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This month, Texas Hill Country Wineries added three new members and all of them are women-owned! Wine for the People was founded by Rae Wilson, who is also the winemaker; Elisa Christopher is owned by Elisa and her husband, Christopher, who make their wines together; and Portree Cellars is owned by Janet Miertschin, who is also the winemaker, and her husband, Mark. THCW has many other amazing female owners and winemakers to celebrate this month. Women Winemakers include Claire Richardson at Uplift, Assistant Winemaker at Ab Astris, Elizabeth Koynk, Winemaker at Driftwood Estate, Jackie van Sant Downes, Winemaker and owner at Kalasi Cellars, Nikhila Davis, Winemaker at Longhorn Cellars, Alana Martinez, Winemaker at Meierstone, Krystal Patel, Winemaker at Pedernales Cellars, Joanna Wilczoch, Winemaker at Torr Nah Lochs, Karen DeBerry, and Winemaker at Wildseed Farms, Dabs Hollimon. The list of women who own or partially own wineries is even longer: Be sure to check out some of these women-owned wineries, or wines made by women, if you find yourself in the Hill Country soon!

by Morgan Perry The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread cheer than by giving thoughtful gifts to your loved ones? Whether they're wine lovers, wellness enthusiasts, or outdoorsy winos, our curated gift guide has something for everyone. Here are my top picks for this festive season: 1. Repour Wine Saver: The best stocking-stuffer for wine lovers. Preserve the flavor of every sip with the Repour Wine Saver. This innovative wine preservation system keeps your favorite wines fresh, eliminating the need for pumps or gases. Ideal for wine lovers who want to open a few bottles at once, or open a bottle and finish it days or weeks later. Shop here. 2. Highcamp Flasks - Parkside Flask: Elevate outdoor adventures with the Highcamp Parkside Flask. This stylish and functional flask keeps your favorite wine at the perfect temperature while you enjoy the great outdoors. Crafted with quality materials, it's a must-have for those who like to hike, camp or take wine with them to the beach, on a boat, or any kind of adventure! Get 15% off with code VINOVINYASAYOGA. To buy, click here. 3. Maison Palo Santo Products: This company was founded by Vino Vinyasa teacher, Mimi! These handcrafted, sustainably sourced Palo Santo sticks are perfect for cleansing your space before, during and after holiday gatherings. Gift a candle or bundle to someone who appreciates the calming and aromatic qualities of this sacred wood. You can even customize the sticks! Shop here! 4. Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois or Holiday Gift Set: Elevate the celebration with Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois. This exquisite champagne offers a rich and complex flavor profile due to vinification in oak barrels. The perfect Champagne for cooler weather! Or, go BIG with an exclusive gift set featuring the Brut Réserve and Nicolas François 2008, which are the house's traditional blend cuvées. (2008 was an AMAZING vintage!) The Gift Set can be purchased online at Premier Champagne or Acker Wines. 5. Karmadillo Cork Yoga Mats: Give the gift of mindfulness with Karmadillo cork yoga mats. These eco-friendly and non-toxic mats provide excellent grip and support for yoga practice. Ideal for yogis and wellness enthusiasts who value sustainability and style. Plus, Leslie, the female founder, is from Austin! Shop here. 6. Texas Hill Country Wineries Christmas Wine Affair Passport Event: If you are in Texas, surprise your loved ones with tickets to the Texas Hill Country Wineries Christmas Wine Affair Passport Event. Your signature passport ticket benefits include a complimentary wine tasting and a 15% discount on 3+ bottle purchases at each of the 45+ participating wineries. Savor all that Texas Wine Country has to offer this holiday season from November 27 – December 22, 2023. 7. Vino Vinyasa Gift Cards and Tees/Tank Tops: For the ultimate wine and yoga fusion, gift Vino Vinyasa experiences. Buy an individual, personalized digital gift card for $30 or two for $55, good for upcoming public events in Austin, Houston or Nashville. (You can also gift someone $50-100 to go towards a private event!) Complete the package with a stylish tee shirt or tank top. Email me for gift certificates, tees and tanks. The new ones seen below are $30 each plus shipping, or come pick up in Houston or Austin! Morgan@VinoVinyasaYoga.com Here is a video with more info and visuals :) Cheers and happy holidays!

