Introducing New Passover Wines approved for 2024: Lovatelli, Cantina Giulian
The Festival of Passover starts April 22 – 30, an eight day holiday celebrating the Israelites’ Exodus from Egyptian slavery.
The most important event in Jewish history is marked by eating a festive meal with matzah, telling the Passover story (Seder) and drinking four cups of wine. And, when you have four cups to get through in one Seder dinner, wine quality is paramount.
Passover wines perfect for 2024
Royal Wine Corp. is the largest manufacturer, importer and exporter of Kosher wines and spirits, with a portfolio that spans hundreds of brands and thousands of bottles of world-class wines.
For Passover 2024, they are introducing top quality wines from some of the finest wine producing regions including California, France, Italy, Spain and Israel, among others.
Lovatelli
While forty percent of annual kosher wine sales occur for the Passover holiday, sales of kosher wine and spirits have been growing significantly throughout the rest of the year.
The not-so-secret to perfect passover wines
According to Jay Buchsbaum, VP of Wine Education at Royal Wine Corp.,
“There’s nothing cookie-cutter about these Passover wines – they are top notch, award winning and distinctive.”
Jay Buchsbaum
VP of Wine Education at Royal Wine Corp
“And, while red wine is traditional for the Passover Seder, it can be a nice Burgundy or a Pinot Noir, or a Cabernet – just as long as it is kosher for Passover. There are dozens to choose from. And, just to be clear, our portfolio consists of acclaimed wines that just happen to be kosher, recognized for our quality and value.”
These Passover-approved bottles will complement any Seder fare. “L’Chaim”
- Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico, world famous winery producing kosher wine for the first time. This renowned and well regarded brand is producing kosher wine for the first time exclusively for Royal Wine Corp. (with more to come); SRP $25
- Lovatelli, a new line of fine and affordable Italian wines, including a Salento Primitivo, SRP $17 and a Barbera d’Asti, SRP $25; Coming soon: Nebbiolo, a Super Tuscan, as well as two new vermouths.
- Cantina Giuliano, fully kosher boutique winery started in 2014 in Tuscany, Italy. The winery was started by a young couple, who inherited wineries from their grandparents. It’s now fully kosher with new bottles and labeling.
- Many new kosher wines are being imported from South Africa by ESSA and J Folk wineries (among them are : Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon and more).
- Bartenura – Flavored Moscatos in cans such as Peach, Lychee, and new Blueberry.
- Château Dauzac Grand Cru Classé and Aurore de Dauzac Margaux ’21
- Chateau Roubine Cru Classé Lion & Dragon Red
- Des Moisans Deau Cognac Privilege
- Herzog Lineage Momentus Rose
- J de Villebois Sancerre Pinot Noir
- Kamisa Winery – Galilee, Israel
- Malbec du Clos Triguedina – Cahors
- Shamay Winery Upper Galilee, Israel
- New Carmel Black Cabernet Sauvignon, Galilée, Israel (SRP $30)
- Brio de Château Cantenac Brown, Margaux
Is Kosher for Passover Wine Hard to Find?
Actually, it’s rather easy! Most kosher wine is also kosher for Passover, making it easier to sell this wine (and for consumers to stock up on bottles) year-round. Any kosher-for-Passover wine will have a “P” symbol or “Kosher for Passover” next to the kosher certification on the label.
But that’s not the case with some spirits. For example, you’ll be unlikely to find kosher-for-Passover whiskey, as whiskey is made with grain.
Fine kosher wines are made the same way that fine non-kosher wines are made,” adds Buchsbaum. “There is no kosher winemaking ‘technique.’ What’s required for the wine to be considered kosher, is that the wine be handled only by Sabbath-observant Jews. And there are plenty of fine winemakers and cellar workers who are Sabbath observant. Great grapes and skilled winemakers yield great wines—kosher or not.
Consumers looking for wines from renowned regions throughout the world can satisfy their thirst with more options than ever before. It seems the problem is not the availability of great wine but the overwhelming number of great wines to choose from. Royal Wine offers a delicious selection of kosher for Passover wines from around the world,” says Buchsbaum. “Some of the top producers are creating award-winning varietals at every price point, and with Passover just around the corner, we want to take the guesswork out of buying wine.”
