Italian Wine & Art at the High Museum

Ciao bella... It's Grape Crush Night at the High!












Thursday, Jan. 21 from 5-9pm
High Museum of Art Atlanta



Celebrate Leonardo da Vinci: Hand of the Genius and all things Italian! Join us for this special wine tasting and enjoy various wines from Italy.



Your ticket includes:
Admission to the Leonardo da Vinci exhibition
Favoloso door prizes and giveaways courtesy of Grape Crush Productions
Three wine samples or one full glass
Italy Grape Escape (Sept. 2010 travel excursion) details and early registration deals



Click here for more information or visit http://italianwine.eventbrite.com.
Use discount code GCP10 to save $5 OFF tickets now thru Jan. 2.

Toast the Season: Affordable Sparkling Wines!

'Tis the season to celebrate!

There's nothing like a glass of Champagne. Whether alone, or with a favorite meal or dessert - it always fits the bill. However, paying the bill can be a problem!

So, with New Year's Eve right around the corner, I have scoured local stores and online resources in search of affordable sparkling wines that will give you as much joy as Champagne without breaking the bank.

Outside of the Champagne region, France is an amazing source of delicious, high quality bubbles. Look for Crémant on the label, to identify wines made in the same manner as Champagne.
Spain and Italy produce enormous quantities of sparkling wine, the most common being Cava from Spain and Prosecco from Italy. The trick with either is to avoid the cheapest wine on the shelf; it's almost always awful. Stick to safe, middle price ranges, roughly $12 to $25. US wineries make good sparklers. Roederer Estate, owned by Champagne giant Louis Roederer, sets the standard for American sparkling wine, and gives French Champagne houses a run for their money. Also, New Mexico's Gruet Winery is a new discovery that won't disappoint - surprisingly!

Here are some of my favorites to share with your friends:

France
NV Pierre Boniface Les Rocailles Brut de Savoie ($15-$19) Jacquère, Altesse, Chardonnay. As crisp as a day in the French Alps, and much more affordable!

2007 Domaine Clavelin Brut Comté Chardonnay, Cremant de Jura ($15-$19) Chardonnay. Rich and commanding, with toasty notes of baked apples and lemons.

Spain
2006 Gramona Gran Cuvée, Cava, Penedes ($15-$21) Xarel-lo, Macabeo, Chardonnay. Creamy and full-bodied, with layers of flavors.

Italy
NV San Giovanni Prosecco di Valdobbiadene DOC, Veneto ($18) Prosecco.

Fruity and light-hearted, but flavorful enough to stand up to anything.

United States
NV Gruet Blanc de Noirs, New Mexico ($13.75) Pinot Noir.

Medium bodied and perfectly balanced, with flavors of yellow apples, citrus flowers, and biscuits.
2002 Roederer Estate L'Hermitage, Anderson Valley, California ($45) Chardonnay, Pinot Noir. Powerful and elegant. Full-bodied, with commanding and complex flavors of fruit, flowers, fresh cream, and toast. Can stand up to a steak, but delicate enough not to overpower anything.

Cheers!

Holiday Rum Cake Recipe

Go "beyond the bar" this holiday season...

Cooking with wine and spirits can be a unique enhancement to an average weekday meal, or a grand special occasion. Try this recipe for Bacardi's Original Rum Cake to WOW your guests and instantly add a little holiday cheer to your next soiree. Bake one to enjoy with your family and friends and a few more to give as unique holiday gifts!

Bacardi Rum Cake:
1/2 cup Bacardi Gold Rum
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 - 18 1/2oz pkg yellow cake mix
1 - 3 1/2 oz pkg vanilla instant pudding mix
4 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup cold water

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan or 10-cup tube pan. Sprinkle nuts over bottom of pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, Bacardi Gold Rum, oil & water. Using an electric mixer, beat at low speed until moistened. Beat at high speed 2 minutes. Pour batter over nuts. Bake 1 hour or until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes, then invert onto serving plate.