If you are looking for Austin, Nashville, LA, Chicago, Houston or NYC bachelorette activity ideas, Vino Vinyasa is the perfect activity! When you book a bachelorette party, birthday soiree, corporate event, or girls weekend with Vino Vinyasa, you can expect a fun and engaging event that gets your blood flowing...and the wine will be flowing, too. Private events, similar to our public classes, last about an hour and a half. They include a 45-minute yoga flow incorporating wine education followed by a comparative wine tasting and usually some yoga and wine photos. With private events, you have the ability to let us know what kind of wine you’d like to taste as well. If you are staying in an Airbnb or rental, we can come to you! We will bring yoga mats, wine glasses and the wine for the complimentary wine tasting after yoga. If you are interested in booking a venue for your private yoga and wine event, we can book yoga studios, a winery outside of Austin or even Swimply event spaces if you'd like to hang out at a pool after the event. We currently offer private yoga and wine tasting events in Austin, Nashville, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and NYC. Each event is customized to your needs. There is no group too small or too large for a Vino Vinyasa event! For pricing and information, please fill out the form here.

Vino Vinyasa has the pleasure of booking a ton of private events for bachelorette groups who come to the great city of Austin to celebrate the bride-to-be. Often, we get asked for recommendations, so why not share them with you all? Find some of our favorite activities below: To Cool Down Austin is hot a lot more often than not, so we love heading over to Barton Springs or Deep Eddy for a dip. Both are cold and spring-fed. Barton Springs is a natural pool and has some great people watching, while Deep Eddy is manmade (but the oldest pool in Austin). If you are looking for a more luxury experience (and staying at an Airbnb without a pool), you can get a day pass to many hotel pools through Resort Pass. Rent paddle boards, kayaks or canoes at The Rowing Dock for a bit more active fun on the lake. You can also rent party barges, boats (try taking a wake surfing lesson!) or go float the river if you're looking for more of an all-day bachelorette activity in or just outside of Austin. To Drink: Wine Bars There are too many watering holes in Austin to choose from, so we'll focus on what we know best: wine bars. My top three are June's All Day, APT 115 and Aviary Wine & Kitchen. All of these both have excellent food as well so they're great options for brunch/lunch or dinner (APT115 only serves dinner Wednesday through Sunday, but their food is phenomenal; note that Aviary is closed on Sunday & Monday). Lolo and Birdie's are some other good wine bar options on the east side—Lolo has snacks, Birdie's has dinner and these do not take reservations. The Meteor is a great natural wine bar on South Congress, which has bowls, salads and homemade pizza, but is a bit south from the rest of the SoCo stuff you might be doing. They actually have good frozé, though, so if you are nearby, check it out. Rosie's Wine Bar in Clarksville just opened and I went recently - they don't take reservations either, but you can put your name down, go to Better Half, Clark's, Bar Peached or my personal favorite in the area, Lin Asian Bar, nearby for food/drinks, then you'll get a text from Rosie's when your table is ready. (Note: get the soup dumplings at Lin, and make a ressie ahead of time.) Rosie's is also connected to a new bar, Howard's, if you want to keep the party going. Finally, I know this is probably outside of the typical "bachelorette" area of town, but Neighborhood Vintner in the high-end neighborhood of Westlake deserves a major shout out. The most gorgeous wine bar in town, with an amazing selection and the option to buy retail at great prices. Pro tip: go to the delicious nearby Thai restaurant Sway, for an amazing food and drink happy hour from 4-6pm, then head to Neighborhood Vintner for a chill night drinking wine. They close at 9pm, so you can still call a ride share to take your bachelorette group out on the town after, if you're up for it! To Dine Aside from a meal at one of places mentioned above, check out Lenoir, Emmer and Rye, or Hestia for a great higher-end dining experience (which to me, has to include a good wine list). Reservations are required for the nicer places. For sushi, Uchi is my absolute favorite (an oldie but a goodie). Plan to take your group to their happy hour, you'll save a pretty penny (reservation recommended). Loro is a laid-back Asian smokehouse (started by the chef from Uchi and from the famous Franklin's BBQ) with indoor-outdoor seating that's good for groups, and also has a great happy hour with food selections. If you're looking for Mexican food and margaritas (as you should be doing in Austin!) a unique option is Fonda San Miguel, a hacienda-style restaurant in North Austin, El Alma on Barton Springs has solid food, is cute and centrally-located. Suerte is another great