Lisa Jeffries Nobling – Raleigh, NC

Tag: wine

  • I’m Living in France – and Drinking Less Wine Than Ever

    I’m Living in France – and Drinking Less Wine Than Ever

    I’ve been in the south France for nearly a month and I’ll be here off and on through the end of April finishing my dual master’s degree in Global Luxury Management. You’d think while I’ve been here that I would have had more than my fair share of wine already, right? Wrong. In fact, I’ve enjoyed less wine here than I did at any time in the states.

    So, what gives? There are some cultural differences in the retailing of wine here, especially in restaurants and bars, but the real reason I’ve consumed so much less wine is the very sub-par selection of wines by the glass at restaurants and bars. I really had hoped before venturing here that I would be outside of my United States comfort zone of wines available and trying a greater variety of European wines that haven’t made their way stateside, but when you’re out and about here, the by-the-glass selections are as follows: “red”, “rose”, and “white”. No kidding! You’re lucky if the menu includes any details about the by-the-glass varietal or the geographic source.

    Perhaps this recent experience is why this article struck me so strongly today: Millennials dragging wine sales down – and the prudent included advice:

    “One way to sell Millennials more wine: Carefully curate your wine-by-the-glass list to boost its appeal to this demographic.”

    I think it’s a great read for restaurant, nightlife, and hospitality operators everywhere – regardless of geographic location.

    Don’t get me wrong – the wine selection at retail points of sale and by the bottle in restaurants are pretty wide and adventurous here in France (and aggressively priced since most are domestic products) – but I rarely desire an entire bottle in one seating and when I want just a glass, I don’t want a mediocre glass of “house wine” that was selected for a profit margin rather than to complement menu offerings.

    Ending on a positive note: the retail store wine scene is in much better shape offering a really nice selection with incredibly high-quality and great tasting wines beginning at 8 euros (about $9 USD) a bottle, so I’ve had fun with that! I mean – a girl’s still got to have her wine, right? (Especially when there is no craft cocktail culture here… but more on that later.)

  • Garner Ups Its Game

    You’d think a small town like Garner would really embrace the local indy business movement, but the busiest places on the weekend are almost always chain concepts – that’s why i’m really excited to share a few new places that are earning my local dollars.

    Zin Yoga Studio & Wine Lounge
    This business isn’t as new as the following two (maybe around for a year or so, already?), but what Kara is doing here is pretty innovative. Yoga + wine = in one place. Get your yoga on at this Aversboro Square studio and then after class, enjoy samples of wine, indulge in a glasses, or take a few bottles of wine home to enjoy. Occasionally, Kara has even turned the studio into a pop-up dinner venue with featuring the culinary talents of Chef Joe from Backyard Bistro and the wine knowledge of Cory Sloan from Tryon Distributing. I’ve taken several yoga classes here with both Kara and Mary and have enjoyed all of them. And I love the variety of days and times that they offer classes. Sunday afternoon zen session? Yes, please!

    And yes, of course, I’ve also sampled the wine and thoroughly enjoyed that too. 🙂 Check out the class and event schedule schedule online at http://zinyogawine.com/. Namaste, y’all.

    The Beerded Lady Bottle Shop
    Just down the street from Zin is The Beerded Lady Bottle Shop, Garner’s first (and currently only) craft beer indy retailer! (Kroger grocery store doesn’t count, kids.) Gal pal Adrianne and I popped in last Sunday after yoga to check this spot out. It had just opened that week, so they were still getting a lot of things worked out – like the right inspections and permits to be able to serve flights and ciders. All good things to look forward to as this new business grows. In the meantime, grab some friends, family and neighbors and taste your way through their draft menu – which is fun to do 5 ounces at a time… a unique offering I haven’t seen before in this area. Read up on what’s available at thebeerdedlady.com and then visit them in the 5th Avenue shopping center.

    Click here for more pictures! (Note I have GOT to move this blog over to WordPress so I can create a nice gallery for these things!)

    Krafty’s Burgers & Brews
    Also just opening last week is Krafty’s Burgers & Brews in Garner’s White Oak shopping center, next to the movie theater (where Shuck ‘Em Shack used to be). Johnnie Bud and I stopped in last week at the friends and family event to wish owner Robert Stapleton well in the new venture. Keen observers might notice the bar is a carry over from Robert’s original Napper Tandy’s in downtown Raleigh that was located in Powerhouse Square. (Napper’s has since moved to Glenwood Avenue, but Robert kept one of the bars and re-used it here.)

    We were on a tight schedule when visiting and didn’t get a chance to try any food from the menu, but are looking forward to getting back for a visit soon. There are actually quite a few vegetarian-friendly items for me, including a “build-a-burger” option that has a veggie burger base choice! No website yet, but check out updates from their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Kraftysburgersandbrews.

    Click here for more pictures from Krafty’s!