Glaze:
1/2 cup Bacardi Gold Rum
1/2 stick butter
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water

Melt butter in saucepan. Stir in sugar, water & Bacardi Gold Rum. Boil 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Prick top of the cake with a fork. Spoon and brush glaze evenly over top and sides. Allow cake to absorb glaze. Repeat until all glaze is absorbed.

NEW: Join the Virtual Grape, a new social network connecting Atlanta wine lovers and foodies. Post a profile, get exclusive event invitations, share your best recipes, get wine tasting tips, and more! http://virtualgrape.ning.com/

Cheers!

Holiday Style Soiree Photos!

The Grape Girls and fashion stylist Amanda Atkins "decked the halls" of Bloomingdale's Perimeter Mall on December 2nd to spread a little holiday cheer! The event featured exquisite wines from Montaluce Winery and Two Friends Imports, styling tips, informal models, sweet treats by Chay J's New Orleans Candies, hot shopping deals and cool door prizes.

Click here to view event pics.

Featured Wines:

WHITE WINE FLIGHT
2008 Montaluce, Viognier
2008 Montaluce, Chardonnay
2007 Bovin Chardonnay

RED WINE FLIGHT
2005 Popova Kula, Vranec
2005 Popova Kula, Merlot
2005 Popova Kula, Cabernet Sauvignon
2008 Montaluce, Cabernet Sauvignon

BONUS: Tree of Life Pomegranate Wine

Don't miss our next "Grape" event! Click here to join our email list today.

Cheers!

Fun & Fashion at Festivity Boutique!

Thanks for joining us for Shop for a Cause on Nov. 19th at Festivity Boutique in Buckhead!

The Grape Girls joined Ginger Emas, author of Back On Top - Fearless Dating After Divorce, for a unique charity shopping event to benefit the Atlanta Women's Foundation.

The event featured a wine tasting and preview of Tree of Life's pomegranate wine (3 times the antioxidants of other red wines!), makeovers, fabulous door prizes and great shopping deals.

Click here to view event pics.

UPCOMING EVENT:

Wednesday, December 2, 5-8pm

Holiday Style Soiree & Wine Tasting

Bloomingdale's Perimeter Mall

YES Level 2

RSVP required, click here for details.

NEW:

Join the Virtual Grape social network and connect with Atlanta foodies and wine lovers! Create a profile, get exclusive event invitations, share news and more: http://virtualgrape.ning.com.

Cheers!

Red & White Friday - Skip the Mall Madness!

Skip the Black Friday mall madness and enjoy our stress-free Red & White Friday special!

We have the perfect holiday gift for that special wine lover in your life who has everything. A Grape Gurus Wine Club membership is the perfect opportunity to expand or develop your love of wine. Whether you or your fave wineaux is an industry veteran, a foodie or hobbyist, or simply enjoys the occasional glass of vino - membership has its benefits!

Grape Gurus enjoy:

*FREE and discounted wine tastings, wine dinners and special events
*Wine education opportunities
*Advance notice of special events and travel excursions with priority registration status
*Discounts at affiliated restaurants and businesses (NEW in 2010)
*Complimentary welcome gift and more

Red & White Friday Special Offer: (click to purchase)

$49.00 - (Single) Grape Gurus Annual Membership
$69.00 - (Couples) Grape Gurus Annual Membership

Our discounted 12 month memberships are over a $250 value!
Gift certificates are available. Offer is valid thru Friday, December 4, 2009.

Thanksgiving Delights

DID YOU KNOW? American wine drinkers consume more wine on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year. Wow!

On Thanksgiving Day we’re thankful for Our blessings all year through,

For family we dearly love,

For good friends, old and new.

For sun to light and warm our days,

For stars that glow at night,

For trees of green and skies of blue,

And puffy clouds of white.