high-end offering on the east side, and for interior Mexican with a casual Austin vibe, I love Licha's Cantina. Your group can also attempt to check out the famous Tex Mex restaurant, Matt's El Rancho, if you don't mind waiting (no reservations and ALWAYS busy). Get the Bob Armstrong dip and thank me later. If vegetarian/healthy is your jam, a must-try Austin classic is Bouldin Creek Café. For grab-and-go healthy food and juices, Juiceland is the local staple and can do wonders for hangovers. I am also a huge fan of The Soup Peddler for their detox soup, smoothies and if you are feeling naughty, grilled cheese. On a nice day, nothing beats seafood and oysters at the beautiful-yet-pricey Perla's on South Congress, or Clark's in Clarksville. For the best thin-crust pizza in Austin, check out Bufalina (they also have a fantastic wine list), though Via 313 is also delicious if you like Detroit-style pizza (thick crust) and works well to-go for a night in. There are SO MANY MORE GREAT DINING OPTIONS so if you have questions about restaurants, please reach out. I have probably been and am happy to help. Bachelorette Brunch + Breakfast Tacos You can't really "wing" brunch in Austin. You will need to make a reservation almost anywhere you decide to go with your bachelorette group. One of the cutest places is probably Josephine House in the quaint-but-pricey Clarksville neighborhood. June's is also great for brunch, and Launderette is another solid option (their latkes are amazing). I also recommend Paperboy on the East Side, or Summer House on Music Lane (South Congress area). For a nice outdoor atmosphere overlooking Lady Bird Lake, The Four Seasons has a great a-la-carte brunch on Saturdays at their restaurant, Ciclo (if you come to one of our public classes there, definitely stay for brunch!). If your group wants a more casual place that is still iconic Austin, check out Kerbey Lane All Day Cafe. They are famous for their pancakes and queso, and have just introduced a new Reverse Happy Hour in the morning that's perfect for bachelorette groups. The South Lamar location is now open 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays, too. Check out more in our recent post on the updates at Kerbey Lane here. Have a group of hungover bachelorettes who just want breakfast tacos to-go? There is a huge debate in Austin over who has the best breakfast tacos. My vote is Veracruz (personal fav: migas poblanas). There are several locations and sometimes you can order ahead online. Be warned: on busy weekends they often turn this function off, so you will have to wait in line and for your tacos (average weekend wait time when this happens: 45 minutes). It's worth it, especially if you grab a coffee while waiting (I always go to the South Austin location at Radio Coffee, another fav). But if that is too much, you can settle for Taco Deli or Torchy's and you'll be just fine :) Shopping Hit up South Congress for a cute, walkable area with plenty of shopping, dining and people watching. The famous "I love you so much" sign is also there, where many Austin bachelorette parties like to get photos. Lucy in Disguise is going out of business soon, sadly, so hit it up while you can for all your fun outfit/costume needs, and be sure to check out some of the boot stores if you want some authentic Texas cowgirl boots. Allen's Boots is the OG, and Tecova is newer with lots of cute options. Check out the SoCo Maker's Market on the weekends for handmade goodies (happening on Fridays 10-6, Saturdays 10-6 and Sundays 1:30-6). There are also a ton of hotels in this area where you can dine and drink (South Congress Hotel's bar is beautiful and worth popping in). Wineries The Austin Winery is an urban winery with great wines if you're looking to stay within Austin but want a wine tasting experience. There are several wineries just outside of Austin, and our favorite is also one of the closest: Fall Creek Vineyards in Driftwood. Aside from being beautiful, they have some high quality wines made by their winemaker, who used to make wine for one of the most well-known wineries in Chile. We can also rent out their barrel room if it's available for your bachelorette party to hold a private class in. (Bonus: Salt Lick BBQ and Cellars is across the street—the restaurant is BYOB and their BBQ is super delicious. You can also grab some in the airport if you don't make it to Driftwood, though!) If you are spending any time visiting wineries in the Hill Country, please let me know—I do PR for the entire region's wineries and I have a TON of insider knowledge I can share. If you're looking to schedule a full-on winery tour (and lots of other activities!), be sure to contact Texas Tipsy Tours and they'll take care of you. For more help with your Austin bachelorette party planning, check out Bonita Bachelorettes or BASH. And if you are looking for some hotties to come to your Airbnb pool or house to make and serve cocktails, check out Cocktail Cowboys! Have fun and stay hydrated! Reach out for more info on private yoga and wine events for your bachelorette group.

