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8/10/2019 0 Comments

Back to School Wines on a Budget

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Summer is drawing to a close and the school season is about to begin or already began for some of you. Now parents are caught up in all the hustle and bustle of meet the teachers, last minute camps and vacations, figuring out school schedules, and about a thousand other things. Not to mention the rising costs and seemingly ever-growing length of back to school supplies lists and clothing shopping trips. To help out all the moms and dads out there who may need a glass of wine or ya know... a whole bottle, I decided to put together a list of my favorite "school-themed" budget wines to help you drink your way into a successful school year! So while your picking up those last minute sneakers, crayons, and lunchables, grab a bottle, sit back, relax and enjoy!

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A to Z Wineworks 2017 Pinot Gris: $15
This wine was such an amazing find and "Oregonically Grown", which is too cute! I love how simple, yet delicious this Pinot Gris is. It has amazing notes of peach, nectarine, and delicate floral scents on the nose. On the palate you will find a beautiful crisp acidity and hints of minerality.

But seriously, just imagine drinking this wine, chilled to the max, and paired with a side of relaxation, because your kids are FINALLY back in school. And let's face it, it's still a million degrees outside and this will feel REEEALLLLY nice going down. Speaking of pairing...

Pair this with:
  • For Breakfast: Bagel with cream cheese, salmon and capers
  • For Lunch: Chick-fil-A Spicy Deluxe, waffle fries and Polynesian sauce
  • For Dinner: Chinese take-out
  • For Dessert: Twizzlers

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Liberty School 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon: $14
I. Love. This. Wine. This cab was SUPER impressive for the price point, and honestly, just in general. On the nose it showed hints of violets, black cherries, rich plums, and a bit of tobacco. On the palate, bright cherry, allspice, a slight oakiness really rounded out the flavor.

Honestly, I could not get enough of this wine. I opened the bottle for the photo shoot for this post around ten in the morning, and I'm not going to lie....it was gone by noon. I had intentions of sharing with friends, but.......at this price point I can just go and grab another bottle! 
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Pair this with:
  • For Breakfast: Breakfast sausage
  • For Lunch: Roast beef sandwich
  • For Dinner: Hamburger Helper
  • For Dessert: Choco Brownie Extreme Blizzard

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Mad Genius Cuvée Red: $16
This easy drinking red from Excelsior Wines is a blend of Syrah, Merlot, Tempranillo and Zinfandel. It has beautiful aromas of bright red berries with a touch of white pepper on the nose. As for the palate, you will find a slightly floral flavor, with hints of vanilla and toasted oak. 

Grabbing this wine was GENIUS! Haha...get it?!?! But seriously, this wine was such an easy drinker. It has a flavor profile that would be amazing paired with a large variety of foods. However, it was elegant, yet simple enough to be enjoyed merely paired with your favorite wine glass.

Pair this with:
  • For Breakfast: Dark Chocolate Chunk KIND bar 
  • For Lunch: Leftover Pizza
  • For Dinner: Chicken nuggets and mashed potatoes
  • For Dessert: S'mores

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Educated Guess 2017 Pinot Noir: $25
This wine was made by Roots Run Deep Winery out of California. This Pinot had a surprising acidity on the palate! With notes of black currant and blackberry upfront with a slight hint of tobacco and vanilla on the finish. The nose of this wine was like a smoked cherry. Quite fun and interesting! 

I am always a huge fan of Pinots in the summer and this one definitely did not disappoint. Although a little bit higher on the price point, this is the perfect wine to take to your PTO meetings or to share with your fellow parents at all your kids after school play-dates.  

Pair this with:
  • For Breakfast: Cocoa Puffs
  • For Lunch: Brisket BBQ plate
  • For Dinner: Cheeseburgers
  • For Dessert: Lindt Chili EXCELLENCE Dark Chocolate Bar


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All in all, the school year is here to stay...for the next nine months at least, so why not make the most of it! No matter what the meal or occasion, there's a wine for that. So keep yourself sane, drink some vino, and don't let your kids forget who's driving the bus!



*Prices may vary by location.
**No wines were provided to me, they were chosen, tasted and described all on my own.
***You will need wine to make it through this back to school season.

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12/21/2018 0 Comments

The Luxury Gift of the Season

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​When you think about wine, the word “luxury” often comes to mind. While French Bordeaux, Pinots from Oregon and Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand are often on the list of luxury wines, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons belong at the top of the list. So, when I received a bottle of 2014 Napa Valley Cabernet from Freedom Estate, I expected something tasty, but what I received was something far greater than I ever expected.
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When I opened my package from Freedom Estate, I was blown away (very impressed…) by the beautiful packaging. My bottle of Cabernet came luxuriously tucked inside a velvet-lined wooden box fit for a princess. I almost didn’t want to open it because it was so beautiful.  I just wanted to leave it in the box and look at it! But alas, my curiosity got the better of me and I finally decided to pop open the bottle with some family and friends.
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Upon opening the bottle, I was greeted with the aromas of dark chocolate, cola and leather. As I swirled my glass, I picked up notes of vanilla and toasted oak. Then came my first sip. I was pleasantly greeted by the warm flavors of tobacco and blueberry and beautiful soft tannins.

​This wine would be the perfect pairing for a juicy burger, a big steak or a rich chocolate dessert. I definitely will be buying more to share this holiday season. Plus, the packaging makes for the perfect impressive gift for that special someone! I could not recommend this wine more. 

Use code WINENOT20 for 20% off your purchase!

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