Why Four Cups of Wine
One of the rituals served at Passover is the custom of drinking four cups of wine. The four cups of wine are consumed in a specific order as the story of Exodus is told. Served to the adults throughout the dinner, these four wines represent points from the exodus story. While there are several explanations for the significance of the number four, the connection to “freedom from exile” is often referenced. For observant Jews, the wine served should be kosher. Although a kosher wine uses the same grapes as other wines, the wine making is handled by “sabbath-observant Jews”.
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NYC’s Newest Margarita: Hailee Steinfeld Launches Angel Margarita: A Premium Ready-to-Drink Margarita Cocktail with Premium Beers Group
Hailee Steinfeld Launches Angel Margarita: A Premium Ready-to-Drink Margarita Cocktail with Premium Beers Group
Academy Award-nominated actress, multi-platinum recording artist, and producer Hailee Steinfeld, in partnership with Premium Beers Group, a leader within the alcohol industry in Mexico, proudly announces the launch of Angel Margarita.
Hailee Steinfeld falls in love with flavor
Hailee Steinfeld has openly expressed her love for margaritas, often sharing glimpses of her favorite citrusy cocktail on social media. Whether enjoying a classic lime margarita or experimenting with fun flavors like spicy or strawberry, she appreciates the drink’s refreshing and vibrant appeal. Her enthusiasm for margaritas perfectly complements her fun-loving personality, making it a go-to choice for celebrations and casual outings alike.
This premium ready-to-drink margarita cocktail is made with 100% Agave Tequila from the rich soil of Jalisco, Mexico.
Angel Margarita: A Premium Ready-to-Drink Margarita Cocktail
To ensure that each can offers an authentic and refreshing taste experience, Angel Margarita is then fully crafted just moments from the Agave fields.
Blending Hailee’s West Coast style with the deep Mexican roots of her co-founders Jordi Zindel and Rodrigo Hernandez, Angel Margarita will lead the category with its commitment to quality. Angel Margarita will launch with four vibrant and refreshing flavors: Lime, Grapefruit Paloma, Ranch Water, and Wild Berry.
“Margaritas have always been my go-to cocktail,
so making a ready-to-drink version with high-quality ingredients that didn’t compromise on taste was important to me,”
Hailee Steinfeld
co-founder
“After visiting the Blue Agave fields in Jalisco with my partners Jordi and Rodrigo, I was inspired by the region. I am so proud of what we have created together and cannot wait for the world to try Angel Margarita.”
In 2023, premixed cocktails were the fastest-growing spirits category in the US, valued at approximately $2.8 billion, marking a 26.8% increase year over year. Tequila was the second fastest-growing category, valued at $6.5 billion, up 7.9% yearly.
To underscore the excitement and potential of this fast-growing category, Angel Margarita has partnered with Philip Button, Founder and CEO of Seven XV Ventures and Geloso Beverage Group, one of the leading alcohol beverage manufacturers and distributors in North America. With their support, Angel Margarita will begin its launch in Southern California.
“Hailee is the perfect partner to help us share an authentic piece of our culture and redefine the ready-to-drink market through Angel Margarita with a more global audience,” said Jordi Zindel and Rodrigo Hernandez, co-founders at Angel Margarita. “We invite consumers to taste our 100% Agave Tequila premium cocktails and to experience an authentic piece of Mexico in every sip.
Stay up to date on Angel Margarita: www.angelmargarita.com / @angelmargarita
100% Tequila, 100% Angel Margarita.