by Morgan Perry For wine lovers, there's nothing worse than opening a bottle of wine, enjoying a glass or two, and then having to discard the rest due to oxidation. However, thanks to Repour, a groundbreaking wine preservation product, this frustration is now a thing of the past. Repour stands as the sole wine saver on the market that effectively eliminates all oxygen from an opened bottle, ensuring the wine stays fresh for an extended period. Let's delve into the science behind Repour and explore why it has become a must-have tool for wine lovers and professionals alike. First of all, here is a video of me doing my best to explain the science: And, way more info on this genius product that saves me tons of $ (and wine): Preserving Wine with Science: The genius behind Repour lies in its innovative oxygen absorption technology. Developed by a Ph.D. chemist, this product is grounded in scientific expertise, ensuring its effectiveness. The bottle stopper contains a proprietary blend of iron-based materials that react with the oxygen present inside the bottle. As the reaction occurs, the oxygen is continually removed from both the wine and the air above it. The result is a wine preservation system that eliminates all traces of oxygen without leaving behind any unwanted by-products. Preserving Taste and Aroma: One of the most remarkable features of Repour is its ability to maintain the taste and aroma of the wine. Unlike other preservation methods, such as vacuum pumps or gas canisters, Repour's oxygen absorption technology does not alter the wine's sensory characteristics. This means that the wine retains its original flavors and aromas, allowing you to enjoy a freshly opened bottle of wine whenever you please. Versatility and Ease of Use: Repour's versatility extends beyond its ability to preserve wine. It is incredibly user-friendly, making it suitable for both casual wine enthusiasts and professionals. To use Repour, simply open your bottle of wine, insert the stopper, and let the oxygen absorption process begin. No complex equipment or additional steps are required. Economical and Recyclable: With prices starting as low as $2.49 per stopper at retail and $1 wholesale, Repour offers an affordable way to preserve your favorite wines. And, Repour is made from 100% recyclable materials. Use Cases: OK, OK, I know a lot of us open a bottle of wine and drink the whole thing. BUT - sometimes, I just want a glass. And most of the time, for me, I want to open a white and Zach wants a red. So we just open both. Then Repour them if we think we won't get to them in the next few days due to travel, dinners out, etc. Have you tried them before? LMK what you think! Happy drinking!