We’re grateful for our eyes that see

The beauty all around,

For arms to hug, and legs to walk,

And ears to hear each sound.

The list of all we’re grateful for

Would fill a great big book;

Our thankful hearts find new delights

Everywhere we look!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Grape Girls!

Please be safe and drink responsibly.

Holiday Style Soiree & Wine Tasting

"Holiday Style Soiree" with the Grape Girls & ALA Styles

Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Bloomingdale's Perimeter Mall
YES Level 2, 5-8PM

Learn how to make over your look so you sparkle and shine in every holiday setting. Join us as we launch the fabulous style of Amanda Atkins, Atlanta's newest "Rachel Zoe" inspired style maven. Plus, enjoy a wine tasting with the Grape Girls and enter to win a FREE home or office wine tasting party courtesy of Grape Crush Productions.

RSVP: Send an email to VIP@GrapeCrushEvents.com with your full name and primary email address, along with the names of your guests no later than Dec. 1st.

Shop for a Cause with the Grape Girls!

Click here to enlarge or visit the Virtual Grape social network for details.

2009 Midtown Atlanta Shop & Dine Week

Come Shop, Dine and Stay in Midtown Atlanta!

The trendy restaurants and retailers of Midtown Atlanta have joined forces to present the 2009 Midtown Atlanta Shop & Dine Week, November 13-22. Atlantans are encouraged to spend the day and night in Midtown shopping, dining and enjoying cultural activities. Participating fine dining restaurants are offering 3-course meals for $25 per person, plus tax and gratuity; casual restaurants are featuring two meals for $25, plus tax and gratuity. Retail shops, hotels and cultural attractions are featuring discounted rates and fees. Offers will vary at each participating business.

For a complete list of the participating establishments and the special menus or discounts they are featuring, please click here or visit http://www.midtownatlantashopanddineweek.com.

Esquire Magazine Invites You to Celebrate Paces 88 at The St. Regis!

You're Invited!

Thursday, Nov. 12 from 6-9pm

Paces 88 - The St. Regis Atlanta

John Mariani, Esquire Magazine's Food and Travel Correspondent & Mark Alba, Chef De Cuisine, invite Grape Crush VIP's to celebrate Paces 88 - recently named to Esquire's Best New Restaurants in America list!

Savor a selection of hors d'oeuvres created by the St. Regis Atlanta Culinary Team. Festive attire, must be 21 and older.

RSVP is required. The guest list is extremely limited, you will be notified if you are confirmed for the list. Mailto: VIP@GrapeCrushEvents.com no later than Wednesday at Noon.

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SNEAK PEEK - Check out The Virtual Grape - a new social network connecting Atlanta's wine lovers and foodies! Create a profile, share news and stay updated on local tastings and events.

http://virtualgrape.ning.com/

Wine is the Ultimate Health Drink!

"Among the dietary beverages used by man through the centuries, the next in importance to milk has been wine."

~Dr. Salvatore Lucia, professor of medicine at the University of California School of Medicine

It has been said that wine is mankind's most ancient medicine. Cheers to that indeed!

There are few passions in life that are both enjoyable and beneficial to health at the same time. It is perhaps why wine drinking is becoming such a fad in even the non-traditional regions of the world. While there were initial claims that the benefits of wine were folklore created by wine makers to propagate wine drinking, increasing research by many reputable research centers have concluded that it is indeed true. In fact, they've discovered many benefits of wine.

Here are some of them:

Heart Disease: Wine is a vasodilator that helps reduce the risk of cardiac diseases including angina and stroke. It helps in two ways. Red wines have HDL (a good cholesterol) that drives the bad cholesterol from the arteries. Red wine also contains an antifungal compound called Resveratrol that can lower serum cholesterol.

Digestion: Wine stimulates flow of gastric juices to enhance the digestive processes. It has also shown that wines kill cholera bacteria and can combat typhoid.