Angel Margarita stands out with its high standards of craftsmanship and tradition:
- Protected Denomination of Origin sourced and manufactured in Jalisco, Mexico
- Expertly crafted high-quality ingredient list featuring 100% Agave Tequila Blanco, a blend of sparkling water, agave syrup, and natural flavors
- Each 12 oz can is 6% ABV and is gluten-free
- Available in four flavors to start: Lime, Grapefruit Paloma, Ranch Water, and Wild Berry
- Retail = $14.99 / 4-pack, $28.99 / 8-pack variety
About Hailee Steinfeld:
Academy Award-nominated actress, multi-platinum recording musician, and producer Hailee Steinfeld remains a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Her leading performance in the 2016 critically acclaimed film THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN garnered her two Critics’ Choice Award nominations and a Golden Globe nomination. Her big-screen debut was in 2010 with the Coen Brothers’ film TRUE GRIT, for which she earned an Oscar nomination at only 14 years old. Up next, she will star alongside Michael B. Jordan in Warner Brothers and Ryan Coogler’s latest film, SINNERS. The supernatural action horror-thriller is set to release globally on April 18, 2025.
About Premium Beers Group:
With over 3 decades of experience, Premium Beers Group has innovated and revolutionized the alcohol category in Mexico. PBG was the first company in Mexico to import 100% malt beers from Europe and introduce craft beer and non-alcoholic beer. Premium Beers Group is the benchmark for excellence and a leader within the premium alcohol category.
About Geloso Group:
A leader in the innovation and development of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Geloso Group manufactures and distributes premium malt beverages, wines, ciders, beers, and spirits. Geloso Group is a valued supplier and trusted partner recognized for its professionalism and commitment to quality, service, and marketing.
Thanksgiving in NYC: the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s… [Recipe here]
This Thanksgiving in NYC, the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s brioche. As in St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing
No Thanksgiving spread is complete without a hearty stuffing. While add-ins are a matter of preference, choosing the right bread is crucial. One underrated choice is eggy, rich brioche – and with St Pierre Bakery, you don’t need to go to France to get it.
Thanks to its butter and egg content, St Pierre’s Brioche Loaf provides the perfect balance of crisp toastiness while remaining soft and creamy inside, while its lightly sweet flavor adds a decadent quality that can still lean savory. Attached below is an approachable recipe for stuffing allowing for all the craveable crunch for the whole family with minimal effort required.
St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing
By @BrandiMilloy
Ingredients
1 loaf St. Pierre Brioche Bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
3/4 cup celery, diced
3/4 cup carrots, diced
1 cup mushrooms, diced
2 large eggs
1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
3 sprigs fresh thyme, just the leaves
1 tbsp. fresh sage, chopped
1 small apple (granny smith works well), peeled and diced
Salt and pepper
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350 F. Cut brioche bread into 1” cubes and bake for about 10-15 minutes until toasted.
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Meanwhile, into a pot over medium high heat add butter until melted. Add onion, celery and carrots and cook until everything starts to soften, about 7 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Into a bowl whisk together the eggs, herbs, apples, mushrooms, and salt and pepper. Add your cooked vegetables and mix to combine.
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Pour mixture on top of toasted bread and stir to combine. Bake stuffing for about 45 minutes. If your stuffing starts to get too brown, cover until finished baking. Enjoy!
As America’s favorite brioche brand, St Pierre’s products are widely available via grocery stores nationwide as well as Walmart.
The Rise of Mushroom Coffee: A New Era in Health-Conscious Brewing
In today’s health-focused culture, where wellness transcends mere goals to become a lifestyle, mushroom coffee is emerging as a leading trend. This innovative beverage combines the classic energizing effects of coffee with components often linked to the reputed benefits of medicinal mushrooms. Such a blend makes mushroom coffee a more mindful, health-oriented option for daily consumption, resonating especially with those who weave wellness into their daily routines.
Image courtesy of Freepik
The uniqueness of mushroom coffee lies in its ability to enhance the usual coffee experience by potentially offering additional benefits. For those who find regular coffee too acidic, mushroom coffee presents a more stomach-friendly option. Additionally, it incorporates adaptogenic mushrooms, which are believed to help the body better manage stress. This attribute makes mushroom coffee especially enticing to wellness enthusiasts and those seeking a natural way to support their body’s stress response.
