Happy Wine Wednesday, friends!
If the pandemic and quarantine showed me one good thing, it would be how much my knowledge in different wines has increased 🤣 I’m definitely not exaggerating when I say my family and I drank a lot of wine during our time in lockdown LOL! I mean, what else was there to do? Ever since I turned 21, I’ve definitely grew a liking for wine, both red, white and the occasional rosé! I think especially coming from an Italian family it only makes sense that it becomes a favorite beverage to have every now and then. I’m no expert, but I do love how each type tastes so uniquely and experimenting them with certain foods, as well as having a good time with loved ones! Benjamin Franklin once quoted, “Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy.” Ironically, my mom has a stemless wine glass with that exact quote!
So since it’s now been over a year since the pandemic started (that’s so weird to say!), here are some of my favorite wines and brands!
Cabernet
When we’re having a night in with the family, there’s always going to be a bottle of Cabernet! It’s definitely my favorite red wine. It’s very rich and perfect for any season or holiday throughout the year. It’s also a great combo with heartier meals including steak, pasta, pizza, and lamb chops! Here are my top two favs:
Josh Cellars ($14) - This bottle is always my family and I’s go-to. It’s cheap and it’s delicious!
Joel Gott ($20.99) - We don’t get this one as often as we get Josh Cellars, but it’s still very tasty and has that same bitter yet richness to the texture!
Merlot
This red wine is somewhat similar to Cabernet, but is more soft and smooth. I like having a good glass of Merlot every now and then, especially with a juicy burger and fries! Here are my top two favs:
Turning Leaf ($9.99) - I tried this wine at a recent dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse and I really liked it. I had it with the grilled lamb chops and a side of french fries. I was so full afterwards lol, but it was so divine and one of the best dinner meals I’ve had in a while!
Crane Lake ($9.99) - My one roommate’s dad brings this bottle to our apartment to drink during our watch parties of The Bachelor! I’m not a big fan of the show, but as long as I have an excuse to have a glass of wine then I’m good 😂
Chardonnay
Chardonnay all the way, y’all! I LOVE a good glass of this type of white wine. It honestly has to be my favorite of all wines and my go-to for any occasion. When it comes to white wine, I prefer it to be oaky and slightly bitter but still a little sweet, which is what makes Chardonnay meet my standards! Here are my top two favs:
Sea Sun California ($27.99) - It’s been a while since I’ve had this one and I honestly can’t remember where I had it at, but I had to write the name of it down in the notes on my phone because it’s THAT good! It’s a little more on the pricy side, but if you love oaky Chardonnay and are willing to pay for it, I definitely recommend trying it out!
Chateau Ste Michelle ($13.99) - This is my go-to Chardonnay when I’m trying to stay on a budget but still want to enjoy the oaky and buttery taste. The company that makes it has a wide variety of good wines and is one of the oldest yet best wineries in America!
Sauvignon Blanc
Though I’m far more of a Chardonnay girl, Sauvignon Blanc is definitely a second runner-up for white wine in my book. Its grapes are less ripe and is a little less heavy, which is perfect if that’s more of your preference! Here are my top two favs:
Josh Cellars ($17.99) - Another favorite by Josh Cellars! It’s one of their more pricer wines, but still worth tasting!
Kim Crawford ($15) - This one contains a lot of flavorful fruity ingredients. Very good with a charcuterie board!
Rosé
To be honest, I’m not the biggest rosé fan. I mostly just like the fact that it’s pink and I have a reason to put “rosé all day” in the caption of an Instagram post 🤣 However, I do enjoy the sweet taste of it every now and then! Here are my top two favs:
Sutter Home ($7.99) - One of my cousins sent a mini bottle of this to me when she asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. I absolutely loved it, so much so that I got a bottle to celebrate my 24th birthday with my friends!
Yes Way, Rosé ($18) - A friend of mine got me a bottle of this when I turned 23. Not only is the label super cute, but it’s also super tasty. Try it with dessert!
Favorite Wineries In Northeast Ohio
For any of you wine lovers out in the NE area of the Buckeye State, be sure to check out these amazing wineries!
Wine Glasses & Decanter
For my graduation from Kent State this past fall, my sister and brother-in-law got me these beautiful lustered stemless wine glasses from Anthropologie to use for my post-college apartment or home. I’m absolutely obsessed with these, they’re definitely one of the best gifts I’ve ever received! Anthropologie also has a collection of lustered glasses with stems and they’re definitely a bestseller as well!
If you like to get super fancy, my mom has this amazing wine decanter from Crate & Barrel which is used for special occasions and holidays, typically for Cabernet or other red wines. This is definitely gonna be on my wedding registry someday, I absolutely love it!
What are you favorite wines? Are you more of a red wine drinker or white wine drinker? Comment below and share!
Salute, y’all! 🍷
