The Big Chill
Happy New Year!
This newsletter is a little late in coming, so we've decided to combine our January
and February news - you'll next hear from us in March unless we have an exciting
offer to tell you about.
We've spent a good part of the first weeks of January snuggled under blankets watching the snow fall, but we've also been hard at work planning an exciting number of events, partnerships and special opportunities that we will unveil in the coming months. As we enter 2011, our resolution is to work even harder to be the best wine store in Boston! Until March, TJ and Hadley Douglas, and the rest of The Urban Grape staff |
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Urban Tastings
Our regularly scheduled events and distributor tastings will begin again on February
3rd, but no matter what, you'll always find some special wine open to taste at the
store on Thursday and Friday nights from 5-8 and Saturdays from 2-5. As always,
a few event highlights are below. Please check our website events page for
developing details!
Friday, January 27, 6:30 to 9:30 pm: Our winemaker dinner series with The
Capital Grille starts off with a bang! Chef Hugues Boucher has set a tasting menu
to match perfectly with the wines of the Huneeus Family Vineyards. That's
right - Quintessa, Faust, Ritual and Illumination!
Sunday, January 30, 5:30 pm: Join The Urban Grape at The New Center's Beyond Bubbies Kitchen event at the Moakley Courthouse. We'll be manning a Kosher wine
tasting table that pairs perfectly with re-imagined Jewish classics from chefs
like Michael Schlow, Tony Maws and Evan Deluty.
Saturday, February 5, 2-5 pm: The road to the Superbowl seems to be winding
through Massachusetts! Join Edible Boston at The Urban Grape as we present a
winning line-up of local food and drink perfect for the big day, featuring representatives
from Travessia Vineyards, Pretty Things Beer, Fastachi Nuts, To Die for Dips
and Effie's Oatcakes.
Sunday, February 6, 2-5 pm: It's Beer Guy Noah's monthly tasting and he'll be
focusing on perfect Superbowl brews for the big game.
Saturday, February 12, 2-5 pm: The Urban Grape has made Valentine's Day
shopping as easy as stopping by the store. Sample delicious chocolate confections
from local chocolatier Vianne Chocolat, sip on Champagne and red wine, and place
your order for a Rose and Champagne gift basket from Ilex Design to be delivered
on the big day.
Tuesday, February 15, 5-7 pm: Join us at Healthworks Chestnut Hill for their
member appreciation night! Sip on bubbly and red wine, munch on chocolates, and
receive a tour of their facilities and a trial two week membership!
Thursday, February 17, 6:30 - 9:30 pm: Join local celebrity mixologist English
Bill Codman and Greg Daniels and the Mix 104.1 Street Team as they introduce us
to Brugal Rum - the Caribbean's #1 Rum! English Bill will shake up some cocktails
while we shake a tail feather. Giveaways, English charm and Urban Grape Rum Runners
will be in abundance!
Thursday, March 3, 6:30 - 9:30: It's the second in our Capital Grille dinner series,
this time featuring a Barolo importer and his spectacular portfolio of special Nebbiolos, Barbarescos and Barolos. Five wines, a cocktail hour and a paired four course menu,
all for $125. Call Liz Abel at The Chestnut Hill Capital Grille to reserve your spot - 617.928.1400.
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Boeuf Bourguignon
Ever since the weather turned cold - true New England cold - we have been selling a ridiculous amount of Pinot Noir. When we ask what the occasion is, 10 out of 10 times we hear, "Boeuf Bourguignon." Everyone has their favorite recipes, so I didn't feel the need to post one here this month. Personally, we are traditionalists and love Julia Child's recipe. It's involved and a complete pain to make. But it is so good. If you haven't tried it, here is a link to the recipe. Our motto for 2011 is "Mix it Up," and to that end we are suggesting two fabulous Chilean Pinot Noirs for your Boeuf Bourguignon - one to make it with, and one to drink with it! The first is the 2009 Lai Lai Pinot Noir from Bio Bio Valley in Chile, available for $13. This is a fantastic bottle of wine, but inexpensive enough that you won't mind glugging the entire thing into your Creuset. Most importantly, Julia would approve of its true Burgundy characteristics. Once your stew has simmered and thickened, you're ready to pop a nice bottle for dinner. Try the Ritual Pinot Noir by Veramonte from the Casablanca Valley in Chile. Grown in the most successful Chilean Pinot Noir region, this wine is the brainchild of Augustin Hunneus of Quintessa fame and Paul Hobbs, the former winemaker of Opus One. At $38 this bottle is a steal, a far cry cheaper than any of the other wines these winemakers have produced, but at no less quality. The wine itself is suited perfectly to Boeuf Bourguignon, no matter whose recipe you use! |
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Urban Buzz
Over the past six months we've taken a lot of time to create unique partnerships
with companies like The Capital Grille and Healthworks in order to bring additional
value to our customers. We are particularly pleased to announce a new partnership
with Ilex Design, a two time Best of Boston florist.
Each month, The Urban Grape and Ilex will design one custom floral and wine
arrangement that can be delivered as a gift for for birthdays, to say thank you or
just because! Our gift basket options will expand around holidays such as Valentine's
Day, Easter, Mother's Day and Christmas with unique offerings that include gorgeous
flower arrangements and specialty wine.
We're also working together on Ilex's fantastic "Sips and Stems" events - monthly
gatherings that feature food, wine and floral design demonstrations. Sign up for one
of these great events or call Andrew at Ilex to book your own private party!
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What action, if any, do you want your members to take? Add a "Find out more" link to additional information that you may have hosted on your website.
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