    Are there any other new, locally-owned businesses in Garner that I need to check out next weekend? Let me know in the comments below!

  • Paw-fect Valentine’s Plans

    Only rookies will celebrate Valentine’s Day on a Saturday night – instead, consider something fun… and for a great cause – that’s happening on Thursday night: Bark & Wine with Your Valentine 2015

    Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a beer & wine tasting while surrounded by the cutest faces in town! (Bringing a date is completely optional.)
    Fine wines, beer, tasty treats and wet puppy kisses await guests at the 10th annual Bark & Wine with Your Valentine. 
    This unique, intimate event will be held at the SPCA Curtis Dail Pet Adoption Center in Raleigh on Thursday, February 12 from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Sample 6-8 varieties of wine and and light fare to compliment the flavors for just $30.00 per person of which $5.00 is tax deductible.
    Email Vanessa Budnick at vbudnick@spcawake.org or call 919-532-2087 with questions.

  • Yoga + Wine… IN GARNER!

    Yes, you read that wonderful combination right and I’m just as surprised as you are to find out it’s only a few miles from my house.

    I checked out a warm yoga class a few Saturday mornings ago at Zin Yoga Wine and I can’t wait to get back in the studio soon. I hate to already be booked on Saturday and not making this great event, but it doesn’t mean I can’t share the details with you local readers…

    Vino and Vinyasa Saturday, January 31st: 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

    Yoga with friends, wine and chocolate will sure to make a memorable night out. The night will start with a long gentle practice and end with a glass of wine, delicious tapas, and Togomay truffles and gluten-free cookies. This is the true experience of Zin Yoga Studio and Wine Lounge.

    $35/person. Must Preregister by Thursday 29th.
    www.zinyogawine.com (events tab to register)
    zinyogawine@gmail.com
    919-917-7500

    Namaste, y’all. 🙂

  • So Many Options this Weekend

    The only problem will be finding time for them all!

    Retail, etc.

    SmartMomma Grand Opening (in their new location!)
    Saturday – 9/25 – 10:00am until 6:00pm
    http://smartmomma.com/Locations-Raleigh-NC-sp-6.html
    First 100 families to arrive are getting a nice free gift, which may or may not include a VERY nice discount from SmartMomma’s neighbors at Fred’s Beds. Just throwing that out there… 😉

    Downtown Designers Market (is back!)
    Saturday – 9/25 – 9:00am until 3:00pm
    http://www.designersdowntownmarket.com/
    Jewelry, crafts, apparel, and other fab vendors in the Ornamentea parking lot!

    The Green Chair Project Fall Furnishings Drive
    Saturday – 9/25 – 9:00am until 1:00pm
    http://blogs.newsobserver.com/greenscene/green-chair-project-holds-fall-furniture-drive
    http://www.thegreenchair.org/
    Got stuff? Donate it to keep it out of landfills – and help those who need it!

    Festivals

    Ray Price Capital City Bike Fest
    Friday and Saturday – 9/24 and 9/25 – 10:00am until 10:00pm
    http://CapitalCityBikeFest.com/
    I don’t personally “ride”, but my family and LOTS of friends do… so I’m always game for going along for partaking in the sights, food, and fun.

    Hillsborough Street Reopening
    Saturday – 9/25 – 1:00pm until 10:00pm
    http://hillsboroughstreet.org/event/
    http://www.technicianonline.com/news/campus-buffer-to-get-proper-reopening-1.2337841
    In true Raleigh fashion, let’s close a street to traffic to celebrate it being re-opened to traffic. (It’s what we do.)

    Triangle Uncorked
    Saturday – 9/25 – 2:00pm until 6:00pm
    http://www.triangleuncorked.com/
    Wine tasting event benefiting the Frankie Lemmon Foundation and Rotary!

  • A New Raleigh Restaurant and New Crafty Website Addiction

    Renee and I were chatting on the way to Cafe Caturra last night about how we both have sewing machines, but wish we actually knew what we were doing in that department.

    Now granted, I had to take a class or two in garment construction for my TATM degree… but my awesome momma may or may not have helped me with my final project after I broke TWO sewing machines in the process. (Read into that as much as you’d like.) I can rock out a design and the pattern construction. But, the actual garment construction? Notsomuch.

    Nonetheless, it hasn’t kept me from stumbling upon BurdaStyle.com:

    The site, “for people who sew”, has patterns, projects, skills, tutorials and more. I signed up for their eNews, so let’s see if Renee and I actually improve our lack of crafty skills in this department sometime this summer 🙂

    Oh yeah, back to the wine!

    Renee and I may or may not have sampled mmm… say 5 or 6 of the wine bar and restaurant’s 10 reds, 10 whites, and 5 dessert wines… many of which are seasonal which means enjoy them now, because come fall there will be some new wines to love. You can buy any of their wines in several sizes, so we opted for the 3 oz. pours, which is perfect if you don’t want a large pour of wine or want to indulge in several smaller. (I’m sure you can see where this is going.)

