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Back in 1981, Bill Kimpton personally supervised every aspect of each guest's stay in his hotel. He made sure Kimpton beds were comfortable, the water pressure was strong, the lobby was sparkling, and the employees were friendly. And he made a point of greeting each guest personally at the hotel's Hosted Evening Wine Hour. Today, all of our hotels continue to honor this tradition, with a social hour, hosted by the General Manager. This is a relaxing opportunity for guests to mingle with each other, and taste unique wines from around the world. We're still the only hotel company that offers guests this quality time at the end of each day.
Leslie Sbrocco is a nationally-recognized wine writer, consultant, speaker, and television personality. Author of The Simple & Savvy Wine Guide and Wine for Women: A Guide to Buying, Pairing, and Sharing Wine, Leslie is the Tasting Notes columnist for Epicurious.com. Her writing appears in national magazines such as Redbook, Family Circle and Real Simple. Sbrocco has appeared on the Today Show, CNN, and is host of the Emmy-award winning show on PBS television, Check Please!
Have a sparkling evening by joining us for a glass of holiday cheer. From an elegant Spanish bubbly to a soothing Spanish red, this month's wines take you on a vinous trip to the Iberian Peninsula. We're offering the internationally-lauded Cava dubbed "Aria" from Segura Viudas (Cava is the famous sparkling wine from Spain), and complementing the fizz is a seductive red. Named for the lively energy abounding in tapas bars throughout Spain, Tapeña, is made with the country's famous red grape variety, Tempranillo. Grab a glass and share it with friends. These sumptuous sippers are an ideal way to celebrate the season and ring in the New Year. Cheers! Leslie's Tasting Notes: Segura Viudas "Aria" Cava, Spain Native grapes Macabeao, Parellada, and Xarel-lo combine seamlessly in a classically-styled Cava that highlights honey and pear notes wrapped with a lush texture. Pair with olives, almonds, sliced ham, or any salty nibble. Tapeña Tempranillo, Spain Spicy, fresh, and oh-so-easy to sip, this lovely red wine evokes images of sitting in a bar in Barcelona enjoying friends, food, and fun. Ideal to drink simply as a cocktail, the Tapena Tempranillo also sings when paired alongside dinner. For more information, check out: www.seguraviudas.com and www.tapenawines.com.
Ease into the hectic holiday season by sipping wines from Down Under. Situated along South Australia's famous Limestone Coast, Stonehaven is named after one of region's historic vineyards. Winemaker, Susanne Bell, has crafted top wines across the country and now focuses on bringing quality and value together. We're pouring Stonehaven's easy-drinking varietals, but don't miss their complex Winemaker's Selection and Limestone Coast lines. Leslie's Tasting Notes: Stonehaven, Chardonnay, South Eastern Australia Swirl the glass and smell aromas of tropical fruit layered with rich, buttery notes followed by a creamy yet crisp texture. A classic Australian Chardonnay that will complement dishes from roast chicken to pumpkin soup. Stonehaven, Shiraz, South Eastern Australia Juicy, plum flavors are complemented by smoky aromas and a black pepper kick. Soft, smooth and easy to sip, this is a real crowd pleaser. Uncork with burgers, pizza or simply enjoy a glass fireside. For more information, check out: www.stonehavenwines.com.
With a label reminiscent of a turn-of-the century painting hanging in a French bistro, this whimsical, brand highlights a true sense of joie de vivre. The wines are all about having fun and as harvest kicks in, October is an ideal month to decorate your life with Gala Rouge. Dubbed "vin extraordinaire" these wines are made in the southern area of France known as the Languedoc Roussillon. Thinking of a wine gift that will please both your budget and your friend's palate? These stylish wines are the answer. Leslie's Tasting Notes: Gala Rouge Chardonnay Vin de Pays d'Oc, France A kiss of oak character and whisper of sweet fruit make this a wine to sit and enjoy on a fall day. Pair with pumpkin soup, grilled sausage sandwich, or hunk of creamy brie cheese and bread. Gala Rouge Pinot Noir Vin de Pays d'Oc, France A pretty Pinot that falls into the crowd-pleasing camp. Packed with red berry fruitiness, it's a light-bodied red you'll want to indulge in again and again. Ideal for pork chops in a cherry sauce, hearty cassoulet, and fleshy salmon with sautéed mushrooms. For more information, check out: www.galarouge.com.