Vitamins and Minerals: Wine contains utilizable minerals of potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, Vitamin B and P.

Viruses: Red wines have polyphenols that are effective against some viruses.

Aging: Elderly people who drink moderate amounts are less prone to disability due to mental illness. Some attribute it to the mineral boron which helps older women to maintain their estrogen which in turn enables them to absorb calcium.

Cancer: Red wine contains a strong anti-cancer agent known as quercetin which becomes active in the body when the grape juice ferments or the body digests food. Wine also contains gallic acid, an acknowledged anti-carcinogenic.

Stress: Wine is a mild tranquilizer that can help reduce stress, which in turn can help prevent certain forms of cancer and other illnesses.

Kidney: Wine can enhance the alkaline reserves, effectively combating kidney acidosis.

Migraine: Red wine inhibits an enzyme called PST-P which detoxifies all sorts of bacteria in the stomach. The absence of PST-P is linked to migraine.

As with all beverages containing alcohol, don't overindulge and please don't drink and drive.

Cheers!

8th Annual Decatur Wine Tasting Festival

The Decatur Arts Alliance and Decatur Package Store host the 8th Annual Decatur WineTasting Festival on Saturday, November 7th from 1pm until 4pm. The event is located downtown on the Old Courthouse Square in Decatur, Ga. Festival guests will enjoy over 350 wines from around the world, samples from area restaurants and live music. Attendes are encouraged to use Marta - it's Smarta and Green!

Click here to read the full story!

The Proper Wine Glass

As a Grape Girl, I firmly believe there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to enjoying wine. We like what we like! However, there are some things you can do to enhance your tasting experience. Serving wine in the proper glass is one of them!

Pairing wine with the proper glass can be just as important as the food pairing or even the wine itself. If you are at a public tasting event or hosting a large dinner party, you might not have the opportunity to select the proper glass, but try to make the effort when possible.

Here are a few tips:

12 oz. White Wine - Sauvignon Blanc
Designed to offer a long finish to this dry, elegant, herbaceous wine.

14 oz. White Wine - Chardonnay
Shaped to highlight the wine's velvety, supple texture, this glass emphasizes the fruitiness and ensures a long, balanced finish.

20 oz. Red Wine - Bordeaux, Cabernet, Merlot
Designed to bring out the full flavor of these complex red wines, the tulip shape is the perfect, all-purpose glass, superb for white wines, too.

22 oz. Red Wine - Burgundy, Pinot Noir
Designed to highlight the rich fruit and calm the acidity, the large bowl captures the wine's aromatic nuances.

DID YOU KNOW?

When pouring wine only one-third of the glass is meant to be filled, the perfect amount for swirling, sniffing and savoring wine!

UPCOMING EVENT:

Pre-Holiday Wine Mixer

You're Invited to Sip-Off the Holiday Party Season in Style!

November 18th from 6-8PM at WineStyles

Early bird ticket sale ends Monday, Nov.9th
http://www.winemixer.eventbrite.com/

Cheers!

Bloomingdale's Shopping Benefit

Thanks for attending the Grape Girls wine tasting at Bloomingdale's Lenox Square Mall on October 29th - a "grape" time was had by all!

(Photos by Laura Deas)

In addition to sampling exquisite wines from Montaluce and Tree of Life, along with tasty treats from Lenox Square Grill, our audience was treated to fashion shows, makeovers, merchandise discounts and more. Local author Debra Shigley was even on-site to greet guests and sign copies of her new book The Go-Getter Girl's Guide: Get What You Want in Work and Life (and Look Great While You're at It).

Featured wines:

2008 MONTALUCE, VIOGNIER
The Northern Rhones premier white grape has clearly found a home in North Georgia as evidenced by Montaluces first Viognier. The delicate perfume suggests ripe peaches, apricots and acacia. On the palate, the wine is surprisingly rich and nearly full-bodied, delivering flavors of tangerine, baked apples with nuances of sweet spice. Stylish and beautiful, try this fresh white with rich seafood dishes or as an aperitif.

