Jason Newell, Byerly’s St. Louis Park wines and spirits manager
Thursday, December 20, 2012
It’s my favorite time of year. The world becomes a feast for the senses: neighborhoods sparkling with thousands of twinkly lights, holiday music (however corny) , the soft fuzzy feel of jackets and sweaters, sweet and rich flavors of holiday foods and of course, the comforting smells of the season.
Rob Zeaske, CEO, Second Harvest Heartland
Friday, February 17, 2012
Throughout the year, Second Harvest Heartland relies on the generosity and commitment of many groups and individuals to help transform the hunger-relief system and provide more food for our neighbors in need. The Vintner Ball is an example of how people in our community come together to meaningfully improve the lives of those that rely on us for help.
The Vintner Ball is a world-class, charitable wine tasting event, accompanied by gourmet hors d’oeuvres, desserts and wine seminars. Wines are carefully selected by Bill Belkin, Lunds and Byerly’s wine manager, and each year approximately 125 different world class wines are available for tasting. All funds raised during this decadent evening go to a great cause—helping people get the food they need.
by Bill Belkin, wine and spirits category manager
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
During my recent trip to wine country I was struck many times by an old adage that really needed no reinforcement…”you get what you pay for…”
Time and time again I tasted new Cabernet Sauvignon’s that are popping up on the radar – many of whom are brandishing very inexpensive (read under $15) retail price tags. This pricing policy falls in line with the prevailing opinions that while the economy is strengthening, so has the anti-free spending resolve of wine lovers everywhere.
Well folks, grapes planted in choice vineyard sites, that are overseen by the best viticulturists and then hand harvested and aged in the best new French Oak barrels all still cost a lot of money, and it’s these wines that everyone will be lining up to buy for the special occasions in their lives.
by Bill Belkin, wine and spirits category manager
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Just read on the Internet that one of my favorite family-owned, fourth generation California wineries was purchased by a larger corporation. Many of the “so called” experts who have already weighed in blog wise – are doing so negatively – calling for a death knell to begin for this great property.
They cite examples of past gobblings by the likes of Constellation and Diageo (the first and third largest drinks companies in the world) and what tragedies have befallen their once acquired great labels. NOT TRUE FOLKS! It is popular opinion that some wines have languished under corporate ownership – but much of what is being said is not factual. IF you like a wine, keep drinking it. IF you don’t like a wine, stop buying it – there are hundreds of other choices which your capable wine manager will only be too happy to help you find. But don’t be a naysayer about corporate ownership. These folks who sold out have been doing this for a hundred years! Give them a break and the big money! The wines will be just fine thank you…
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