We Landed On Mars, Christmas Tree Lights Lit Tomorrow Night! Join Us for BUBBLY Wine-Tasting here Dec 5th, 2018 Pay $15 and get it back when you buy a bottle or more! 5:30-8:30pm, cheers!

Cleveland Park Beer, Liquor & Wine Featuring a wide, international selection of fine wines, micro-brews and spirits

THE WHOLE STORE IS A PLAYGROUND for you all, feasting first with your eyes and nose if we have tastings going on, and what liquid spirits are here to tempt, to soothe, to please, cajole, regal and relate, and hopefully gratify your senses and moods, needs and desires.         JUST TRIED four of the DEWARS blended Scotch whiskies with Gareth Howells - the 12, 15 , 18 and 25 year-old and have sam samples of all four for any of you interested in sampling them and ordering some for the holidays. So come on by!         WE LANDED ON MARS! Yes, I am shouting, this is wonderful news, really impressive especially now when we have politics pouring out our ears constantly and so much confrontation, scandal, surprise, tweeting, pronouncements, denials of emails sent and the law, Mueller's investigation, the Russia probe, the idea that we might make a state or national tv channel to make America great again.          ALL SO DIFFICULT and we all need to try and keep it together and enjoy those things that unite us and that we can grow old together with and not separated. Tall orders to fill but we must fill them now with no more time to wait!         SO : hope that this Mars mission packed some good engine and motor and parts oil for the space ship?! It is a machine space cowboy, not a real human bone-and-flesh, but one that is already sending us back images having just successfully landed on Mars yesterday1. Now that is simply amazing and something that we can all be thrilled with.    I DID HEAR on Channel 4 that if you do get to Mars there is now any to get back! So only plan on going if you plan on staying! I am not planning on going, I love what we have here too much to leave it all. Join me here anytime. Cheers.   WE MAY NEED to be thinking ahead on the next space ship we send, sending some finer whiskies, ports, sherries, madeiras and marsalas that will survive the voyage, especially if we have visitors from other planets?!? We do need to be good hosts, even if we cannot be there in person ourselves to receive them. Just saying. So NASA come on by and let us help you with those selections. we have many that might fit the bill well.   NOW ONTO Beers, Cider and Spirits, with Wine to follow : all alphabetical in categories, do not want to offend anyone.     BEER from Santos Rivera -   1) Smashed Blueberry , an ale with natural flavor, the ' Signature Series ' from SHIPYARD Brewing Co., On Special for $5.99 for a 1Pt 6 Fl. Oz bottle, with 9 % alcohol by volume, yes,  : " ... This beer has a rich mouth feel and a body of complex intensity. Upfront there are notes of coffee and chocolate beautifully accentuated by the aroma of blueberries. The finish feautures a delicate balance of sweet fruit and dry hops. ... "             TWO From TUCHER -   1) Kristaff Weizen, since 1672, German malt liquor, a 1 Pt. .9 Fl. oz bottle, On Special for $2.99 a bottle, with 5.2% alcohol by volume.   2) Dunkles Hefe WEIZEN , brewed and bottled in Germany, On Special for $2.99 for a 1 Pt. .9Fl. Oz bottle, come check these out! Great values here, warming for this cold weather, too!               TWO for Holidays -   1) Winter White Ale , a Belgian-inspired wheat ale, from BELL'S Brewing Company, $12.99 for a 6-pack of 12-ounce bottles, unpasteurized, unfiltered, best kept refrigerated, from Comstock, MI. : " ... a bright alternative to dark and heavy winter seasonal beers. This stylish and refreshing wheat ale is fermented with Belgian yeast, yielding a mix of clove and fruity aromas without the use of any spices. An ideal beer for embracing winter. " Come get some.   NEWS : The lighting of this year's Christmas tree takes place tomorrow night. The Hanukkah candle is lit there on December 2nd.     2) Christmas Ale from the GREAT LAKES Brewing Co., On Special for $15.99 a 6-pack of 12-ounce bottles : " A yuletide worth of holiday spices and sweet honey to keep you a-wassailing all season long. "    CIDER From Santos Rivera -   1) Hard Cider co-fermented with red wine pomace, from STOWE CIDER,  Lincoln Peak, a 4-pack of 12-ounce cans, On Special for $13.99 : perfect for this biting wind now and chill.   2) ' Lost Tropic ' a hop mimosa cider with wild yeast fermentation, NY apples, Vic secret hops, grapefruit zest and orange zest, with 6.9% alcohol by volume, from GRAFT, from Newburgh, NY. 12-ounce cans, $11.99 for a 4-pack of 12-ounce cans!   LIQUEUR - LIQUOR ,  from Jagir -   1) ABERFELDY Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey, guaranteed 12 years old in oak, On Special for $51.99, regularly $57.99, made by the distiller at Dewars, : " mellowed for twelve years in handmade oak casks, ... we lose our fair share to the angels ", The ool of the water god, The Pittilie burn,  the burn is the source of The Distillery's Water.    