    I profiled the pre-opening of this place on i heart retail and was glad to read in TBJ yesterday that it finally opened. Renee and I just enjoyed the wine last night, but they do a full fresh food menu, so I’ll be back to try the food soon. Cafe Caturra is in Cameron Village near Talbot’s.

  • I Voted for Doc

    Remember my post back in July on Wine to Water?

    As many of you long-time readers know, I’m already a big fan of Amra’s and their other establishment, Tobacco Road. This is SUCH a very cool event they’re hosting this week.

    The charity organization called Wine to Water, as seen on Larry King, raises funds through wine tastings to be able to help 3rd world countries find healthy clean drinking water sources for their villages.

    On Thursday July 23, come to Amra’s after work or around 6:30 to help support this awesome and worthy cause!

    Wine To Water is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit aid organization focused on providing clean water to needy people around the world. Over 1 billion people in the world today lack access to adequate water and sanitation. We are devoted to fighting this epidemic.Wine symbolizes fortune in our society. Our goal is to give the fortunate population an opportunity to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.

    Well, it appears as if our friend Doc, founder of Wine to Water, has been nominated alongside great company for CNN Heroes.

    Be sure to check out all of the entries and vote for your hero!

    Here’s a great video about Doc’s story.

    Click here to view it if it doesn’t show up for you.

  • Red, Merlot, or Muscadine?

    Lisa S. shared Old North State Winery with those of us in her networks on facebook this week and I thought I’d pass it along here, too. She swears by Restless Soul and says it makes a great table red.

    Restless Soul
    This blend of Malbec, Tannat, and Cabernet Sauvignon is combined in just the right proportions to emphasize the wonderful fruity character of this complex Bordeaux style red wine. – $10.00    Have any of you NC people sampled any of their wide selection of wines or dined at the bistro in Mt. Airy?

    Share the details!

    PS – In case you might not have noticed, NC has a wonderful state-wide wine industry. Check out the Visit NC Wines website and find out where you can check out some local offerings near home, vacation, or even make day trips out of!

  • Local Bar & Restaurant: {New} Ruckus

    “New Ruckus” isn’t really the name, but it’s what we call it in my social circle.

    The original, a dive-y sort of bar in Mission Valley (sandwiched in between NCSU’s main and Centennial campuses) with some darn good bar food is a stark contrast to the new Ruckus Pizza, Pasta, and Spirits near my Mom and Dad’s house in the “Swift Creek” area of suburban Raleigh, NC bordering Cary, NC.

    It has become a regular lunch and dinner spot for us as it is smack in between our townhouse and Adrianne and Joey’s – so much so that we did NYE there. (Besides, we sure weren’t passing up $3 homemade Limoncello – which was super delish, $4 Sweet Tea Vodkas, and $12 bottles of champagne with NO COVER.)

    They have an equally exciting promo coming up that I thought I would share as it’s very Southern appropriate and currently appropriate:

    Wii Tournament!
    Hosted by Magic Hat Brewery

    Grand Prize — 2 trips to Charleston, SC

    Every Tuesday Night at 9pm
    Jan 20th (Tonight) thru Feb 24th (Fat Tuesday)

    Come show us your Wii Sports skills and win great prizes from Magic Hat with $3.50 Magic Hat Beers all night long!

    Join us on Fat Tuesday for the finals. Win a trip to Charleston just for being here!

    And to top it all off – 1/2 off bottles of wine on Tuesdays. Take a wild guess where you’ll be able to find me on Tuesdays? There are two free trips to Charleston up for grabs – perfect for me, Nick, Adrianne, and Joey. 🙂

    I’d put money that if G.R.I.T.S were a Raleigh girl she’d be attending too for the Charleston promo!

  • Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

    My favorite “crazy ex-girlfriend” is Miranda Lambert! I am STILL crushed that I missed her concert at City Limits a few years back.

    So this afternoon, I’m sitting in my living room watching GAC’s “Origins” on Miranda and as all entertainers – she has lots of merchandise with her face and name on it. She was taking viewers on a tour of her store (an actual store!) in her hometown (Longview, Texas according to Wikipedia) that two of her friends from high school run and she profiled her WINE! Yes, WINE! Her mom went on to talk about how she met a man who owned a winery and wanted to get his name out by possibly giving her some. Miranda’s reaction was “Sure! I mean if you’re going to give me some free wine!”

    Want to know more about the winery?

    Cellared and Bottled by:
    LouViney Vineyards & Winery, LLC
    Winnsboro, Texas
    http://www.louviney.com/    So here’s her wine, her favorite being “County Road 233” and I thought “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” was just a great looking bottle and label:

    I’ll be sure to update if I get myself a bottle! (Which of course, I’ll purchase along side a “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” koozie!)