June 2021 Wine Club Selections • Only One Bottle of Each Wine May

June 2021 Wine Club Selections

• Only one bottle of each wine may be selected • Some bottles only allowed at 6-bottle membership level only • Please use online portal or email your selections BEFORE coming in to the store • A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section is at the end of this document • Bonus Wines: Members get 1st dibs on buying allocated wines

June Virtual Tasting

June’s Wine Club Virtual Tasting will be Friday 6/25 at 7:00pm. Michael D’Amato - National Sales Manager of Serendipity Imports - will be the guest host. Wine #8 Lunaria Orsogna “Costa di Moro“ Montepulciano and Wine #9 Lunaria Orsogna “Ruminat“ Primivito are the June club selections that will be featured, as we explore Abruzzo – on the Adriatic coast of Italy. If you selected either wine, you’ll be emailed a zoom invite on Thursday 6/24. If you didn’t choose these wines, but still want an invite, please let me know.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume) and order of wines

The ABV of each wine is listed after the varietal breakdown. The white wines are listed in order of body (lightest body to fullest body), as are the red wines, and the two wines (#13 and #14) for 6-bottle members. Please see the FAQ page for more info.

White Wines

2019 Etyeki Kúria WHITE BLEND, Etyek-Buda, North Transdanubia, Hungary 4 and 6 bottle levels $20 (member price $17) 60% Királyleányka, 40% Pinot Gris 12.0% ABV

Just west of Budapest lies Etyek-Buda, an area of rolling hills and limestone soil that was planted by the Romans. When the Ottoman Empire spread its influence into Hungary in the 1500’s, most of the vines were ripped out, and not replanted until the 1700’s, as the Hungarian government imported German viti & viniculture experts to reestablish their wine industry. I visited Budapest way back in the day, but I was focused more on the local beers than the wines! Etyek-Buda is now known for light crisp whites and sparkling wines. Etyeki Kúria is one of the leading wineries of the region. Királyleányka (“Princess”) is the most popular indigenous variety, and brings white flowers, spice and lemon notes. Pinot Gris provides peach and dried honey. Stainless steel aging.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: Summer in a glass, this refreshing white pairs perfectly with pulled chicken barbecue with Alabama white sauce and grilled corn; arugula salad topped with grilled chicken and goat cheese; grilled fish steaks with creamy mushroom risotto; tuna and avocado tartare; honey-glazed chicken wings; flash fried calamari; and crispy crab cakes. Or simply savor this lively white with soft cheeses such as Bûcheron, Crottin, or Brillat‐ Savarin.

2018 Silvan Ridge Winery PINOT GRIS, Willamette Valley, Oregon 4 and 6 bottle levels $21 (member price $18) 100% Pinot Gris 13.0% ABV

We hosted Pacific Northwest Flight Fest in mid May. One of the biggest retail sellers that day was Silvan Ridge Pinot Gris, which was delicious paired that afternoon with a Dungeness Crab Salad. In 1979, Hinman Vineyards was founded just outside Eugene. Carolyn Chambers bought the winery in 1993, rebranding it Silvan Ridge, in honor of her maiden name. It’s now in the hands of the 2nd generation (Andrew & Julia Stiltner). The area around Eugene is a little warmer than the heart of Willamette Valley, so Silvan Ridge is also able grow Bordeaux varieties, Tempranillo and Pinot Gris. This Pinot Gris sees stainless steel aging, with notes of bosc pear, lime zest, gooseberry with a hint of oyster shell.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: Serve this crisp and refreshing white with oysters on the half shell, creole shrimp with garlic and lemon, salmon mousse in cucumber cups, Yukon potato gnocchi with garden pesto, shrimp satay, creamy pasta dishes, roasted salmon with white wine sauce, pan-seared trout with grilled summer squash, quince-glazed pork chops and grilled herb chicken under a brick. This food friendly white is also excellent with classic cheeses like Muenster and Edam or more exotic selections like Garroxta and Caprino Tartufo truffled goat cheese.

