wine library weekend blowout

Believe me when I say I tried my hardest not to come across as a crazed super fan upon arriving at the famed Wine Library, and in doing such, I missed out on more photo op's than I'd like to admit. Although in part, I'd like to blame a few of my travel companions for not stepping up and grabbing my camera and saying, "Kiira, can I get a picture of you next to the wall of sparkling wines?" or "Kiira, you'd look great in front of all of Gary's signed Jets memorabilia," or "Kiira, Gary's been looking all over for you! He wants to snap like a million pics with you!"

Alas, since none of the above seemed to exactly work in my favor, I'm left with just the few measly photos seen below. I will pat myself on the back for the Sasha - Gary photo op shown above (we were lucky enough to watch Gary film not one but TWO episodes of Wine Library TV and swirl, sniff, and sip alongside) but the rest of the snapshots don't even begin to serve the day and night justice.

Somewhat early on Saturday morning, we managed to just barely navigate the hellhole that is Penn Station and hop on NJ Transit to Short Hills, NJ (albeit short of breath and drenched in sweat--or at least, I was), for the Wine Library - Gourmet Library Open House Party. After a leisurely perusal through the store's ridiculously massive and diverse selection, I continuously swapped bottles in and out of my arms. As in typical me fashion, I was unable to make firm decisions since the truth of the matter was, I wanted to take it all home with me. Every last bottle of Alto Adige Riesling, Muscadet, and sparkling rosé I could get my scrawny little arms around. Oh and the cheese selection? You best not even get me started. Samples of the most concentrated truffle cheese, Polder Gold Aged Gouda, and more made their way into my mouth. But a smooth, slightly stinky slice of Morbier with a seductive layer of ash has most certainly found its new home in my fridge (and a small slice or two, in my stomach).

In continuation with the day's festivities, Wine Library was also throwing a "Bring Your Own Bottle" party at the Roger Smith Hotel that evening. A ridiculously fantastic event and meet-up in which everyone over-served each other ridiculously good wine in ridiculously generous portions. And after bagging the best rooftop table in the house, we happily sat and sipped and laughed and high-fived (what?) and cheers'ed old friends and new (like Kahuna, at long last! be sure to check out his video blog)--all brought together by a common love of wine and social media.

Hey, Wine Library: We should do this more often.

Still at a loss for the meaning behind this piece of "wall art."

One of the night's standouts: 1991 Robert Stemmler Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma

'Sup?

And last, but certainly not least: Gary Vaynerchuk rated the dress pictured above a solid 92 points. Still coming down from that high. BAM.