For the teetotalers..Sangria (ish)

A good mocktail combo for the DDs or pregos or??

4 cups cranberry juice
1 cup fresh grapefruit juice
1 cup fresh orange juice
2 cups soda water
2 oranges, sliced into thin rounds
3 green apples, sliced thin
2 lemons, sliced thin
Combine all ingredients in a pitcher. Cover and chill at least 2 hours or overnight.

The last hurrah...

Another great alternative to "true" champagne, this sparkler is a crowd favorite on its own.. as a reward for a hard day, to celebrate a weekend, or holiday.. or as a send- off- tribute to the fact (unbeknownst to oneself) that one one won't be drinking any of it for 9 months...

It is pretty in pink, perfect for a bridal shower, girls weekend or just because you feel like some champagne on a saturday afternoon. A splurge at about $40 a bottle, it is definitely worth it, as it is crisp and fruity with a hint of creaminess. It is a juicy thirst quencher for the upcoming heat of summer, a great BBQ wine! I personally can't wait to have a(nother) bottle.

Sparkling Delight

Champagne is just for the rich and famous, right? Um, yeah, if you want to drink the good stuff from France…but fortunately for us regular people, California produces some excellent, and affordable sparkling wine (don’t you dare call it Champagne!). One of my recent favorites is the Chandon Blanc de Noir. It’s a blend of pinot noir, pinot meunier, and chardonnay grapes; is a pale salmon color; and tastes fabulously fruit-forward, yet not at all too sweet. You can find this sparkling delight at most grocery stores and at Bevmo (already chilled!) for around $15.

Too Good to be True!!!

I have found the ULTIMATE value wine: Holbrook 2003 Syrah. It tastes like a $20-$30 wine, but you can pick it up at Costco for only $10.99!!! This wine has the perfect balance of fruit, oak, and spice, giving it more flavor and complexity than any $11 wine I’ve had. It’s easy to drink without food but would also pair nicely with beef, pork, or lamb. It’s flying off the shelves, thanks to a 90 point rating by Wine Spectator; so if you can find it, buy a case. You won’t be sorry!

Caramel in a Glass

Had the 2005 Laird Carneros Chardonnay last night (for the 2nd or 3rd time), and it was as good as ever! This wine tastes like caramel and is as rich as any dessert. It's a little on the pricey side, coming in at around $28 a bottle, but when you want a treat, this is it! The wine is complex and very big for a chardonnay. A significant amount of oak enhances its flavor but makes it difficult to pair with food. Who cares??? Grab a French baguette and fill up your glass. Who needs a meal when the wine's this good!