2018 Pieropan GARGANEGA, Soave Classico, Veneto, Italy 4 and 6 bottle levels $21 (member price $18) 85% Garganega, 15% Trebbiano di Soave 13.5% ABV

There’s a big difference between Soave and Soave Classico. Soave (“Swah-Vay“) can be made from a large area of flat vineyards, and these wines can be insipid, which dragged down the reputation of the area. Soave Classico is a much smaller, hillier area that has been farmed since the Romans. With Classico being reasonably priced, ALWAYS spend a bit extra to purchase Soave CLASSICO! Pieropan is a 4th generation family owned/operated winery, having been established in 1890 in the medieval village of Soave, east of Verona. White flowers, lemon zest, toasted almond. It has a yeasty character brought on by the extended lees aging, which is balanced by bright acidity. Stainless steel.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy this fresh and expressive white with garden tomato, burrata and basil antipasto drizzled with tangy balsamic, tempura seafood, vegetarian lasagna, Thai-style chicken salad with spicy peanut dressing, chicken curry over rice, scallop ceviche with a squeeze of lemon, pressed pancetta, tomato, Mozzarella and arugula panino, crispy fig arancini, flash fried calamari with a creamy citrus herb sauce, fresh sushi and fettuccine tossed with grilled prawns and grated lemon peel. Or simply sip a glass with regional cheeses like Crescenza, Asiago or Pecorino Romano.

2017 Yalumba VIOGNIER, Eden Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia 4 and 6 bottle levels $23 (member price $20) 100% Viognier 13.5% ABV

We’ve featured Yalumba’s wines before in club. They are Australia’s oldest family owned winery, founded in 1849, and have set a quiet example of producing elegant food-friendly wines. The 6th generation of the family now operates the winery. The Barossa region has two parts: the better known warmer western half (Barossa Valley), and the lesser known cooler eastern half (Eden Valley). Viognier can be grown in warmer climates, but thrives in moderate climates. Yalumba’s Eden Valley Viognier is part of their Samuel’s Collection, named after their founder, Samuel Smith. 60% of the juice sees 10 months in neutral French oak, with regular bâtonnage – which explains the creamy texture. The other 40% sees stainless. Ripe yellow peach, apricot, ginger, saffron.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: This exotic white pairs beautifully with grilled seafood, sautéed diver scallops, veal scaloppine, mild Thai curry dishes, mussels meunier, New Orleans jambalaya, lemony grilled chicken with summer veggies, crispy crab cakes with smoked paprika rémoulade, pan-seared scallops tossed with garlic and white wine, and any type of spicy, exotic cuisine from Asian and Indonesian to North African. This flavorful white is also a refreshing companion to a variety of cheeses from the soft and rich, like Camembert and Explorateur, to the stinkiest of washed rind cheeses, such as Epoisses.

Rosé Wine

2020 Casas del Bosque ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR, Casablanca Valley, Chile 4 and 6 bottle levels $18 (member price $16) 100% Pinot Noir 13.0% ABV

This single vineyard Rosé is made with Pinot Noir grapes planted on the coolest, westernmost reaches of the Casablanca Valley. Grown on hillside blocks facing from north-east to north-west, the vines were planted between 2006 and 2008. Red iron-rich granitic soils – just 12 miles from the Pacific help explain the freshness. Owned/operated by the Cuneo family. Pale in color. Strawberry, watermelon, grapefruit, hint of minerality. Stainless steel aging. Not a fancy wine; just balanced and delicious.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy this refreshing rosé with smoked fish spread, fresh goat cheese topped salads, vegetable tempura, sushi rolls, grilled romaine salad topped with blue cheese, salmon Niçoise, saucy pulled pork barbecue, grilled burgers topped with garlic aioli, braised pork sliders, bacon and Swiss quiche, truffle oil roasted salmon and crispy seared duck with a cherry‐spiked wine reduction. This picnic-perfect rosé is equally delightful with creamy cheeses, marinated olives and charcuterie.

Sparkling Wine

2018 Bodegas Naveran “Brut Nature“ SPARKLING CAVA, Penedes, Spain 4 and 6 bottle levels $21 (member price $18) 40% Macabeo, 30% Parellada, 20% Chardonnay, 10% Xarel-lo 12.0% ABV

