snapshots from cork'd donelan tasting

Thought I'd share some of the pictures that were snapped (by a professional, of course) at the Cork'd Tasting with Donelan Family Wines last week as they're far better than anything I could have taken. But, well, of course they are. That's the difference between a professional photographer and an amateur who couldn't figure out how to turn her flash back on when taking the ever important picture with Gary and Arax. [Frustration.]

Swirl. Sniff. Sip. Smile.

cork'd tasting: donelan family wines

Me, Gary V., and Arax of Kiss and Type

Whether or not the picture above is printed, framed, and sitting handsomely on my bedside table is regardless, because Tuesday night, Cork'd, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Donelan Family Wines treated us to a fantastically impressive array of wines at the Roger Smith Hotel. One of which, was a barrel sample of their 2008 Walker Vine Hill Vineyard Syrah of which the only other person who had had the pleasure of tasting prior to us, was Mr. Robert Parker Jr. Yep. Kind of a big deal. Which in turn, means that I can now consider myself a pretty big deal in the wine world.

Or, something like that.

It's no secret by now that I've been to my fair share of Cork'd tastings. Can't help myself, frankly. But the wines at this particular tasting showed exceptionally well to my palette (and almost everyone in the room) and had the highest average score to date. And while the first pour, a white, 2008 Donelan Family Venus, didn't really make me sing, the Donelan reds were gorgeous. Not a single one of them scored below a 90 (from me) and my eyes nearly popped out of my head with every sip; explosive yet tamed flavors thanks to seriously talented winemakers. It was an honor and pleasure to get the opportunity to taste through them.

And it didn't hurt that Gary was there, live and in person, at the head of the table giving his two cents. At least for two of his unashamed super fans crushing it to his right.

Major props, once again, to Lindsay and Trout, for a killer and always informative tasting.

crush it! review mashup

Let me know if you notice a certain someone who appears a couple times in this video, delivering well thought out and entertaining commentary.

CRUSH IT.

Thanks, Matt! (follow him @mattsito)

crush it! vook launch

Last night at the Bell House in Brooklyn, Gary's vook launched. After a serious past two weeks of non-stop travel across the country for his Crush It! Book Tour, Gary was back at it and in the best of spirits. The guy is never off. I need to be on what he's on (read: passion induced high). Here's what went down:

And no big deal, but he was also a world record breaker last night. Most number of cheers in 60 seconds. Go Gary!

gary vaynerchuk vook launch party

Gary and my Aunt Kari at Sonoma, CA Book Signing

Nope, that's not a typo. Tonight at The Bell House in Brooklyn, Gary Vaynerchuk and friends will launch his new vook (lets you watch 18 brand new, exclusive videos of Gary sharing insights that will help you succeed in the digital world) Crush It! Why Now is the Time to Cash in on Your Passion from 9:00pm-1:00am. If anything, you can come to watch me be publicly humiliated by the possibility of my video book review clip being shown. Or, of course to throw Gary just one more high five on his epic, life changing work.

Plus sip on champagne and the opportunity to meet and mingle with a lot of other cool peeps.

What better way to spend a dreary Tuesday? I guarantee. Ya got nothin' on this.

Tickets are FREE and you can get them here.

And if you haven't picked up the book yet (my goodness, shame on you), you're just a click away.

The Bell House

149 7th St.

Brooklyn, NY, 11215

wine library tv highlight reel

Watch.

You're welcome.

how gary vaynerchuk changed my life

There are few words that could truly encapsulate my experience last night. But if I had to throw a few out there, because I know I can: absolutely amazing, life changing, self reflective, inspiring, and the most positive of positive energy I've ever felt. Gary Vaynerchuk cannot help but get you amped up and inspired. Being in his presence and hearing his words is like the sweetest most gentle severe kick in the behind. He just cares so much with so much passion about everything, everyone and you feel it. You can't help but feel his intensity. You've got a passion? One that makes you so happy you can't imagine doing anything else in this world? Then you've got an opportunity to turn this into your career. Make your own rules. And most importantly? Work your g.d. face off. You know, to the point it's no longer a part of your body.

I think the reason last night resonated with me so strongly is because I'm in a weird place. That place where I know what it is I absolutely, positively want to be doing but don't entirely know how to get there. And while it feels like I can sort of touch it, reach for it, envision it, I'm still not there. Trapped in a way. And that's totally frustrating. But at the same time, I have to keep in mind how incredibly lucky I am. At 24 years old, I can say, with confidence, I've found an arena, a community that brings out the best in me. That fills me with a sense of wholeness and happiness that I've been unable to find anywhere else. And you know what? Thank goodness for that. Because it's going to make all the serious, hard core hustling that I'm about to unleash, seem completely worthwhile. Because I'm chasing after what it is I love with all that I am.

And this is how Gary Vaynerchuk is changing my life. I already have my nose deep into Crush It! and can feel this emotional, empowering shift happening. And it's freaking awesome.

Preaching and emotions aside, last night was also filled with fabulous people and seriously fabulous wine. Prosecco toast, after toast, after toast, and a 2006 French wine called Bandol (smoky, smooth, giant pour, thank you, Jon) I left feeling stronger and more confident than I have in months. Years, maybe.

You guys? I'm going to crush it.

crush it! book signing

Today's the day that Gary Vaynerchuk's book, Crush It! Why Now is the Time to Cash in on Your Passion is released! The first stop on his book tour? Tonight at Borders Columbus Circle location from 7:00pm-11:00pm Gary will be signing books and hopefully throwing some high fives. Can't wait to meet the man, the myth, the legend and you should probably come show support too. Besides, don't you want to know how to cash in on your passion? I sure as heck do. Prosecco toast to follow the signing upstairs at Clo. Mmm, mmm, mmm.

