Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue…wine?

blue-wineWhen it comes to weddings, if safe to say that Brides are leaning further and further away from tradition and as a result, I’ve been challenged by my brides to provide alternative (sometimes, OUTRAGEOUS) takes on various wedding traditions, including “something blue” and well, get ready to imbibe because while the wine world is full of choices – red or white, sparkling or still, refreshing rosé or spritzy vinho verde – I’ve discovered there’s yet another trend on the horizon and it’s blue!  And, if you’re like my brides, you may want to consider the following liquid libations for your upcoming wedding or blue-inspired event.

Blanc de Bleu Cuvee Mousseux is a non-vintage Sparkling Chardonnay wine from California with an added hint of blueberries. It offers seductive flavors and fresh aromatic effervescence – vividly pasteled with blueberries and contained in an impressively sexy bottle.

Gik Bue WineGik wine is made using red and white grapes from vineyards in La Rioja, Zaragoza, León, and Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. Gïk blends different varieties of red and white grapes with two organic pigments to turn it blue: anthocyanin, from the red grape skin, and indigotine, an organic compound commonly used as a reddish-blue food dye. The resulting flavour is enhanced with non-caloric sweeteners to create a product that is cross between a wine, a wine cooler and a cocktail mixer, with a mellow, sweet, slightly syrupy mouthfeel.

The company faced backlash in Spain for labeling the product as wine but after weathering regulatory hurdles, Gik is finally bound for retailers in Miami, Boston, and Texas, New York, Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, California and Washington.

blumond-socialSaraceni Blumond Blue Bubbly is made in Italy and noted as being seductive and flavorful, sweet, light (containing only about 7.0% in alcohol), and bubbly!  I’ve actually had the pleasure of tasting this wine at a recent bridal show and I can confirm the reports – it’s delicious! And even better, they sell mini-blumond bottles which, in my opinion, is a perfect favor idea!

When talking about wine, the next question I almost always receive is, “how much will I need to purchase?”, because, let’s face it, there really is nothing worse than running out in the middle of a celebration! You typically want to give each guest 5 ounces and most standard bottles are 750ml, which pours about 5 glasses. Always account for the occasional spill and definitely expect a few guests to want a refill so I highly recommend 15 bottles for every 50 guests.

So what do you think?  Are you brave enough to try blue wine?

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City Spaces For Your Next Event

When looking for the perfect place to book your New York City event, wedding, wedding rehearsal, or reception, check out these swanky spaces that were recently featured in IN New York Online Magazine.

Bello

Offering a sumptuous menu of traditional, hearty Northern Italian cuisine in generous portions, Bello restaurant is in close proximity to some of New York City’s top attractions, including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and the Theater District. For the perfect event, Bello offers a private dining room, which is available to cater parties à la carte, buffet or family-style. 863 Ninth Ave., corner of W. 56th St. & Ninth Ave., 212.246.6788bellorestaurant.com 

Café Espanol

Café Espanol, tucked in the heart of Greenwich Village, offers patrons a wide variety of authentic Spanish cuisine. Specialty items include paella flavored with real wild saffron, imported Spanish manchego cheese and Serrano ham or imported pulpo. Private party rooms are available with lunch packages priced at $25 and dinner packages priced at $40. All packages include a four-course meal with wine, sangria and beer. 172 Bleecker St., btw MacDougal & Sullivan sts.,212.505.0657cafeespanol.com

The Hurricane Club

The Hurricane Club is a modern interpretation of the tiki bar and restaurant, bringing together a sophisticated supper club setting with a celebration of retro tiki kitsch. Customized music options are available for private events. Your iPod or MP3 player can connect to the restaurant’s sound system for a seamless, professional sound. In addition, Hurricane Club has relationships with the best resources for floral design and audiovisual to further enhance your event. Polynesian live entertainment can also be arranged. For more information, contact Private Events Manager Kristen Martino at 917.922.9964 or fill out the Private Dining Inquiry form here. 360 Park Avenue So., at E. 26th St., 212.951.7111thehurricaneclub.com

Remi Restaurant combines the rich traditions of Northern Italian cuisine with the allure of Venetian design and architecture. For private events, the glass-enclosed Atrium Garden is the ideal setting for seasonal dining and can be heated for year-round events. The space can accommodate 10 to 1,000 guests.  Grand Canal, Remi’s main dining room, evokes the spirit of Venice with an expansive fantasy mural of a grand canal. This space can accommodate 100 to 400 guests. The Rialto Room boasts its own private entrance on W. 54th St. and the space can accommodate 30 to 125 guests. The Chef’s Table can accommodate 10 to 16 patrons. 145 W. 53rd St., btw Sixth & Seventh aves., 212.757.7610remi-ny.com

Located atop the Museum of Arts and Design, ROBERT features expansive views of Columbus Circle and Central Park. The event managers and culinary team, lead by Chef Leo Forneas, create new American fare and will ensure your special event is perfect. Robert, a new modern classic. 2 Columbus Ave., 9th Fl., btw Broadway & Eighth Ave., 212.299.7730,robertnyc.com

SHOPS AT COLUMBUS CIRCLE

Shops at Columbus Circle

The main event space on the 2nd floor of Time Warner Center is an exquisite indoor, open-air luxury event space with stunning views of Columbus Circle. From gallery art exhibits, public concerts, private receptions, live broadcasts and fiber capabilities, wine tastings, product launches and press events, the 2nd floor can easily transform to accommodate any high-profile or private event. For more information, contact Stephanie Fink, 212.801.1186sfink@related.com

Vineyard Vows

Vineyards and wineries are the perfect wedding venue alternative for the couple who has a love of natural beauty and, of course, wine.  The vibrant greenery of a vineyard in spring needs few enhancements, making the minimalist approach not only aesthetically breathtaking but also budget friendly.  Wineries often host wine tastings, which is the perfect way to get the girls together to check out potential wedding venues, explore new wine pairings, and enjoy each other’s company.  You can look up wineries in your area by searching the national database of US wineries.

If you’re securing a vineyard for your wedding day, you may want to make sure you know the answers to the following questions before signing on the dotted line:

  • How many guests can be accommodated?
  • What is the basic fee and what does it include?
  • Is there a price break for days other than weekends?
  • How many hours may we have use of the venue?
  • Is there a weather contingency plan for outdoor venues?
  • Does the winery have in-house catering?
  • Can beverages other than the winery’s be served?
  • Are there any music restrictions?
  • Is there an area for dancing?
  • May all areas of the property be used for photography?
  • How about restroom facilities?
  • Is parking sufficient and convenient?
  • What about minors attending?