In the mid 19th century, Pablo Parellada emigrated to Argentina to make his fortune. Upon his return to Spain, he married the daughter of the Marquis of Naveran, Sire of Guernika, and bought the estate upon which the family would settle. Bodegas Naveran’s tagline for this Brut Nature is “the least expensive vintage organic sparkling wine on the planet“. 25-50 year old vines from their estate in the town of Torrelivit in Alt Penedes, just south of Barcelona. Limestone / sandy soil. Brut Nature indicates zero grams residual sugar, so it’s bone-dry. Xarel-lo and Chardonnay contribute body, Macabeo gives aromatic intensity, and Parellada lends acidity. 18 months on the lees for greater complexity and creaminess. Meyer lemon, green apple, bartlett pear, gardenias.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: These bubbles are the perfect aperitif, and just as effortlessly transition to a meal and even dessert. Enjoy this sparkler with roasted halibut over creamy garlic whipped potatoes; mustard-roasted pork loin over butternut squash polenta; panko-crusted chicken over mixed greens with a sliver of Brie; chicken in a rosé cream sauce over wild rice; tomato, basil and mozzarella topped flatbread; pork braised in champagne vinegar with creamy edamame risotto. After dinner enjoy more bubbles with fresh fruit, soft cheeses like Camembert, baked Brie topped with fresh herbs and drizzled with truffle oil, Brillat-Savarin or bloomy-rind goat cheese.

Red Wines

2019 Domaine de Fenouillet GRENACHE BLEND, Ventoux, Southern Rhone, France 4 and 6 bottle levels $21 (member price $18) 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Carignan 13.5% ABV

A fourth generation family owned/operated winery, Domaine de Fenouillet is located in Beaumes de Venise, in the shadow of Mount Ventoux. They specialize in table wines and the justly famous Muscat de Beaumes de Venise. The fruit for their Ventoux Rouge is sourced from three separate terroirs: the stony silex-infused plateau of Saint Hippolyte, the silex soils of the hill of Piniere in Aubignan and the clay-limestone mix in the soils of the commune of Barroux. Eight months aging in concrete. The juice from the three parcels are vinified separately, and blended just before bottling. Red raspberry and red plum on attack, black pepper, earth and woodsmoke on finish.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: You’ll want to pour this red with garlicky lamb chops with fresh herbs, roast pork loin, classic cassoulet, mouth-watering ribeye grilled to perfection and topped with blur cheese butter, bison burgers smothered with Gorgonzola, caramelized onions and bacon, garlic and herb-peppered veal chops over garlicky smashed potatoes, seared duck breast with crispy herbed fingerlings, grilled leg of lamb with spring vegetables and classic steak au poivre and wild mushroom risotto. Or simply savor a glass of this rustic red with Comté, Brie or creamy Stilton served with garlic-buttered toast.

2015 Lunaria Orsogna “Coste di Moro“ MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO, Abruzzo, Italy 4 and 6 bottle levels $20 (member price $17) 100% Montepulciano 14.0% ABV

Cantina Orsogna is a co-op founded in 1964 by Camillo Zulli and six other farmers, and has since expanded to 600 farmers (450 grape growers and 150 olive growers). Lunaria is their main wine label. The vineyards for Costa di Moro are at the foot of Majella National Park, one of Europe’s largest natural parks, on the eastern slopes of the Apennines Mountains. 70% of their vineyards are organic, the other 30% biodynamic, with a long term goal of 100% biodynamic. Their flagship wine is this Montepulciano. Aged in stainless steel. Tart red cherry, red raspberry, cola, spicebox, warm earth. The few years in the bottle have blunted the fruit, bringing secondary notes into play. This will be featured in the Friday 6/25 Virtual Tasting, along with #9 Lunaria Orsogna “Ruminat“ Primitivo.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: This soft yet intense red is ideal served with red sauce pasta dishes such as rustic pasta bolognese or tagliatelle and ragù, as well as, BBQ-marinated pork ribs, grilled beef and vegetable skewers, wood fired veal ribeye served over grilled asparagus, herbed lamb chops with cannellini bean puree, beef tenderloin with a balsamic reduction, classic Osso Buco, barbecued lamb kebabs, truffled ravioli with shaved pecorino and even your favorite take-out pepperoni pizza. This everyday red is equally delicious with regional aged cheeses such as Pecorino d’Abruzzo & Talamello.

