Greetings! Warm weather is here and outdoor gatherings are de rigueur. Whether under a tent or just puffy clouds, we are here to help you soak up the accolades with fun and ease. Our store is loaded with great ideas, essential party favors, games, tabletop goodies, cool chocolate, hot gourmet food, hostess gifts, and of course our special wines from around the world.

I will again be judging at the Virginia Governor’s Cup this coming August, where white wines will be sampled. The amount of wines submitted for judging will vary. There can be as many as 250 on hand, with the judges sharing responsibilities. No judge has to judge all wines and the wines are divided amongst the judges for the first round. Noting the color, clarity, then swirling, sniffing, tasting and (unfortunately) spitting out even the spectacular vintages, are the required steps. King Family Vineyard's, Meritage was named the winner of this past winter's sampling of reds. David King was also named “Wine Person of the Year”.

You grade on a scale of 1 to 20. Only those wines that have a score of 16 or higher are sent to the next round of competition. The winners of that round are then judged again for the Governor’s Cup. The “losers” are awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze based on their scores. Wines are judged blind; you only know the varietal and the vintage.

Late June will find me in New York for the Summer Fancy Food show. I will be on the lookout for you to ensure we always have the best products to offer in our store.  — We'll help you shine, Jan

RECENT CLUB SELECTIONS

Toro ALBALÁ Fino ELÉCTRICO
Bodegas Toro Albalá Aguilar de la Frontera,
D.O. Montilla-Moriles
Toro Albalá's solera in Moriles produces a superb complex and balanced Fino with clean, appetizing aromas of flor yeast and ripe olives. Containing only the natural fermentation alcohol, 'Fino Eléctrico' offers an invitingly soft midpalate and round finish that are difficult to simulate in Jerez.

Wine making and Viticulture
The grapes are 100% Pedro Ximénez. Estate grown Pedro Ximénez vines planted in chalky-white albariza soils of the Moriles Alto sub zone. The vines are wire-trained and provide fresher Learn More>


VIÑA Reboreda 2008
Bodegas Campante,
Finca Reboreda — D.O. Ribeiro
A rounded wine, smooth and well-structured with perceptible fruity and floral aromas. Rich hues. Perfect for fish and shellfish and a good accompaniment for white meats. And, of course, it is the essential wine to drink with good tapas.

This crisp, freshly aromatic and versatile dry white wine with impressive complexity and persistence blends 40% Treixadura, 20% Godello, 20% Torrontes and 20% Palomino.

"Light gold. Mineral-accented pear and orange scents are complemented by lemon zest and Learn More>

DEFINING TASTE

Mojito [mo-HEAT-oh] a traditional Cuban highball.
Muddled one at home. A Mojito is traditionally made of five ingredients: white rum, sugar, lime, sparkling water and mint. The original Cuban recipe uses spearmint or much lighter mint variety very popular in the island. This combination of sweet, tart and mint, complement the potent kick of the rum, and make a great summer drink. Add sugar, gently mash the mint, add rum and briefly stirred to dissolve the sugar and to lift the mint sprigs up from the bottom. Top with ice and sparkling water. Garnish with lime. Newer versions add berries and other citrus for a twist.

Hawaiian Sun Fish
Tilapia [tuh-LAH-pee-uh]
This low fat fish is sweet and fine-textured. Tilapia are farmed around the world from Canada down through the US and South America as well as Asia and Africa. It has been very important to the African diet for ages. Bake, broil it, grill it, steam it and enjoy this truly global food.

ribollita [ree-boh-LEE-tah]
Attributed to Tuscany, leftover minestrone was often reheated and called ribollita meaning "twice boiled." Stale chunks of bread were added in giving both the soup and bread a second life. Reinvented for today, chefs will layer broth with garlic rubbed bread, cooked vegetables, beans and nutty parmesan. Placed in a casserole, it is baked till bubbly and adorned with olive oil.

Cayenne Pepper a hot, fiery spice that is used extensively in Mexican and Indian cooking is also perfect for summer fashion. The heat in cayenne pepper comes from capsaicin,a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It also increases heat production and oxygen consumption which contributes to weight loss. Perfect for summer shorts and tank tops.

GOODIES WE LOVE

Herb Paradise™
"Garden in a box"
in-store now

So easy! Enjoy fresh all natural herbs in any season grown right in your own home. Simply plant the seeds, water regularly and delight in the ease of growing fresh aromatic herbs. The large Herb Paradise™ comes with three terra cotta planters, three nutrient soil pellets and three stakes and seed packet. Choose from mixes of dill, sage, thyme, oregano, basil coriander, chives, mint, parsley and rosemary.

Just imagine enjoying your own fresh mint in your amazing fruity mojito and lamb kabobs this summer.

LOCAL GOLD ready to drizzle

We have Laconiko Olive Oil.
Our Family’s Olive Oil, LLC, right here in Gainesville, VA, has been producing this liquid gold for years. Their olive estate is located off the sandy beaches of the Southern Peloponnese, outside of Sparta, Greece, and surrounded by orange trees. They are a family of four generations of extra virgin olive oil producers. This unique location by the coast and in midst of their orange trees gives Laconiko Olive Oil its unique delicate flavor. Drizzle the precious olive oil on salads, vegetables, grilled meats, pasta, or simply on a slice of warm bread.

BREAKING THE dinner party ICE

A truly fabulous dinner party is a combination of great food and great conversation. Get your next dinner party started with these fun, clever questions that will have all your guests talking and laughing. It is stress-free entertaining in a beautiful cube by Table Topics.

We have two great choices:
Dinner Party:
What makes someone a success?
If you could name the street you live on what would you call it?

Not your Mother's Dinner Party:
Questions your mother told you not to ask.
Would you rather be addicted to gambling or food?
What habit would you like to break?
What alcohol can you never drink again?

OUR NEXT WINE CLUB EVENT IS Sunday, JULY 18th.
“Wines of Value – drinking good wines at a great price”

We will have two ‘seatings.’ Wine club members can bring a guest or two. These popular events fill up quickly so make sure you RSVP early. Wine Club members, please check your mail for the postcard invitation. Not a member yet?

JOIN OUR WINE CLUB NOW»