Harvest season is coming to an end and winemakers across the northern hemisphere are worn out. Their grape-stained hands are most likely reaching for a libation to celebrate reaching the finish line and it's a safe bet none of them are reaching for a glass of wine. They’ve been marinating in grape juice for weeks and as the old saying goes: it takes a lot of beer to make great wine. But, it isn’t always beer. What beverages do winemakers and industry experts turn to when they need a break from wine? It turns out they are as thoughtful and deliberate about their alternative beverage selections as they are about their wines. And, there are some true surprises (Ron Penner-Ash of Free Public Wines reaches for Mezcal). These are professional palates and deep consideration goes into everything they drink. Below are some highlights from this year’s harvest libations.
David Bellows, Winemaker, Vidon Vineyard. Though I never get tired of tasting wine, there are times when other things satisfy equally well. Of course, there is the old canard about it taking a lot of beer to make good wine. It's true; if you look in any winery refrigerator you will find three bottles of Champagne and two cases of beer. However, I started my career behind the bar at a Manhattan restaurant and was trained by Dale DeGroff, so if I want something besides wine at home, I will usually take the time to build a cocktail. Once the wine is in barrel and fireplace season has begun, it is hard to beat a Fancy Free--essentially an Old Fashioned in which all the fruit flavors are provided by liqueurs or bitters. It’s spicy and warming. Patio season favors gin. A Last Word is refreshingly tart on a hot day, but I usually default to a Martinez so I don't have to get out the lime juicer.
Thomas Houseman, Winemaker Anne Amie Vineyards: The old saying, “it takes a lot of beer to make great wine” is our theme. We have two beers on tap for our crew during harvest. What sets us apart from most wineries is that most of the beer in-house is from collaborations with breweries. We have a Wolves and People, and an Allegory beer both on tap that are collaborations with our grapes. We have a Block 15 that is on deck that uses our barrels.
Tony Rynders, Winemaker Tendril Wine Cellars: My drink of choice when not drinking wine is a martini, specifically a Bombay Sapphire martini, dirty.
Luisa Ponzi, Winemaker Ponzi Vineyards: My favorite beverage after wine would have to be really good coffee, preferably brought to me in bed. After that it would be Freeland Gin, a local grain to bottle gin entirely owned and produced by women.
Andrew Kirkland, Winemaker Ruby Vineyard: I like to stop by Allegory Brewing after a long day of harvest or on a Friday afternoon. It’s a beautiful spot with delicious beers. I often drop in with coworkers. We’re probably talking about wine but we won’t be drinking it. I’m most fond of their Dad Hat Pilsner.
Joe Robitaille, Head Sommelier at Bar Boulud NYC and Boulud Sud NYC: Tired of wine? I’m not sure that I suffer this unfortunate condition, but, luckily I like other beverages too! One of my favorite cocktails is a classic Gin + Tonic. I’ve always enjoyed a good Gin + Tonic, but after spending some time in Spain last Spring where the bar culture has really embraced the classic cocktail; I came to look forward to the drink at the end of a long day of wine tasting. My favorite tonic is Jack Rudy Cocktail Company’s ‘Classic Tonic Syrup’ from Charleston, South Carolina, this is a really pure product that GM shows the real essence of the Cinchona Tree from which we get quinine. Add some club soda to the syrup, and your favorite gin, ice and lime, and you have a wonderful, easy cocktail. My favorite gin is Xoriguer ‘Gin de Mahón’ from the island of Menorca, a direct fire copper pot distillate of local wine, this one of the purest gins I know of, we use it extensively at Boulud Sud where it is a bartender favorite.
Josh Macgregor, Head Sommelier at db Bistro Moderne: After a long day working with wine, sometimes it’s the last thing I want afterwards. When this is the case, I prefer to reward myself with a Beefeater Gin and Tonic. There isn’t much in the world that is more refreshing than a Gin and Tonic, not to mention easy. The last thing I want at the end of the day is a beverage that’s laborious to make, or that demands my attention and focus to be truly appreciated.
Zidanelia Arcidiacono, Assistant Winemaker at Sonoma-Cutrer: When I'm not drinking wine and sparkling wine, I choose beer - amber ales and IPAs from local breweries are my preferred choice. It's a great option after a long day of harvest. They are lighter in alcohol compared to wine, uncomplicated and a good break to then return to my Sonoma-Cutrer.
Jarad Slipp of RdV Vineyards: Miller Lite is my favorite, no it’s not the best, not even in the top 2000 best beers, but it’s my favorite. Did you know you can drink 5436 Miller Lites and so long as you don’t stop moving you’ll be fine? Sometimes after tasting wines all day you just need innocuous-goodness. If not Miller Lite then Gin in the summer and Bourbon in the winter and Tequila always.
