Philosophical Twittering....

I do not twitter. I cannot imagine there is a single person on the planet who needs to know what I am doing 24 hours a day. However, I am currently sitting at my favorite coffee shop, The Royal Coffee Bar (coffee is another interest of mine; it comes most in handy after a crazy night of my interest in wine) where the owner was telling me about his new twitter account which he is using as a way to spark up some interest in the shop before they open a 2nd location.
I mentioned that he should consider starting a blog instead. Give more in depth details about any news on the 2nd location, any special events being held, etc. He says he's not much of a writer and twitter is better for him because he does not need to be as "philisophical" as a blog writer. He doesn't want to disappoint any followers.
I don't consider myself philisophical as much as I consider myself a loud mouth wino... I care enough to say it so I assume you all must care to hear what I have to say. However I am concerned with disappointing any followers so I intend to get back on track and post more often and more SUBSTANCE.

Good Books and Good Looks

So my book club had their first discussion via video conference online today. We decided that since we were national (1 person in FL, 3 in IL, 1 in AZ, and 1 in OR) we would have a wine night using video call. I got to catch up with some friend discussing both what we had reaad in May as well as what we drinking tonight. I was drinking House Wine white; a white blend of chard, reisling, and moscoto... the best way to sweeten a chardonnay; among other popular choices tonight were Barefoot Pinot Grigio (I dare to find a better PG under $10) and other were enjoying some Pinot Noir... although I can't recall the winery. What did everyone else enjoy this weekend? Anything new?

PS Bookclub pick last month was "Next Thing on My List"; June's pick is "Wednesday Sisters"

WINE FLU

And the only cure is another bottle of Pinot Grigio!

It's over 100 degrees in Phoenix and I am in dire need of light wines...

Swine Flu

While tearing down a wine display I had already built and rebuilt the Creepy Old Greeter (hereby referred to COG) at the store was hovering over me watching me closely.
"Can I help you," I ask politely, because I have proximity issues and she was a little bit close and a little bit distracting.
"Just watchin'," COG replies and continues to hover.
After successfully tearing down and rebuilding the display for the third time in a week I start loading up the display piece to take to my car. I bend down to pick it up and as I rises, the COG is back hovering over me and COUGHS ON ME!!
The very fact that I am touching wine bottles, grocery carts, door handles, etc., that people have been touching all day long makes me a bit of a germaphob to begin with, but this sends me in to a panic.
"ARE YOU KIDDING?! DID YOU REALLY JUST COUGH ON ME!?"
COG is currently in a state of shock that I am yelling.
"ARE YOU UNAWARE THAT PEOPLE ARE CURRENTLY PARANOID ABOUT DEADLY AIRBORNE ILLNESSES?"
Now, I am pretty sure COG is going to slap me. I also realize about 2 hours prior to this happening I was having a conversation about how the media has blown the whole swine flu out of proportion and how irresponsible Matt Lauer is, etc. This has all brought me back to the fact that I am yelling at COG and how this can get me in a bit of trouble over at work so I simply grab my work stuff and haul ass out of the store.
PS COG didn't recognize me next time I came in to the store, so my lesson is learned. But since she didn't recognize me, I'm thinking she didn't learn hers. FOR THE LOVE OF SWINE FLU, COVER YOUR MOUTH WHEN YOU SNEEZE/COUGH/YAWN

Scottsdale Culinary Festival/Flavors of the World '09

Lots of great events in past few weeks. I have basically been living behind folding tables serving wine nonstop on the weekends and and working nonstop in stores all week. Culinary fest was as crazy as could be expected. We ran out of beer and wine coolers within a few hours and spent the rest of the time eating and drinking. Flavors of the World was so cool. Some people who were insulting us for being "Barefoot"... "From Modesto"... "Under $10", followed directly by them hanging out at the table for 20 minutes STUNNED that they could love an inexpensive wine... lame. But nonetheless we had a great time at the events and definitely got the hookup on free wine, food, and entertainment. I heart spring in AZ :)
-Elle

Great Event for a Great Cause

Valley of the Sun Active 20-30 Club put on an AMAZING event last night benefitting the Valley Kids Foundation. I was there serving Barefoot Bubbly and hanging out with one of the best crowds yet. I've been volunteering at events for the past two months but everyone from the women from the 20-30 Club to band to the fun, funny group who attended made the event SUCH and great time.

I spent some time in the gated off smoking area having a cigar with my bubbly. I also got to hang out with the guys from the band, Easton Ashe. They were great guy who were also incredibly talented. They did mostly covers all night but also included some of their own music (not enough if you ask me); they traded us some Cd's for some champagne... after listening to it on my way, I was hooked.

I'm always excited for an event that contributes to a good cause but this was by far the most fun I've had at work in awhile (at least since the last event). The swag bag at the end of the event also helped :)

Some Barefoot Bubbly ideas that we were drinking last night: Barefoot Bubbly Pinot Grigio with a splash of Pomegranet juice. Barefoot Bubbly Brut with Barefoot Moscoto (which is a cocktail I may have mentioned before).

Okay, I'm beat, enough blogging for awhile

XOXO,

Elle



http://www.vivalasvegasaz.com/

http://www.barefootwine.com/

http://www.myspace.com/eastonashe

Nothing Like A Blue Moon to Make You Want Some... Wine

The thing is, before I worked in wine, I was always a beer drinker. The first thing I ever drank (that didn't make me gag) was Tequiza ****I was only 14, but you are welcome to judge me. Then I moved on to stuff like Smirnoff Ice, and finally ended up with Miller Light (A Midwest classic, never-fail drink). As I went on to college I moved on to Heineken and New Castle... even a strong appreciation for some Guinness.
But the truth is growing into good beer is the same as growing into good wine. You start at the bottom and work your way up. I tell this customers all the time. Go ahead and pick by the label you find prettiest... it will help you find the right varietal for you. Many people start with a white zin because it's sweet and not intimidating. From there they will find a pinot grigio they love. That might lead them into Sauv Blanc which will move you on to Cab Sauv. Red and Whites, what I think is most important is willingness to get exited about new things.
Working for a specific winery even sometimes leaves me limited. Being in sales makes it hard for me to give money to my competition. But I did want to make this post about intro, Under $10 (USA) wines. Because they're good wines and will ultimately bring you on to other wines. SOOOO I will post my own list. Feel free to add on wines that you love, too.

Redwood Creek Pinot Noir (California)
Barefoot Merlot(California)
Mirassou Cab (California)

Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio (Italy --- may be higher than $10 in some states)
Barefoot Moscoto (California)
Sebeka Chard (South Africa)
Starborough Sauv Blanc (New Zealand)