By Morgan Perry We hope that you've already booked a private bachelorette Vino Vinyasa class in NYC, or have bought tickets to an upcoming Vino Vinyasa event at City Vineyard! What else do a group of bachelorettes have to chose from in the Big Apple? Check out some thoughts below! Wine Bars: Hit up Corkbuzz, Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels, Somm Time, Terroir, of if you are feeling fancy, check out Aldo Sohm or Air's Champagne Parlor (a personal fave). If you are more of a BYOB group, Noreetuh in the East Village has $10 corkage on Sundays and amazing food. For another cool bar option, check out Undercote for craft cocktails & champagne. Spa and Pampering: Indulge in some much-needed relaxation and pampering with your bridesmaids at one of NYC's luxurious spas. Treat yourselves to massages, facials, mani-pedis, and rejuvenating treatments that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized. Some notable spa destinations in the city include the Shibui Spa at The Greenwich Hotel, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, and Aire Ancient Baths (we have done birthdays here, so fun!). Boat Cruise: Take your bachelorette party to the water with a boat cruise around the iconic sights of NYC. Enjoy a leisurely sail along the Hudson River or around Manhattan, taking in stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and the city's magnificent skyline. (I once went on a second date on a sailboat tour at night and it was magical!) You can book public or private cruises. For a super bougie group, book a private Champagne Cruise with my friend Blaine at New York Champagne Week. Cocktail Mixology Class: Get your creative juices flowing by attending a cocktail mixology class with your bridal squad. Learn from expert mixologists as they teach you the art of crafting delicious cocktails. From classic concoctions to modern mixology techniques, you'll have a blast shaking and stirring your way to master mixologist status. Some renowned places to consider are Apotheke, Employees Only, and PDT (Please Don't Tell). Broadway Show: You can pre-purchase tickets or stand in line at TKTS in Times Square if you are less picky, have the time and are on a budget. (I did this a lot in my early 20s!) I LOVE seeing shows and highly recommend if it's in your budget. Restaurants: There are far too many to even get into it -just do your research and make ressies! Embrace the vibrant energy, explore the iconic sights, and create unforgettable memories with your bridal squad as you bid farewell to singlehood in style. A bachelorette party in NYC is an experience that will leave you with lasting memories and stories to share for years to come.

by Morgan Perry Kerbey Lane All Day Café has been a beloved establishment in Austin for years. With its recent rebranding and exciting additions, this iconic eatery continues to captivate both locals and visitors alike. Known for its comforting fare and cozy atmosphere, Kerbey Lane is a must-visit destination that embodies the spirit of Austin's vibrant food scene. In this blog post, we'll explore the latest updates at Kerbey Lane, including the reintroduction of 24-hour service, the return of Happy Hour, and delectable additions to the menu. A Slice of History: Established in 1980, Kerbey Lane has become an integral part of Austin's culinary landscape. What began as a small café on Kerbey Lane has grown into a cherished institution with multiple locations across the city. Over the years, it has garnered a reputation for its homestyle cooking, locally sourced ingredients, and commitment to supporting the community. As an iconic eatery, Kerbey Lane offers a unique taste of Austin's culinary heritage, making it a must-try for any visitor to the city. 24-Hour Service on South Lamar on Weekends: Good news for night owls and late-night munchers! Kerbey Lane's South Lamar location has reverted to its 24-hour format, allowing patrons to enjoy their favorite dishes round the clock on Fridays and Saturdays. Whether you're craving a stack of fluffy pancakes at 2 a.m. or a bowl of their famous queso to satisfy a midnight craving, Kerbey Lane All Day Café has got you covered. Reviving the Happy Hour Tradition: After a brief hiatus, Happy Hour is making a triumphant return at Kerbey Lane. Starting on Friday, June 30, guests can revel in the joy of discounted drinks from 4-6 p.m. every day at all Kerbey Lane locations. Treat yourself to $4 beers and $5 cocktails, and be sure to try the spicy pineapple margarita – a personal favorite. But the excitement doesn't end there! Kerbey Lane also introduces a unique Reverse Happy Hour from 7-10 a.m. daily. Perfect for bachelorette parties or early birds seeking a morning celebration, this morning happy hour offers $3 mimosas, $4 beers, $6 cocktails, and even mimosa carafes for $10. Delicious Additions to the Menu: I had the opportunity to try some of the new menu items and am excited about what’s coming! The Black Cherry Pork Chop and Broccolini Sandwich are now available at Kerbey Lane Southwest on W. William Cannon—both were tasty, but I loved the Broccolini Sandwich the most due to it’s crunch and spice, plus the sweet potato fries were perfectly crispy (something that I find is rare with sweet potato fries). Will go back for this again and again! And for fans of the famous Green Chili Mac: the new iteration is now available at all Kerbey Lane locations and is even tastier than ever. New Seasonal Dinner Menu this Fall: Kerbey Lane's dedication to culinary innovation continues to shine, as they prepare to roll out a new seasonal dinner menu at all locations by the end of September. Keep an eye out for exciting new dishes that showcase the best of seasonal ingredients at a Kerbey near you.

