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Spain’s Penin Guide Wine Best! Taste of the Podium XIII offers Penin Guide 2023 Tasting at City Winery NYC

By Joe Winger — 2 years ago

Taste of the Podium XIII offers Penin Guide 2023 Tasting at City Winery NYC

It was a proud day for Spain’s Penin Guide as they’re showcasing hundreds of their best wines for NYC’s wine and food elite: sommeliers, wine shop retail and wine critics.

What makes it extra special is their afternoon ‘Taste of the Podium XIII’ tasting where a select group will receive the privilege of a hosted tasting through the Penin Guide 2023 highest rated wines moderated by.

A.J. Ojeda - Pons

Spanish Wine Expert A.J. Ojeda – Pons

For those who haven’t experienced an A.J. Ojeda – Pons led tasting, it’s incredible and highly-recommended.  Try your best to attend his future event.

 

What is the Penin Guide?

 

First published in 1990 under the name of Vinos y Bodegas de España, and edited by José Peñín, the current honorary president of the company.

The Peñín Guide to Spanish wines is the most comprehensive Spanish wine guide in the world.

With editions in Spanish, English, German and Chinese, it is the most widely used tool for amateurs and professionals to make purchasing decisions on Spanish wine.

It’s a must-have resource for restaurants, wine shops and critics.

What is Penin Guide’s Taste of the Podium

 

To make it even clearer, at City Winery NYC we’re tasting through wines that achieved Penin Guide’s highest marks of 2023.

What we’re about to taste with the Taste of the Podium event, is the best of the best.  Wines rated 95 points or more in the new edition of the guide, known as “Podium” wines of the Penin Guide.

If your restaurant serves Spanish wines,  your shop sells Spanish wines, or you write about Spanish wines, you want to be at this overall event and squeeze in to this afternoon’s Podium tasting.

 

A.J. Ojeda – Pons Doesn’t Disappoint

 

From the moment AJ walks in the room, the energy changes.  He’s excited.  He knows what we’re tasting today and he’s eager to share and get reactions.

Pere Ventura Grand Vintage Paraje Calificada Can Bas 2015 BE GR BR Cava

Pere Ventura Grand Vintage Paraje Calificada Can Bas 2015 BE GR BR Cava

Pere Ventura Grand Vintage Paraje Calificada Can Bas 2015 BE GR BR Cava

Creamy smooth palate with lemon and ripe melon flavors balanced by toasty character. Elegant and persistent. 

Lalomba Finca Valhonta 2018 Rioja Tempranillo

Lalomba Finca Valhonta 2018 Rioja Tempranillo

 

Lalomba Finca Valhonta 2018 Rioja Tempranillo

 

Deep purple in the glass.  On the nose, blueberry, black berry, black currant. A seductive ripe round mouthful, complex and persistent. It fills your heart with young romance.  Good structure, good body, medium finish.

 

 

Por los Cien 2018 T Bodegas Fos Rioja Tempranillo

Bright medium ruby in the glass with gentle hints of garnet around the rim.  An orchestra of blackberry, plums, violet that ”sings” with aroma if you’re listening. Gorgeous.  Evolving into spice, cedar, black pepper, balsamic.  Complicated and expressive, with body, medium tannin and a lingering finish. Food pairings back for stews, spicy dishes, blue cheese gamey meats.

 

San Vicente 2018 T BA Senorio de San Vicente Rioja Tempranillo

San Vicente 2018 T BA Senorio de San Vicente Rioja Tempranillo

San Vicente 2018 T BA Senorio de San Vicente Rioja Tempranillo

 

Inky deep purple in the glass.  A powerful gush of blackberry, blueberry, black plum.  It fills your mouth with a then velvet layer of liquorice, oak, cherry cola, tobacco, chocolate.  Full body with a long, confident finish.  Pairs well with manchego, a hefty burger, well-seasoned roasted lamb. 

