We are absolutely thrilled to share the exciting news that The Urban Grape was recently awarded with a Best of Boston award from Boston magazine for "Best Wine Shop - West."

We had a great time at the Best of Boston party last week and felt like we were the giddiest winners there. But don't think for a second this will have us resting back on our laurels. We're using this as a rallying point to become an even better store, and our staff is equally as energized. 

One new feature we're adding to the store is a monthly Chef's Pairing Night. These events will showcase the talents of one local chef, with unique and interesting pairing options chosen by TJ. We're kicking off the series with Jeremy Sewell and the crew from Lineage, and you can find more information in the event listing below. 

All Our Best,

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

Make sure to join us on Thursday and Friday nights from 5-8 and Saturdays from 2-5 for our regular tastings (you may even be able to request a bottle to taste!). 

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

Thursday, August 4, 5-8: Lord Henry and the team from Slane Castle Irish Whiskey are back in town, this time tasting us on fantastic summertime drinks that can be made using their exception whiskey. Come sample TJ's White Wine and Whiskey Sangria, and the refreshing "Rock n Rolla," an Irishman's version of the Shandy.

Thursday, August 18, 5-8 PM: It's Whole Foods Brighton cheese night again! This month, celebrate the best of New England's local farms as we taste three regional cheeses and pair them with locally made wine, mead and beer. Coupons and tasting sheets will be on-hand so you can re-create the experience at home!

Sunday, August 28, 7-9 PM: Summer may be winding down, but the finest local produce is just ramping up. Join the team from Lineage as they present tasty bites featuring the best of summer's bounty. Chef Jeremy Sewell and Lineage are known for presenting food that has a profound respect for seasonality and local food artisans and growers. TJ will hand-pick special wines to pair with each of the hor d'oeuvres, ensuring a very special evening of food and wine.

The cost is $15 per person. Space is limited to 30 participants, reservations are required. Private shopping is available during and after the tasting.

As always, check our events page regularly for newly added events and other updates!

We've written quite a bit about George Pinot Noir, and our real love of these unfiltered, cult wines from the Russian River Valley. We were lucky enough to have George himself at the store last year for a private tasting night and sold case after case of his five different Pinot Noir offerings - the Sonoma Coma, the "Ceremonial" Vineyard, the "Leras" Vineyard, the "Hansen Vineyard, and the "King Family/Martaella" Vineyard. 

If you've tried the George wines, you're sure to have your favorite (mine is the Ceremonial, TJ's is the Hansen). If you've never had them and are curious about their profiles, you can find more information by clicking here. But in general, all of the offerings are light and flavorful with their own unique berry overtones. Don't be put off by the fact that these Pinots are unfiltered. The color is so beautiful in your glass, and the wine has an extraordinary texture. These are truly amazing wines to be sipped and savored. 

We've just received our shipment of 2009 George wines, so we're offering his 2008 vintage at a discount for the next two days to make some room. We have varying amounts of each wine, so please call soon to ensure that you receive your preferred order. Requests will be filled in the order they are received.

Regular Pricing: 

Sonoma Coma - $70

George VI "Ceremonial Vineyard" - $113

George VI "Leras Vineyard" - $113

George VI "Hansen Vineyard" - $113

George VI "King Family/Martaella Vineyard" - $113

15% Bottle Discount on any George wine

25% Case Discount on Mixed and Full Cases, price will vary

Special George 5 Pack: one bottle of each of the five George Wines offered at 20% off - $417.60

The Spotlight wine is available at this price until 10 AM, Thursday, August 4. Respond to this email or call the store at 617.232.4831 to reserve your order.  

2009 Pighin Pinot Grigio (Collio)

This peachy pinot grigio is resplendant with stone fruit flavors and classic floral and hazelnut nuances. It's lovely silky texture ends with a clean, crisp finish. A perfect summer wine. 

Regular Price: $20

20% Bottle Discount: $16

2009 Vega Moragona Tempranillo (Ribera del Jucar)

Cold, humid winters break into long, hot and dry summers in this Mediterranean-influenced region of Spain. The area primarily grows Tempranillo, giving these wines a sophistication beyond their price point. This wine is meant to be enjoyed in the steamy days of summer.

Regular Price: $11

20% Bottle Discount: $8.80