Announcements

Wine Tasting Thursday: One Word -- VITO!

Wed, 16 May 2012 21:55:00 GMT

Our dear friend, Vito is back for this week's tasting (possibly for the last time). His wine knowledge is as vast as his undeniable charm. We hope that you can come + enjoy this experience.

This week we've handpicked some hard to find wines from Spain, Southern Italy, and Sicily. These wines are most often found on restaurant lists, but will be offered to you at special retail pricing. Taste Prosecco, Albarino, Nero d'Avola, Primitivo and more...

Thursday, May 17th from 5:30 to 7:30pm. $9 Tasting Fee

RSVP and more info: http://www.facebook.com/events/216254481827843/

ArtWalk Weekend! Wine Tasting Friday Night This Week

Thu, 10 May 2012 21:27:00 GMT

It's that time again. The annual PNA ArtWalk is this Friday and Saturday. Please join us in welcoming our newest artist, Scott Rinckenberger, and his beautiful landscape photography. With a decided focus on mountains, nature and beauty, Scott's photographs are quite compelling. Come check them out.

We are also pleased to welcome the annual return of winemaker, Mark Wysling, and Parejas Cellars. Mark will be pouring his *New Release* deliciousness Friday night during the ArtWalk. Special ArtWalk pricing of only $5. Please do note we will not be holding a wine tasting this Thursday evening.

Cheers! -anson+jenny

http://www.phinneywoodartwalk.com/

photo by Scott Rinckenberger Photography

http://photo.scottrinck.com/

http://blog.scottrinck.com/events/launch-party-and-art-show/

NW Rosé Tasting Thursday! Drink your pink!

Thu, 03 May 2012 05:50:00 GMT

first you buy the wine
next you wait for sunshine.

this week we chose to focus on european style rosés, all from the great pacific northwest. we've noticed a real shift this vintage across the board both visually and on the palate. the end result, a more subtle + pleasing pink hue, nice acid, and great balance. rosés are great for lazy afternoon sippin' yet can be serious food wines. we pour rosé by the glass all year round here, but like you, we relish in celebrating it's arrival each spring.

TASTE 2011 rosés from:

Robert Ramsay (Rhone)
Trust Cellars (Cab Franc)
Patton Valley (Pinot Noir)
Spindrift Cellars (Pinot Noir)

Thursday, May 3rd, from 5:30-7:30pm.
$9-
Come as you are, but come thirsty.

Thursday Wine Tastings Resume! This Week Italian Wines from Garofoli! (4.26)

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:43:00 GMT

This Thursday taste wine from the Marche's historic house of Garofoli 4/26. Taste Verdicchio and Montepulciano! 5:30 to 7:30. $9 tasting fee. Our guest of honor is Daria Garofoli. Daria represents the 4th generation of Garofoli - Antica Casa Vinicola which is in its 5th generation. The Garofoli winery happens to be the oldest winery from the region of Marches. Daria is a passionate, fun-loving woman who has travelled all the way to Seattle for the first time ever! Normally her son, Gianluca, makes the journey to bring his family’s wines to the attention of our wine-loving Seattlites, but this time we are privileged to hear from Gianluca’s mom.

TASTE:
10 Guelfo Verde Vino Frizzante Garofoli - Frizzante wine made from Verdicchio, Trebbiano and Chardonnay

10 Macrina Verdicchio Garofoli - Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC Classico Superiore 100% Verdicchio

09 Podium Verdicchio Garofoli - Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC Classico Superiore 100% Verdicchio

08 Piancarda Rosso Conero Garofoli - Rosso Conero DOC 100% Montepulciano

06 Grosso Agontano Garofoli - Rosso Conero DOC Riserva 100% Montepulciano

Upcoming Tastings: local NW rosés with CRU Selections 5/3, our favorite cult followed LIOCO wines 5/10, "picnic exclusives" with VITO on 5/17, and meet the Cranes, Ryan + Renee of Kerloo Cellars on 5/24. Details to follow, as well as info about bonus tastings + happenings ARTWALK weekend.

Maison Bleue Wine tasting Thursday 4/19!

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Our popular wine tasting series resumes this Thursday April 19th, from 5:30 to 7:30. $9 Tasting Fee includes tasty bites with five wines of the recent toast of Taste Washington, Maison Bleue. Among the wines we've selected for this occasion is their much acclaimed and sought after rosé. (first public release of this wine, just for picnic patrons!) Earlier this week we had the chance to sample their viognier. Bright and tart it was the perfect pair to our meal of pan roasted halibut, crispy potato galette, braised artichokes and sorrel salsa verde.

This is just the beginning of an exciting lineup of Thursday wine tastings in the weeks to come including wines from the Marche's historic house of Garofoli 4/26, local NW rosés with CRU Selections 5/3, our favorite cult followed LIOCO wines 5/10, "picnic exclusives" with VITO on 5/17, and meet the Cranes, Ryan + Renee of Kerloo Cellars on 5/24. Details to follow, as well as info about bonus tastings + happenings ARTWALK weekend.

Thank you for supporting a little guy,

-a n s o n + j e n n y

~Maison Bleue Viognier the perfect pair to pan roasted halibut and sorrel salsa verde!

Spring has Sprung! Time for some Rosé!

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 17:54:00 GMT

Friends,

The arrival of springtime is always most welcome in Seattle. Short, dark and wet days give way to long, lazy days dripping with sunshine. As a wine shop the new season also means the release of a new vintage of wine. Containers laden with Cru Beaujolais and Rosé
have begun to arrive at our port and are now available for you to enjoy all summer long. Local producers have also begun to release their wines. The new rosé from Syncline and Tranche are already on our shelves and Rulo and others are soon to arrive.

Ham or Lamb? Whatever you might be enjoying with your Easter meal we have the perfect wines to pair. Come see us for a personal recommendation. Our case is loaded with cheeses and cured meats to begin and end your meal with.

We will not be holding a wine tasting this week or next. Our next wine tasting will be held on April 19th. Stay tuned for more details. Also, we will be closed this Easter Sunday.

Lastly, we just want to stop and say, thank YOU for your continued support. Picnic could not be without you.

-a n s o n + j e n n y

Pinot Noir Vertical Tasting from Anam Cara Cellars (3.29)

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:50:00 GMT

we had the recent pleasure of meeting + tasting these wines with sheila nicholas, one part of the amazing family project that is anam cara. as many of you know, we couldn't resist putting their vineyard selection on our shelves immediately, a new favorite for all of us. (it graced many a st.patty's day table, perfect for corned beef.)

this thursday we are delighted to share with you a unique opportunity to meet the lovely sheila AND to do a 3 vintage vertical taste of their estate pinots. added bonus=a chance to experience the wine we all fell in love with.

thursday march 29th from 5:30-7:30pm. $9 tasting fee.

taste:
2007 Nicholas Estate Pinot Noir
2008 Nicholas Estate Pinot Noir
2009 Nicholas Estate Pinot Noir
.. as well as their Vineyard Selection.

do not miss what our friend jameson fink, author of our favorite wine blog had to say about our friends @ anamcara.

http://jamesonfink.com/oregon-pinot-noir-for-an-oregon-coast-sunset/

www.anamcaracellars.com

Thursday Wine Tasting: Indie Wineries (5:30-7:30; 3/22; $9 Tasting Fee)

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:30:00 GMT

TASTE this Thursday:
---
San Lorenzo Verdicchio Vigna di Gino 2009 (Le Marche) - Organic

Poggio Trevvalle Morellino di Scansano 2009 (Tuscany) - Organic

San Martino Aglianico del Vulture "Siir" 2008 (Basilicata) - Organic

Cantine di Indie "Vino del Popolo" 2010 (Piedmont) - Made by Eugenio Bocchino: 80% Estate Biodynamic Nebbiolo & Babera, 20% Sustainable Dolcetto grown by a neighbor.
---

From the Indie Wineries website:

What Makes a Winery ‘Indie’?

One set of hands. One person who guides every step from the vineyard to the consumer. In contrast to larger producers, Indie Wineries are a one man/woman show and do not have any disconnect. The wines reflect the personality of the winemaker and have a soul and character that make them unique and beautiful.

Small production all around 4,500 cases/year

All are produced naturally, most certified organic, and many biodynamic

Small estates, many that have a cult following, but that fly under the radar of the big guys getting the press and media attention. They are just making their way into the wholesale market and have an unbeatable quality/price ratio. These are the future stars of the wine world...
http://www.indiewineries.com/

Thursday Wine Tasting: Vigneron Sylvian Fadat of Domaine D'Aupilhac (3/15; 5:30-7:30; $9-)

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 21:56:00 GMT

dear picnic wines tasters, a formidable opportunity awaits you.

it is our pleasure to host another unique tasting event this thursday evening (3/15). please join us in welcoming vigneron sylvian fadat of domaine d'aupilhac along with lyle railsback of kermit lynch. the tasting runs from 5:30-7:30 and there is a $9 tasting fee.

these wines are known for their "power + grace" as translated by the perfect balance of bold ripe fruit + silky soft tannins. located high in the hills above the village of montpeyroux near the coteaux du languedoc are the steeply terraced, rocky rich soils complete with oyster fossils, yielding fruit which create wines with distinct character, pleasing minerality, and have great length.