2) Black Extra-Aged bourbon, from JIM BEAM, $22.99, try this and see what you think?!? See if it is smooth enough.   3) Peach & Orange Blossom made with vodka distilled with real botanicals and infused with natural flavors, made by KETEL ONE , On Special for $31.99, a real ' new ' treat!   4) Bison grass flavored vodka, ZUBROWKA, the original from the Bialowieza forest ... Zubrowka the original singular spirit of smoothness. " From Poland, a real treat - mix with apple juice, what a treat.   5) X Rated fusion liqueur , a sensuous fusion of ultra premium French vodka & Sicilian Blood Orange mingling with Mango & Passion fruits. " With 17% alcohol by volume, $33.99, great color and will warm you and your spirits !   6) Blanche = White , a dry clear transparent French Armagnac that is the latest , most fun fad going! $42.99, a bit more grist and tumble and bite, but worth the challenge to see if you and your tastebuds are worthy?!?   BIG NOTICE :   Plan To Be HERE on Wednesday, December 5th, 2018. 5:30-8:30pm, we have PART ONE of a two-part BUBBLY wine-tasting here ( the other tasting is on Wednesday, December 19th, 2018, 5:30-8:30PM, COST for both is $15 ( which gets applied to any purchase you make at either of these tastings ).   AM WORKING on the 5th lineup and have some great sparkling wines and champagnes, proseccos, Spanish Cavas like CANAL de CANALS , sparkling wines from Armenia like KARAS for everyday and KEUSH Origins NV for fancier occasions - both made by the same winemaker I hear. From France we have some killer Cremant de Bourgogne and Cremant de Loire. e Even a ' new to us ' sparkling wine from Argentina called Dante Robino Novecento extra brut, and a ' new to us ' Mexican sparkling wine, too called Casa de Piedra espuma B & B non-vintage, from Baja California! Oh yeah, my kind of tasting! AND from Brazil we have the FANtastic sparkling wines of MIOLO to share with you from the Valle Dos Vinedos just below in the valley from the town Bento Goncalves. AND MORE from Italy with Robert Kennedy pouring a fine selection of sparkling wines, too!   SO - this all in the works and will be confirmed by the end of this week, so expect a complete offering on Tuesday.   MARK YOU CALENDARS - and be here! 5:30-8:30PM. Pay the $15 at the register and get a glass to taste with complements for the duration of the tasting from Robert Kennedy ( to be returned when you pay and leave. The $15 will be used against any purchase you make. Thanks, merci, obregado, gracias, grazie and thanks in all languages. We appreciate your business here.   WEEK'S TASTINGS -   Friday, November 30th, 2018 , we have Robert Kennedy to pour some really fine Italian wines here. Still to be decided what to pour but Sicily will be included with Romagna, Tuscany and much more! Join us. 5-8PM.     Saturday, December 1st, 2018 , 2-6PM, we have Tina Epstein, pouring Aussie wines from McWilliams and Evans & Tate - a great cross-section for you all.Like  From EVANS and TATE the " Smooth Operator " red, the " Big Squeeze " Shiraz, the       Tumbarumba Pinot Noir from McWilliams, and the Reserve 660 Chardonnay, also from McWilliams. Come taste! Come welcome Tina here for her first tasting. Cheers. THANK YOU For everything, have to get this out now. Come by, taste the Dewars with me if you have a moment. Doug just tried them and said to me : " Anyone that cannot taste the difference between the 15-year-old and the 25-year-old " needs to taste them again. Thanks Doug, thanks  Gareth!  TONY                     WHAT FOLLOWS BELOW is an old store email that I wrote in late November 2014, read it if you have the time, and if you are interested in anything check with us for current availability, vintages and pricing, too?!?     THE WHOLE STORE IS A THANKSGIVING / HANAKKAH compilation of many ideas and subtle suggestions for you all to try this 2013! This is the first year in so many years that we will all be celebrating both Thanksgiving and Hannakah on the same. We are already being bombarded with so much Christmas music and I feel that we should wait until this Sunday after Thanksgiving to be playing it so much. I do love it.   I TOLD THIS TO Michel this morning as we both stocked the shelves and started to get ready for this really busy week here in Cleveland Park.   IT WAS A REALLY FINE WEEKEND this past one and we were busy from start to close thanks to all of you out there with so many special requests.   WE'RE ADDING More Ways To SAVE BIG : 3-Day Sale - Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday :        Tuesday & Thursday :          1) BUY Any wine over $20 and SAVE 15% OFF the marked sticker prices, even on SALE/SPECIAL wines.        2) Buy any 12 or more bottles of wine and save 15% OFF the marked sticker prices.        3) Buy any six bottles and save 10% off the marked sticker prices.      ( Includes sparkling wines, sherry, marsala, madeira, sake, and port. )        Wednesday :          1) Buy any bottle of still ( non-sparkling wine ) and save 20% off the marked sticker prices.        2) Buy and six bottles of non-sparkling wine and save 15% off the marked sticker prices.        3) Buy any 12 or more bottles of still/non-sparkling wine and save  20% off the marked sticker prices.      ( Included are port, sherry, sake, madeira and marsala ).        MIX THINGS UP, have fun, get everything that you need early and be organized and prepared and breathe more easily, permitting yourself to smile because you have many things under control early and so you do not fret or panic too much!         RECENTLY I HAVE BEEN ASKED ABOUT HOLIDAY party wines either to take yourselves to a party or when you are hosting it. This is what I wrote in response to those questions earlier today.   WE DON'T HAVE TO ALL BE REDUCED to the least amount of choices. There's plenty of choices. There always has been. You just have to know where to look for it. Here are some examples that I will mention here today to show you all just how much range and flexibility you all really do have. We are always ready and eager to assist you make your dreams or those of your friends' come true.   YOU CAN BE REALLY PROUD of what you bring / and or serve and it can help really make your party special and not just a carbon copy of so many others'. You can stand out just like the wines you serve or you bring.   YOU SIMPLY HAVE TO CHOOSE wisely and go with your gut and heart. You can be a success beyond imagination and still bring or serve something that is especially meaningful to you ; and that can be anything and any style, color, dryness or sweetness, sparkling or not, and sized from bottle to box, from kitchy and commercial to serious and known labels, from almost any state here in the U.S., from almost any country.   YOUR WINE CHOICES For Your Parties at UNDER $20 a bottle or box can be kosher, vegan, biodynamic,  with really low-sulfur content, you name it?!? I know that we can help you find it whatever it may be.   BE PROACTIVE, don't always wait to the very last minute, give yourselves some time to do it right. Give others like us a chance to find what is special and right for you. Profit largely, win grandly with just a bit more time and planning. You will greatly be rewarded for all of this. Let us help you realize yours' and others' dreams and have them come true. Cheers.   BY THE WAY :   The Big-Theme BUBBLY/CHAMPAGNE/SPARKLING WINE-TASTING is this Wednesday, December 4th, 2013. From 5-8PM - JOIN US, NEVER any charge! What a great learning experience, what great fun. come taste, mingle, get to know lots of fun people and start to celebrate the end of 2013 with us here early! Try between 35-35 sparkling wines and really get a good sense of what they are about and what a great variety of choices you really do have instead of simply the few that you see everywhere all of the time! Cheers.          THE BEAUJOLAIS THAT FOLLOWED THE NEXT DAY, Thursday was another BIG SUCCESS! We opened the MANOIR DU CARRA BeaujolaisVillages 2013  ( $10.99 )  : and both showed beautifully. I took a bottle home to my wife that Thursday night of the Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau ( $10.99 ) and my wife on the first sip and announced it was " good". That's all I need. Come and check some out yourselves, it works really well with the meals at this time of the year. Chill slightly and enjoy fully!   AND FOR THOSE OF YOU NOT WANTING NOUVEAU 2013  : we have the several " other " fine 100% Gamay grape choices :        1)BROUILLY " Combiaty " Vieilles-Vignes " 2011 ( Old Vines ), and the price has dropped from $22.99 to $18.99 a bottle, 12.5% alcohol by volume. It's a medium-to-light-bodied 100% Gamay grape Beaujolais that is a real treat, good focus, good toasty berry-cherry flavors,  and ideal with white meats from turkey to goose to chicken and veal and salmon, too. Lovely. We will open it here this week. Cheers.        2) FLEURIE 2009 ( great vintage! $21.99, 13.5% alcohol by volume ) from the DOMAINE Des NUGUES, proprietaire-viticulteur. Lancie ) : broader, richer, more Gamay grape extraction, and more velvety elements to roll over-through-around your palate and taste-buds! Pretty wonderful and reasonably-priced for such a fine vintage. Get some this week in time for Thursday while you still can.        3) REGNIE 2011 CHATEAU Des REYSSIERS from Henry Fessy ( $13.99, 13% alcohol by volume, go to : www.henryfessy.com for more info ) : a 100% Gamay that is more bold and brash and youthful, less-refined flavors but great when you need a wine to cut through the flavors in your meal and wash them away cleanly. Best with food.        4) BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2011 de CHATEAU-PRETTY ( $16.99, from Philippe Curial, 13% alcohol by volume, ) 100% Gamay grapes with an elegance and a refinement of flavors, medium-to-light-bodied, nicely balanced and perfect for white meat, salads, rice, potato, pasta and quinoa dishes.        