2019 Lunaria Orsogna “Ruminat“ PRIMITIVO, Abruzzo, Italy 4 and 6 bottle levels $20 (member price $17) 100% Primitivo 14.0% ABV

While the fruit for their Montepulciano is from the foothills of the Apennines, the grapes for this Primitivo comes from the seaside hills of Terre di Chieti. Those familiar with Primitivo know that its traditional Italian home is Puglia, but it’s also grown just north in Abruzzo. This will be featured in the Friday 6/25 Virtual Tasting, along with #8 Lunaria Orsogna “Coste di Moro“ Montepulciano. Michael D’Amato – the National Sales Manager of Serendipity Imports will be our host that evening. Stainless steel aging. Bright and expressive blackberry, black currant, blueberry. For those choosing between the Montepulciano and Primitivo, the 2015 Montepulciano is a mix of fruit and earth, whereas the 2019 Primitivo is pure black fruit. These two wines taste almost nothing alike.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: This tangy red is ideal paired with tomato-based pasta dishes such as lasagna Bolognese, spaghetti and meatballs, eggplant Parmigiano, pasta Puttanesca, or beef and spinach cannelloni; char-grilled pork with Mediterranean-style vegetables; mild Indian curry over couscous; Italian sausage cassoulet, peppered steaks hot off the grill, roasted lamb with sausage and fennel risotto, hearty lentil stew and Sicilian style pizza topped with fresh tomatoes, spicy sausage and smoky Pancetta. Or simply savor a glass of this rich, concentrated red with dry cured meats and mature cheeses.

2017 Herència Altés GARNATXA NEGRA, Terra Alta, Catalonia, Spain 4 and 6 bottle levels $18 (member price $16) 100% Garnatxa Negra 14.5% ABV

For generations, the family of Nuria Altés has cultivated vines in the village of Batea in Terra Alta. Because of this history, they have formed strong relationships in the community and have convinced many of their neighbors to convert to organic farming. The Garnatxa Negra at Herència Altes is sourced from these organically farmed vines in the villages of Batea, Gandesa, Corbera, and Bot. Most of the soil is the classic soil of the region known as Panal – a fine, sandy, clay soil high in decomposed limestone. Panal is naturally low in nutrients with a tremendous capacity for storing water which is important for the wines as the summers are warm, dry, and almost always windy – alternating between the drying continental Cirç and the easterly Garbi bringing in humidity from the Mediterranean. The vines range from 40 to 100 years old. Aged in concrete for five months. Sweet boysenberry and cherry, violet, chalky minerality.

Grilled Lamb Chops “Scotta Dita“ serves 4

Ingredients:

-- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard

-- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

-- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

-- ½ teaspoon kosher salt

-- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

-- ¼ cup fresh basil, julienned

-- 2 racks lamb lollipops (aka 16 bones), individually butchered

Instructions:

In a non-reactive bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper with 2 teaspoons water. Slowly whisk. Stir in the basil.

Add the lollipops to the marinade, toss to coat evenly. Marinate for 1 to 3 hours, covered and refrigerated.

Shake the excess sauce off the lollipops. Grill over high heat until desired doneness. Transfer to a warm platter, cover with foil, let rest 5 minutes, then serve. Best eaten with your fingers, not silverware.

2017 Prats & Symington “Prazo de Roriz“ RED BLEND, Douro, Portugal 4 and 6 bottle levels $21 (member price $18) 35% Touriga Franca, 25% Touriga Nacional, 20% Tinta Roriz, 20% Field Blend 14.2% ABV

In 1999, the Prats family of Bordeaux joined with the Symington family of Douro to use Bordeaux winemaking techniques with Douro fruit. The Symington’s are better known for Dow’s, Graham’s and Warre’s ports, but with Prats & Symington, they were the first to crack Wine Spectator’s Top 100 with a non fortified Portuguese wine. The fruit for Prazo de Roriz is from the world renowned Quinta de Roriz and Quinta da Perdiz in the Cima Corgo subregion of the Douro. The main differences between Prazo de Roriz and its big brother Chryseia are younger vines and stainless steel for aging. Black raspberry, red raspberry, black currant, minerality.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy this balanced blend with grilled chicken thighs Tandoori, grilled chicken under a brick with summer veggies, classic ratatouille, herbed leg of lamb with crispy potatoes and mint pistou, grilled flank steak with Chimichurri and thick-cut potatoes, porterhouse steak with caramelized onions and peppers, grilled pork tenderloin with herbed wild mushroom rice, and slow-smoked brisket BBQ with creamy macaroni. This red is also delightful with rich cheeses such as Gorgonzola and Roquefort.

