Haven’t written about this yet, but it would appear that the subject won’t wait. Over the last few weeks, and possibly many more to come, our new normal has been to stay at home as it’s safer at home. While we’ve been making a small dent in our wine cellar, and an even bigger dent in our liquor cabinet, it’s made me wonder what others are doing. So I reached out to pals on social media to find out what they’ve been enjoying at home now more than ever before. (Note: Those of my friends in the industry are noted as such.)
Joe W. “Much like you, I’ve gotten a lot of wine samples sent for review. Rose and sparkling have been personal preferences. Keep it light during these heavy times. Somehow focusing on making a variety of appetizers to eat instead of bigger meals.” (Industry)
Elana H. “We have been putting a dent in our wine cellar and liquor cabinet as well! Margaritas w/fresh squeezed Meyer lemons, Grand Marnier and tequila over ice with a salted rim. Then wine with dinner. Had a delicious 2014 Terra De Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir from Whetstone Wine Cellars last night. During the day we have been sending out our wines to people all over the country and hosting tastings through Zoom. https://prioritywinepass.com/prime-solum-napa-valley-virtual-wine-tasting/
Michelene L. “Southern sweet tea and I have no idea why.”
Brenda R., “All the wine and spirit stores in PA have been closed since March 16. Thank God for CA wineries. Ordered some (and they) came in two days. Will have to order more.
Judi L. “Consciously unboozing limiting to, at the most, a glass of wine (whatever’s around) or one cocktail or a shot of mezcal/whiskey/rye. Oh yeah…beer…I love booze but actually not a big drinker. I’m an excellent sniffer and sipper.” (Industry)
Nelson L. “Sales and cheap shipping.”
Michael D. “We went through some great whites early on from Williams Selyem and Guy Farge that paired really well with the cheeses that we got from Lucques. Late night has been about Armagnac and Angel’s Envy Rye. I’ve also recently bottled a Brut IPA and am getting ready to brew a Belgian Tripel…(drinking) a wee bit more (than usual).
Karen B. “Finishing up the last of my 2018 Rosés to make room for the 2019s. Paul Lato 2018 in my glass right now! I was buying at cost, so helluva deal. I’m actually drinking less because we’re open just 3 days a week now and there is no social drinking or tasting with friends.” (Industry)
Nancy F. “I’m either vodka with sparkling soda, gin or vodka martini, or Negroni which are delicious and way too easy to drink! Or it’s wine. Like to switch it out as a I love all. However, the last 2 nights I started out with a fresh orange and lime juice margarita on the rocks with a salt rim…(And you may not have known that) I was a bartender for many years.
Taylor K. “Sales from local restaurants!”
Rick P. “This could be our only salvation; people are drinking all stockpiled wine. Hopefully we will see a buying surge when it’s all over. Otherwise say goodbye to a lot of small wineries.” (Industry)
Jennifer S., “Small dent in the wine cellar and a VERY large dent in the liquor cabinet. Need more scotch, whiskey and vodka. Thank goodness the liquor store is essential.”
Annette S., “Making a definite dent in the wine cellar.” (Industry)
Michael F. “Wine… Wine… & Oh Yeah; WINE! Along with some craft beers and a few fine spirits!” (Industry)
Dan C. “Old Fashioned!”
For me: Local deals from local and Paso wineries including Byron Blatty, Parhelion Cellars, Hoi Polloi, Pagter Brothers, Opolo, Thacher Winery, Hammersky…deals on wine and cocktails-to-go from The Press Room, Egg Plantation, Wolf Creek Brewery and Restaurant, Route 66 Classic Grill, Salt Creek Grille, Dario’s…Zoom tastings with our Napa friends…curbside pick-ups, free shipping and one dollar shipping incentives also. It’s all good during a very trying time.
Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits
