Welcome...

Hi - We're the Grape Girls!

We've made it our mission to demystify the wine tasting experience, food pairing and selection process. We'll keep you posted on what's new and hot on the food and wine scene. We want to share our love of food, wine and travel with the world and can't wait for YOU to join us on our adventures.

Grape Crush Productions, Atlanta's premier food and wine event specialists, has been voted one of Atlanta's BEST businesses - every year since 2009 - for bringing the "tasting room" to living rooms, offices and venues across metro Atlanta.

We're the creators and producers of Atlanta Food & Wine Month, Atlanta Winter Wine + Jazz Festival, Buckhead Wine Festival, Chefs in the City , Organic Wine & Food Fair and other hot local events.

Be sure to fan us on Facebook and follow on Twitter for recent event pics, special offers and exclusive event invitations.

Remember, compromises are for relationships, NOT wine! :)

The next sip is yours...

Cheers!

Friday, March 27, 2009

Uncork the Fun!



Join us for the Atlanta Food & Wine Month official kick-off party on April 2nd! Today is the last day to save $5 on your ticket purchase. Visit www.grapecrush.eventbrite.com and use discount code GrapeGirls.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Terracotta Armies & Table 1280

A Weekend to Wine

The weather in Atlanta was great this weekend!

Mid 60's, sunny skies, light breezes - you know, all the reasons why so many transplants (like me) from the North and Midwest choose to call Hotlanta home. Although I worked most of the weekend (we're in our busy Spring charity and fashion event season for Atlanta Party Starters and gearing up for Grape Crush Productions Atlanta Food & Wine Month kick-off party and April event series), I did find a little time to wine-down.



On Sunday, my husband (not pictured:) and I finally attended The First Emperor, China's Terracotta Army, at the High Museum of Art. The exhibit came to Atlanta in Nov. '08 and we have been dying to see it before it leaves on April 19th. Well, it was definitely worth the wait and I'm SO glad we took a break from our busy schedules to attend!

Considered the 8th Wonder of the Ancient World, the exhibit explores one of the greatest archaelogical discoveries of the 20th century: China's terracotta army. Showcasing over 100 works from the ongoing excavation, this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition includes the largest number of complete terracotta figures ever to travel to the U.S. Click here to learn more.



After viewing the exhibit, we strolled over to Table 1280 before heading home to prepare for the hectic work week. Located at 1280 Peachtree St. (hence the name), Table 1280 Restaurant & Tapas Lounge is the perfect place to wine either before or after visiting the High, Woodruff Arts Center, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, 14th Street Playhouse, or the Alliance Theatre. Order from a variety of small plates and great wine list for a quick bite in the lounge, or stay for an American-brasserie inspired meal in the restaurant.

So, what did you do over this great "weekend to wine"? Leave a comment and let us know. Be sure to take our wine-polls (top right)!

Friday, March 20, 2009

Great Patio Wines



Great Patio Wines
Vote for your favorite!

Spring has sprung and local restaurants and bars across the U.S. will soon be packing in the locals for the long awaited patio-season! 'Tis also the time of year to invite a few friends over and make use of your own backyard deck.

Great patio wines should be affordable and can be enjoyed without food. So, what's the go-to wine for grape lovers when having a little laid-back fun in the sun?

Vote for your favorite today (top right), check back often to view the responses!

You're Invited: A Sip Around the World!




UNCORK THE FUN!


You're invited to take a "Sip Around the World" on April 2, 2009

(Atlanta launch party, other cities coming soon)

***Early Bird ticket sale ends on Monday***

Join the Grape Girls as we swirl, sip and savor at the official kick-off to Atlanta Food & Wine Month - the event series that brings everyone from foodies to fashionistas out to celebrate the "art" of food and wine.

Guests will walk the purple carpet and enjoy a complimentary wine tasting, along with a few surprises, at Grape Crush Productions highly anticipated launch party!


*Sip fine wines from around the globe
*Enjoy artisan cheese and eclectic appetizers
*Mix and mingle with local Atlanta's movers and shakers
*Live jazz music featuring Dennis Springer
*Enter-to-win fabulous door prizes including tickets to see 42nd Street at the Fabulous Fox Theatre - coming to Atlanta this summer!
*Pick up your Atlanta Food & Wine Month event calendar
*Deluxe gift bags to the 1st 50 attendees
*Special guests and surprises!

Click here to purchase tickets or visit http://www.grapecrush.eventbrite.com.

Come on out to celebrate Atlanta's diverse food and wine scene...

