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!

Monday, November 30, 2009

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!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

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)


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

Wednesday, November 25, 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.

Friday, November 13, 2009

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.

Monday, November 9, 2009

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.

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!

Saturday, November 7, 2009

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!

Friday, November 6, 2009

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!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

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!









Tuesday, November 3, 2009

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!

Monday, November 2, 2009

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!