 

Baron de Chirel 2017 T Bodegas de los Herederos del Marques de Riscol;  Rioja Tempranillo

Baron de Chirel 2017 T Bodegas de los Herederos del Marques de Riscol;  Rioja Tempranillo

Baron de Chirel 2017 T Bodegas de los Herederos del Marques de Riscol;  Rioja Tempranillo

 

Medium ruby in the glass.  Pronounced aromas of black currant, black plum almost reach out and kiss you.  In your mouth it’s deep, dense and full.  Graphite, minerality, mushroom, earth.  Full body.  Medium tannin that seems to keep growing.  A finish that keeps lingering.  Pair with ribeye, bbq. 

 

Grans Muralles 2018 T R Familia Torres Conca De Barbera Garnacha carinena querol monastree garro

Grans Muralles 2018 T R Familia Torres Conca De Barbera Garnacha carinena querol monastree garro

Grans Muralles 2018 T R Familia Torres Conca De Barbera Garnacha carinena querol monastree garro

 

Medium ruby in the glass. Black berry, black currant, raspberry on the nose.  Black plum, chocolate, tobacco, building to a complex, medium tannin, slight oak, full body.

 

Victorino 2019 T Teso la Monja Toro Tino de Toro

 

Deep, inky purple in the glass.  Pronounced nose of black currant, black plum, rip fruit, black pepper.  The mouth is velvety and full-bodied, medium tannin, raspberry, cloves, chocolate  The finish was smooth and lingering.

Abadia  Retuerta Pago Negralada 2016 T BA Abadia Retuerta Pago Abadia Retuerta Tempranillo

 

Deep ruby in the glass.  Pronounced red currant, fresh berry on the nose.  Medium body, medium tannin with a balanced ensemble of vanilla, clove, cedar with a slight pastry hint.

 

Jorge Ordonez & Co No 2 Victoria Dulce (sin fortificar) 2021nB D Jorge Ordonez Malaga Y Sierra de Malaga Moscate

 

The nose is gorgeous with white peaches, pineapple, gooseberries and green apples,  orange peel, honey.   A decadent, sensual mouth keeps building with honey, caramel, candied apple, and cantaloupe.  Plush, full–bodied, medium acid, hint of bitter altogether brinds balance.

 

 

Doc Cortados 20 Anos BF PC S Bodegas Williams & Humbert Jerez Palominno

 

Medium amber in the glass. Nose of fig, dried fruit. Medium body with churned butter, caramel, toasted almonds, butter, vanilla, baking spice with a medium finish that lingered just long enough.

An excellent showing by Spain’s Penin Guide and truly a showcase of their Taste of the Podium

Speaking of well-balanced, our leader A.J. Ojeda – Pons did an excellent job of sharing knowledge, balancing but never overpowering some formidable flavors, keeping the conversation light, but intriguing and pacing our short time quite well.  Not too hurried, but never lagging.  

Kudos and cheers to Mr. Ojeda – Pons and the entire Penin team.  Thank you Morgan Perry and Sicily Cronin.

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David Ortiz’s Dominican Ozama Rum
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Big Papi’s New York Debut: David Ortiz’s Dominican Ozama Rum Lands in Manhattan With Bold Flavor and Cultural Swagger

By Rocco Delfino — 2 days ago

Big Papi’s New York Debut: David Ortiz’s Dominican Ozama Rum Lands in Manhattan With Bold Flavor and Cultural Swagger

In a city that appreciates craftsmanship, culture, and a killer cocktail, there’s a new player on the scene ready to disrupt bar menus from Brooklyn rooftops to Central Park South. Hall-of-Fame legend David “Big Papi” Ortiz—yes, that David Ortiz—is officially entering the world of fine spirits with the launch of Ozama Rum, a 100% Dominican-made, ultra-premium rum that’s already turning heads in the five boroughs.

