Wine

FRE TO INDULGE

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While I started my writing career as a music critic, as I got older and less able to function after staying for the last encore, I started to review dinner and the opening act, which eventually led me to my focus on food.

Another change has been the amount of alcohol I can handle.

Fortunately, I have found suitable substitutions like Sober Carpenter ciders, non-alcoholic beers from Partake and hop-infused beverages from HOP WTR, and wines from Fre (that’s “free” but with only one “e,” as the other was apparently removed with the alcohol).

Using a revolutionary centrifuge technology, Fre removes the alcohol from fully-fermented wine. In the process, a lot of the calories drop out too, making it even easier to enjoy multiple glasses. And as they offer such popular varietals as cabernet, chardonnay, merlot, rosé, sauvignon blanc, and even blends, there are multiple reasons to do so!

While you still need to acknowledge that you are of legal drinking age when you visit frewines.com (as it technically has less than .5% alcohol in it, which is the same as in most kombucha), once you are there, it is easy to find out more about their wines and to find your next favorite. In addition to a link to their Napa-born Luminara line, the site also has recipes by Liquid Muse founder Natalie Bovis-Nelsen and seasonal suggestions for celebrations that give you more reasons to enjoy. As I have been taking my book on the Ivy League and my author interview series to various venues, Fre is great because most bookstores, libraries and senior center allow it and my guests love it!

You will too!

SCHOOL FOR SIPPERS

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As the days get shorter and colder, we all need something to keep our bodies warm, our minds engaged, and our spirits up,

Thankfully, there is a bevy of great new courses and other treats at Commonwealth Wine School!

Whether you are a novice sipper or a certified oenophile, CWS has events and offerings that will help you get more out of your wine and your life, including workshops, classes, and private events, as well as certification-level programs from the prestigious Wine and Spirits Education Trust and the Wine Scholar Guild.

On October 27, they will host a class for those who want to make Halloween more fun for older trick or treaters by explaining what wines pair best you’re your favorite candies.

November 1, their expert educators will advise others on how to negotiate for the best wines in international markets.

On the 2nd and 3rd and again on the 16th and 17th, Sake lovers will gather to explore their favorite beverage. I am looking forward to the cider and cheese pairings on November 9 but may also refresh my palate at the introduction to wine tasting class on November 22.

If you cannot make it to or find parking in Harvard Square, CWS also offers classes in NH and ME and also online.

Though the classes and events make for fun breaks from the winter blahs, for those who want to get away from New England winter altogether, CWS also offers occasional wine tours around the world, including a trip to Argentina that is scheduled for February of 2025.

See you in class!

BOXING UP SICILY

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Though boxed wine may still not have the cachet of glass and cork, there is a new series of Sicilian sippers that are helping to stem the stemless tide.

Alileo Wines uses viticultural traditions that go back generations to make wines that fit the modern palates and proclivities. The hand-harvested grapes are turned into wines that are 100% unfiltered, organic, and both gluten- and sugar-free, allowing every sip to be fresh, fruity, and free of the pesticides and other chemicals that plague so many other wines. And as they come in recyclable boxes that are easier to ship and keep more wine fresher longer, the wines are as good for the environment as they are for your favorite oenophile!

Whether or not you have experienced them at their popular pop-ups in Boston’s Seaport District, at Caffe Nero at Legacy Place in Dedham, MA, or at Tuscan Village in NH, Alileo have surely been getting around and are popping up at restaurants and homes all over.

Among the bold boxes are a light and fruity  Zibibbo Macerato, a dry and floral Young Grillo, a full-bodied, fruity, and tannic Syrah, and a darkly different Rosato Bronzato made from Syrah grapes with notes of cherry and red fruit.
Crafted in Sicily by a family that still clings to Old World ways, the wine is brought to the States and into the 21st century by a husband-and-wife who started the winery to fulfill a family member’s last wish.

Though they also sell shirts on their website (www.alileowines.com) that maintain that “boxed wine is not a crime,” Alileo also has sparkling wines made from the same organic grapes that come in bottles as well. They also have a wine club that sends you reminders to get more wine instead of forcing it into your mailbox. In the final analysis, however, it’s what’s inside and behind the wines that counts and Alileo is a great wine with a great story! 

…WHEN THEY’RE 64?

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Before I had the privilege of working with Jordan Rich, I was an intern at the legendary WBCN in Boston it was there that I got to meet another broadcasting legend – Cha-Chi Loprete.

As Cha-Chi was the man who got me access to interview Tony Bennett. I am eternally grateful, and so I wanted to make sure to take this opportunity to help him do more with his musical idols.

