11th Birthday Staff Picks!

It’s our 11th birthday—and what better way to celebrate than by sharing the wines we’ve been loving this year? From juicy reds to crisp whites (and everything in between), each of us picked a bottle that made us smile, sparked a memory, or just hit the spot. These aren’t just wines—we think of them as little snapshots of joy we can’t wait to share with you. Cheers to 11 years of sipping, sharing, and discovering together!

Nat’s Pick

It’s the kind of wine that keeps you coming back for another sip. But what really keeps me hooked is how diverse Grüner Veltliner can be across styles. It’s one of the most food-friendly wines out there—trust me.

I only recently discovered Weingut Alzinger, and it was instant love. Based in the breathtaking Wachau Valley—yes, the UNESCO-listed one with terraced vineyards and the glittering Danube—this family-run winery is best known for its crisp, mineral-driven Grüner Veltliner and equally elegant, expressive Rieslings. If you haven’t tried one yet, pick up a bottle from the shop. You won’t regret it. We’re even welcoming Katharina from the winery in June, so stay tuned!

This 2023 Federspiel is such a bright, herb-loving white. It sings alongside anything with dill, tarragon, mint, or parsley—think herby salads, vegetable quiches, or grilled chicken with a green crust. It’s also one of the rare wines that works with asparagus (truly a food-pairing unicorn). And if you’re doing seafood? Try it with shrimp risotto and a squeeze of lemon. Just perfect.

And of course, we couldn’t celebrate an anniversary without popping some Champagne. Leclerc Briant Réserve Brut is a recent discovery for me, and wow—what a find. From the first sip, I was hooked. It’s for someone who wants Champagne with soul—less flash, more depth. The style leans richer and more expressive: baked apple, brioche, lemon curd, toasted nuts, a hint of honey, and a whisper of saline minerality on the finish. The mousse is creamy and mouth-filling, yet it still buzzes with bright acidity.

Pair it with something indulgent, like Chateau de Bourgogne (aka sexy cheese) or a wedge of Comté. If you’re doing sushi night or sautéed mushrooms, it’ll absolutely shine. Or go classic—Champagne and fried chicken or oysters is a cliché for a reason. Feeling lazy? A bag of Miss Vickie’s Original chips and this bottle is all the luxury you need.

Jen’s Pick

I’ve chosen the Tenuta Olim Bauda Gavi and the Patria, Sensi Etna Rosso. And yes, I picked an Etna Rosso last time too… so apparently, I’ve developed a soft spot for Sicily—unexpected, even for me! I usually dwell in the Rhône Valley, so when people ask about my favourite region, it’s clear I’ve migrated. Wine is so fun like that!

Now, let’s talk about that Italian white. I’m just as surprised as you are. Italian whites were brutal for me during the WSET Diploma tasting exams—not because they were bad, but because after tasting so many in a row, they all started to blur together. It became tricky to find one that really stood out. I’ve always leaned into lush Rhône whites—Viognier is absolutely my jam—and I’m still madly in love with wines like Domaine Richaud Cairanne and Gustave Lorentz’s Alsace Grand Cru Riesling. But lately? I’m being drawn in a lighter direction. And when I say lighter, I don’t mean less flavour.

That’s exactly why this Gavi impressed me. Made from Cortese—a grape native to southeastern Piedmont and once prized by 17th-century aristocracy. Ooo, fancy! It offers up zesty citrus, crunchy green apple, delicate white flowers, and a gentle touch of almond. A whisper of salinity and a mineral lift on the finish keep your palate fresh and coming back for more. It’s the kind of wine I’d love to share—seriously versatile with food, and equally perfect for deep conversations about what on earth is going to happen to Mark and Ms. Casey during the next season of Severance.

Ok, Etna Rosso —this one’s almost no surprise. My husband’s pizza obsession calls for wines with elegance: the kind you can sip through more than one bottle (because let’s be honest, it’s happening). I first tried this Etna Rosso with a meatball sub—pure magic. Tried it again with pizza and yup, still amazing. There’s this perfect balance between savoury depth and juicy red & black fruit. Bright cherry and fresh blackberry lead the charge, with just a kiss of spice.

What makes this wine really cool is where it’s from—Mount Etna, Sicily’s active volcano! The region’s volcanic soils give the wine this almost smoky-mineral character that adds even more dimension. It’s made from 100% Nerello Mascalese, a grape often compared to Pinot Noir for its elegance and aromatic lift. This one matures for 12 months in large Slavonian oak barrels, giving it structure without overwhelming the fruit. The result? A wine with personality, freshness, and just enough edge to make it seriously craveable.