2018 dough Wines CABERNET SAUVIGNON, North Coast, California 4 and 6 bottle levels $22 (member price $19) 100% Cabernet Sauvignon 14.9% ABV

The James Beard Foundation supports restaurant and food sustainability. Their first wine collaboration is with dough Wines. Dough is the foundation of bread, signifying new beginnings, especially apropos for restaurants this year or so. dough makes an annual “dough-nation“ to JBF. The label reads North Coast (aka Napa, Sonoma, Lake & Mendocino), but the large majority of the grapes are from Alexander Valley. One year oak (French and American, both new and used). Boysenberry, blueberry, espresso, bittersweet dark chocolate.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: Savor this cabernet with hunters' stew; naan flatbread pizza topped with caramelized onions, wild mushrooms, prosciutto, blue cheese and fresh rosemary; grilled burgers topped with sharp Cheddar and smoky bacon; mushroom and gruyere crostini; meaty pizza; marinated ribeye steaks with gorgonzola butter and braised short rib tacos. For the ultimate treat, try a glass with warm dark chocolate molten cake or a sliver of Reblochon or San Andreas cheese.

2018 Mer Soleil “Reserve” PINOT NOIR, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey, California 6 bottle level $30 (member price $26) 100% Pinot Noir 14.5% ABV

Mer Soleil is part of the Wagner Family stable of wines, spearheaded by Caymus. In addition to their Special Selection Cab Sauv, Caymus produced Special Selection Pinot Noir for a few years. (Their 1975 SS Pinot Noir is currently available for only $489/bottle.) 30+ years ago, the Wagners began producing Chardonnay from Santa Lucia Highlands, then later Pinot Noir. They were among the leaders in getting SLH declared an AVA in 1991. In keeping with the Wagner style, this wine is riper and lusher than many SLH Pinots. Cherry tart, cranberry, vanilla, caramel, cinnamon. Many SLH Pinots have iron-rich minerality; Mer Soleil does not. Seven months French oak (mostly new).

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy this pinot with baked ziti with portobello mushrooms, caramelized onions, and goat cheese; wild mushroom and herb bruschetta; ginger and soy glazed salmon; vegetarian enchiladas; creamy chicken curry over rice; mushroom and beef Bourguignon over egg noodles; curried squash soup; fennel and garlic pork roast with seasonal veggies; crispy seared duck breast; smoky glazed ham with red peppers; grilled squid with onions and sorrel; grilled quail with mushroom risotto; and five spice pork tenderloin with roasted butternut squash. Or simply savor a glass with a slice of Provençal vegetable tart or a goat cheese tart in a pistachio crust.

2016 Poggio al Tesoro “Mediterra“ RED BLEND, Sondraie Vineyard, Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy 6 bottle level $28 (member price $25) 40% Syrah, 30% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon 14.5% ABV

Allegrini is best known as a premium producer of Amarone and Valpolicella Ripasso. The Allegrini family has been based in Fumane (just west of Verona) since the 16th century, serving as leading landowners ever since. Their Bolgheri project is Poggio al Tesoro, founded in 2001 by this deep pocketed family. Poggio al Tesoro’s other reds use the traditional Bolgheri varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, but part of the Sondraie Vineyard is better suited to Syrah, hence the unusual blend, and “Mediterra“ to denote Syrah’s influence. Blackberry, black nd raspberry, black pepper, star anise, vanilla, nutmeg. Eight months French oak (2 use).

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: Savor this Super Tuscan with Livorno-style baccalà, seared tuna steaks, Italian-style fish stew, bacon‐wrapped filet mignon over red wine risotto, braised veal cheek ravioli with shaved Parmesan, Florentine steak with parsley potatoes, coffee marinated lamb brochettes, duck breasts with hazelnuts, grilled lamb chops with garlic and rosemary, Italian‐style beef stew or grilled rib eye steaks with tarragon, shallot and pink peppercorn butter. This elegant blend is equally delightful with cured meats and medium-mature cheeses such as Pecorino, Caciotta and Toma.

**** BONUS BEVERAGES **** These CAN NOT be part of your regular monthly selections. You CAN purchase these beverages IN ADDITION to your regular monthly selections.

Q: What do Rob and Carol drink more of in the warmer summer months? A: Chilled beverages that are food friendly and full of flavor!