by Morgan Perry & Laura Whitlock We are so excited to offer our private yoga and wine classes in Nashville! There are a ton of amazing things to do and places to check out in Music City outside of visiting the honky-tonks on Lower Broadway—here are a few of our favorites! East Side: Cafe Roze for brunch - we loved this place so much, we went twice when visiting. Don't forget to order an espresso martini! (We also loved Hearts for brunch.) Try to score a reservation for Lockeland Table or Folk for dinner. Amazing pizza at both, good wine lists and THE BEST SKILLET COOKIE EVER at Lockeland Table. Afterwards, hit up Urban Cowboy for a drink! Downtown: Check out Pinewood Social: a restaurant and bar with retro bowling- fun for anytime of day! The Gulch: Pins Mechanical is a barcade with fun drinks and free games, food truck outside as well. Wine bars: Check out Barcelona Wine Bar in Edgehill and Sixty Vines located in the 5th and abroad complex downtown. They have 60 wines on tap, bottles as well, and great food. If you are looking to get outside and the weather is nice, stand up paddle boarding is a great option! Check out Nashville Guru's guide for some options. Photowalk Nashville: This is the perfect activity for your Bride Tribe in Nashville if you are into creating some great social content. On this walking tour and pro photoshoot, they take you to the best photo spots and pose you taking iconic Nash Bash pics, creating memories to last a lifetime with your girls!

What do you want to drink by the pool? Something cold and refreshing, but still delicious! By Morgan Perry OK, so let's not overthink pool wines. My tips? Cold, refreshing and tasty. Here are a few examples and pro tips: Still or sparkling rosé. I scooped up the last bottle of Lubanzi Sparkling Rosé at HEB AND it was on sale - it was meant to be. Their wines also come in cans, to be even more pool-friendly. Lubanzi was one of our early Zoom class partner wineries and they have an awesome mission to give back to those who made the wine and the planet. Drink wine, do good! Speaking of canned rosé with a mission, don't forget the Austin-founded Tidal Wines. A portion of their profits support the largest ocean clean-up in history and they help create access to clean drinking water for communities around the world. Be careful, the cans hold more wine than you think...this is not a pale, boring rosé either, this one has some color and flavor, so have this with a pool-side snack! Crisp white wines. And don't be afraid of some skin-contact. I enjoyed Remy Wines Three Wives skin-contact Pinot Gris by the pool and it was perfect. Pinot Grigio (the Italian name for the grape) from Alto Adige are always my go-to and there are many high-quality flavorful versions available at most local shops. In addition to Pinot Grigio, check out Pinot Bianco (or Pinot Blanc) - both mutations of Pinot Noir, Pinot Bianco/Blanc is the white version of the grape and often slightly rounder on the palate than Pinot Grigio. Definitely a great summer, pool-side sipper. Check out a version from Alto Adige as well, like this one from Erste+Neue. For our NYC readers, if you are looking to keep it local, I also cracked open a Palmer Vineyards Pinot Blanc that hit the spot on a 100+ degree day. Lubanzi also makes a canned Chenin Blanc that would be fab pool-side. Fruity white wines and low alcohol wines. The Edaphos Malvasia Bianca got consumed too quickly to take a photo of, but trust me: try this at the pool. This is a natural wine that is low in alcohol (11.5%) from Ernest Vineyards. And yes, you can get a 15% discount on this wine, on the Edaphos range of natural wines, and their other delicious old-world style Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs using the code VINOVINYASA15 on their website. No, I don't make a commission, I just love Ernest and their wines, and have been lucky enough to have worked with them on Zoom and in-person events for several years now. To keep it local to Austin, check out female winemaker and friend Adrienne Ash's Malvasia, available at The Austin Winery. 12% ABV and enough skin contact to give it a lovely orange color. Finally, there are TONS of non-wine options you can find in cans but my issue with most of them is SUGAR and other fake ingredients used to flavor them. This probably needs a separate post, but I am no expert! However, I recently got a chance to try MASQ Hard Tea and I really liked the Lemon Ginger flavor - they are made with all-natural, organic ingredients and are low-cal. Check them out if you want something different. Pro Tip: No glass at the pool is a rule at most pools (my condo's pool included), so what is the best vessel to use? Though insulated wine glasses help to keep your wine cool, they definitely do not help with the taste/smell of the wine. They mute it, but it's a trade off to keep things cool (I still use them sometimes, just good to know!). I think using a GoVino or stemmed plastic wine glass is better if you can keep your wine bottle chilled with an insulated chiller (I LOVE mine from Skybar, only $30 on Amazon!) or just put the bottle on ice in your cooler. Happy summer sipping!