5) JULIENAS from the DOMAINE of Pierre Dupond ( $18.99, family-owned, 12.5% alcohol by volume, ) : Bright and fresh and fruit-forward with lovely aromas of red fruits and cinnamon. More flavorful, a bolder, more gutsy and tasty vintage that complements well many a meal, certainly a great contender for this Thursday at either Hanakkah or Thanksgiving.      NOTE : BROUILLY, JULIENAS ,REGNIE are the names of the regions-towns in Beaujolais that make such fine Gamay wines that they do not need to put the word " Beaujolais " on them. Other towns that we have are MOULIN-A-VENT, MORGON : we do not have SAINT-AMOUR, COTE DE BROUILLY, in stock though they are available : all are worth searching-out and trying.     THREE " Great  " FRENCH Specials : For Hanakkah and Thanksgiving are "        1) BOURGOGNE BLANC 2011, 100% Chardonnay from Clothilde Davenne ( On Special for $14.99, regularly $18.99 a bottle, 13.5% alcohol by volume ) made just outside of Chablis, France, Burgundy by a really talented Chablis producer : just like Chablis and yet it's only $14.99! Steely, crisp and really dry with great mineral and citrus accents. Love it, and what a great price!      2) BOURGOGNE ROUGE 100% Pinot Noir, 2011 from the DOMAINE Henri NAUDIN-FERRAND ( On Special for $14.99 a bottle, regularly $19.99 a bottle , 12% alcohol by volume ) : Medium-to-light-bodied, it has good acidity to cut through flavors in a meal , along with roasted berry-cherry-cranberry flavors to add accent and zip and a lively, refreshing space between the flavors to give you a chance to breathe properly, miss the food flavors and want more! That's the idea : that's always been the idea.   THAT'S WHY WINE & FOOD are magic together, not so much food and water - though water is essential to our well-being. Have some of all three each meal, be happy!            4) MARSANNY " Clos Du Roy " from the Cote D'Or red Burgundy region, this young and fresh 2009 ( $34.99 ) is another real steal from Jim Reeves' portfolio. It's exciting to have it as well as his Crozes-Hermitages. This is, of course one of the great red burgundy values and made from 100% Pinot Noir by law. It , too is a great food wine and really fine with turkey and goose and even wild salmon and much, much more. Just a few bottles left! Call ASAP!!     ALE, BEER, CIDER From Santos :             GREAT LAKES :        1) Elliot Ness Amber Lager      2) Burning River Pale Ale 5.8% alc. by Vol.          : " Named after the ship that frequently docked in Cleveland and sunk in Lake Superior in 1975, our porter combines a complex, roasty aroma with a bittersweet, chocolate-coffee taste. " Brewed with all natural ingredients : barley, hops, yeast and water. No chemicals or preservatives are used.        3) Edmund Fitzgerald Handcrafted Porter        ALL are $10.99 a six-pack with a 10% case discount on four 6-packs or more. You can mix the six-packs and still save 10% off on the case. From Cleveland , Ohio. Go to : www.greatlakesbrewing.com for more info.           ALSO :             DEVILS BACKBONE Brewing Company:        1) Kilt Flasher Wee Heavy Scotch Ale ( $10.99 a 6-pack of 12-ounce bottles, 8% alcohol by volume, Lexington, Virginia, go to: www.devilsbackbone.com for more info ) : only 2 cases, come get some QUICK!      2) Vienna Lager      3) Schwartz Bier           4) DB IPA      ALL are $10.99 a 6-pack here from Virginia. More coming tomorrow.          DUCLAW Brewing Company :        1) One Sip Of Our " Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter & You'll Be Saying " Sweet Baby Jesus! " ( $10.99 a 6-pack , 6.5% alcohol by volume, go to : duclawbeer.com for more info, Baltimore, Maryland ) :          " A classic full-bodied, robust porter with a smooth, dry finish and just enough hops to balance aromas and flavors of roasted malt, chocolate, and peanut butter so rich that just one sip and you will ... exclaim the name! "             KONA Aloha Series Brewing Company :        1) The Pipeline Porter made with 100% Hawaiian Kona Coffee ( $8.99 a 6-pack of 12-ounce bottles, 5.3% alcohol by volume, Washington State and New Hampshire, go to : www.KonaBrewingCo.com ) is pretty amazing - silky, thick, lush , bright, VIBRANT and so velvety! Warm you immediately even in this wind and cold of the last two days!          