Wine, Spirits & Other Drinks

Alex Elman Wines
Organic, sustainable and honest, each wine from the Alex Elman Wines collection not only tells the story of its terroir, but celebrates the inspirational journey of the founder of the wine label, Alex Elman. At age 27, Elman, already a veteran wine connoisseur, lost her sight due to complications from diabetes. But through tragedy comes triumph, as she soon discovered that her palate had become even more focused. She now travels the world with her seeing eye dog, Hanley, seeking out fine wines to bring to the U.S. market. Her inaugural collection is made up of four varietals—a Chardonnay, a Torrontés, a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Malbec, all from Argentina. The stylish bottles and accessible price point make this wine collection the perfect holiday gift for any family member or friend.

Alizé Liqueur and Appleton Estate Rum
From finding the perfect present to hosting the best holiday party, the jolly season can unfortunately be muddled with stealthy competition, but rest assure, Alizé Liqueur and Appleton Estate Rum is here to help! With three delicious vodka-based concoctions your guests will be merry and caroling all winter long. From Peppermint Kiss to Hot Toddy, these cocktails are just want Santa ordered.

Apothic Red
For the bold guy, Apothic Red wine is the perfect way to spice up a cold winter night. This enticing blend of smooth Merlot, spicy Zinfandel and lush, dark Syrah is a great addition to any festive gathering or a romantic dinner for two.

Barefoot Bubbly Brut Cuvee
Toast the holiday season with a Champagne that tickles your nose and your toes! With fruit-filled aromas and flavors, Barefoot Bubbly Brut Cuvee is an instant favorite at New Years celebrations and a perfect hostess gift. Enjoy on its own or use to create a signature, winter cocktail.

Clos du Bois
Banana Republic and Clos du Bois winery will bring cheer to parties, stockings and fireside evenings with the introduction of limited-edition wine bottles adorned with festive custom labels sketched by Banana Republic Creative Director Simon Kneen.  Retailing for under 20 dollars, Kneen’s sketches illustrate Banana Republic’s party sensibility for the holidays and embellish Clos du Bois’ two most popular wines—the 2010 North Coast Chardonnay and 2008 North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon.

Dreaming Tree Wines
Dreaming Tree Wines is a new wine portfolio from world-renowned musician Dave Matthews and award-winning winemaker Steve Reeder. A collaborative effort between Matthews and Reeder, The Dreaming Tree wines are a reflection of the duo’s shared passion for making quality wine accessible to all.  The Dreaming Tree wines portfolio, founded and harvested in California’s wine country, is aptly named after the Dave Matthews Band track, “The Dreaming Tree,” from the 1998 album, “Before These Crowded Streets.”  The collection includes the 2010 Central Coast Chardonnay, 2009 North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon and 2009 North Coast Crush red blend, available nationwide with a suggested retail price of $14.99.

E. & J. Gallo Winery
As the holidays approach, sparkling wines make great gifts. Within the last couple of years in the US, the hottest sparkling wine is Prosecco from northeastern Italy. These lightly sparkling wines are doing so well for a number of reasons. Compared to the wines of Champagne, they are softer, (slightly fewer harsh bubbles), lighter (usually lower in alcohol), fresher and fruitier (having spent less time aging they emphasize freshness and fruit over aged nutty, yeasty aromas) and offer excellent value (high in quality but much less expensive). E & J. Gallo’s first entry into the category was with La Marca Prosecco about three years ago and they have since had great success with this brand. In addition to Prosecco, red wine sales also pick up at this time of the year due in large part to the change of temperature. While Malbec may not be the most widely consumed red varietal in the US, it has seen the greatest percentage growth over the past several years. Primarily from Mendoza, Argentina, the Malbec grape yields wines that are deep-colored, full-bodied and richly fruity. We have a few brands from the region and my favorite is the Don Miguel Gascon. Established in 1884, the winery has a long history of making Malbec and is believed to be the first in the country to bottle a wine commercially as Malbec in the 1940s. It is also the only winery still located within the city limits of Mendoza, Argentina’s largest and most significant wine region. I have attached an image of this wine and a winemaker’s note.

Espolón Tequila
Rich in iconic imagery, the photogenic packaging of Espolón Tequila is inspired by 19th century Mexican artistry, and celebrates Mexico’s storied culture as well as the iconic rooster, a symbol of national pride. Crafted with 100% pure Blue Agave, Espolón Tequila is available in two premium expressions, Blanco and Reposado. And with a price under $25, you can gift yourself one as well.

Mommy’s Timeout Wine
We All know that being a Mommy is a difficult job.  A Mommy’s Time Out is a well deserved break.  These wines are delicate and fruity.  They come from some of the finest vineyards in Italy where the best grapes are vinified, resulting in a long lasting finish.  They are a great complement to food, or may be served as an aperitif.

Q Tonic
With the holiday season around the corner Q Tonic  is a superior tonic water that makes for a perfect gift for the hard to buy for man or woman, host gift, or beverage for any party planner to stock to enhance spirits on special occasions.  Pair it with a nice bottle of gin or vodka, and a couple of low-ball glasses, and this gift is sure to be a favorite at this year’s festivities! Packaged in an incredibly sharp glass bottle that’s as tasteful as its contents, Q Tonic is far from a typical tonic and is made with all natural ingredients, including organic agave as the sweetener and hand-picked quinine from the Peruvian Andes. With a quick sharpness and gently rounded sweetness, Q Tonic is designed to elegantly balance quality gins and great vodkas. More information and classy cocktail concoctions available here.  Looking for a non-alcoholic option? Try NEW Q Ginger. Taking this concept one step further the makers also recently launched Q Ginger  — an all-natural ginger ale made with real ginger and organic agave sweetener. With touches of real coriander, cardamom, rose oil and orange peel, Q Ginger is a tasteful drink on its own, or a magnificent mixer for superb cocktails and mocktails.

Sandeman
The Sandeman, the world’s leading port and sherry company, recently released Sandeman Founders Reserve Collector’s Tins just in time for the holidays. The tins are decorated with images from the company’s iconic poster artwork, and each contains a bottle of Founders Reserve, Sandeman’s signature and most versatile port.  Sandeman is also featuring aged tawny ports that come in 10, 20, 30 and 40-year old vintages. These are the top rated imported ports in the United States and represent the quality that Sandeman has demonstrated for over 200 years.  These items can be given as a collection, representing a whole century of quality ports, but are also great when purchased individually to commemorate any special occasion or anniversary.

Tequila Partida
Tequila Partida, the 100% blue agave spirit from Mexico, is the perfect spirit for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Partida achieves a pure, clean taste, and has been recognized by aficionados the  world over for excellence both served neat and in cocktails. Tequila Partida is available in four marques—Partida Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Elegante, an ultra premium aged tequila. Made from mature agave plants that are carefully tended and harvested by hand, each marque is simply exquisite. Whether you are hosting a cocktail party, formal dinner or an outdoor soiree, Partida will please all of your guests.

The Naked Grape Pinot Noir
Looking for a natural way to enjoy the holidays? The Naked Grape Pinot Noir is a fruit-forward, rich red wine with flavors of black cherry and blueberry made using the best fruit found on the vine with 100% sustainable winery practices.