Far more than just a celebrity vanity label, Ozama Rum is a deeply personal project rooted in Ortiz’s Dominican heritage, shaped by tradition, and tailored for modern palates. Named after the Ozama River in Santo Domingo, the spirit is crafted from start to finish in the Dominican Republic, earning the prestigious Ron Dominicano designation that certifies its authenticity.

David Ortiz’s Dominican Ozama Rum

“To me, Ozama isn’t just about rum, it’s about identity, pride, and progress,” said Ortiz. “I wanted to build something that celebrates the energy and soul of my people and shows the world what we’re made of. It’s always been important for me to do things the right way, which is why this labor of love has been one of the most rewarding projects of my career. I can’t wait for people to try it! They say that perfection doesn’t exist, but you can get close to it.”

Ozama Rum: Where Craft Meets Culture in a Bottle

Available in three expressions, Ozama Rum brings a polished Dominican sensibility to Manhattan’s world-class cocktail scene—whether you’re sipping at Bemelmans, lounging at Soho House, or unwinding in a Brooklyn brownstone. Each expression is aged for at least a year in oak barrels and bottled on the island, delivering a terroir-driven taste of the Caribbean with unmistakable sophistication.

  • Ozama Blanco: Bright, citrus-forward, and kissed with white pepper, this platinum-hued rum is clean yet complex. Ideal for refreshing cocktails in Greenwich Village patios or summer spritzes on the rooftop at Le Bain.

  • Ozama Añejo: Smooth and refined, this copper-colored beauty delivers layers of vanilla, toffee, and a subtle note of chocolate—perfect for pairing with dessert at Eleven Madison Park or sipping solo in a Chelsea loft.

  • Ozama Gran Añejo: Rich and elegant, with aromas of honey, dates, candied fruits, and fine wood. This is a sipping rum made for slow conversations in the Upper East Side, where the bottle becomes the centerpiece.

Price points are as approachable as the flavor profiles—ranging from $25 to $40 for 700ml—making Ozama accessible luxury in every sense.

A New Spirit for a City of Tastemakers

New York is no stranger to premium spirits. But Ozama enters the market at a moment when consumer interest in rum is booming. According to Global View Research, the global rum market was valued at $11.77 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow 5.6% annually through 2030. That growth is driven by a shift toward artisanal, culturally rooted spirits—just the kind of origin story Manhattan drinkers crave.

And Ortiz isn’t just lending his name. The former MLB star partnered closely with a team of Dominican artisans and Abbott Wolfe, CEO of Drink2Success, to bring this vision to life.

“From day one, David had a clear vision to create an ultra-premium rum that feels authentic, vibrant, and undeniably Dominican—it was important to him to spotlight the Dominican Republic and at the same time give back to the community that raised him,” said Wolfe.

Giving Back, the Dominican Way

Ozama Rum’s purpose doesn’t stop at the bottle. Two percent of the brand’s profits will go toward cleaning up the Ozama River and supporting underserved communities along its banks. It’s a gesture that feels at home in a city that values global citizenship and local impact.

Where to Find Ozama in New York City

Available now online at drinkozama.com, Ozama is rolling out this summer at select retailers, bars, and restaurants across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Early interest from high-end mixologists in Tribeca, Williamsburg, and the Upper West Side suggests Ozama will quickly find a place among New York’s finest pours.

Whether it’s mixed into a refined mojito at Dante, poured neat at Maison Premiere, or offered as a pairing in the city’s growing number of Afro-Caribbean culinary spots, Ozama is a rum built for New York sophistication—with a heartbeat from the Dominican Republic.

Final Pour: The Big Apple Meets Big Papi

In a town where everything is fast, curated, and fueled by narrative, Ozama Rum offers something deeper—a bottle with a backstory, a cultural anchor, and the kind of authenticity that New Yorkers respect.

As Ortiz says, “They say that perfection doesn’t exist, but you can get close to it.”

And here in Manhattan, close to perfect is more than enough reason to raise your glass.

