Bottles for the Cause: Red White & Blues 2

This past weekend, right here in Providence, Rhode Island, Bottles Fine Wine was honored to be a part of Red White & Blues 2, an event to benefit Trinity Repertory Company. Attendees enjoyed a tasting of wines from around the world, tasty food by local restaurants, and dancing to the The Silks, a popular local blues band. The casual evening at the Pell Chafee Performance Center was a great success, with proceeds benefiting one of the most respected regional theaters in the country. Red White & Blues 2 was co-chaired by Gil MacLean and his wife Michelle Collie, and sponsored by Bottles Fine Wine.

“Trinity Rep reinvents the ‘public square’ with dramatic art that stimulates, educates and engages our community in a continuing dialogue. In 1963, this professional theatre was born in Providence, Rhode Island. The rest is history: The Tony Award, 58 world premieres, education programs, films, and tours. Laughter, insight, magic, tears, and passion, for three generations of audiences.” www.trinityrep.com

“The Silks were formed in the summer of 2010, and have burst onto the country blues scene in New England with ferocity and enthusiasm. Front-man and songwriter Tyler-James Kelly has assembled musicians with resumes consisting of the Midnight Creeps (Jona Parmelee) and Electric Service (Matt Donnelly), blending it into a sound that is all their own. With compliments that vary from drawing comparisons to The Rolling Stones in style, and songwriting to a soundman shouting “that’s the most fun I’ve ever had!” after a show, The Silks have garnered a reputation as a band that everyone found themselves wanting to see overnight.” www.myspace.com/thesilksmusic

Red White & Blues 2 also featured several local restaurants, including Nicks on Broadway, Local 121 and The Roi. Guests enjoyed beautiful pastries, mini-burgers, and much more throughout the night.

“Test your Palate, Taste to Win” was a fun game where contestants blind-tasted 6 wines, and had to correctly guess which wine was which. Those with the most correct entered a drawing to win 2 nights at a luxury hotel on Martha’s Vineyard.

Thank-you to these generous supporters for Red White & Blues 2
Nicks on Broadway
Local 121
The Roi
Russell Morin Fine Catering
Sin Bakery
Narragansett Brewing Company
Walrus & Carpenter Oysters
Allen Farms & The March Hare CSA
Wine Distributors: Bordeaux Traditions, M.S. Walker, Wine Wizards, & Best Beverage.

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Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Dinner

Bottles Fine Wine and Farmstead are excited to present A Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Dinner with Julian Van Winkle III and Chef Matt Jennings. Sold Out!

Tickets sold out very fast for this evening of spectacular bourbons and dining with special guest Julian Van Winkle III.

Lucky attendees will be lead by Julian through a tasting of four Van Winkle expressions: the twelve, fifteen, twenty, and twenty-three year old bourbons. The evening begins with a cocktail reception, delectable treats and a chance to chat with Julian before sitting down to a four-course dinner and tasting. Julian and Matt will present each bourbon and course of the evening. We will also have a few additional surprises throughout the evening.

Julian Van Winkle III is a third generation producer of premium bourbon at Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. He is the winner of the 2011 James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional.

Matt Jennings of Farmstead is a two-time finalist for the prestigious James Beard Foundation’s “Best Chef Northeast” award, has been named one of America’s “Most Sustainable Chefs” and was selected as one of Food & Wine Magazine’s “Big thinkers, changing the way Americans eat.”

Visit our website for full details about this event.

www.bottlesfinewine.com

New Years Champagne Cocktail Ideas

Happy New Year everyone! We thought it might be nice to share some information about Champagne and Sparkling Wine, and super-easy, festive cocktail recipes you can make to share with friends and family. As your local wine store here in Providence, Bottles is here to help you find what you need for New Years! From beer that drinks like Champagne, to a huge range of cold bubbly, and to very large bottles of liquor, we’ve got you covered!

There’s no better way to celebrate than with a bottle of bubbly. Whether it is Cava from Spain, a Prosecco from Italy, or a Champagne from France, nothing else quites says a celebration like a bottle of sparkling wine.

Sparkling Wine types can be confusing; depending on where the wine comes from determines the name. For instance, Champagne comes from a specific region in France, and only wines that are made in Champagne can be called Champagne.

Prosecco is from northeast Italy, and is generally fresh, light, and has a lovely effervescence. If you are throwing a party and want the Champagne pop minus the Champagne price, try Prosecco. It pairs wonderfully with cheese plates, fruit plates, appetizers, chips & dip, and more.

A great value sparkling wine is Charles de Fere, which pairs with almost anything, and especially party foods such as dips, snacks, and cheese.

If you need more help, feel free to stop by the store or contact us!