Cheers!
The Grape Girls

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Join the Wine Revolution

WANTED: Independent Wine Consultants



Grape Crush Productions has partnered with a top winery based in Napa, CA (the heart of wine country) to offer turn-key wine tasting parties! We are looking for new Wine Consultants to conduct private wine tastings and create a fun, educational environment. Requirements? Must love people and wine! No experience necessary, we train.

Private wine tastings are great for:
Anniversaries, Birthdays, Couples Showers, Girls Night In, House Warmings, Office Parties, Open Houses - Any excuse to get together with family and friends!

San Francisco ABC's "View from the Bay" Segment:
Click here to view a home wine tasting party in action.

Mini Wine Tastings & Information Sessions: RSVP today!

Atlanta, GA
Saturday, March 21, 1:30pm
Sunday, March 22, 3:00pm

Orland, FL
Tuesday, March 24, 7pm

Tampa, FL
Wednesday, March 25, 7pm

Boca Raton, FL
Thursday, March 26, 7pm

Roseville, CA
Monday, March 30, 7pm

Reno, NV
Tuesday, March 31, 7pm

April & May Locations: (Contact us for details)
California, Colorado, Iowa, New Mexico, Washington, Ohio, Oregon, Michigan, Missouri

HOW TO RSVP:
Attend one of the above sessions to sample some of our handcrafted artisan wines and get an "insiders" view of the wine industry to discover the joys and rewards of a career in the wine business. To RSVP, send an email to info@GrapeCrushEvents.com and include your full name, primary email address and phone number. Be sure to state which info session you would like to attend.

Can't attend a session? Just let us know and we'll give you all the information you need to get started. This is a great way to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself!

Cheers!

The Grape Girls

Monday, March 16, 2009

Who said St. Pat's Day is just about Green Beer?!?

Although most people toast the "luck of the Irish" with a pint of beer on St. Patrick's Day-for those wine lovers out there, why not toast with a nice glass of wine instead! You don't think about great wine coming out of Ireland but read this article and get a better appreciation for the Irish and some of the world's finest wines: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11838031/.

So tomorrow wear your green and enjoy a nice glass of Irish...wine!

Interesting Wine Trivia for a Rainy Monday :(

It never hurts to have those facts that no one has heard of before in your next conversation!

  1. According to scientist Bill Lembeck there are approximately 49 million bubbles in a bottle of Champagne.
  2. The word Alcohol is derived from the Arabic language (al kohl or alkuhl). Consider the fact that a large proportion of the Arabic population is forbidden from consuming alcohol for religious reasons.
  3. The largest cork tree in the world is known as 'The Whistler Tree'. This tree is located in the Alentejo region of Portugal and averages over 1 ton of raw cork per harvest. Enough to cork 100,000 bottles of wine.
  4. The average number of grapes it takes to produce a bottle of wine: 600.
  5. Dom Perignon did not invent champagne, it had existed for several years. What he did invent was the mushroom shaped cork and wire cage that allowed the sparkling wine to be safely bottled. Previous attempts had all ended with popped corks.
  6. In Fairbanks, Alaska, it's illegal to feed a moose any alcohol beverage
  7. The first commercial U.S. winery, established in 1823, was located in Missouri.
  8. During prohibition, an interesting product called the 'Grape Brick' was sold to thousands of wine-parched households across America. Attached to the 'brick' of dried and pressed winegrape concentrate was a packet of yeast, and the stern warning, "Do not add yeast or fermentation will result."
  9. The corkscrew was invented in 1860
  10. Most popular varietals in Napa Valley (in order of popularity):
    Cabernet Sauvignon
    Chardonnay
    Merlot
    Sauvignon Blanc
    Pinot Noir
    Zinfandel

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Are You Label Challenged?



How to Become a Grape Guru: Debunking the Wine Label
by the Grape Girls


Wine labels can be a little intimidating to new or inexperienced wine drinkers. The label tells you everything you need to know about the wine inside the bottle and with a little practice it really isn't all that hard to figure out. Click here to check out our new article on eHow and the Grape Girls will have you decoding the label in no time. Be sure to rate our article and let us know what you think!

More articles in the Grape Gurus series are coming soon. Check the list to the right for updates.

Do you have an idea for our next article? Well, let us know! Send an email to info@GrapeCrushEvents.com with Article Idea in the subject heading. All rights reserved.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Ask the Grape Girls: Vino Libro?

QUESTION
C. Judge wrote: I heard about this great spot called “Vino Libre”, what part of Atlanta is this place located? Would love to visit on my next trip...

ANSWER
Hey, we think you mean Vino Libro!