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Beatles playing at Boston Garden, Cha-Chi will be hosting a special edition of his popular “Come Together” series at City Winery in Boston on Sunday, September 8th at noon.

Together with award-winning magician and speaker John Duke Logan, Cha-Chi will present a special afternoon of music and nostalgia that will feature multimedia presentations, trivia contests, and a special musical guest appearance by Boston Rock God Sal Baglio of The Stompers. The event will also feature presentations by several Beatlemaniacs who were in the Garden back in 1964, including three locals who talked their way into a media-only press conference with the band on the day of the show!

While you reminisce and rock out, be sure to try the Winery’s home- and hand-made wines (including the locally-sourced Frotenac and Bourbon barrel Malbec) along with such succulent staples as their CW wedge salad, raspberry chipotle wings, chicken Corsica, duck tacos, risotto balls, and hot honey pizza.

To get tickets to this or any of the other great gigs at City Winery, go to citywinery.com/boston, and to learn more about Cha-Chi’s magical mystery show, go to cometogetherproductions.com.

BY THE LIGHT…

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While many people rush to Vermont in the fall to watch the leaves change, there may be an even better reason this April!

Apparently, the upcoming eclipse will be visible throughout the Northeast Kingdom and right in the middle of it will be our friends at Snow Farm Vineyards. In fact, the Vineyard (which recently added a distillery!) will be hosting an eclipse party April 6-8!

In addition to offering limited-edition wines, the Farm will host local artists and artisans who will be crafting everything from pizza to pebble art and leading guests in dancing, oracle readings, and other flights of lunacy.

Speaking of flights, the tasting room will be open for those who wish to try the latest creations.

As the first commercial grape vineyard in the Green Mountain State, Snow Farm has become an example for how to use land effectively. As any fan can tell you, it is also a great place to find creatively-crafted wines and spirits, like their award-winning Snow White blend and Vidal Blanc, the VT fave Marquette, and my favorites – Fortress Red, Fox Hill Maple and Island Apple.

As their gin, grappa, and locally-sourced maple liqueur are still only available at the distillery, there is all the more reason to visit! And if the sun is out when you get there, enjoy a beautiful stroll around the 140 acres while you enjoy live music and sips of their ever-expanding line of delicious drinks. No matter when you come, there is always plenty of natural wonder to take in at Snow Farm! 

BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME

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Though I grew up in the Merrimack Valley, my writing career first took root when I lived in Marblehead.

And when you consider that my family shopped at Shubie’s all the time, it may be no surprise that I now write about great independent food makers.

As they have been around for over 75 years, it is a safe bet that I am not the first person to fall in love with the wonderful wares of independent makers with help from the Shube family. 

From freshly-prepared foods, handcrafted salads and sandwiches, and customized cakes at their recently-renovated Foodbar to candies and treats from other local legends like Harbor Sweets and a wide selection of gifts that includes great books to wine and spirits from around the corner and around the world, Shubie’s has everything you need to feed your family, sparkle a party host, and find a new favorite every time you visit! 

If you need help finding new favorites, be sure to take suggestions from third-generation Shubie, Dougy. 

If you need help finding great food for more than just yourself, Shubie’s also carters and consults on menus that are perfect for any occasion. And while a visit to the store is always fun, Shubie’s also offers online consultation and ordering and can deliver even to far-flung festivities beyond the beaches and beauty of the North Shore so you can keep enjoying even if you do not live nearby anymore (though I hope to go back soon!).

GREEK REVIVAL

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As it was once called the Athens of America, it makes sense that Boston is at the forefront of the Greek revival that appears to be running through the restaurant space like an Olympic (or Boston) marathoner.

And while many popular places have followed, the Farm Grille & Rotisserie in Newton and its sister store, Greek International Market in West Roxbury, have been leading the pack for over 25 years.

Whenever I want to get my Greek on in a fresh and friendly flash, a visit to the Grille always fits the bill(e). But when I want to get the authentic ingredients that make this family-run restaurant and caterer so great or to explore the larger realm of Hellenistic hunger helpers, the Market has all I need….and MORE!

In addition to freshly-imported Greek spices and wines (including Retsina) to imported meats and other prepared foods (including their famed octopus salad!), as well as hand-crafted cheeses and Greek yogurt, an olive bar and enough olive oils and Greek pastries for the Spartan army, the Market offers honey-based health and beauty aids, toys and gifts, and customized gift baskets that are perfect for any occasion. 

Speaking of occasions, the Market has an Aegean Sea-full of fish and a farm-full of plant-based options that are perfect for Lent or just for eating healthy! And Proprietor Katerina Iliades recently debuted a line of children’s clothing for communions and baptisms that will be on display at a VIP fashion show on March 23 at the Maliotis Center in Brookline!