NV Stiegl GRAPEFRUIT RADLER, Saltzburg, Austria (4pack of 16.9oz cans) $14 (member price $12) 60% Grapefruit Soda, 40% Lager Beer 3.2% ABV

It was a hot summer’s afternoon many years ago in Salzburg, when I discovered Stiegl’s beers, and I’ve been drinking them ever since. Stiegl, founded in 1492, has become Austria’s largest brewery. Radler is a highly popular warm weather tipple in Germany and Austria. (In the U.K., this might be called a Shandy.) When grilling out at home, I’ll often quaff a Stiegl or two, then switch to wine with dinner. Pro tip: for a stronger experience, add a shot of tequila or gin! Candied grapefruit on the nose and attack, then the bitterness of the beer and grapefruit take over on the finish. Very refreshing.

2017 Mastroberardino “Radici” FIANO DI AVELLINO, Campania, Italy $23 (member price $20) 100% Fiano di Avellino 13.5% ABV

We’ve featured other wines from this 10th generation family owned/operated winery throughout the years. They’ve become one of the custodians of Campania’s native varieties. Radici means ‘roots’ in Italian, which signifies Mastroberardino’s devotion to safeguarding the indigenous varieties of ancient Irpinia. The grape Fiano was known in antiquity as “apiana” as it was noticed that bees had a particular affinity for this vine. A rare vine traditionally found near hazelnut orchards, Fiano d'Avellino appears to have adopted some of these notes into its flavor profile. Stainless steel aging. This wine is delicate enough to go with summery salads, but has the oomph to pair with grilled chicken.

92 points Wine & Spirits “Radici combines delicate floral scents and flavors of golden apple, hazelnuts and pear in a balanced, mineral inflected wine. Notes of sage accent the fruit, and the wine takes on a honeyed, smoky tone with exposure to air.“

______

THE VINO VENUE WINE CLUB FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between the 4 and 6 bottle Club Levels? The 6 bottle level provides Vino Venue 50% more “purchasing power” than the 4 bottle level each month, therefore, the 6 bottle level will include wines that retail as much as $40. Both levels offer great value, but the 6-BOTTLE LEVEL IS THE BEST VALUE.

2. Can I choose any wines listed? Yes; as long as you stay within the parameters of your membership, i.e. if you are a 4-bottle member, you may only select four bottles listed as “4 and 6 bottle members.” However, you can always purchase additional bottles, 6-bottle level or otherwise, at your member price.

3. When am I notified of the selections? On the 1st of each month you will receive an email with a link to our online ordering portal, containing information about the monthly wines. The same email will also have a link to the traditional document. Many members like to save the traditional documents for future reference.

4. Can I choose more than one bottle of each type of wine? No; in order for the economics to work on this low margin program, only one bottle of each type is allowed. However, you can purchase additional bottles at your member rate.

5. When do you need my selections back? We love to know about your selections ASAP. Please realize that some of the wines are in very short supply (hidden gems often are) and if you wait too long you may miss out on them.

6. When can I pick up the wine? When the document is emailed to you to make your selections, you will also be provided a “pick up date” within that email. The wines are usually ready for pick-up on a Friday early in each month (between the 4rd and the 10th). We also send an email when all the wines are actually ready.

7. Can I authorize someone else to pick up my wine? Yes

8. What day of the month is my Credit Card charged? The 1st day of each month; the charge will come through as VV Dunwoody LLC or Vino Venue

9. How do BONUS wines work? These are extra wines, often more expensive than regular club selections, and offered at nice discounts. You can purchase them in addition to your monthly wines.

10. ABV % is listed for each wine - after the variety percentages. What is ABV? Alcohol By Volume is the amount of ethanol in a given volume of liquid. The higher the ABV, the stronger the wine. I consider light bodied wines to be below 12.5% ABV, medium bodied wines fall between 12.5 and 13.9% ABV, while full bodied wines are 14.0% ABV and above. Powerful flavors often are associated with full-bodied wines, while light and medium bodied wines can have more subtle notes. For a wine dinner, you may begin with light bodied wines, move to medium bodied wines, then finish with full bodied wines.

Here is a helpful hint on how one of your members uses her Club Membership:

“Attached is a picture of my January wine all ready to go into my wine cooler!! It really is a great 5 minute fix to know where I got a bottle of wine or what it will taste like!!” ~ Mary Ann