J-S’s Pick

For my favourite wines to showcase on our 11th Anniversary, I selected two “opposites”: a Crisp and a Bold, and not even one of them is even French!

For my white wine, I chose the Cantina Terlan “Tradition” Pinot Grigio from the gorgeous region of Südtirol–Alto Adige in northern Italy. Nestled right up against the Italian Alps, this is not your normal Pinot Grigio wine. The high altitude vineyards with cool nights and fresh breezes help the grapes preserve a wonderful acidity, but their southern exposure on steep slopes in the alpine foothills means that the grapes get full and direct exposure to the sun’s UV rays, thus ensuring perfect ripeness – with notes of stone fruit and even passionfruit – with great freshness and a gorgeous minerality locked in.

The first time I tasted it was with my brother and I remember telling him that this is the best Pinot Grigio he’s ever had, and he agreed! Every few weeks I get a craving for this particular wine, so it is normal that I share it with our customers: you will get a bit of insight into my palate for white wines.

As for the red, my logic was much the same: although I generally take home lots of French wines, every month or two I get a craving for a particular bottle because it is one of my favorites, and that’s the entire point of this exercise, right?

So, get ready to enjoy a delicious taste of Spain! My regular craving is for the Canta Muda “La Estación” from the region of Ribera del Duero, located about 200 km due north of Madrid. This wine is made with 100% Tempranillo, a grape usually associated with the better-known region of Rioja, which is about 120 km northeast of Ribera del Duero. It is said that the Tempranillo is a slightly different mutation, and of course the soil, weather, vegetation and climate – which together form the notion of “terroir” – make the grape and the wine taste different in each region, and I have a fondness for Ribera del Duero.

This wine is grown at high altitude (820 M) thus contributing freshness, and the notes are full of ripe black forest fruit (blueberries, blackberries and blackcurrants) combined with subtle toasted notes and violet flower.

I hope you enjoy my selections! Thank you for your patronage and loyalty to our gorgeous little store, it is always a great day when we can taste wine together!

McKenna’s Pick

I took picking the wines for this lineup seriously—I wanted to choose something I genuinely love and think you’ll love too. The 2022 Mary Taylor Cahors Malbec was an easy choice—I knew it was the one the moment I first tasted it. It grabbed me right away and has stayed in heavy rotation ever since. But when it came to the rosé, that was a bit more of a journey.

I must have tasted close to ten different bottles, and somewhere around number six, I had to admit it: maybe I’m not the biggest rosé fan after all. So the fact that this one made the cut? That says a lot. It’s not just a seasonal fling—this rosé has real staying power.

Let’s talk about the Bijou Le Chic Rosé. This one’s delicate, but don’t let that fool you—it’s got personality. Think watermelon rind, lemon peel, soft white peach, and this cool little whisper of lavender that gives it a breezy, almost coastal feel. It’s fermented in stainless steel, so it stays crisp and clean, with this elegant, slightly saline finish that keeps drawing you back in. Lately, it’s been the wine I reach for when I’m prepping something light and bright—like prosciutto melon balls or a citrusy ceviche. I’ll pour a glass, throw on a playlist, and sip while I’m assembling everything. And when I finally sit down to eat, the pairing just clicks. The food, the wine, the whole evening—it just works. Honestly, it’s the kind of rosé that reminded me that there’s fun in finesse.

Now, onto the red—this one stole my heart. Cahors is such an underrated gem when it comes to Malbec. I’m not usually a big Malbec drinker, but I knew I’d be taking this bottle home again and again. If you’re used to the plush, fruit-forward styles from Argentina, this is a whole different ride. It’s got that same black-fruited core—think plum, blackberry compote—but layered with graphite, violet, and just the right amount of earthy grip. No new oak here, which I love—it lets the terroir do the talking. There’s a certain rustic elegance to it, like a well-worn leather jacket that somehow makes everything look cooler. For me, it’s the kind of wine that’s perfect for a cozy gab session with a friend, or for those nights when I’m curled up on the couch watching The Handmaid’s Tale—either way, it’s a vibe.

Can’t wait to pour these for you—two wildly different styles, both full of personality. Hope you fall for them as hard as I did!