Vino Libro is located in the heart of Atlanta’s newest mixed-used community, Glenwood Park! It's a hip, but cozy eatery serving wine and tasting plates, perfect for urbanites who are seeking a little relaxation with their wine instead of large crowds and lots of noise. Go during the day and bring a good book, newspaper or even your laptop to catch up on emails. Or, stop by at night to experience a wine tasting and lounge on the comfy sofas while listening to live jazz and enjoying the occasional book signing or special event. It's open 7 days a week from 4pm to midnight and even has an adjacent wine retail store so guests can purchase their favorite wines to savor later. Visit them online for directions and a schedule of weekly events, www.vinolibro.com.

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!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Wine Tasting Tips

How to Become a Grape Guru - Wine Tasting Tips
by the Grape Girls




Check out our new article on eHow giving you the juice on our simplified approach to wine tasting! Click here to view our wine tasting tips and be sure to rate the article or leave us a comment!

Be on the lookout for more articles in the Grape Gurus series coming soon.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

In-Home Birthday Wine Tasting!!!

As we get older, birthdays are not as fun to celebrate...but they can be with a bunch of your friends and an in-home wine tasting! Last Friday was Quincy's birthday and with his love for wine, his friends thought nothing better than to start the evening off with a wine tasting in the comfort of their own living room.

The Grape Girls--Kyla, Gerri and I--entertained and educated Quincy and about 18 of his closest friends as we enjoyed a sampling of limited-production boutique wines. The guests started the evening off with a glass of champagne as arrived. They were then given a sampling of 6 wines--3 whites and 3 reds. With each sampling one of the Grape Girls would talk about aromas and flavors of the wine, food that would pair well with each selection and other interesting stories that go along with each of them. By the end of the evening the group was ready for a night on the town and well-educated in our wines :)

Here are some pictures from the night:




If you would like to have an in-home wine tasting for any event: bridal showers, birthdays, girls night out, your monthly bunco group, or any occasion--contact The Grape Girls at info@grapecrushevents.com and we would be happy to plan your In-Home Wine Tasting Party. All you need to do is provide the guests and light appetizers--we'll take care of the rest. And right now we are offering a special introductory price of only $59! (over $200 value)

From wine what sudden friendship springs! ~John Gay

Friday, March 6, 2009

Grape Girls in the Studio! Studio Clout that is:)

Hey Ya'll

A fantastic time was had by all on Feb 27th!! We gathered at Studio Clout in Castleberry Hill, for Kyla's birthday party fundraiser. This event supported M.E.N.S Wear Inc, (www.menswearinc.org), a wardrobe and work program. What a incredible group of MEN who are anxious to give back to the community. The mission of M.E.N.S Wear Inc is to provide a multitude of lifeskills, economic and entrepreneurship assistance to at-risk men and male youth of Metropolitan Atlanta.I was encouraged by their candid conversation and the exceptional suits they were wearing. "Every girl crazy 'bout a smart dressed man"---hehehehehehe!

Studio Clout, now here is a great spot.! Any folks who are looking for a cozy, inviting, private space full of exposed beam and brick--Eureka-----you have found it! Not to mention, John and Linda Lima, the principals--were a true delight!! They made us feel very welcome in their studio, wow--simply exceptional! Visit www.studioclout.com and check out an upcoming art or dance class.

Even though the Grape Girls are made of sugar...(hahaaha) amazingly we did not melt in the rain. Further it did not prevent us from enjoying ourselves with a multitude of wines--white and red-straight outta Napa!---imported cheeses, fresh strawberries and delicious cupcakes from Fran Jackson's own- FranTastic Cakes.(www.frantasticcakes.com) The event was a great change from simply going to dinner for a birthday--the wine tasting element added sophistication-I know it made me feel like a realllll GROWN-UP:)

After we finished the tasting, we were given a special treat. World renowned artist Gilbert Young, he gave us a private showing of one of his recently completed pieces...Breathtaking!

We had a blast!! and if you missed it--Soooo Sorry--

Cheers to You,

Gerri

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Are YOU Wined In?

Do you need to know what wine pairs nicely with lobster risotto, steamed mussels, asian chicken salad or a juicy grilled steak? Well, get WinedIn!

WinedIn.com is a great resource for foodies and wino's alike who want quick and easy pairing tips. Visit their website at www.WinedIn.com to enter your food item then click the "pair with wine" button to instantly receive a list of appropriate wine varietals to highlight your meal. Yes, it's that easy and our new fave find!
Click here to take a quiz and put your food and wine pairing skills to the test. Use WinedIn.com to find the perfect wine pairings for your next grape dish.