A Glass of Wine A Day …

As we’ve all adjusted our lifestyles in the wake of the novel coronavirus, we’ve watched our daily lives drastically change. No longer are we waking up at dawn for the morning commute, or dropping our children off at school. Instead, we’re turning in our handbags and heels for athleisure and scrunchies. We’ve adapted, and will continue to do so as the world around us settles into a new normal. That said, there are still so many ways we can continue to enjoy these days indoors, and still enjoy the comforts of luxury that seem ever so inaccessible these days. While we may not be able to dine out with friends or go on holiday with family, you can create an incredible experience for your senses by becoming an expert wine connoisseur. If you’ve ever wanted to feel more confident with what you’re ordering on the menu, be armed with insight when going wine tasting, and having a deeper understanding of the pleasures and wonders of viticulture, then look no further: now is a great time to dive deep into the world of wine.

Amanda Greenbaum and Olivera Markovic, co-founders of the Millennial Wine, Beer & Spirits Competition, have made it their mission to elevate interest in wine, especially for younger consumers who are largely excluded from the conversation. Though young, Amanda and Olivera are wise beyond their years when it comes to living lives of luxury, and they’ve found that, in their journey as wine experts and entrepreneurs, having an interest in viticulture has elevated their dining experiences while out home, out with friends, traveling, and the likes. The ladies are bringing their knowledge to the forefront by sharing witty ways you can improve your time in quarantine with a little bit of love for liquor. They spoke exclusively with Retreat and shared their tips in a fun and flirty way by introducing which wines to drink on different days of the week to add an extra element of joy to the days ahead. Whether you’re hit with the Monday blues, or having a Friday movie night in, Amanda and Olivera have a detailed guide to the wines of the week you need to know about.

A glass of wine a day keeps the doctor away…that’s how it goes right? Well for us it definitely does. And so we’re going to take you on a week long journey of the best wines to drink for each day of the week!

Let’s start with the dreaded Monday. We all hate Mondays. The best part of Monday is knowing that 5 o’clock is straight ahead, we just have to work until we get there. So, I always pick a wine that’s exciting. Definitely make sure that you have something that’s going to take the edge off a long day, and be something to look forward to while working. Try the 2016 AJA Vineyards Syrah from the Malibu Coast. It’s deliciously fruit forward, an exciting boutique wine, and it’s only $35.

On Tuesdays we’ve gotten into the groove of the week. We’re happy it’s no longer Monday, but amped to take on the day. Tuesday celebrations call for something zesty like one of our fave easy drinkers, 2018 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough New Zealand. This wine is the perfect mid-week escape. Enjoy the fresh tropical fruity notes, zesty lime and grapefruit, and the bright jalapeno and bell pepper scents. It’s the perfect wine to pair with Taco Tuesday and it’s delicious on its own.

Wine Wednesday is the name this day is given in our books. I prefer inexpensive yet tasty wine, something simple in which you can easily indulge. Midweek feels calls for something savory like a hamburger or cheeseburger. It’s Hump Day! You deserve to treat yourself a little bit! With this meal, I’d go with the Color Wine Red Blend. Something easy to sling back and also easy to pair with savory foods.

Thursday

Go light today and enjoy something to refresh you after an already long week. The Chiaretto Rosé is a fantastic way to go. As summer approaches we look for wines that are versatile yet fresh, floral, fragrant and tasty. Thursdays are a great day for a walk in the neighborhood or hanging out on a pool floatie. And what better wine to pair with than a tasty Italian rosé! And for $20? I’ll buy two!

Friday

Friday means it’s the freakin weekend and we’ve got to celebrate with a special treat! Enjoy a bottle of Declaration Cabernet Sauvignon from California. Full-bodied with flavors of brioche, vanilla, mocha and raspberry along with hints of strawberry and tobacco make this the tastiest wine to pair with your Friday night dinner, which I hope is something big and tasting like a Kansas City steak or maybe a hearty rack of lamb with a hint of mint jelly.

Saturday

After a big meal of steak on Friday, you need to switch it up. Enjoy a filet of salmon or a seafood specialty and pair it with a 2017 St. Francis Sonoma County Pinot Noir. This excellent wine is bright and fruit-forward with cherry and cranberry notes on top. Paired along with hints of clove, nutmeg, and vanilla, crisp acidity, and a smooth finish, it’s the perfect wine to pair. Enjoy this delicious wine for only $19.

Sunday

Sunday brunch is what we look forward to the most every week! That’s why we have to go big with a tasty NV Taittinger Brut Champagne, or Brut Rosé! One of the most iconic champagne houses, and also mine and Amanda’s favorite, we would love to enjoy sipping champagne to remind us that we have conquered this week and deserve something special to celebrate. Our brunch pairing is pretty much anything you might want to enjoy, eggs benedict, omelet, french toast, waffles, pancakes, bagels and more! Brunch and champagne are always reasons to celebrate and go big. So go big with some Taittinger.