When we opened The Urban Grape, we promised that we would act as your guides in the wine world, but admitted that we don't know it all. That's why we're so excited to be taking part in L'Aventure Languedoc, a month long promotion that focuses on educating Bostonians about the wide world of Languedoc wines. We've spent the past few weeks training in preparation and, well, we had no idea how little we really knew about the region! We can't wait to spend the next month learning about the Languedoc with all of you. 

This month you'll be running into Languedoc wines all over The Urban Grape. Our tweets will feature Languedoc whites and reds to make it easier for you to try a bottle you might not otherwise have picked up. Our Urban Sampler will feature four bottles of Languedoc wine - all for just $50! We'll also have two Languedoc wine tastings at the store with the effervescent JoAnn Ross, one the best wine educators in town. 

Come join us all month as we celebrate Ooh La La-nguedoc! 

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

Be sure to join us on Thursday and Friday nights from 5-8 and Saturdays from 2-5 for our regular tastings. 

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

Tuesday, May 1, 5-8 PM: Join Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and The Urban Grape as we celebrate the World Release of the new vintage of Penfolds Grange with a scrumptious five-course dinner. There are a few seats still available, so if you're feeling spontaneous and want to join us, call Kelly at 617.742.8401.

Saturday, May 5, 2-5 PM: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at UG with a tequila tasting (Mike will be making two tequila cocktails to sample) and Pam's Black Bean Salsa! 

Sunday, May 6, 1-5 PM: It's our favorite day of the year! Sample over 20 rosé wines (just a portion of the over 70 rosés already at the store) at our Rosé Grand Tasting! The rosé tasting is our official kick-off to spring!

Sunday, May 6, 7-9 PM: We're keeping the party going with "Shroom Around the Room," our pop-up tasting featuring five masterful mushroom courses from Chef Jim Solomon of The Fireplace, all paired with creative wine choices. Tickets are $15 and are available here.

Saturday, May 12, 2-5 PM: It's the first of our two Languedoc tastings with JoAnn Ross. As if a tour through France isn't enough, we'll also have a Yummy Mummy Brownie tasting at the next table. Stop in and buy mom a few treats for Mother's Day! Can't get to UG until later in the day? Stop by from 6-8 to try some Fair Trade spirits. 

Friday, May 18, 5-8 PM: Join Sam from Jack's Abby for a tasting of their fabulous locally brewed beers!

Saturday, May 19, 2-5 PM: One word - HONEY! Join Justin from Follow the Honey, a new store in Harvard Square dedicated to all things bee-utiful. We'll have a raw honey tasting with paired wines, a sampling of Bar Hill's honey spirits , and will be featuring meads from two local meaderies - Isaaks of Salem and Moonlight Meadery! Isaaks will be DEBUTING their new sparkling mead. Like bees to honey, this event will get you buzzing with excitement!

Thursday, May 24: The second of our Languedoc tastings with JoAnn Ross, as well as a Farnum Hill Cidery tasting. 

Friday, May 25, 5-8 PM: Did you miss our last Russian Standard Vodka tasting? Never fear, our long-legged, fur-hat-wearing Russian ambassadors will be back for another round. But watch out, these ladies know a TON about vodka! 

Saturday, May 26, 2-5 PM: Another local beer tasting, this time with Somerville's Slumbrew! Tracey from Seacoast Butters will also be on hand with delectable compound butters to make your Memorial Day barbecue memorable. 

Thursday, May 31, 2-5 PM: Join Joel from Berkshire Brewing Company as we say good-bye to spring and hello to summer! 

Sunday, June 3, 7-9 PM: It's our second annual Sake night with Nancy Cushman from o ya. This year, Nancy will be expanding on her Sake 101 teachings of last year, using pictures from her recent trip to Japan to teach us about the small artisanal sake breweries she visited. Nancy is also bringing some of o ya's favorite dishes to pair with sake throughout the evening. There are very few tickets left to this event. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here. 

Monday, June 11, 6:30 PM: Save the date for The Urban Grape's Second Anniversary Party by the pool at Bokx 109. Keep your eyes open for an invitation coming your way soon! 

As always, check the events page on our website for event updates and newly added tastings!

Regular Price: $15

15% Bottle Discount: $12.75

25% 6-Bottle Discount: $67.50 ($11.25 per bottle, a savings of $22.50 per 6-bottle case)

2009 Toques et Clochers "Haute Vallé" Chardonnay (Limoux, FR)

A white wine from the Languedoc that is wonderful now, but can also be aged. The palate has beautiful harmony, with a balance of roundness and acidity. Perfect as an aperitif or with dinner (or as we like to say, start while cooking, finish while eating!).

Regular Price: $17

20% Bottle Discount: $13.60

2008 Chateau Fabas Mourral Rouge (Minervois, FR)

A consistently award-winning wine, loaded with dark fruit flavors that make it a perfect food wine. It's big flavors make it a palate-pleaser, while its price makes it a favorite among the Languedoc wines. 

Regular Price: $17

20% Bottle Discount: $13.60