The perfect chillable, light-bodied red for summer By Morgan Perry Most people might drink reds in the summer (inside the a/c, especially here in Texas) but red wines are not thought of as summer wines. But, the chillable reds can work well in the heat with things like BBQ - we all know Pinot Noir (which should be served slightly chilled, always!), and you may even be familiar with grapes like Gamay (which makes Beaujolais). But, have you heard of Schiava? Schiava (or Vernatsch in German) is a red grape that is indigenous to the Northern Italian region of Alto Adige, where it's been growing since the 16th century—in fact, many Schiavas are made from old vines in the region, some of which are 80-100 years old. In recent decades, there has been an increased focus on the quality of Schiava, with winegrowers paying mind to vineyard area and clonal selection. I like to think of Schiava as between a rosé and a light-bodied red. It's lighter than Pinot Noir, with less tannin. It can be served even cooler (put it in the fridge, drink it a few moments later or just start pouring it up and stick it in a wine chiller once it's out!). This wine is TASTY and almost too easy to drink! The perfect porch pounder or pool-side wine when you want something different, or prefer a red wine to go with what's on the grill. Schiava from Alto Adige is known for notes of almond, violets, and fresh berries – perfectly enjoyed on its own or paired with seafood, BBQ, pasta, pizza, Asian dishes or light cheeses. You can find Schiava from Alto Adige at many fine wine shops (like Austin or Houston Wine Merchant). Here are some examples in for where to find some Schiava in Texas: Cantina Bolzano MOAR St. Magdalener L'Oca D'Oro-Austin TX Italian Cowboy Food and Provision-Rockport TX Casa Vindemia-Wimberly TX Cantina Kurtatsch SONNTALER Schiava Houston: 13 Celsius, Coppa Osteria, Trattoria Sofia Austin: Neighborhood Vintner PRO TIP You may find it labeled as Alto Adige Santa Maddelena or Alto Adige Meranese, which both may contain up to 15% of other red grape varieties that thrive in those vineyards, or as Alto Adige Lago di Caldero (Kalterersee in German). Cheers to the Summer of Schiava!

By Rebekah Simmons & Morgan Perry One of our Austin teachers, Rebekah Simmons (@winewithbecks) created a holiday gift guide that I wanted to share, and add a few things to! So here it goes! 1. The wine yoga mat!!@vinovinyasayoga and @mysolmat teamed up to create a wine yoga mat that’s perfect for your wine and yoga loving friends. 2. @riedel_official wine glasses 🥂 I love Riedel because their glasses are paper thin and I feel so elegant drinking out of them. 3. @haleyscorker is the perfect way to make sure your wine pours nicely and then you can close the cap to place the wine back in the fridge. Everyone in Napa uses these and you can buy them on Amazon for $5. 4. I recently finished Bianca Bosker’s book Cork Dork and it’s such a fun read full of fun wine facts that your wine lover friends will be sure to geek out over. 5. Why not give the gift of wine year round?! A @drinkboxt subscription is one way to make sure your wine fridge stays stocked with wine every month. Code BECKS20 will get you 20% off. My additions to her guide include: 6. If you are in Austin, grab your wine loving friend or family member a Wine Lovers Celebration Passport. You can enjoy up to 4 wineries per day for 26 days in February, and gives you an excuse to plan a trip tp Fredericksburg! 7. Nama CBD Gummies for anyone who needs to relax or sleep better. Use code VINO-7 for $7 off. Or, even better, gift someone a subscription! 8. You probably know I love to play Blinders, a fun way to learn more about blind tasting wines. Gift someone a deck or buy them all three! 9. A Maison Palo Santo candle or essential oil, created by Vino Vinyasa teacher Mimi! 10. Don't forget our tank tops and the fact that you can buy gift cards for future classes. Email me about both options: morgan@vinovinyasayoga.com. Happy holidays!