The Rise of Mushroom Coffee, Image Courtesy of Freepik
Finding a coffee that delivers on both taste and health promises can be a daunting task. Leading the initiative is More.Longevity & Wellbeing with its Coffee Superfood Blends. These products are meticulously developed, selecting each ingredient for its quality and scientific backing, ensuring they contribute effectively to the blend. Flavors such as Salted Caramel Vanilla and Mocha are designed to mask the natural earthiness of mushroom, making the beverage more enjoyable while enhancing its appeal. The addition of adaptogens and essential vitamins in the blends aims to support overall health by boosting immunity, enhancing energy, and improving mental clarity.
The Rise of Mushroom Coffee, Image Courtesy of More.Longevity & Wellbeing
The company’s commitment to radical transparency ensures that consumers receive a product free from unnecessary fillers and additives, affirming a respect for consumer health and environmental sustainability. This level of honesty and ecological consideration is becoming increasingly important to consumers who prefer products that are both healthy and environmentally conscious.
As the trend continues to carve a niche within the beverage market, consumers are presented with expanding choices. It’s no longer just about picking a brand; it involves selecting a philosophy and a level of quality that resonates with personal health values and taste preferences. The coffee not only invites coffee lovers to rethink their daily mug but also serves as a gateway to a more mindful and intentional morning routine.
Image Courtesy of Freepik
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NYC’s Coqodaq, Napa’s Be Bubbly, DC’s Apéro: Top 10 Bars and Restaurants for Champagne from Bureau du Champagne
NYC’s Coqodaq, Napa’s Be Bubbly, DC’s Apéro: Top 10 Bars and Restaurants for Champagne from Bureau du Champagne
From Napa to DC to Manhattan and just 7 other sparkling stops!
Bureau du Champagne, USA today announced its annual list of the Top 10 Bars and Restaurants where Champagne plays a starring role. The list, now in its third year, recognizes establishments that elevate and celebrate the uniqueness of the sparkling wine that comes only from Champagne, France.
Released in advance of Champagne Day 2024, the list showcases Champagne standouts in every U.S. region. It recognizes restaurants and bars that take special care to offer Champagnes from a wide variety of producers, list them properly on their menus, and serve them with élan.
“We received nominations for spectacular bars and restaurants across the country, and selected from them a list of destinations that embody the spirit of Champagne,”
Lori Russo
Director,
the Bureau du Champagne, USA.
“While these restaurants and bars differ in style, spanning the spectrum from fine dining to fried chicken, they all have one thing in common: they understand what makes Champagne special. For that, we couldn’t be prouder to raise a glass to them on Champagne Day and the rest of the year.”
The full list of this year’s featured bars and restaurants can be found below in alphabetical order:
- Apéro, Washington, DC: Apéro’s list of more than 700 wines places special emphasis on Champagne. The intimate setting in DC’s popular Georgetown neighborhood is an ideal spot to explore an extensive list of Champagnes smartly organized by style.
- Be Bubbly, Napa, Calif.: In the heart of California wine country, Be Bubbly takes care to showcase Champagne with a menu that includes a map of the region’s five wine-producing districts and a philosophy of Champagne as a celebration of life.
- Boiler Room, Omaha: The wine list at this terroir-focused restaurant, originally conceived by a Master Sommelier, offers a broad range of Champagnes at varying price points so everyone can join in the celebration.
- Charleston, Baltimore: The wine program at Charleston emphasizes the special relationship between wine and food. The Champagne list, which spans three pages of its menu, explains the magic of Champagne along with a diversity of tasting profiles.
- Coqodaq, New York: Proving the versatility of Champagne, Coqodaq pairs the sparkling wine with both caviar and its signature bucket of Korean fried chicken.
- Coupes, Dallas: Coupes bills itself as a bar for Champagne. True to its name, its vast menu of Champagnes explains that “Champagne is a sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wines are Champagne.”
- Fizz Champagne & Bubbles Bar, Sacramento, Calif.: Fizz believes in celebrating everyday triumphs with Champagne. Its menus and events elevate Champagne from France and distinguish it from other sparkling wines.
- La Vie, Waikiki, Hawaii: La Vie’s emphasizes farm-to-table dining with French flair, so its large selection of vintage and non-vintage Champagnes creates the perfect complement, and the view is special, too.