Go Gary!

wine tasting event at cork'd

If you have even the slightest interest in wine (read: you like to drink it), you should probably, no, definitely go on over to corkd.com and sign yourself up. Gary Vaynerchuk took over the website in 2007 and along with CEO Lindsay Ronga, just re-released the new and much improved version. After building my profile yesterday and quickly adding in a few reviews of wine I had recently enjoyed, I started corresponding with someone who worked at Cork'd and within an hour, Gary had given me a shout-out for one of my reviews. This triggered a minor euphoric episode which was further enriched by an invitation to a private wine tasting event at the Cork'd offices last night. Could I attend?

Gimme the deets.

So at 8:30pm sharp we were over at their urban chic Tribeca offices, starting our flight of tastings. The 2007 Summers Reserve Chardonnay, 2007 Terlato Family Pinot Grigio, 2006 Goldschmidt Vyborny Vineyard Cabernet, and the 2007 Chelsea Goldschmidt Merlot.

What's special about being involved in such an intimate tasting environment (besides sitting next to the CEO and comparing tasting notes), is the ability to speak up. To really open up and converse about what it is you're smelling, tasting, experiencing. And you know what? It feels pretty amazing. To not be intimidated. To not second guess yourself. To say whatever it is that comes to mind. Because when it comes down to it? With wine, you really can't be wrong. It's such an incredibly complex and inspirationally rousing libation that encourages conversation and an open mind and palate.

You're thinking I'm over-thinking. You're thinking I'm romancing this a bit too much. And now you're thinking, maybe, just maybe, I'm on to something.

You're also thinking, free wine tastings? I'm in. So go on and join Cork'd. Start tasting. Start thinking, or not thinking, and start writing down these thoughts and non-thoughts and you'll be amazed at what comes out of you. If anything, you'll get a night getting to know new people and enjoy some pretty great wine. And if you're lucky, a shout out from Mr. Gary V.

Thanks Lindsay and Jon for a fabulous little evening.

cheap wine for cheap food

When you're sitting at your kitchen table, somewhat begrudgingly eating a bowl of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, don't you wish you knew what wine to pair with it? You know, to elevate the already lovely dining experience just a little bit? Well, Gary Vaynerchuk to the rescue. He's offered up wine pairings (under the 10 spot) for some of our cheapest and guiltiest pleasures: from pizza and fried chicken to hot dogs and Frosted Mini Wheats (yep). Garyvee's got you covered.

gary vaynerchuk's new york times spotlight

Photographs courtesy of Richard Perry, The New York Times

A whole lot of Gary Vaynerchuk has been changing the wine world and the New York Times has taken notice. Great article on his innovative and most definitely outside the box approach to wine and social media. He obviously brings the thunder AND crushes it big time.

wine and cheese

These are two goodies I've been meaning to post for a while now but haven't been able to snap pictures of. But that all changed when I became the lucky winner of a brand new Sony Cybershot at my company summer party a couple weeks ago. Woohoo! The girl who never wins anything, wins big. So from now on, I'm hoping to be able to deliver you some serious food porn in addition to witty and always informative commentary.

Wink.

So while the weather is not really permitting a truly enjoyable cheese experience right now, I'd hold off on buying this bad boy till it's a little bit cooler. Le Rustique Camembert ($6.50, Buon Italia, Chelsea Market) is a spectacularly pungent cheese with strong mushroom notes. Plenty salty and insanely creamy, this cheese has become an instant favorite of mine and an absolute crowd-pleaser.
And while I would typically gravitate towards a spicy, fruity red wine to pair up with this fromage, last night I experimented with a new favorite: Chenin Blanc. This particular one is from Man Vintners in South Africa (2008, $8.99) and has a fantastic fruit laden body with lots of tropical accents. Not too sweet, but just sweet enough to cut through the deliciously salty cheese and they played off one another wonderfully. If there's anything I've learned from my wine guy, Gary Vaynerchuk, it's to get out there and try as much as you possibly can. Don't always go for the same old wine from the same old region. Three weeks ago, I had never even heard of Chenin Blanc. Now? It's my jam. So try, try, try away and see how much fun you too can have with this complex and most interesting potable.

livestream with gary vaynerchuk

Brought my Gary Vaynerchuk obesession to a whole new level today by participating in a ustream/livestream talk with him this afternoon where he answered almost any and all questions fired at him by the 300+ participants. He said my name a couple of times and I would by lying if I said I didn't get more than super giddy and sport a severely beet red face. Long story short? His favorite wine bar in the Soho area? Lure.

Guess where I'm headed next paycheck?

Lure.

Lure Fish Bar

142 Mercer St.

10,000 hits and counting!

And there we have it, folks. Today we went right over 10,000 hits (since March)!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you a million times over to all who have read and continue to do so. Makes me so incredibly happy and beyond flattered to know that I have readers. And loyal ones at that.

Absolutely deserving of some sort of Prosecco toast tonight, don't we think? Perhaps the perfect opportunity to try out my boy Gary Vaynerchuk's suggestion of Riondo Prosecco for $8.99 (seen here).

Woohoo! Happy Monday!

gary vaynerchuk

Gary Vaynerchuk is the founder of www.tv.winelibrary.com and I gotta say, I'm really into this guy. I'm no wine connoisseur but I do know what I like: typically a spicy, fruity, rich red wine -- Malbecs and Shiraz. But what I like about Vaynerchuk is his ability to explain the crazy flavors and smells he's picking up by not using the "typical" words and adjectives that all the other wine critics out there use. And you know what? You get exactly what he's saying. I find his videos extremely entertaining and I find myself jotting down wines to try based on his findings often. Check him out.