By Morgan Perry Lessons learned from my first "CCW" event, tips, and the best bottles. First of all, credit for this idea goes to Matt Ahern from Scribe Winery/The Wonderland Project, and I also have to say thanks to my friend Matthew Kaner, an LA based somm and entrepreneur, who took me to Matt's party in LA as a guest a few years ago. (I was sold immediately and we had some AMAZING champagne that day!) When deciding to throw my own CCW party, the concept was the same, and pretty simple: I provide the fried chicken, waffle fixings, and each guest (or pair) brings a bottle of champagne. But, real champagne, from Champagne, France, made in the traditional method (my favorite style of sparkling wine). That way, we each get to try some badass bottles, and have a fun afternoon! Tips for your own event: Though a simple concept, I made a few minor mistakes that I will keep in mind for next time, so here's what I learned: Buy the pre-mixed waffle mix. I tried to make mine from scratch and it was hard to do when people are chatting with you, in fact I messed it up the first time and had to bring in help! It was stressful. Not ideal. Just have a bunch of mix, pre-made on hand so all people have to do is scoop it into the machine and no one is waiting on you. Buy waaaaayyyy more chicken than you think you need and/or provide other things to munch on. This was a brunch, starting at noon meaning most people had NOT EATEN before coming. (There were also some big guys there who could put away some chicken.) I doubled my original order (had to order more mid-party) but I should have tripled it, the second order was gone quickly! I will also have more breakfast items (fruit, maybe some croissants, etc. ) laying around for folks who get the munchies. And a few best practices: We started off using real plates, but paper plates would have been fine the whole time and would have made for an easier clean up. (I use real ones because it's more environmentally friendly and seems nicer, but no need if you have TWENTY guests!). Have enough real glasses, if you can. Borrow from a friend, if needed, and most wine glasses will do for champagne. I am not a flute fan (I prefer tulips or white wine glasses for sparkling wine) but we had to use some old flutes I had, some Bordeaux glasses, etc. But no one cared which style of glass they drank out of. I did purchase some more tulip glasses that were pretty reasonably priced and I was very happy with them! I don't own a big wine chiller bucket, so we used a combo of my fridge (which had limited space) and my Igloo cooler for bottle storage, and it worked well. (Don't forget to buy ice!) Keep some extra bubbles on hand. We went through three of my own bottles and probably would have had more if I had more chilled. You don't have to have three bottles of champagne, though, we drank two other bottles after my champs. Test your waffle maker ahead of time to be able to instruct guests on how to use. I borrowed one from a friend who was there :) Finally, traditional waffles are not vegan. I had one vegan friend attend and I had a box of vegan toaster waffles handy for her! Best Champagnes Honestly, all of the champagne we had was great, and a lot of it was only around $40 a bottle. Here were my personal favs though: Pierre Peters Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs. Super complex and concentrated for a non-vintage - normally around $70 but I found it for $57 on Wired for Wine! Thanks, Aarial (a wine friend) for this one). This uniquely shaped bottle was another delicious NV Blanc de Blancs, it'll set you back around $100 (so thanks, Rebekah and Garrett!) but I liked that it had some caramel notes as well as the linear citrus you expect from a BdB. Probably the most fried-chicken friendly option was my bottle, the Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois. This cuvée is entirely vinified in oak, meaning it has a bit more body & complexity—it's also made from the three traditional Champagne grapes (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier) adding a bit more depth of flavor. Try this with food! This one is pretty easy to find nationwide, and runs around $80. My friend Lucas came late but strong with this Etienne Calsac l'Échappée Belle Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru, which he paid $66 for locally but I found on my friend Thatcher's site for only $45! Another BdB winner for the day. Hope this was helpful! Cheers, and tag me during your champagne drinking adventures this season.