- Pops for Champagne, Chicago: Known for its special events, tastings, Champagne education and a vast list of Champagnes of every style, Pops has been dazzling Chicago with Champagne since 1982.
- Sexy Fish, Miami: The extraordinary interior of this Brickell restaurant is matched only by its extensive list of Champagnes both accessible and rare.
For more information on Champagne Day or to find an event near you, visit champagneday.champagne.fr. More events will be added in the near future, so check back often.
Bureau du Champagne, USA, is the official U.S. representative of the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC), a trade association representing the houses and winegrowers of Champagne, France. The Bureau works to advance the CIVC’s mission of defending the interests of the Champagne appellation worldwide through education and advocacy. For more information, visit us online at www.champagne.us.
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New York City’s Top Halloween Events in 2022 (Updated)
October is here! Time for New York City’s Top Halloween Events in 2022
Manhattan has the honor of hosting some of the US’s biggest parties – including the Village Halloween Parade. But we’re going big and beyond, including both the biggest parties and also great events beyond the island itself.
There’s plenty of ways to celebrate the spooky season this year in the Big Apple, from family friendly fun to adult-level screams and scares.
We’re listing them all out for you, and updating them as we discover more.
49th annual Village Halloween Parade
Village Halloween Parade
Get ready for the 49th annual Village Halloween Parade!
Easily one of the most creative Halloween parties in NYC, and one of the world’s largest Halloween parades.
Started in 1974, the Village Halloween Parade features large puppets, dozens of marching bands, and the chance for everyone to join along and participate.
Find more information here: Village Halloween Parade
Bronx Zoo’s annual family-friendly Boo at the Zoo
Boo At The Zoo
The Bronx Zoo’s annual family-friendly Halloween tradition returns in 2022.
You’re encouraged to dress in costume (heck, maybe as your favorite animal) and come to the zoo.
Fun family-friendly activities from recent years have included magic & mind reading, pumpkin carving demonstrations, a candy trail, a costume parade, Halloween crafts, an extinct animal graveyard, the Wildlife Witch’s Super Scary Halloween Show, and trick or truth.
Every Saturday and Sunday in October, including Saturday, October 29th and Sunday, October 30th.
For more information: Boo at the Bronx Zoo
Halloween in NYC’s Central Park
See The Enchanting Pumpkin Flotilla at Central Park
The ever-enchanting pumpkins are a part of the historic Pumpkin Flotilla, one of many family fun activities happening around Central Park on and around Halloween weekend.
Among others (crafts, entertainment, trick-or-treat scavenger hunt) you can watch a whole flotilla of pumpkins float across the Harlem Meer at twilight. Honestly, this is pretty cool to watch at any age.
For more information: Enchanting Pumpkin Flotilla at Central Park
Mozart for Munchkins
Kids Halloween Concert
Looking for kid-friendly shows on Halloween?
Buy tix to this now and thank me later.
Mozart for Munchkins Kids Halloween Concert is fun. This Halloween-themed event features world-class musicians playing both a classical and more modern tunes.
And don’t worry; it’s a seriously relaxed vibe so your kids can wander, sing-a-long, even dance along to the music,
Definitely d in the Halloween funkiness so they can enjoy the event to the fullest!
For more information: Mozart for Munchkins
NYC Monster Ball 2022
Looking for the biggest Halloween costume party in NYC?
Big party? Get ready for Monster Ball ‘22 – A Nightmare on 48th Street. The annual party takes place over multiple nights on Halloween weekend with over 10,000 costumed individuals all coming for one wild evening.
The definitely 21-and-over event is a fun combination of Halloween horrors and a raging party.
For more information: Monster Ball ‘ 22
Come To Dumboween’s March To The Arch
Does Brooklyn celebrate Halloween bigger? Come find out. Enjoy crafts, costume contests, live music, and candy as a part of the Dumboween March to the Arch.
This Brooklyn Halloween parade starts on Washington Street and heads through DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park before ending up at the Dumbo Archway.