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Taraji P. Henson Brings Her Seven Daughters Moscato
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Taraji P. Henson Brings Her Seven Daughters Moscato for with Manhattan NYC Magic to the High Seas with Princess Cruises

By Katie Macken — 2 days ago

Taraji P. Henson Brings Her Moscato for with Manhattan NYC Magic to the High Seas with Princess Cruises

Broadway lights, Harlem hustle, and now—Taraji P. Henson’s Moscato on the open ocean.

The Emmy-nominated, Oscar-nodded powerhouse and entrepreneur has teamed up with Princess Cruises to bring her celebrated Seven Daughters Moscato to the brand’s exclusive Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection. And while Taraji’s roots are D.C. born, New Yorkers know she’s always brought a Manhattan-level boldness to everything she touches—whether it’s a red carpet or a wine glass.

“Seven Daughters is more than just a bottle of wine; it’s a celebration in a glass,” Henson shared. “Our Moscato is inviting, refreshing, and perfect for moments of connection which is what makes this partnership with Princess Cruises so amazing. Now we can experience this feeling with people from around the world, whether they’re toasting under the stars or relaxing on the open sea.”

That connection is something every New Yorker craves—especially when escaping the city’s breakneck pace for a well-earned recharge. With Princess Cruises offering sailings from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, it’s never been easier to trade the city skyline for an ocean horizon—glass of Henson’s Moscato in hand.

Featuring notes of tropical fruit and honeysuckle, Seven Daughters offers the kind of bright, celebratory flavor that fits perfectly between a jazz brunch in the West Village and a rooftop toast in Midtown. Now, thanks to Princess Cruises, it’s also a go-to at sea.

“Princess Cruises is committed to curating distinctive, high-quality experiences for our guests, and Seven Daughters aligns seamlessly with that vision,” said Sami Kohen, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Princess Cruises. “Taraji’s Moscato reflects a bold yet approachable style that we know our guests will love.”

Henson’s wine joins an all-star lineup of bottles in the Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection, which includes Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson’s Meili Vodka, Camila and Matthew McConaughey’s Pantalones Organic Tequila, Blake Lively’s Betty Booze and Betty Buzz, Liev Schreiber’s Sláinte Irish Whiskey, Jason Aldean’s Melarosa wines, Romero Britto’s Love Prosecco, and Kylie Minogue’s No Alcohol Sparkling Rosé.

But Henson’s addition feels especially New York in spirit—sophisticated, stylish, and full of character. For city dwellers looking to trade the subway for a stateroom, Seven Daughters is an invitation to unwind without leaving the energy behind.

As Strategic Advisor and Creative Collaborator, Henson has helped shape every aspect of the wine’s personality, much like she’s done with her most iconic roles. And just like New York, this Moscato is lively, expressive, and impossible to ignore.

Whether you’re a downtown art dealer, an Upper East Side socialite, or a Brooklyn creative looking to unplug, a Princess cruise with a glass of Taraji’s Moscato might be just the blend of luxury and leisure you didn’t know you needed.

So the next time you’re booking a departure from NYC, remember: this isn’t just another cruise. It’s a chance to sip something special—with a side of Taraji—and toast to life beyond the grid.

Find out more about the Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection and upcoming sailings at www.princess.com.

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WWE and Seagram’s Escapes Spiked Boozy
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Manhattan Is the First Stop for WWE and Seagram’s Escapes Spiked Boozy, Slam-Worthy Drinks

By Rocco Delfino — 3 days ago

WWE and Seagrams Just Dropped Boozy, Slam-Worthy Drinks—And Manhattan Is the First Stop

NEW YORK, NY — In a city where everything moves faster, hits harder, and parties louder, WWE is making its boldest off-the-top-rope move yet—launching its first-ever ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage right here in the heart of Manhattan.