LIQUOR / LIQUEURS For Holidays :          1) Wheat Vodka from CHOPIN ( On Special for $29.99 , 40% alcohol by volume, from Poland, made by Waldemar Durakiewicz, Master Distiller ) : " Simplicity is the final achievement . " Frederic Chopin 1810-1849          2) Historic 1014 Victory Irish Whiskey Classic Blend from CLONTARF Triple Distilled ( $25.99 a 750ml bottle, product of Ireland, 40% alcohol by volume, go to : www.clontarfwhiskey.com for more info ) : smooth as can be - I love it!          3) Original Formula DR. McGILLICUDDY'S Intense ROOT BEER Liqueur ( $16.99, 21% alcohol by volume, since 1891, go to : www.drmcgillicuddy.com , product of Canada for more info ) : " ... classic , root beer barrel kind of taste. It's great as a shot, on the rocks or try a splash of cream for a delicious grown-up root beer float, with a kick. Your tongue will cheer you. Cheers! "        4) Aged 10 Years HENRY McKENNA Single-Barrel Kentucky-Straight Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon Whiskey , since 1855 ( 100 Proof, 50% alcohol by volume ) ... one of a few bottles in bond products available! Cheers.                   MICHEL AND I ALSO DISCOVERED AMERICAN Dry Rose, Dry Whites, Dry Reds that impressed us no end :                        WHITES:        1) New Zealand Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ( $18.99 ) from LAKE CHALICE and called " Cracklin' Savie " showed really well this past Saturday when we tasted it and we sold quite a bit when Jessica poured if for you all. It's got a hearty, robust, fully-mature, food-friendly taste that will hold it's own against strong flavors. I called it a great palate cleanser. Works for me.          2) Cremant De Bourgogne sparkling " Pur Chardonnay " from France's Burgundy region ( On Special for $14.99 ), made by BAILLY LAPIERRE is a classic that we love to sell here and have for years. It's so flavorful and wonderful and a real special treat, and what a value!      3)  Semi-Dry Riesling 2010 New York State Finger Lakes from the KEUKA LAKE VINEYARDS' ( On Special for $19.99, regularly $22.99 , 12.8% alcohol by volume ) : This is impressive, really pleasing, so smooth, so round and smooth and nice to sip all by itself or enjoy with a meal as well.               REDS :      1) 2010 Social Club Red from BOE : Brooklyn Oenology, North Fork of Long Island red blend ( $19.99, 13.2% alcohol by volume, go to : www.brooklynoenology.com for more info ) : I like the medium to lighter-body of this balanced, fresh and lively, bright and toasty red berry flavors. It's lovely, it's a real treat. Highly recommended for these holidays. It will warm and please and tease and pleasure you all just so, just so very nicely. Cheers.        2) Pinot Noir " The Kilmore " 2012 from the Yamhill-Carlton district, from OWEN ROE ( $54.99, 14.1% alcohol by volume , Saint Paul, Oregon, go to : www.owenroe.com for more info ) : a blend of Pommard, Wadensvil , and Dijon clones Pinot Noir : dark fruit and coffee notes are so distinct! What an amazing wine - loaded to the max with character and polish and finesse. A real treat!      3) " Velvet Revolution " 2011 Reserve dry red blend from DEMOCRACY VINEYARDS, Monticello, VA ( $19.99, 13% alcohol by volume, Charlottesville, VA. ) : made from young vines , a blend of 25% Cabernet Franc, 25% Chambourcin, 25% Merlot and 25% Petit Verdot : medium-to-light-bodied : very bright toasty berry-cherry flavors with some good spice and soft tannins. Perfect for this Thursday! Go local, drink American!             APPLE CIDERS From FOGGY RIDGE :      New and Exciting! WE tasted 4 of them with Dawana at our Big-Theme American Holiday Tasting.        1) Hard Cider " First Fruit " ( $21.99 ) was my favorite of the four. Just like Goldilocks I found a place to hang my hat and relax and dream of everything that awaits me.      2) Hard Cider Sweet Stayman " was simply just a bit too fruit-forward and rich for me, a bit heavier, too on my tongue and palate. It's all personal taste of course. We also have the " Serious " that is the dries and the most tart and tangy. Not enough of a finish for me. They are all 750ml bottles and all sell for $21.99 a bottle. The Handmade is a also quite nice. It comes in  500ml bottle, 7% alcohol and sells for $16.99 a bottle.                 TASTINGS THIS WEEK :        Wednesday : November 27th, 2013 ( 5-8PM ) : Abi of Free Run Wine will be here to pour a selection of her fine wines from the United States from sparkling to dry reds and dry whites. Join us, NEVER any charge.     FRIDAY : November 29th, 2013 : We have Michel and Tony pouring some of their favorite selections here for you all to enjoy : a sparkling, a dry red and a dry rose - in case we don't change our minds! From 2-6PM. No charge.        SATURDAY, November 30th, 2013 : Regis of Roanoke here to pour an assortment of his small, boutique vineyard wines from The U.S., France, Italy and probably a great surprise or two! Join us, always great with Regis! No charge.           I KNOW I HAVE FORGOTTEN MANY THINGS : Sorry for that! Thanks for everything and have a great Thanksgiving and Hanakkah  with family and friends and even new acquaintances.   COME SEE US, too. Let's all spend some quality time together. Check us out on our webpage at : www.clevelandparkwine.com, also on Facebook at : Cleveland Park Wines & Spirits, follow us on Twitter at : cpwinespirits, and at wineenabler ;  and also check out : chatwine.blogspot.com. Cheers,  TONY

