Hello!
Welcome Autumn and all its gifts. We are so fortunate to be able to witness nature's gorgeous colors as the trees prepare for winter, revist our favorite sweaters, shop for squash, cheer on our favorite football team, indulge in a homemade apple pie, stop weeding the garden and so much more.

As you prepare for the Holidays ahead, reconnecting with friends and family, come by and peruse our store. It is an exceptional and fun place to shop stocked with great Holiday finds for feasting, serving and giving.
—Enjoy, Jan

NEW TO WINE? THEN BUY SIX OF THEM.






Are you tired of pretending to know wine by ordering the expensive one when dining with friends, or just suggesting a beer? Then get your buds wet with the Big Six. The Big Six are generally the six most popular wine grapes based on production or planting. Tasting them will give you a reference point, such as, “This wine is between a Riesling and a Sauvignon Blanc.” They are easy to remember and put in context. Once you are comfortable with them, it’s a lot more fun and less intimidating to venture out and try other wines, even for your guests.

You can't grow a garden by reading about plants, so uncork a few and get started. Memorize the order of the varieties and you will have a scale of light wine to heavy wine.

Light White: Riesling
Medium White: Sauvignon Blanc
Heavy White: Chardonnay
Light Red: White Pinot Noir
Medium Red: Merlot
Heavy Red: Cabernet Sauvignon

RECENT CLUB SELECTIONS  
Altano Reserva 2006, Portugal and Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Ridge, Australia


Altano Reserva 2006, Portugal
Portugal's Douro Valley is one of the most spectacular wine growing regions in the world. Its beauty is the result of many centuries of work by the river Douro itself, carving steep, towering banks into the landscape, and by the inhabitants of this region, who centuries ago began the nearly impossible task of planting vineyards here. Forming terraces on these rocky slopes was difficult enough, but the harsh climate and limited rainfall, characteristic of the Douro Valley, made the work of viticulture a difficult enterprise indeed. The rewards of this labour are the superb wines of the Douro, wines that have taken their place among the best in the world. Read more>

FIZZY WINE? Oh yes.

First Carbonated Soft Drink Sweetened with the Juice of California Varietal Wine Grapes
Vignette Wine Country Soda Part wine country magic, part soda pop pleasure, Vignette is a truly new and uniquely refreshing soft drink.

Pat Galvin, founder of Vignette, commented, “I created this drink to be a simple pleasure that everyone could enjoy. At local tasting events, people have been sipping Vignette and saying it really is uniquely delicious and refreshing.” Read more >

DEFINING TASTE


Earl Grey tea
This popular black tea was named for Charles Grey, the second earl in his line. The Earl is said to have been given the recipe by a Chinese mandarin friend. An amalgamation of Indian and Sri Lankan teas, Earl Grey gets its elusive flavor from oil of Bergamot (a small orange).

Oak or oakey
This describes wine that shows substantial influence of the oak barrels in which the wine was aged. This may manifest itself in many forms depending on the wine, the source of the oak, whether the barrels were "toasted" (charred) and whether they are large or small, new or old. Oaky white wines often show such flavors as pineapple and tropical fruit. Oaky reds may show strong vanilla aromas, herbal dill, or spices.

beurre noisette [burr nwah-ZEHT]
The French term for "brown butter," it refers to unsalted butter cooked to a light hazelnut (noisette) color. It has a characteristic warm, nutty flavor. The butter is often used in French pastry as well as a warm sauce for a variety of savory foods.

GOODIES WE LOVE
New Fall Traditions.

According to Chef Lidia Bastianich, the ceramic pitcher is often called the polite pass-around. Nobody can see exactly how much you serve yourself!

This works perfectly.
From our Falling Leaves collection, this beautiful ceramic pitcher is is fired in the rich hues of Autumn with raised leaves cascading down it's sides. It is 8 1/2" high with a 7" diameter base, it is even dishwasher and microwave safe. Of course we also have coordinating plates and mugs.

The accent plate is 8", dishwasher safe and comes with an artisan metal stand.
The mug holds 12oz.

CINNAMON
Cinnamon is said to improve blood sugar, triglyceride and cholesterol levels. In type 2 diabetics it may improve insulin functioning. Cinnamon oil and cinnamon extract seem to have antifungal and antibacterial properties. Aim for 1/2 teaspoon a day, (not mixed with sugar on buttered toast).

GINGER
Ginger is called a "tonic" spice, it's just good in general. It is known to help with nausea, motion sickness or morning sickness, and with migraines and arthritis. Ginger is high in antioxidants as well as having anti-inflammatory properties. Shake some powdered ginger on fresh fruit. Include freshly grated ginger in tea, whisk into homemade vinagrettes, sprinkle on salads, baked goods and on fresh fruit.

INSTANT GOURMET


Little Ragghi's are possibly the most addictive cracker made.

Just add your favorite spread, wine, fruit, and friends.

Also great naked.

Hide the box and take the credit.

Perfect for gift baskets, hostess gifts, party favors and even in a child's lunch box.

Available now in our store. Buy extra.