WWE and Seagram’s Escapes Spiked just announced a multi-year partnership that’s as wild as a Hell in a Cell match in Madison Square Garden. The result? A brand-new, wrestling-themed lineup of flavored malt beverages, designed for fans who live big and drink bold.

And New York, you’re first in line. From East Village rooftops to uptown bodegas, the Seagram’s Escapes Spiked WWE Series is already popping up across the five boroughs—just in time to raise a can and body slam the summer heat.

The Big Apple Meets the Big Elbow

This isn’t just a licensing deal. It’s a cultural collision between two icons—WWE, the global entertainment empire born in gritty arenas, and Seagram’s, a brand rooted in fun, flavor, and that “no apologies” energy New Yorkers know best.

“Seagram’s has a rich history of innovation and a deep commitment to authenticity, making it the ideal partner to go to market with our first-ever licensed ready-to-drink product,” said Grant Norris-Jones, EVP and Head of Global Partnerships at TKO Group Holdings, WWE’s parent company. “And let’s be honest—there’s no better place to launch than NYC.”

Flavor That Hits Like a Superkick

The new Spiked series isn’t here to sip quietly—it’s here to stand on tables in the Meatpacking District and shout “Let’s get ready to rumble!” at rush hour. The three debut flavors bring serious personality:

  • Rumble Punch™ – A remix of the fan-favorite Jamaican Me Happy, this tropical knockout blends strawberry, watermelon, lemon, and guava. Perfect for rooftop hangs in SoHo or post-work drinks on the Hudson.

  • Pineapple Powerhouse™ – With bold pineapple, cherry, and lime, this can packs all the energy of a 2 a.m. dance floor in Hell’s Kitchen.

  • Slammin’ Blueberry™ – A clean one-two punch of blueberry and lemon, tailor-made for chill park days at Bryant Park or Union Square pre-games.

All three flavors are now stocked across Manhattan—from your corner deli on Lexington to upscale liquor boutiques in the West Village.

WWE Superstars Coming to a Bodega Near You?

This isn’t just about what’s in the can. As an Official Partner of WWE, Seagram’s Escapes Spiked will be front and center at major WWE events—Money in the Bank®, SummerSlam®, and Survivor Series®—and heavily featured in exclusive digital content starring your favorite Superstars.

But NYC gets something even better: in-person appearances from WWE Superstars at select retailers across the city. Think autograph signings, selfie ops, and unexpected encounters with wrestling royalty at your go-to wine shop in the East 60s or downtown bodega.

“Our collaboration with WWE marks an exciting moment for Seagram’s Spiked as we connect with WWE’s global—and very NYC-centric—fanbase,” said Jaime Polisoto, brand director for Seagram’s Escapes. “Our sales team is amped to bring Superstars directly into the city to meet fans where they live.”

From MSG to Madison Ave—This Is New York’s Drink of the Summer

If there was ever a city made for this kind of crossover, it’s NYC. From the gritty legacy of wrestling nights at Madison Square Garden to the rooftop bar culture that defines Manhattan summers, Seagram’s Escapes Spiked WWE Series is built for the urban fight fan, the flavor chaser, and anyone who wants to sip something loud while living larger.

So next time you’re grabbing a six-pack for a rooftop party in Williamsburg, pregaming before a Barclays event, or just need something cold to crush after a subway grind—grab a can and drink like a champion.

Because this summer in NYC, the most electrifying drinks in entertainment have officially entered the ring.

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About the Author
Joe Wehinger (nicknamed Joe Winger) has written for over 20 years about the business of lifestyle and entertainment. Joe is an entertainment producer, media entrepreneur, public speaker, and C-level consultant who owns businesses in entertainment, lifestyle, tourism and publishing. He is an award-winning filmmaker, published author, member of the Directors Guild of America, International Food Travel Wine Authors Association, WSET Level 2 Wine student, WSET Level 2 Cocktail student, member of the LA Wine Writers. Email to: Joe@FlavRReport.com

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