My argument today, proffered with the warbly certitude one derives from a second glass of bourbon, is that Southerners drink better than elsewhere Americans.

No, where Southerners differ—and where they excel—is in how they drink: zealously, ebulliently, loquaciously, impiously.

In a region dominated by Baptists, drinking carried, at best, the tinge of scandal, and the risk of eternal damnation, at worst.

To drink like a Southerner one must drink with relish, rather than drab connoisseurship; with a sense of semi-forbidden delight, as when breaking curfew for the first time; with garrulous abandon, unlike those pinched-faced drinkers one sees in, say, New England taverns…

Go read the whole things. It’s a delight.

The post Drink with Style by Jonathan Miles (selected quotes) appeared first on Baptist Wine Club.

All-natural agave margarita.

Fresh strawberry margarita.

Pink grapefruit margarita.

Exotic rum & ginger margarita.

Springtime in glass, peach margarita.

Tropical mango margarita.

Summertime-inspire watermelon & coconut margarita.

You can find a collection of all these recipes and more on my Cocktails at Chez Knighton Pinterest Board. Updated regularly!

The post It’s National Margarita Day! appeared first on Baptist Wine Club.

And, as your intrepid reporter, I made may way to the Houston location to pick up a few bottles of wine. For research purposes.

And I have good news and bad news, dear ones. Let’s start with the good news, shall we?

Trader Joe’s Charles Shaw Chardonnay is about the best $3 wine you’ll find. Unless you’re in California, where it’s only $2. Either way, it’s a decent, cheap wine for a decent, cheap price – pale for a Chard, but tastes nice with a little butter and melon. Try it, I think you’ll like it!

And you’ll also find that TJ’s Merlot is a decent red for the money. Straight up fruit, nothing complex, easy to drink. Give it a whirl, too.

But…and you knew there was a but coming. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

You would be wise to steer well clear of the Trader Joe Sauvignon Blanc, which smells delightful but is so acidic, it’s difficult to drink. If you want a good, cheap Sauv Blanc, stick with Target’s Wine Cube. Trust me here.

And, their Cabernet Sauvignon leaves a lot to be desired. It’s like drinking watery cough syrup, I’m sad to say. If you have an HEB nearby, try their Cul de Sac Cab – it’s a better option for $3.

Well, that’s the run-down of the four varieties I purchased. If you’ve tried the White Zin or Shiraz, leave a note for the rest of us Texans!

The post Trader Joe’s Charles Shaw Wines (aka 3-Buck Chuck) appeared first on Baptist Wine Club.

Here are a few lovely options for your next cocktail party (clockwise from top left):

1. Libation Bar Cart from Crate & Barrel

2. Jill Bar Cart from Ballard Designs

3. Sheffield Bar Cart from Pottery Barn

4. South Seas Bar Cart from Serena & Lily

5. Emory Bar Cart from Horchow

6. Beckett Bar Cart from Williams-Sonoma

The post Entertaining in Style: Bar Carts appeared first on Baptist Wine Club.

Don’t say it.

Ok, I’ll say it: How could I possibly forget that I had a bottle in my cooler? Am I not a drinky Baptist? Do I not thirst?

I was busy? Stressed out and distracted by work? Just plain forgetful? There are no proper answers to these questions.

Regardless, last night proved to be the night when I rediscovered this bottle and opened it for dinner. (Salmon with chickpeas, in case you wondered.) And this rosé is so completely delightful, that I could not shut up telling my husband how much I loved it.

Seriously. It is SO SO SO good. Like fresh strawberries with cream and butter. Fruity and floral. It is, by far, the best rosé I’ve had all summer. And I am bummed that I can’t find another bottle anywhere in Texas, and the winery doesn’t ship here.

That’s the saddest part of this story. Sadder than forgetting I had it. Sadder than finishing the bottle in one sitting. Sad.

BUT, if you live in some other state that doesn’t have archaic alcohol distribution laws, BUY THIS WINE! Here’s the store.

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This post has been sponsored by Charity Case Foundation, a collective movement of Napa Valley Winemakers, with all net proceeds going to non-profit organizations serving children and families in Napa County. Opinions are entirely my own. No animals were harmed, though much wine was consumed, during the writing of this review.

The post Charity Case Rosé (California 2008) appeared first on Baptist Wine Club.