* New Years Cocktail Recipes *

Sparkling Wine is nice to begin with,

and even better paired with specialty liqueurs.

SPARKLING WINE + ST. GERMAIN Enjoy St. Germain, a lovely Elderflower liqueur, with Sparkling Wine. Pour 1/2 part St. Germain and top with Brut Champagne, Dry Sparkling Wine or Brut Rosé. Float half a strawberry as a garnish.

CHAMBORD + CHAMPAGNE Top off with 1/4 oz of Chambord, a black raspberry liqueur. Garnish with a raspberry.

BELLINI COCKTAIL Match with Stirrings Peach Bellini Mix. A cocktail classic, combine 1 oz. of Stirrings Bellini Mix with 3oz. of Prosecco.

We have a huge selection of sparkling wines from all over the world, both out warm on the shelves, and also cold bottles in our coolers.

There’s always a reason to celebrate!

Happy New Year!

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Review & Guide

Currently featured in-store is Buffalo Trace Bourbon, with many Bourbon brands from the famous Kentucky-based distillery. Watch the video to for Liam’s review and recommendations on different Buffalo Trace Bourbons and his favorite cocktail recipes.

One of the largest and best known Bourbon distilleries in Kentucky, Buffalo Trace has won Distillery of the Year and stands as the oldest distilling site in the U.S. The distillery is also known for making: Pappy Van Winkle, George T. Stagg, Thomas Handy Rye, E.H. Taylor, W.L. Weller, Sazarac Rye, Blanton’s, Eagle Rare, Elmer T Lee, Buffalo Trace and many more brands.

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Buffalo Trace Vanilla and citrus nose with perfect balance and complexity of corn, spice and rye flavors. An unbeatable everyday Bourbon.

Elmer T Lee Butterscotch, clover and leather nose with a big rich body and flavors of fruits, honey and vanilla. Long warm finish. A wine lover’s Bourbon!

Blantons Vanilla and honey flavors amid the strong caramel with a bit of spice lurking in the background from the addition of rye.

Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey Review

Eagle Rare 10 Year Aromas of coconut crème brulee, buttery nuts and brown spices with dry, yet fruity flavors layered with chocolate, figs and nuts. Very long finish.

Buffalo Trace White Dog Bourbon Rye Whiskey

White Dogs Unaged expressions of the mash bills used to make some of Buffalo Trace’s best Bourbons and Ryes. Use them to make unconventional cocktails like White Manhattans or age them yourself!

WL Weller Wheated Bourbon Whiskey Review

W.L. Weller A “Wheated” Bourbon, meaning the distiller replaced the typical rye with wheat in the mashbill. Regarded as a best buy from several trade sources and the folks here at Bottles. $16.99 Read More >>

Bottles for the Cause: "How to Love Wine" with Eric Asimov

Recently, Bottles and the Providence community welcomed the Chief Wine Critic of the New York Times, Eric Asimov, for a reading of his newest book, “How to Love Wine, a Memoir and Manifesto.”

Jennifer from Books on the Square, Eric Taylor from Bottles, Eric Asimov, and Susanna from Reach Out and Read

Eager fans could mingle with Mr. Asimov at Books on the Square the hour before the book reading, and taste four wines selected by Eric Taylor of Bottles Fine Wine and Mr. Asimov.

These featured wines included Ravines Dry Riesling, Thorigny Vouvray Sec, De Forville Dolcetto D’Alba, and Perroud Cote de Brouilly, provided with the help of Wine Wizards, Inc. All four of these wines are available at Bottles.

20% of proceeds from book and wine sales from the evening went to benefit Reach Out and Read Rhode Island. RORRI prepares the state’s youngest children to succeed in school by partnering with pediatricians to prescribe books and encourage families to read together. The Reach Out and Read program is in 43 clinical sites and reaches almost 35,000 children in Rhode Island.

Eric Asimov signed books, chatted with fans, and gave a wonderful summary and selected reading from “How to Love Wine.”

“For many people, wine is an anxiety-inducing mystery as arcane as quantum physics. With so many varieties, it’s difficult to know what to choose. That puzzling uncertainty often prevents people from buying and ordering wine, depriving them of an exquisite, deeply satisfying experience,” argues New York Times wine critic Eric Asimov.

In “How to Love Wine,” he examines why the American wine culture produces such feelings of anxiety and suggests how readers can overcome fears and develop a sense of discovery and wonder as they explore the diversity and complexity of the world of wine.

In a direct, down-to-earth manner, Asimov discusses favorite vineyards, wine’s singular personalities, the “tyranny of tasting notes,” and current wine issues. Thought provoking and enjoyable, How to Love Wine will help diminish readers’ anxiety, bolster their confidence, and transform them into wine lovers.