2008 MONTALUCE, CHARDONNAY
Aromas of green apples, pear and lemon zest announce the arrival of Montaluces inaugural Chardonnay release. What follows are nuances of smoke, walnut and honeysuckle. On the palate, the soft texture is supported by ample acidity and persistent fruit flavors while picking up distinctive slate mineral notes. Exceptional balance and an impressive finish make this crisp white a table worthy candidate for poultry, fish and fresh summer salads.

2008 MONTALUCE, CABERNET SAUVIGNON
After spending three months in an oak barrel, this Cabernet has had ample time to nurture a delightful dark chocolate note. The deep violet color is a testament that North Georgia ecology has passed the muster for Cabernet cultivation. A great companion to hearty beef dishes like pot roast and stews, grilled meats, and even chocolate desserts.

TREE OF LIFE, POMEGRANATE WINE
Up to 3 times more antioxidants than red wine!

This wine is perfect served chilled on its own or blended with your favorite mixers. It makes great wine spritzers, mix it with champagne or even make a wine punch! Pair the wine with soft cheeses, chicken dishes and even chocolate.

The event supported the following nonprofit organizations:

Amy's Holiday Party - Atlanta Film Festival - Atlanta Union Mission, My Sister's House - Bright Futures Atlanta - Chemoflage, Inc. - Girl Talk - HERO for Children, Inc. - Kate's Club - Senior Connections - Shallowford Presbyterian Preschool - Share Our Strength - Shepard Center Auxiliary - St. Jude's Recovery Center, Inc. - Students Without Mothers -Young Survival Coalition

Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to receive exclusive event invitations, special offers and more!

Cheers!

You're Invited: Pre-Holiday Wine Mixer!

Sip-Off the Holiday Party Season at WineStyles on November 18th!

Join the Grape Girls to explore fine wines, artisan cheese and delectable desserts while mingling with local wine enthusiasts. Plus, make a donation to our food drive for your chance to win fabulous door prizes including a FREE home or office private wine tasting party! Click here for more information or visit http://winemixer.eventbrite.com/.

Sip and savor fine wines
Learn how to select cheeses to complement your favorite wines
Sample delicious desserts and place holiday orders
Donate to our food drive
Purchase specialty wine gifts
Live entertainment
Door prizes
and much more!

Early bird tickets are only $15, special offer ends Monday, November 9th. Click here to purchase a ticket and help us spread a little holiday cheer. Food donations benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

Complimentary admission for Grape Gurus wine club members - RSVP by Nov. 16th: VIP@GrapeCrushEvents.com.

Not a member? Click here to join today and reap the rewards! The Wine Stimulus Plan ends November 30th so consider giving the gift of an exclusive club membership - gift certificates are available.

Come on out to mix and mingle with local wine enthusiasts - all for a good cause!

Ask the Grape Girls: Wine & Spaghetti?

QUESTION
Bobby A. wrote: Hi Ladies, I had a great time at your wine tasting at Bloomingdale's. You mentioned that you would recommend wines to drink with meals and local stores to purchase the wines from. I've been having a taste for turkey spaghetti, what would be the perfect wine pairing? Thanks!

ANSWER
Hi Bobby, thanks for attending the event. Nothing bridges the gap from Fall to Winter like a hearty pasta dish and a great glass of wine! Substituting turkey for beef is a nice twist on a classic spaghetti dish and great for the waist line too. Normal pairings with pasta and meat sauce are chianti, merlot, cabernet and shiraz. Turkey will of course lighten up the dish so you might even try a pinot noir or experiment with a white wine. However, the real answer to your question lays in the sauce! Is it tangy, herbaceous, or acidic? Is it cheesy or loaded down with veggies? Here are a few wine pairing suggestions based on the type of pasta sauce you fancy:

Butter and cheese: Chianti or Barbera

Garlic, olive oil, parsley, hot pepper flakes: Pinot Grigio

Basil pesto: Cabernet Sauvignon

Fresh goat cheese, peas, mint: Sauvignon Blanc

Fresh tomatoes and basil: Sangiovese

Pancetta, onions, garlic, canned tomatoes: Syrah

Mushrooms, prosciutto, canned tomatoes: Zinfandel

Once you have narrowed down the elements of your sauce, take the above recommendation to your local wine retailer. A knowledgeable employee can help you pick the best varietal based on your budget and taste. Try Colors of Wine , Total Wine & More or WineStyles - all have fabulous selections and great staff.

What's on YOUR mind? If you've got a question for the Grape Girls, just send an email to info@GrapeCrushEvents.com and you could be included in an upcoming blog post!

Introducing Lenox Square Grill!

Grape Crush Productions welcomes new partner - Lenox Square Grill!

The new Buckhead eatery is a concept from CentraArchy, the company that brought Atlantans The Tavern at Phipps, Joey D's, and New York Prime.The full-service restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner daily in a lively, stylish atmosphere and since opening this Fall has quickly come a celebrity spotting site. The menu features imaginative, yet classic comfort foods such as the signature Mac Skillets - Cajun Shrimp, Barbecue Chicken, or Cheeseburger - the creative side of homemade macaroni and cheese. The signature cocktails and great wine list make it a new favorite for both business gatherings and social events alike.

Lenox Square Grill is located at Lenox Square Mall in the space formerly occupied by Clubhouse. It features seating for more than 300 guests, an extensive outdoor patio and private dining rooms.

Location: 3393 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30326

Phone: 404.841.2377

They're open daily until 2a.m. and have a live DJ on the weekends. The Grape Girls invite you to sample tasty tidbits from Lenox Square Grill at Bloomingdale's Shopping Benefit (Lenox Square Mall) on October 29th and other upcoming events. RSVP required - click here to visit our blog for more information.

We'll see YOU there!

Introducing Montaluce Winery!

Grape Crush Productions welcomes new partner - Montaluce Winery & Estates located on the Dahlonega Plateau, one of the emerging wine-growing regions of the United States!

Blessed with some of the steepest, well-drained hillsides to be found in the U.S., North Georgia's topography, elevation, and long growing season creates an extraordinarily climate well-suited for premium wine grape cultivation. This climate, coupled with the classic "Terra Rosa"

wine- growing soils of the region, serves as the foundation for the new wave of Georgia vintners producing wines of truly exceptional quality. Montaluce is North Georgia's finest!

The more than 35 acres of Montaluce's vineyards include varieties of premium vinifera grapes including, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Sangiovese, and others. Montaluce is dedicated to growing and making premium wines which compete favorably with artisan wines around the world.

The Grape Girls invite you to sample the quality and taste of Montaluce at Bloomingdale's Lenox Square Mall on Thursday, Oct. 29th from 5-8pm in the Ladies Shoe Department for THE SHOPPING BENEFIT. RSVP required, send an email to VIP@GrapeCrushEvents.com by Thursday at Noon. Be sure to state your full name, guest names, email address and phone number. Must be 21 and older to participate. Click here for more information.

Cheers!

Wine-Down at Bloomingdale's on Oct. 29th!

THE SHOPPING BENEFIT
Fashion, Fun & Fundraising!
Thursday, October 29, 2009

Bloomingdale's at Lenox Square Mall hosts its 12th annual charity shopping night to benefit nonprofit organizations in Atlanta. Join the Grape Girls from 5-8pm in the Ladies Shoe Department (Level 2) for a sampling of fine wines. Plus, you could be the lucky winner of a private home or office wine tasting party!