Happy Thanksgiving to one and to all, come join us here all week and see what liquid goody tastes we have for you!

Cleveland Park Beer, Liquor & Wine

Featuring a wide, international selection of fine wines, micro-brews and spirits

 

 

WE HAVE LOTS OF EVERYTHING 4 U!

 

 

WINE NOW as well as beer, Cider, liquor, all 4 u 2 give thanks, b thankful!

 

 

It's been a bit - a lot  crazy really here & In R World. how 2 process it all?!? how to adjust, keep r sanity, not lose it as we are all part of families. communities, neighborhoods, organizations, companies, job, volunteer positions helping others - 

 

 

and accepting of one another 7 the right of each of us to exist peacefully 7 work towards the greater good or more than just a few.

 

WE TRY our best to provide a harbor, an oasis, a place that can be a shelter for the many storms that we face daily these troubled days where the solace that comes from being together with family and friends becomes even more important that ever.

 

 

 

 

LIFE In the fast lane, we enjoy the commotion, the energy, the action and the passion, joy warmth and togetherness here as people gather to shop and taste, to learn, to share, to hear and listen, to tell their stories. How wonderful.

 

Driving to work I started to think about what I would write about today and the only thought that cam was ' giving thanks, and healing, and acknowledging that we are a vibrant nation of many parts that it sure would be nice to get to work more closely together and be less divisive. ' 

 

 

 

 

That is so much easier said than done. I know that - we know that.

 

BUT LET US TAKE A MOMENT to mention the many things we have here to offer you now for this week of family gatherings and time we spend together and give thanks for all we share and have as Americans.

 

 

BEER and CIDER - from Santos -

 

1) TEN FIDY Imperial Stout , aged in bourbon barrels, ' Barrel-Aged ', brewed and canned bu OSKAR BLUES Brewery, in Colorado, USA, the Stovepipe. cross-eyed. Cyclopean. Cancupiscent. $12.99 for a 1 pint 3.2Fl Oz can, this is quite the experience in a can, get into it below the sheen and the shine, be alive.

 

2) 30th Anniversary Imperial Oyster Stout, an ale with oysters and cacao nibs, from GREAT LAKES Brewing Co., $11.99 for a 1 pt, 6 fl. oz, with 11% alcohol by volume, this is another fine beer adventure, get psyched and enjoy over Thanksgiving.

 

3) Beyond the INFINITE Triple India Pale Ale , tred softly, from HELLBENDER Brewing Co. three stars, On Special for $11.99 a 4-pack of 12-ounce cans with 11% alcohol by volume. Come check this out and see if it holds it's own against the yams and the Brussel sprouts?!?

 

 

          CIDER -

 

1) High & Dry Super Dry Hard Cider from Vermont and made by STOWE CIDER , On Special for $11.99, with 6.5% alcohol by volume. You might also want some of this later when watching " White Christmas "?  No add any sugar or preservatives, really give a great chill before serving!

 

 

          SPIRITS From Jagir -

 

1) Almande Gluten-Free, Dairy Free Almond Milk liqueur from BAILEYS, On Special for $26.99 : ' new and exciting ' here! Just off the boat and off the truck!!! We need to set up a tasting of this and let you all taste just how good it is. Cheers, perfect to sip after your heavy meals this week, to soften the edges, to relax you that extra tenth degree.

We would love here to start and to star some of the things to give thanks to, to appreciate and to know they have played their part in making this great America of ours.

 

2) Straight Bourbon Whiskey  hand-crafted in oak barrels, a dual cask finished spirit from FILIBUSTER Distillery, $44.99 a 750ml bottle, made right here in Virginia, in Maretown : deep color to saturate your senses in and lull and ' rock-a-bye baby '  your eyes and other senses, makes a definite and distinct impression, try it!

 

3) Single Barrel, Copper Distilled Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a Singlr Barrel, from JOHN J. BOWMAN, On Special for $59.99 , regularly $64.99 a bottle. We will have to schedule a tasting of this here soon. I love the package, the bottle-shape, would make a generous stocking-stuffer, and just a good taste anytime as this cold weather consumes us at times, and is gentler at others.

 

 

          WINES from Chris and Tony -

 

     WHITES - Five Different States -

 

1) Viognier 2016 from SUNSET HILLS Vineyard, $23.99 a bottle : I like how sunshiny-bright and pleasing, and not too-heavy a mouth-feel this Virginia Viognier has. This is a perfect sipping wine anytime during the holidays, and will also taste nice with many of the flavors, too - especially if you have any butter in your dishes. With 13.5% alcohol by volume.

 

2)  ' Belle Oiseau - Beautiful Bird  ' from BELLE PENTE, 2011, from Oregon's Willamette Valley, with 11.7% alcohol by volume, $21.99, a mellow and full dry that is great to enjoy now with your meal as it will hold it's own with cured meats and also goose or turkey, with some cheeses, the equal parts of  Riesling and Pinot Gris and a splash of Muscat ensure that this will be pleasing and flavorful enough to satisfy even the most picky of tasters. Cheers.