See more photos on our Facebook Page >>

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Perfect Holiday Wines for Gifts, Dinners & Parties

Visit our Providence wine store for wonderful selection of festive wines, great for easy gifts and for all of your holiday celebrations this season. Watch the Bottles Wine Manager, Nick, give his advice and recommendations for wines that are great to give as hostess gifts, bring to parties, and that pair wonderfully with holiday dinners.

If you are in the area, look for our holiday wine display, full of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. These make great holiday gifts and easy choices for any celebration this season.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a recognizable grape, and are generally nice, sturdy, structured wines. BV Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is loaded with classic cherry flavors and sturdy tannins, making it an easy grab if you are attending a party and need a hostess gift.

Marie Antoinette Pouilly-Fuisseé will please any white Burgundy or Chardonnay fans. With an elegant label, Pouilly-Fuissé is rich, round, and elegant, with minerals and white flowers.

underwood cellars pinot noir oregon wine

Underwood Cellars Pinot Noir is great for parties, and is from Oregon. Reasonably priced, this delicious Pinot Noir is medium-bodied with dry, earthy fruit.

Feel free to contact us for wine selections, food pairings and anything else!

Holiday Gift Guide: Wine, Beer, & Spirits Enthusiasts

Have a fine wine, craft beer, spirits, or cocktail enthusiast on your Christmas list this year? Watch this video for gift ideas that will please your gift recipient. From wine and custom gift baskets, to custom wine bottle engraving, to fun nip ornaments, Bottles has you covered. Also, find out Joanna’s picks for the perfect gift wines. Visit us at our Rhode Island wine store for convenient gift wrapping options!

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Gifts Under $25
Nip Globes The curious cocktails enthusiast you know will love this selection of fine spirits encased in a festive clear ornament just for the holidays. Standard $9.99 or Premium $14.99
Wine Gift Baskets Red or White? Choose one of these budget-friendly wine gift baskets that include tasty treats as well! Just $19.99 each.

Custom Bottle Engraving

The gift of wine can be taken to the next level with a custom message artfully engraved directly on the bottle. Starting at just $10 plus the cost of your choice of wine, beer, spirits, or even bartending tools and glassware.

For Her

Gift Wine Get her the best wines from our extensive collection. Shop from the Select Bottles wine list, or look for the little red bows in our store. We gift wrap!

Wine for Two Have her enjoy a romantic basket of wine for two this holiday season. Includes red wine, two wine glasses and tasty bites.

For Him

Etched Flask Customize a flask with an engraving of their name or initials! Starting at just $10 plus the cost of the flask, shaker, or even whiskey bottle.

The Gift of Whiskey Choose from our wide selection of bourbon & single malt scotch. We have everything from classics to esoteric finds.

Corporate and Client Gifts

Engraved Wine Bottles Send a personal message this Christmas with an etched wine bottle. We can also engrave your logo! Starting at just $10 plus the cost of the wine of your choice.

Customized Gift Baskets From $20 to $2000, let us help you create a wine, beer, or spirits gift basket that will wow your gift recipient.

Whiskey Lover

Whiskey Club Perfect for the serious whiskey lover and collector. Your recipient will receive one bottle of high quality whiskey every month. $59.99 a month for 1 bottle of whiskey.

Bottles Gift Card Let them choose their next coveted bottle of bourbon, single malt, scotch, or rye whiskey. For any amount.

Wine Lover

Cabernet Basket Easily please the wine enthusiast in your life with this Cabernet Sauvignon Gift Basket. Complete with chocolates, tea, and a wine guide.

Wine Club Give the gift that keeps on giving! This monthly wine club has 3 levels to choose from, tailored to each wine lover & budget. Starting at $29.99 per month for 2 bottles of wine.

Select Bottles Let the discerning wine lover you know enjoy a world-class wine. Browse the Select Bottles wine list for hard-to-find, highly renowned wines.

Beer Enthusiasts

Local Beer Bucket For the serious craft beer geek, get the Local Beer Bucket. With 3 local New England craft beers, this gift will put a big smile on any beer fan. $40 Read More >>

Bottles Gift Card Know how selective they are? Let them choose what they really want, from one of the best craft beer selections in town. Read More >>

Mixologists

Custom Gift Baskets Choose from a world-class selection of bartending tools, artisanal bitters, and hard to find aperitifs, cordials & vermouths to create a custom basket.

Engraved Bartending Tools Engrave shakers, wine keys & more! Create a personalized gift that they will appreciate for years to come with Bottle engraving services.