Your $10 donation to one of the featured local nonprofits at the event that evening gives you access to complimentary:

Fine Wine and Food Pairings
Book Signings
Fashion Shows
Live Entertainment
Makeovers & Pampering
Merchandise Discounts
Prizes, Giveaways & More!

Featured Nonprofits:

Amy's Holiday Party
Atlanta Film Festival
Atlanta Union Mission, My Sister's House
Bright Futures Atlanta
Chemoflage, Inc.
Girl Talk
HERO for Children, Inc.
Kate's Club
Senior Connections
Shallowford Presbyterian Preschool
Share Our Strength
Shepard Center Auxiliary
St. Jude's Recovery Center, Inc.
Students Without Mothers
Young Survival Coalition

Click here for more information. RSVP required for wine tasting, please send an email to VIP@GrapeCrushEvents.com. Be sure to state your full name, guest names, email address and phone number. Must be 21 and older to participate. Space is limited, RSVP today!

Give a little, Get a lot!

How-To Host a Wicked Wine Tasting Party!

I vant to drink your vine...

Halloween heralds the start of the holiday season - and where there is a party, there is wine! A wine tasting party doesn't have to be a stuffy affair, so mix things up a little by throwing a unique Halloween bash that is sure to be a treat.

Host a wicked wine tasting party in 5 easy steps:

1. Invitations - Get crafty and make your own wine bottle shaped party invitations. Use construction paper or poster board, flat sheets of cork to make a life-like cork stopper for the top, a label in the middle of the "bottle" should provide party details.
2. Decor - Create your very own haunted wine cellar with equal amounts of sophistication and spook factor. Use old wooden barrels to hold platters of food and wine and decorate with large glass jars, grapes, pumpkins, gourds, faux leaves, lots of candles and scary touches like fake spider webs and spiders.
3. Food - Set up a nice assortment of fruit, cheese, crackers, bread, nuts and a few heavier appetizers (think stuffed mushrooms or a hearty pumpkin soup). Be sure to label your assortment with toothpicks that have labels attached - use a ghoulish computer font or eerie hand writing for maximum effect!
4. Wine - Use an old wooden door, wine crates or designate a large coffee table to display your wicked wine collection. Be sure to include some spooky brands like Vampire Wines (from Transylvania!), Poizin Zinfandel (comes in a coffin shaped box), Owen Roe Sinister Hand or Evil Cabernet Sauvignon. Add some dry ice to the display area for a ghostly effect!
5. Attention to Detail - Be sure to have great music, lots of candy, plenty of dump buckets and bottled waters handy. Place small gift bags or containers near your candy station so guests can help themsleves to take-home treats as parting gifts.
   
   

Wine & Candy Pairing Tips:

• Almond Joy and Sparkling Wine

• Snickers and Sangiovese

• Three Musketeers and Ice Dessert Wine

• Hershey’s Dark Chocolate and Syrah

• Caramel Apples and Sauvignon Blanc

• Candy Corn and Chardonnay

With these spook-tacular tips from the Grape Girls you are sure to pull off the perfect Halloween wine party. So, dress up, party down and enjoy the wine. Cheers!

Pinot, Pearls & Poker: Facebook Pre-Sale Ends Saturday!

The Grape Girls Present...



Pinot, Pearls & Poker

A Sophisticated Ladies Night Out

Saturday, December 12th at 6PM
-Private Event Location-

5 Wines - 5 Cards - 5 Times the fun!

Pinot, Pearls & Poker offers all the fun, glitz, mystery and thrills of Sin City without the risk:

*Interact with other fabulous women

*Explore the country's "trendiest" grape and enjoy tasty treats

*Learn the basics of poker or advance your game

*Win cool prizes for the best (and worst!) hands

*VIP "Lady Luck" spa lounge and deluxe goodie bags

Ante Up for a unique wine tasting fundraiser featuring a fun-filled evening of games, girlfriends and good times! The event benefits Atlanta's Young Survival Coalition (YSC).