At the archway there’s a Dumbo Archway Kids Party and the Neighborhood Trick or Treat where kids (and kids of all ages) can enjoy even more Halloween fun.
More information here: Click here for Dumboween
Wanna Go Pumpkin Picking At Decker Farm?
This more traditional Halloween fun takes place outside the city, so head out to Decker Farm in Historic Richmond Town, Staten Island.
Each year during Halloween season Decker Farm offers family-friendly activities.
On October weekends, enjoy hay rides, a corn maze, arts and crafts, face painting, and pumpkin picking. Starts October 1st and continues until October 30th, 2022.
For more information: Pumpkin Picking at Decker Farms
Stop By (family-friendly) The Spooky Fest
This family-friendly event has varying levels of scares as visitors experience what’s lurking in the woods at the Center for Science, Teaching, and Learning’s Spooky Fest.
This event features both scary and non-scary attractions so everyone can enjoy.
From the scarier Haunted Woods and a Maze of Horror to the safer Enchanted Forest Walk and Kids Arts and Craft Area, there’s plenty of options for everyone.
For more information: Spooky Fest
Make it a Yummy Halloween at the Museum of Ice Cream
All October-long, Museum of Ice Cream adds autumnal flavors to their menu.
They have Pumpkin soft serve ice cream and Haunted Cotton Candy!
With your purchased ticket to the museum, you’ll be able to eat unlimited Halloween scoops!
More information on Museum of Ice Cream
Get Your Scare On At Blood Manor
Located in Tribeca District, Blood Manor might be the scariest NYC Halloween event.
It’s a first-class haunted house featuring 10,000 square feet of themed rooms, a labyrinth, and more in a creepy, scream-inducing atmosphere.
Not recommended for children under 14. It’s intense – it even has emergency exits for those who feel too scared.
For more information: Blood Manor in NYC
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Legendary NYC Steakhouse Smith & Wollensky Serves 40+ Years of First-Class Meals
The Legendary NYC Steakhouse Smith & Wollensky serves 40+ years of first-class steaks, drinks and more,
Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse was “born” in 1977 on Third Avenue and 49th St. and prides themselves on their steaks.
Smith Wollensky Steakhouse on the corner of Third Ave and 49th St.
Smith & Wollensky Process
USDA Prime grade beef is dry-aged and hand-butchered in-house to ensure unparalleled quality, tender texture and outstanding flavor.
Smith Wollensky Dry aged steak process
Yes, it’s the slowest, most time-consuming and most expensive way to age beef.
And yes, it’s worth it.
At any moment the Smith & Wollensky team is aging 7-12 tons of beef.
Smith Wollensky legendary steak process
Smith & Wollensky Cuisine
USDA Prime, dry aged steaks are the cornerstone of their menu.
The food and drink are incredible. Well-balanced cocktails. Fresh oysters.
Smith Wollensky’s perfect Old Fashioned
The old fashioned was a well-balanced blend of rye whiskey, bitters, citrus with the classic orange peel garnish.
The seafood was fresh. The oysters freshly-shucked laying chilled on a bed of ice shavings, surrounded by shrimp and the sides of lemon and vinegar seasoning.
Smith Wollensky’s oysters and seafood platter
The filet mignon was incredible – juicy, tender, with a pink, medium rare center and a seared edge.
Smith Wollensky’s filet mignon
Smith & Wollensky Service
The waitstaff was friendly, knowledgeable and very prompt. Occasional visits and quick to make menu suggestions for mains, side dishes and pairings.
Smith & Wollensky Ambiance
Smith & Wollensky carry on the traditional steakhouse. Proud of their legacy and the “old school” feel that comes with it.
Smith Wollensky’s crowded bar
Hospitality
Smith & Wollensky have a 40+ year tradition of excellent food, excellent ingredients, a truly legendary dry age process.
In addition, their barstaff, waitstaff and full team are truly passionate culinary experts.
It’s easy to expect a near-perfect dining experience from them.
Smith Wollensky Steakhouse
For their menu and more, visit: https://www.smithandwollenskynyc.com
These are great wine options! Love rose