dAupilhac Coteaux du Languedoc LOU MASET Rose 2011 50% Mourvèdre, 30% Cinsault, 20% Syrah $19
dAupilhac Coteaux du Languedoc LOU MASET Red 2010 40% Grenache, 40% Cinsault, 10% Carignan, 5% Syrah, 5% Alicante Bouchet $19
dAupilhac Coteaux du Languedoc MONTPEYROUX 2009 30% Mourvèdre, 30% Carignan, 25% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 5% Cinsault $26
dAupilhac Coteaux du Languedoc COCALIERES 2009 40% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre $39
http://www.aupilhac.com/

sylvian, the third generation of his family to farm this land and make these wines, also went to the great lengths of having their fruit certified organic. in doing so, the deeply rooted vines are more vigorous and protected from harsh elements, helping achieve a natural balance. he believes that the work in the vineyard has far more influence on wines than that of what's done in the cellar.

lastly, for those of you building cellars, these are necessary additions that will achieve a rewarding level of complexity in the years to come. that said, if you can't resist, their sassy intensity makes them just as intriguing and amply quaffable in their youth. we look forward to sharing this experience with you, see you soon.

j+a

Wine Tasting Thursday Italian Wines from Piemonte with Podere Ruggeri Corsini. (3/8)

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 03:57:00 GMT

Join us this Thursday evening to taste delicious wines from Podere Ruggeri Corsini of Piemonte, Italy. We are especially pleased that owner Loredana Addari will be leading the tasting and pouring for you. Taste Barbera, Nebbiolo and Dolcetto (and more)!

This Thursday, March 8th, from 5:30 to 7:30pm. $9 Tasting Fee includes paired nibbles.

Podere Ruggeri Corsini is a small podere (farm) in Monforte d’Alba, Langhe, in Cuneo, in Piemonte. It is run by husband and wife team Nicola Argamante and Loredana Addari, both doctors in Agronomy, specializing in Viticulture. The estate is 8hctrs total in size with a total annual production around 5000 cases. Est. 1995.

http://www.ruggericorsini.com/

Wine Tasting Thursday 2/23 with Travis Scarborough!

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:54:00 GMT

Join us Thursday, February 23rd, in welcoming Travis Scarborough and his delicious wines. Travis will be pouring his entire lineup with many new releases brand new to market. A founder of O'Shea Scarborough Wines, Travis has set out on his own to make the wines he wants the way he wants to. And they are awesome. Taste Chardonnay, Cabernet and Syrah and two, or maybe even three, blended wines.

As an added temptation, Hot Cakes Confections will also be dishing up samples of their chocolatey treats.

$9 tasting fee includes paired nibbles from our pantry.

Thursday, Feb 23, from 5:30-7:30pm.

-Cheers!

anson+jenny

Wine Tasting Thursday 2/2 - Spanish Wines from ONTANON!

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:16:00 GMT

back by popular demand!

this thursday night, we are pleased to re-introduce the wonderful wines of ONTANON to you. we will focus on varietals viura, tempranillo, grenacha, and graciano all from the region of rijoa. there are both new vintages and blends for you to try AND, (big bonus) our friend the lovely + talented laine boswell will be here to lead you through the flight. she has spent a lot of time with her ontanon family in spain and is an expert when it comes to the nuances of this formidable vino.

~ '09 Vetiver, '08 Crianza, '04 Reserva, '07 Arteso, and '01 Gran Reserva. $9 tasting fee includes paired bites from our pantry. February 2, 2012 5:30-7:30pm

groundhog's day it may be, but there's only one chance to experience this amazing evening and take advantage of such values.

http://www.facebook.com/bodegasontanon

Wading through January...C'mon February.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:59:00 GMT

Closing a bit early today at 5:30. No wine tasting tonight, but we will be holding our first tasting of 2012 next week. Stay tuned for more details. Cheers everyone!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! SPARKLING Wine Tasting Thursday 12/29

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:47:00 GMT

Join us this Thursday night to kick off the New Year properly. Taste Cava, Prosecco, a brut from Aregentina and Two Grower Champagnes! 5:30 to 7:30; $9 tasting fee. Come try before you buy and stock up for your New Year's celebrations - whether it be prosecco for your morning mimosa or some grower Champagne join us in a toast to bid adieu to 2011 and hello 2012!

Here's to new beginnings...

Cheers!

a n s o n + j e n n y

Happy Holidays! Wine tasting with Guardian Cellars Thursday 12/22

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 03:13:00 GMT

Two more wine tastings remain in 2011. This week we have Guardian Cellars and winemaker Jerry Riener. Jerry will lead you through his current releases.These are delicious wines and the packaging is brilliant (hint: wine makes a great gift).

Guardian Cellars This Thursday, from 5:30-7:30. $9 tasting fee.

Next Thursday is our New Year's BUBBLES tasting! From Cava to Champagne to Cremant. Yum Yum.

5 days left until Christmas! The store is stuffed full of unique artisan gifts that you will not find at the mall. Locally made jams, pickles, honey. olive oils and vinegars, chocolates, the best granola in the world, bitters and other cocktail supplies and of course WINE!