 

3) 2016 Ship of Fools Old Mission Penninsula white, from Chateau Grand Traverse, an ' eclectic CGT ', $18.99, this is quite the blended feat of flavors and tastes that are brighter, lighter and more fruit-forward than the " Belle Oiseau ", so serve it first or as a palate-cleanser, : " A ship's journey will cease if  its myriad of characters fail to meld as a crew. In a similar fashion, we created this unconventional blend that reveals an altogether new Phizog. It exhibits bright fruit flavor, pleasing mineral qualities with nuances of aromatic green tea. With a dry, lingering finish and soft acidity, it is the perfect skipper to sail into uncharted waters. " And Thanksgiving meals , by-and-large can be quite uncharted.

I OFFER this to my childhood friend Kay Bean that now lives in Michigan! Cheers, happy Thanksgiving.

 

4) 2016 Vidal Blanc, $19,99, from Maryland's BIG CORK Vineyards ( just ten miles away from BREAUX Vineyards in Virginia where owner/winemaker Dave used to be the winemaker ). " This aromatic, semi-dry wine is suggestive of peaches and nectarines, with a hint of citrus. "

A treat - come try a bottle of all four for this week!

 

 

     REDS - Eight from four states -

 

1) Lake County of California, this 2014 Cabernet Franc made by Jed Steele's son, On Special for $12.99 with a 3 for $33 and a 6 for $60 is drinking beautifully now and may be enjoyed all by itself or with a meal. Medium-to-light-bodied, a delight to sip and enjoy this week while watching a game or enjoying a fire and chatting. Lovely. Great value, too. You can also talk about great literature, this " Writer's Block ' is so appealing!

 

2) 2012 Pinot Noir ' The Kilmore ' from Yamhill-Carlton District from OWEN ROE, with 14.1% alcohol by volume, $54.99, from Oregon and this wine should be rocking 150% now with everything in place and all the fire , power and grace you need! Finish the race with this delight!

 

3) 2014 Pinot Noir fron Sonoma Coast, from the GUARACHI Family Wines, On Special for $49.99, regularly $69.99 a bottle, with 14.8% alcohol, this is the perfect holiday wine that has enough weight, power, flavor and character to hold it's own to bolder flavors in our meals today. A modern-style Pinot Noir that as it opens becomes more gracious and the heartier exterior softens gradually and becomes a gradual delight, but no rushing it!

 

4) Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2003 ( fully mature - garagiste-style small-production Pinot of the smallest amounts! ), from LAUTERBACH Cellars, made by owner and winemaker himself, Stew Lauterbach ( he tasted this wine with me himself here ! ), this has all the bruises and highs and lows, the soaring of birds and rockets and song, and the dipping down deep into nooks and crannies of age and honest, humble, true integrity and character, where flavors and elements have never been compromised. This is true grit and grace! Come enjoy it in all it's glory this Thanksgiving! Only 96 cases made.

 

5) Owner Scott Jenkins has been here tasting this with you all, his Merlot 2015 , estate grown, from Washington State's own Wahluke Slope, $18.49 a bottle, " sultry and smoothwith flavors of dark chocolate, bay leaf, fig, plum, and raspberry. " Yum, come get some and enjoy!

 

          THREE From Virginia -

 

1) Loudoun County Tannat 2013 from Virginia's FABBIOLI CELLARS, with 12.5% alcohol by volume, On Special for $39.99, this is healthy as it is the grape the highest in resveratrol, the Tannat, and on top of that it is rich and layered and bright and delicious to sip all by itself as well as enjoy this Thanksgiving holiday period.

 

2) Reserve Loudoun County Cabernet Franc 2015, with 12.5% alcohol by volume, $34.99, this dry red from Virginia is hearty, lean, muscular, opinionated, fiery, and quick to display it's full character that will be more enjoyed when tempered by the more tasty and seasoned dishes this holiday season. Chill it 30-40 minutes and enjoy with your meal - something off the grill would be great - even burgers would be wonderful!

 

3) Virginia ' Midnight ' semi-dry Chambourcin 2012, $24.49 from Amissville, VA. is a great way for everyone to sit around conversing before the meal or watching a game, playing a card game, building a puzzle, reading, whatever. It will also take the heat and the spice out of many a fiery dish! Like nachos or Velvetta cheese dips, a treat!  With 13.4% alcohol by volume, enjoy.

 

 

WEEK'S TASTINGS -

 

TONIGHT, Tues. Nov. 20th : if enough of you show up I will open the five wines we will pour this week :

a) 2015 Chenin Avec Chene = Chenin with wood : a wooded Chenin Blanc from STELLENBOSCH in South Africa and made by SIMONSIG, regularly $35.99, now $17.99 On Special, this is so smooth, bright, fresh and appealing - great sipping or enjoying with a meal!

