We are just off the plane after an epic five day trip to Ireland where we saw (and tasted!) firsthand how Slane Castle Irish Whiskey is made. We were also lucky enough to be invited to the Kings of Leon concert at Slane Castle. It was an unforgettable trip that capped off an unforgettable year for us. 

June marks the one year anniversary of The Urban Grape. The store has surpassed our wildest dreams and predictions. We have been completely embraced by the wine-loving community of the greater Boston area. For that we are so grateful. It's exciting to look ahead to year two, and to anticipate all the wonderful ways in which we'll be interacting with our customers. If there is anything you'd like to see from us in the year ahead, just ask! We'd love to hear your suggestions and comments.  

Best,

TJ and Hadley Douglas, and the staff of The Urban Grape 

Throughout the summer our tastings will be more informal than usual, as most nights we will just open a few bottles of whatever is intriguing us at the moment. It will be a great opportunity to discover so new styles of wine, beer and spirits, so make sure to join on Thursday and Friday nights from 5-8 and Saturdays from 2-5.  

Below are a few event and tasting highlights for the upcoming month:

Thursday, June 2nd, 5-8 PM: Cody Bradford from Trio Wines starts the month off right with a selection of interesting value wines to see you through the summer. 

Friday, June 3rd, 5-8 PM: We'll be tasting a selection of Cameron Hughes wines at all price points. Come see for yourself why Gary Vaynerchuk believes this wine company has a "revolutionary wine business model."

Saturday, June 4th, 2-5 PM: People ask us for gluten-free beer every day, and then ask if it's actually any good. Come see for yourself as we sample UG's g-free beer and cider selection, all while indulging in gluten-free potato pancakes from GG's Originals. Whether you're gluten-free or not we hope you'll join us for this fun and educational event!

Wednesday, June 8th, 6-8 PM: Join The Urban Grape, The Urban Hound, Polka Dog Bakery and The Animal Rescue League of Boston for a Summer Wine Tasting at the Boston Design Center! Taste five fantastic summer wines fit for any occasion while you nibble on tasty treats (for both you AND your dog!). All money raised will go to support the Alice T. Whitney Helping Hands Fund, an important fund that provides subsidized veterinary care for families in need.

RSVP to purchase your tickets.

Friday, June 10, 5 PM thru Sunday, June 12, 6PM: It's the one-year anniversary of The Urban Grape! And to celebrate we're holding a "Summer Stock!" Come in, sample wines that will see you through the summer, and receive 20% off all mixed and full cases of wine. This is a perfect opportunity to stock up on all the wine you'll need for your summer vacations (and staycations!).

Special tastings throughout the Summer Stock weekend feature some of our favorite products that we've tried during our first year in business. 

Friday, June 10, 5-8 PM: Join Brugal rum as they sample the #1 rum in the Dominican in some easy summer-time drinks.    

Saturday, June 11, 2-5 PM: We welcome Berkshire Brewing as they sample us on their favorite summer beer and spirits, all locally made!   

Sunday, June 12, 2-5 PM: We couldn't celebrate our one-year anniversary without Marco from Travessia Winery. His locally made wine from his "urban winery" is some of the best we tasted in our first year.

"I am the boy that can enjoy invisibility." - James Joyce, Ulysses  

A few months ago, winemaker Charles Smith asked on Twitter if anyone knew the quote for which he named his outstanding wine, "The Boy." I emailed him with my answer, "I am the boy that can enjoy invincibility." He responded and said I was close, but not quite; although he agreed that my quote seemed to fit his wine nicely. "The Boy" is an invincible wine. 

Made from 92% Grenache and 8% Syrah, The Boy holds near cult-like status among the fans of this cult-like winemaker. It's dark purple color is deceiving as the wine itself is medium-bodied; thereby pleasing Rhone and Bordeaux drinkers as well as those that love the bolder-style Washington State wines.  

The nose is resplendent with waves of truffles. The spicy red fruit flavor is free of any oak, having been aged entirely in neutral barrels. What you are tasting here is the terroir and fruit alone, virtually unchanged.  

Regular Price: $55

15% Bottle Discount: $46.75

25% Case Discount: $495 (a $165 savings)

The Spotlight wine is available at this price until 10 AM, Friday, June 3. Respond to this email or call the store at 617.232.4831 to reserve your order.  

Tuesday Tweets

2009 Domaine du Clos des Fees "Vielles Vignes" (Vin de Pays Cotes Catalanes)  

This 90% Grenache Blanc/10% Grenache Gris blend is a limestone-like Burgundy with beautiful minerality and acidity. The wine seems exotic, while still being approachable. The flavors are soft and subtle, with hints of mango and pear. This is a wine that begs for substantial white fish like swordfish.

Regular Price: $33

20% Bottle Discount: $26.40

2004 Fattoria Colsanto "Ruris" Sangiovese/Merlot/Sagrantino (Umbria) 

This fantastic wine boasts fruity aromas with a note of spice that opens to wild berries and spicy flavors. Soft tannins and a long finish complete the experience. Drink this wine when you want to "Mangia! Mangia!"

Regular Price: $16

20% Bottle Discount: $12.80