Entertaining Advice & Party Tips for Wine, Beer, Spirits & Cocktails

Planning a party and need help and advice with drinks? Eric from Bottles in Providence has his tips and recommendations for wine, beer, liquor, and cocktails to make entertaining this holiday season easier & stress free.

First, get wine that you enjoy. If there is any leftover, you are going to have it for the next days or weeks ahead, so make sure you like it!

holiday wines party advice recommendations red white choosing

Keeping it simple works! Choose one white and one red, or if you want two whites and two reds, make sure you choose contrasting styles. For example, pick a light, crisp wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, and a heavier wine like Chardonnay. For red wines, pick a lighter wine like Pinot Noir, and then to contrast, a Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec.

Boxed wine, or Bag-in-a-Box, are great for parties! The quality of these boxed wines has greatly increased in recent years. Bota Box or The Big Green Box by Pepperwood Grove are both great choices. Don’t want to serve guests wine out of a box? Simply decant the wine, or pour it into pitchers and place on your table, serving counter, or bar. With each box holding the equivalent of several bottles of wine, this is a great solution to stretch your holiday dollars.

wine guide holiday party planning advice tips

Need an idea of how many bottles of wine to get? Use this easy guide: 1 bottle of wine usually holds 4 good glasses of wine, and each person at a party drinks about 2 glasses. For example, if your party has 30 people, you’ll need about a case of wine.

Expecting beer drinkers? Again, keep it simple and get something light (like a Pilsner or Lager), and then something dark (such as a Porter or Stout). Have no idea what style of beer to get? Many breweries carry variety 12 packs, so that each of your guests can find something that they will enjoy. Also, look for special winter or Christmas beers. Most craft breweries make a special brew just for the holidays; these are usually dark, higher alcohol beers.

Finally, big bottles of vodka and bourbon are both great choices. They are versatile, and guests can have anything from Martinis to Eggnog, or simply on the rocks.

Re-Animator: A Bourbon Cocktail Idea

Bourbon cocktail recipe: The Re-Animator: We found this recipe in the NY Times just before last Thanksgiving, and it has quickly become a staff favorite here at Bottles. It’s dangerously simple to make, and the kind of drink that goes down very well after a big meal. All of these ingredients are available at Bottles, a fine wine, craft beer and spirits store in Rhode Island. Contact Us

Simply put, it can be made as follows:

Ingredient List
* 1 Pt. Rye or Bourbon
* 1 Pt. Amaro
* Lemon or Orange Garnish

Stir well over ice, strain into cocktail glass, garnish with a twist. Or serve on the rocks.

bourbon whiskey cocktail recipe ingredients

Amaro is a bitter-sweet Italian herbal liqueur, designed as an after-dinner digestif. It tends to be a little thick, with amazing aromas of anise, citrus, & root beer. When blended with whiskey, the two parts add up to something much greater than the whole, with a swirling interplay of vanilla, citrus, licorice, cherry, chocolate & nutty flavors. I like to make mine with an orange twist, and sometimes a dash of orange bitters to highlight those citrus flavors.

A Re-Animator is also very versatile, as you can easily raise or lower the amount of Bourbon or Amaro to suit your taste, and always end up with a world-class, painfully easy to make cocktail.

Try our other Bourbon Cocktails:

Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

Boulevardier Cocktail Recipe

Find more videos and cocktail ideas on our YouTube channel and our Cocktail Recipe Page.

Boulevardier: Bourbon Cocktail Recipe

Learn how to make a Boulevardier cocktail as part of the Bottles Bourbon feature happening in our Providence store. With only 3 ingredients (Bourbon, Campari and Vermouth), this is an easy drink ideas for holiday parties! Contact Us

This cocktail with a goofy name is a variant on a Negroni, a classic cocktail made of equal parts gin, Campari, & sweet vermouth. In a Negroni, you are seeking balance in the components; bitter Campari tempered by sweet vermouth, with the gin adding punch and floral overtones to the whole.

With a Boulevardier, you replace the gin with bourbon, and raise the ratio of the bourbon a smidge. This results in a sweeter cocktail, and I find it helps to tame the bitterness of the Campari more so than just gin & sweet vermouth. It’s a brilliant drink to have before dinner, as the bitter-sweet flavor and slightly acerbic finish of the Campari will get your gland salivating and ready for the meal at hand.

To make a Boulevardier, try the following ratios:

Ingredient List
* 1.5 Pt. Bourbon
* 1 Pt. Campari
* 1 Pt. Sweet Vermouth
* Lemon Twist

Stir well over crushed ice & strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon.

As with any cocktail, the levels of Bourbon, vermouth, or Campari can be adjusted to make the finished drink more or less bitter or fruity, as suits your fancy. This is a great recipe to play around with, and something very easy (yet elegant) to put in front of guests.