News

The effect that winter weather has on us all is unmistakable, from our morning fashion choices to our willingness to brave long lines outside of New York City's trendiest bars and night clubs.

It goes deeper than that though, changing our dietary disposition as well. Refreshing salads are replaced by roasts with root vegetables and hearty soups that function as much like a down comforter as they do a simple culinary craving. The same, too, can be said for our wine buying habits.

Rosé and beach pounding Sauvignon Blanc--or even delicate, easy going Pinot Noir--are often passed over in favor of dense, rich, and full bodied reds that make the perfect accompaniment to our food or fireplace. But what about those of us who lean towards white wine more often than its blush counterpart?

Contrary to popular opinion, there are a wide variety of whites that shine within the confines that these months try to establish upon us.

What you might consider going for are wines that pack a bit more punch than you may be used to. Whites coming out of Spain, Germany, Hungary, and even the U.S. can have the weight to stand up next to your meal pairing needs, while also hitting on the classic points of reference (with regards to finish and fruit profile) that white wine drinkers look for in their purchases.

Right off the bat, my mind goes to Verdejo of the old vine variety, coming out of Spain's famed Rueda region. A select few of the best vines from this region are nearly 100 years old, resulting in wines that are so eclectically deep in both concentration and character--meaning that these wines aren't just summer sippers, but something you can throw alongside your more savory winter dinners or simply drink alone after a long commute. The best part? They're almost always awesomely affordable.

A personal favorite, I find white Burgundy to hit the spot no matter the weather conditions, food pairing options, or even mood. Whether or not California-style Chardonnay is your jam, I highly encourage you to give the varietal another shot from its native region. Burgundy is producing crisp, clean, yet complex Chardonnay that has inspired generations of wine drinkers to rethink the way they view one of the most controversial varietals in the market. If you're trying to keep things within budget, consider Chablis or even non-1er Cru village level offerings.

There is so much more than just Verdejo and Chardonnay, obviously. Winter classics like Riesling, Vermentino, or more earthy natural-style wines will bring the kind of body, aromatics, and mouthfeel to keep things interesting while you're snowed in.

Of course, more important than my recommendations, is that you keep drinking what you want, when you want, and that you do it shamelessly. There's nothing wrong with someone drinking Sancerre when it's zero-degrees outside, or Grüner Veltliner when the wind chill is obscene. Drinking to your tastes is more imperative than drinking to an occasion or meal pairing.

If you're ready to try something new, though, stop on by the shop and it would be our pleasure to lend a helping hand.

Since we opened doors on June 1, 2015, one of the chief objectives that we have constantly pushed towards fulfilling has been the idea of hospitality. No matter a guest’s budget or taste, we believe that no one deserves to leave our store with anything but a smile and an exciting beverage for any occasion.

In our effort to cut through stereotypes of pretentiousness within the world of wine, often perpetuated by those who share wine with their communities, we’re exciting to announce the launch of our YouTube channel!

If you’ve spent any time in the store, you’ve likely gotten to know the dynamic personalities that we have behind the counter. Those personalities got together and decided that one more way for us to be different from others in our industry, would be to shoot entertaining, fun, and informative video clips--like how to pair wine with running thirty minutes late to work!

In our February 5th, 2016 issue, our wine director William Whelan shows off a few of his new favorite wines in the store, including a Vermentino from Corsica, Susumaniello from Puglia, and a classic Garnacha from just south of Madrid.

After eight months, all of us here at Grain & Vine could not be more excited for the launch of our new website, designed to be a platform that gives you the same kind of experience online as you get when you come see us in person.

With the site launching, the shelves stocked, windows adorned with displays arranged by our incredibly talented merchandiser, and a stream of regulars from throughout the community strolling through the door, I can’t help but think back to my first days here at the shop.

Before...and after.

There was, of course, a sense of uncertainty. How will we be welcomed into the community? What kind of wines and spirits will everyone enjoy--how can we cater to those desires? More than anything, though, there was a sense of excitement. The early wishes of luck from neighbors reminded all of us why we got into this business in the first place.

See, whether it’s a bottle of Barolo, a handle of affordable whiskey, or a ten-dollar pick me up bottle of Vinho Verde, our favorite drinks so often coincide with some of our favorite memories. I know that’s the case for me, as I think back to times shared with my family, the first bottle of whiskey I ever brought home to my first apartment, and the wines paired with holiday dinners. We’re sentient creatures after all.  Our hope for the store was to be more than just a place where you’d buy these beverages. We wanted to be the kind of store you actually wanted to be be in, even if it was just to say hi to the staff or check out the selection, any new wines or spirits that might have arrived. A place where someone smiled at you when you walked in the door, helped you find the perfect selection for whatever occasion was on tap, and most of all...played with your dog while you shopped.

But this is New York City, the home of the hustle. Not everyone has time to come into the shop and peruse the shelves. Sometimes, things have to get done with the quickness. So, that’s where this website comes in. Those imaginative tasting notes you’d ask me for, just waiting for me to go off on a tangent about silk dresses and braille? They’re all here, as are producer background notes and food pairing ideas. Clicking through our new website is as close to visiting the store as you can get, with its sensical layout and vibrant pictures that show off that signature Grain & Vine style.

Please, take a look around and get familiar - comfortable, even. Feel at home here on the new and improved GrainVine.com, just don’t forget to still come in once in awhile. We miss you, duh.

Thank you all for your support through the holiday season. We can’t wait to see what the rest of 2016 has in store for everyone!