Everyone seems set on catching the healthy and delicious Mediterranean diet train. As is true of so many other things, we in Boston are ahead of the curve, thanks in great part to the Iliades family and their great pair of places to eat.    

A PRESS-ING SCHEDULE

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I have often spoken of the great wines and the great events at City Winery in Boston.

To put it mildly, March is packed with both!

Their popular Wine Education 101 series is made up of two-hour sessions “taught” by the Winery’s own sommelier Alex Nezam that include explorations of grape varieties and regions and the techniques that give each wine its character and personality. In addition to enjoying and learning about the wines, students will also enjoy some of the delicious food from the Winery kitchen.

On March 27, WE 101 will feature full-bodied reds from winemakers from around the world. April 10 will surely be a sparkling night as the Winery presents a class that will help students distinguish among Prosecco, Cava, and Champagne and enjoy all of them even more.

For those who like to mix it up when it comes to education, the Winery is also hosting a class on what they call foolish cocktails April 1 and a study of pre-Prohibition tipples April 8.

If you need to absorb all that the amazing alcohol, try the pasta class with Seven Hills Pasta April 3.

There is also still time to get in on their Winter Wine Experience, which includes two wine flights that can be enjoyed with any meal in the Winery (where you can also catch the Boston Comedy Festival at the end of March and the Woodstock Experience brunch April 6) as well as a bottle of wine and two City Winery-branded glasses to enjoy at home.

It’s a lot to take in. You may need a drink!  

  citywinery.com/boston

L’CHAIM

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As the issues in the Middle East continue to rile the world, many Jew and others are still looking to raise a glass in the traditional toast L’chaim– To life!

And while the deeds of a few are destroying the lives of the many, at least there is a way to help those in peril by drinking to their health and praying for their survival.

Through the end of the year, for every bottle of wine you buy that is made in Israel, the Israeli Wine Producers Association will donate proceeds to support Israeli organizations through their Sip for Solidarity program.

Though their grapes are rooted in the land that has been integral to the Jewish people for thousands of years, Israeli wines continue to keep up with if not inspire the industry (and international oenophiles) with new tastes and harvesting procedures that are already leading the world in environmental preservation. As they are now supporting people and the land on which they have lived for millennia, it is now a better time than ever to taste or enjoy more of your favorite (or soon-to-be-favorite) wines!

Closer to home, Israeli-friendly friends like Steve Peljovich of Michael’s Deli and Galit Grutman of Galit’s Treats (who is still offering her amazing challahs at Bill’s Pizzeria in Newton Center) are also donating proceeds and food to help family and friends in Israel and here. As always, I ask you to do all you can to support all our food friends who do so much for so many.

L’chaim! 

@IsraeliWine #drinkisrael

STRENGTHENING THE BONDE

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I was recently back on my old stomping grounds of Harvard Square to promote my book on the Ivy League (www.lionstigersbulldogs.com) and, after visiting my old friends at Grendel’s for a delicious meal, I dropped by my other friends at Bonde wines for an after-dinner drink and a bit of oenophilic education.

In addition to learning about some of the most expertly-curated, independently-crafted, ecologically-responsible wines, I also learned that Bonde has come up with even more fun and creative ways to share and pair their wines with some of my (and your) favorite foods!

On Wednesday, October 4, Bonde will be crafting complements to what they call Cuisine Manufacturielle d’America (a.k.a., American junk food) in a perky pairing event that will be perfect for anyone who is gearing up for late-season grilling sessions, football season wings and nachos, or even Halloween season candy. If you are not such a fan of frankfurters but love the food of Frankfurt, there will be an event dedicated to Oktoberfest fare (Might I suggest Eastern Standard Provisions‘ pretzels? Yes- I might!) on October 11. If a visit to French Canada is more convenient, a quartet of poutines will be on the menu on October 25, each with its own hand-picked pairing

Though the latest installment of Bonde’s Chef Series (which features Vietnamese master Vincenzo Le) is sold out there will surely be more amazing food makers lining up to have their fare paired with flair at Bonde, so be sure to keep an eye out on www.bondewines.com.

Each of these classes cost $89 per person and include not only delicious food and extraordinary wines (some of which are only available at Bonde) but also the comprehensive and collegial consultation of curator Bertil Jean-Chronberg (a native Frenchman who knows his way not only around a wine cellar but a stack of gravied frites as well!), making a vinicultured visit on these (or any other nights) well worth it! So keep checking bondewines.com to see what fruited fun is coming up next!