YSC Greater Metro Atlanta was formed at the end of 2000 by a 22-year old college student facing a breast cancer diagnosis. YSC Atlanta currently serves 11 counties in the Metro Atlanta area. They focus on education and outreach opportunities and provide peer-to-peer support for newly diagnosed young women. YSC Atlanta provides educational programs, support and long term survivorship planning for a young woman from the moment she is diagnosed throughout her life. For details, visit www.youngsurvival.org/atlanta.

FACEBOOK PREVIEW SALE: Use our special discount code GGYSC to save $10 off ALL ticket levels - this week only!! Special offer ends October 17, 2009. Visit www.ppp.eventbrite.com for tickets and more info. Click here to fan us on Facebook!

Don't delay, purchase your event ticket today!

Two Great Foodie Festivals!

So, 2 of my favorite food and wine events have come and gone! Harvest Midtown was held on October 4th and Taste of Atlanta took place October 10th & 11th - both in new locations this year. Click here to visit our Facebook fan page and view photo albums.

The 6th Annual Harvest Midtown Festival moved to the newly renovated Georgian Terrace hotel and took over ballrooms, mezzanines and terraces for the day. The event gave oenophiles the opportunity to select samples from some 200 wines and tastes from the city's top intown chefs. In between sips and bites, Harvest Midtown presented a variety of live entertainment, vendors and art for the enjoyment of all. An elegant hotel with fabulous food and wine on display - all overlooking the lively Peachtree Street in Midtown - if only I could spend every Sunday this way!

The 8th Annual Taste of Atlanta was truly a foodies delight! The 2 day outdoor festival encompassed eight acres and ten city blocks of Tech Square in the heart of midtown. Taste of Atlanta featured more than 80 of Atlanta's finest restaurants, cooking demos from local and national celebrity chefs, a "farm to table" market, kids activities and more. Grape Crush Productions was an official partner of the highly anticipated VIP Wine & Beer Experience and provided 200 enthusiastic volunteers! I had the opportunity to "talk wine" with Atlanta's leading experts including Gil Kulers, Atlanta Journal Constitution wine columnist, and Gina Hopkins, sommelier and owner of Holeman & Finch Public House and Restaurant Eugene. Gil and Gina's engaging seminar - King of Pinot: Burgandy vs. Oregon - even sparked a 2010 Grape Escape. Hopefully you can come with us to explore Oregon's renowned pinot noirs - stay tuned for details!

Click here to join our mailing list to stay "sipped in" on upcoming food and wine event news. Click here to view more event photos.

Cheers!

We've been nominated...

Wow, we've been nominated for Atlanta Tribune's People's Choice Award as Atlanta's BEST specialty business of 2009. Please help us by submitting a supporting nomination via email, it only takes a few seconds!

















Grape Crush Productions is a minority and female owned mobile wine tasting service. The Grape Girls specialize in wine tastings, events, education and excursions. We are the creators and producers of Atlanta Food & Wine Month (held each April) and the Winter Wine & Jazz Festival. We are also partners with the City of Atlanta (Office of Cultural Affairs), Taste of Atlanta (VIP Wine & Beer Experience), Taste of Marietta and support other local, regional and national festivals and cultural events.




















As the leaders in food and wine themed special events and fundraisers, we pride ourselves on bringing the “tasting room” to living rooms, offices and venues all across the country. Wine tasting events are great traffic drivers for businesses of all types, and perfect for home parties too!



















Please email your supporting nomination today! Simply cut and paste the following information into an email if you think we are the BEST of 2009:

Grape Crush Productions - Best Specialty Business
Wine Tastings, Events, Education & Excursions!
Contact: Kyla Cox, 770.579.0808
Email: info@GrapeCrushEvents.com
Web: www.GrapeCrushEvents.com

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Mail your nomination to kmines@atlantatribune.com by October 23, 2009. Be sure to include our website and email address.







Thanks for your support. Cheers!