 

b) Beaujolais Nouveau 2018 from BOUCHARD AINE & FILS, $14.49 a bottle, chill 30-40 minutes - a lovely treat to enjoy now with everything. 

 

c) Pinot Noir Valle Centrale from Chile, the 2018 Autoritas, $9.99 is a light pure and refreshing Pinot that is classic and so enjoyable. A treat. 

 

d) Chateau LE DOYENNE Cotes du Bordeaux 2012, $9.99 a bottle, a fine Bordeaux blend, medium-to-light-bodied, what a treat! AND 

 

e) Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 from Argentina's Mendoza, made by FINCA FLICHMAN, On Special now ahora for $9.99, a real hearty taste for a meal at a great price here.

 

WILL OPEN these throughout the week depending as it will be me and Chris pouring as everyone will be home with family and friends. So inquire when you come and we will share what we have.

 

ALSO in this week's tasting of other spirits :

 

TOMORROW , Wednesday, November 21st, 2018 we have two spirits' tastings :

 

1) Dave will be here from TWIN VALLEY Distilling in Rockville, MD pouring some of his fine Maryland spirits! From 4-7pm.

 

2) We will taste here DR. STONER'S Smoky Herb, with 42% alcohol by volume, $29.99 a bottle, this is unique and distinct and must be tasted to be believed and enjoyed! Cheers. 5-8pm.

 

JOIN US - never any charge, and we may have some of the above-mentioned wines open for you all to taste with me or with Chris.

 

Friday, November 23rd, 2018 : 2-5pm we have various JIM BEAM spirits open for you all to enjoy with Jamie. Chris will have some of the above-mentioned wines open for you to enjoy as well.

JOIN US!

 

GREAT GIFT IDEA was just handed to me by Santos -

 

Rr Republic Restoratives, Washington DC local spirits - a traveling pack with a tasting glass included of the BOROUGH Bourbon and the Civic Vodka, both 375ml size, what a psecial treat, and you can travel with it and it will not break, oh yeah! Only distillery owned by women in the District though there is now a woman-partner in another new venture, so they will have to make room for her, too! Cheers! Thanks Emily for getting this to us, and for your tasting here with us this past Saturday.

 

AND Back to our chat and also much we want to share with you all-

 

THANKS to the native Americans, to the immigrants, to the  former slaves and the indentured that also came from Europe, to men and women and children that have all pulled their weight and worked here in the United States of America. To say thanks to the many beliefs and religions, the gays and lesbians, transsexuals, the handicapped, all of us no matter what color we may be or what baggage we may have once born. We are people, we all depend on our land and the air and the water that we need. We all feel pain, fall in love, have to deal with self-doubt, depression, fear, bullying, cliques and clubs that exclude, tall iron fences and electric ones, too that shock and exclude us.

 

COME HERE and celebrate what we share in common. So even if you do not drink alcohol we do sell non-alcoholic drinks here from beer to wine, we also sell water. Come have a glass of water here, bring your dogs that are welcome, and share a story, smile, laugh, feel the love and the warmth, and get away from politics for awhile! I have put our music back on and that is better than listening to private email sources used and not our own, about caravans and border troops, about making America great again as if it ever stopped being great?!

 

LET'S RISE UP in peaceful voices and make the presence of a solid wall with our voices in peace and purpose and intent to be heard, respected, honored, acknowledges and welcomed.

 

HEAVY THOUGHTS, I know. It seems that it is impossible to get away from them these days and nights.

 

I BUILT a symbolic wall down about 200 feet away from the Washington Monument two Friday's ago, November 9th, and I used a bad-mitton net to hang my : " Transparent Wall " made from streamers of mad-made recycled goods, from leaves and nuts and acorns, flowers, weeds, sticks, whatever. I called my peace-piece : " Prayer to : Natural Beauty and Man-Made Products ", and I used masking tape to seal boxes to mail, and put everything between the strips and then strung them up on the net with the help of Kris and AJ that Friday morning before work.

 

I TOOK pictures of it , too before leaving to come here. It was in two parts with a heavy canvas also enveloped between two large sheets of plastic. Adam Eidinger one of the members of Catharsis on the Mall mentioned that all work displayed there should be waterproof. I took that to heart as I did not want it to be damaged and ruined.

 

SO I WORKED on my pieces all year - three parts in all with a connector between the two large pieces, a small strip.

 

WHEN STEPPING BACK to take a better look at what Kris and AJ and I had assembled that Friday morning it looked a bit like a rumpled tepee and a large giant's headdress, and I had to think of of our American native Indians and also after a bit more thought, of the South American Indians of Brazil and the Amazon jungle where that I met on occasion between 1955-1963 when our father worked for the American Embassy.

 

AND I HEARD that some of our native American Indians were having trouble voting this past med-term election? Will have to find more clarification on that as I find that troubling news, especially as we get ready to give thanks for so much that we have now.

 

THANKS for your support - happy holidays to one and to all!