Pet Nat Wines are Having a Moment – Wait, What?

2022 Amuse Bouche, Pétillant Naturel, Sparkling White Wine, France ($11.99@ Trader Joe's, California) pictured with Trader Joe's Sea Salted Saddle Potato Crisps ($1.99). Yummy pairing!

Fast facts: 2022 Amuse Bouche, Pétillant Naturel, Sparkling White Wine, France ($11.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California) Sometimes it seems like there is very little new in the wine market. Then something like this comes along.  But it’s actually not very new, after all. Read on… Let’s assume you have never even heard of a Pét-nat … Read morePet Nat Wines are Having a Moment – Wait, What?

French Fizz is Back at TJs!

Bottles of 2021 J.L. Quinson Le Rosé French Fizz and 2021 J.L. Quinson Le Blanc French Fizz

Fast facts: 2021 J.L. Quinson Le Rosé French Fizz, France ($6.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California) 2021 J.L. Quinson Le Blanc French Fizz, France ($6.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California)   These wines were really popular when we first reviewed them in May of last year.  And they sold out pretty fast. Now they are back, earlier in … Read moreFrench Fizz is Back at TJs!

KS DOCG – Explained!

Bottle and glass of the Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOGC, Veneto, Italy ($7.49@Costco, California – Item #942740)

Fast facts: Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Veneto, Italy ($7.49@Costco, California – Item #942740)   Well the price on this bottle inched up to $7.49 from its former price of $6.99.  Sure, that is a “whopping” increase of 7%, but this wine still packs a whole lotta QPR, especially considering its DOCG designation – … Read moreKS DOCG – Explained!

TJ’s $9.99 Fun-Size Legit Champagne Will Have you “Drinking Stars” – or Maybe Just Seeing Them!

Glass and bottle of Ernest Rapeneau Champagne Brut ($9.99@Trader Joe's, California) alongside a 750ml standard bottle of Dom Perignon for perspective.

NV Ernest Rapeneau Champagne Brut, Epernay, France ($9.99@Trader Joe’s, California)   We celebrated the solstice yesterday by popping the cap on this bottle. We are in the home stretch of 2022 people, and this bottle (or bottles!) would be good to have in your fridge for several reasons. If you’re like us, there are holiday … Read moreTJ’s $9.99 Fun-Size Legit Champagne Will Have you “Drinking Stars” – or Maybe Just Seeing Them!

Bargain Champagne?!

Front label of the Kirkland Signature Champagne Brut.

Fast facts: NV Kirkland Signature Champagne Brut ($19.99@Costco, California – Item #942108)   This is our second wine in our December series on sparkling wines. This particular wine also has the distinction of being the very first one reviewed on this site, back in 2018.  A lot has changed in the world since then, but … Read moreBargain Champagne?!

Fun Bubbles and $5!? Thanks, Trader Joe’s!

Glass and bottle of the 2019 Pop Up Sparkling, 100% Chardonnay, Evergreen Vineyard, Columbia Valley, Washington

Fast facts: 2019 Pop Up Sparkling, 100% Chardonnay, Evergreen Vineyard, Columbia Valley, Washington ($4.99 @Trader Joe’s,  California)     This one was hard to pass by in a recent visit to Trader Joe’s. First there was the packaging. Striking, colorful and dare we say, adorable? From the crown cap on down? It reminded us of … Read moreFun Bubbles and $5!? Thanks, Trader Joe’s!

Put a Little (Aperol) Spritz in your Step

Trader Joe's store display of 2020 Cecilia Beretta Prosecco Rosé

Fast facts: 2020 Cecilia Beretta Prosecco Rosé ($10.99 @Trader Joe’s, California)   Seems like summer has arrived with a vengeance, and it is time for sipping poolside, lakeside or seaside.  However you stay cool is cool with us. Prosecco might help… Prosecco is a deliciously dry sparkling wine with crisp acidity, low sugar and plenty … Read morePut a Little (Aperol) Spritz in your Step

Making Mimosas without Champagne?

A holiday morning Mimosa kit, Mumm sparkling wine, a carafe of OJ and orange for a garnish.

Fast facts: NV Mumm Napa, Brut Rosé , Napa, California ($14.99 @ Costco, California – Item #438577)   Well, here we are.  Down to the final seven days of 2021. What a long, strange trip it’s been. Regardless, ’tis the season for celebration, hence the need to keep lots of bubbly on hand.  Whether it’s … Read moreMaking Mimosas without Champagne?

A TJ’s Prosecco Rosé Find and an Easy Recipe for a Fancy Aperol Spritz

Prosecco+Aperol+Seltzer+tangerine garnish=Aperol Spritz or, summer in a glass!

Fast facts: 2020 Cecilia Beretta Prosecco Rosé ($9.99 @Trader Joe’s, California)   Prosecco is a deliciously dry sparkling wine with crisp acidity, low sugar and plenty of fruit character – all at a fraction of the cost of traditional Champagne.  Traditionally produced in Veneto in North Eastern Italy, it is fermented almost exclusively from the … Read moreA TJ’s Prosecco Rosé Find and an Easy Recipe for a Fancy Aperol Spritz

Your Holiday Mimosa Kit from Trader Joe’s – Everything you Need for Under $10

Front label of M. Chevallier Brut Cava from Trader Joe's

Fast facts: M. Chevallier Brut Cava, Spain ($5.99 @Trader Joe’s,  California) Trader Joe’s Organic Cold Pressed Orange Juice ($1.99, California)   We’ll keep this short, since you’re undoubtedly busy even in the build up to this quieter and smaller Christmas holiday season.  But maybe you have discovered that being forced to shrink your holiday “footprint” brings … Read moreYour Holiday Mimosa Kit from Trader Joe’s – Everything you Need for Under $10