wine Club is not the time to pull out those bottles that can be found anywhere.A Place to Host - The best place for a Wine Club meeting is in someone’s home. There are no time restrictions, cover charges, or costly food obligations. We always like to do a rotating hosting schedule, so everyone gets a turn to play host. Don’t have a place to host when it’s your turn? Offer to provide the cheese and crackers for someone else to play host on your behalf! Now that the basics are covered, it’s time to put your own personal stamp on things. Assign a theme for each night that will make things interesting and help expand the groups’ knowledge and appreciation of wine.Category Suggestion: $10 & Under WinesResist the urge to go for something safe. Yes, Apothic Red is a real crowd pleaser, but just about everyone has tried it. Think outside the box (or in this case outside the bottle) and bring something that most people have never tried. Our “can’t miss” recommendation: California Wine ProjectFour different varietals to choose from - Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. Whichever one you select, you will not be disappointed. Incredibly smooth, incredibly flavorful wines that come to us exclusively from one of Napa's most recognizable vineyards (but that's our little secret). Our favorites are the Chardonnay and the Cabernet. One sip, you’ll be hooked.Category Suggestion: Something That’s Nearly Impossible to FindOne of the best things about starting a wine club is discovering wines you (and your friends) may never have tried before. Our “can’t miss” recommendation: Eaglestone Winery Pinot NoirBefore you say something like, “that’s not impossible to find, I’ve had Eaglestone before.” True, you may have had their Cabernet or their Red Blends (both excellent, we might add), but their Pinot Noir is the unicorn of wines. Go ahead and Google it. Go on,we’ll wait…You couldn’t find it, could you? Not even on Eaglestone’s own website. BUT WE HAVE IT (don’t ask). And it’s AWESOME. Fabulous at $30 or more, but you can get this one direct from our $10 & Under collection! No joke. Category Suggestion: Something Truly UniqueSelect a wine that’s whiskey-bottle aged (for an intensely different flavor profile). Bring a bottle of bubbly, dry, deep red Lambrusco — a colorful alternative to golden sparkling wines. Or break away from the California wine rut and bring a bottle from a place your friends won’t expectOur “can’t miss” recommendation: Something kosherYes, kosher. Some of the hottest new wines are hailing from Israel. And, if you haven’t tried kosher wines before, you really don’t know what you are missing. Old World Style, amazing varietals, today’s kosher wines are a must-try for any wine lover. Try the Cabernet Franc from Alexander Winery, you won’t be disappointed.Category Suggestion: Rosé All the WayThe fastest growing wine varietal in the United States, rosé is the new favorite wine and an absolute must-drink from Spring to Fall! With so many incredible rosé wines to choose from running the spectrum from blush to magenta, super dry to slightly sweet, there is a rosé wine to suit every tasteOur “can’t miss” recommendation: Dozen Roses RoséNot your typical French rosé, this one hails from Portugal and it's sublime. Exceptionally easy drinking 100% tempranillo, with the palest pink hue, it's light and refreshing with just the slightest hint of sweetness in the finish. Like capturing summer in a glass!One last thing…While it isn’t necessary to have a prize for the favorite wine of the night, it certainly adds an extra special touch. We suggest a gift of — you guessed it, Wine! Pick up one of the special “congratulations” gift boxes from Gift Box Pros, add a bottle or two of your favorite wines, some novelty wine glasses, openers, whatever — or get a pre-made gift box as the evening’s award and cement yourself as the “World’s Best Wine Club Host.”Cheers!