In celebration of California Wine Month, we're shining the spotlight a classic brand from the Golden State. Produced by Beringer, one of Napa Valley's most historic and highly-regarded wineries, the Stone Cellars brand focuses on approachable, fruit-forward wines. Taking the name from the famous cellars where Beringer's 125 years of winemaking began, the wines combine history with innovation. As winemaker Mary Sullivan says, "In making wine, the mixture of creativity and science is an unending circle. Every year is different so you never stop learning." Let's raise a glass to Mary's quest for the best. Leslie's Tasting Notes: Stone Cellars by Beringer Chardonnay, California Forget those big, buttery Chards, this refreshing white is a vinous ray of sunshine. Citrus notes are layered with lush tropical fruit flavors in a wine that's welcome at any dinner table. Stone Cellars by Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon, California A touch of herbal complexity adds interest to this berry-scented red. Try it alongside a grilled steak smothered in mushrooms or bowl of steaming minestrone soup. For more information, check out: www.beringer.com.
Kimpton Hotel's eco-friendly focus takes center stage this month by showcasing two delicious wines from Organic Vintners. All of the company's wines—whether imported from around the world or made in the USA —are crafted with certified organically-grown grapes. No chemicals are used in the vineyards, which allow the purity of the fruit to shine through in the wine. Our August selections hail from South America and bring attention to several unique grape varieties grown in Chile and Argentina. Prepare to to expand your wine horizons while sipping an aromatic Torrontes, complex Chardonnay, or majestic Malbec. Leslie's Tasting Notes: Pircas Negras Chardonnay, Famatina Valley, Argentina Chardonnay from Argentina is appealing for its lush ripeness married with vibrant acidity that keeps you wanting more. This delicious white is racy, fresh and ideal for food. Pair with a slice of smoked salmon, creamy seafood bisque, or grilled chicken. Pircas Negras Torrontes, Famatina Valley, Argentina Argentina's signature white grape variety, Torrontes, is a wine you almost want to dab behind your ears it's so aromatic. Floral, orange blossom and ripe pear aromas are layered on the wine's crisp yet creamy texture. This is a white that can handle spicy fare from Indian curry to Mexican burritos. Ventura Malbec, Lontue Valley, Chile When you want a smoky red but one that's still packed with fruit, you'll fall in love with Malbec. The grape variety has made a name for itself in Argentina, but excellent examples such as this organically-grown version are also produced in Chile. Hailing from the central area of the country where warmth is plentiful while evening temperatures are cool, the grapes bask in the sun producing ripe, yet elegant wines. For more information, check out: www.organicvintners.com.
Just as we dress for the seasons, why not drink with them, too? This month's picks capture the light-hearted spirit of summer. Little Black Dress Wines are crafted with those who appreciate style in mind. Certainly, women who are the majority of wine consumers in this country can relate to wine as a small indulgence, but you don't need to don a dress to enjoy these California bottles. Simply slip into something comfortable and take a sip. Leslie's Tasting Notes: Little Black Dress Pinot Grigio, California A charming, off-dry white that pops with floral aromas and appealing freshness. This Pinot Grigio is adorned with both a dash of Muscat and Viognier grapes for added complexity. Pair with spicy dishes or fish topped with fruit salsa. Little Black Dress Merlot, California Merlot is all about sporting juicy fruit flavors and a rich texture, and this one has it in spades. Think of draping yourself in a cashmere shall or sweater and you get the idea. For more information, check out: www.littleblackdresswines.com.
It's summertime and the sipping is easy. So grab a glass and join us by officially toasting French Cocktail Hour -Apéritif à la Française- the entire month of June. The French concept of an apéritif is not only about enjoying wine and appetizers before dinner, it's a natural part of celebrating life each evening. This month, Kimpton Hotels is proudly pouring two wines from France's famed Burgundy producer, Georges Duboeuf. Based in the area of Beaujolais, the esteemed winemaker is known for its festive Beaujolais Nouveau release every year but also produces fine wines from around France. Both of our selections showcase Duboeuf's elegant style. When drinking these wines at home, remember to chill. Chilling down BOTH the white and red wines brings out their refreshingly fruity flavors. Leslie's Tasting Notes: Georges Duboeuf Chardonnay, Macon-Villages, France Aromas of butterscotch and toasted nuts are followed with flavors of pear and sweet apple in this lovely wine. Hailing from the picturesque Maconnais area of Burgundy, it's a unique expression of Chardonnay. Paired with rich fish dishes from salmon to lobster, or creamy cheeses, the wine shines. Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages, France Made from Gamay grapes grown in the Beaujolais region of southern Burgundy, this succulently fruity red tastes like biting into a freshly-picked berry. It's the ideal cocktail for a sultry summer night. For more information, check out: www.chilledred.com and www.frenchcocktailhour.com.
Washington is not only known for its caffeinated beverages and computer software, it's a world-class spot for wine. Forget soggy Seattle, vines are planted on the east side of the Cascade Mountains where they're protected from the Pacific coast weather. Pine & Post's signature is highlighting smooth sipping wines loaded with fruit. These wines will bring a refreshing ray of sunshine to your day. Leslie's Tasting Notes: 2005 Pine & Post Chardonnay, Washington State There's a reason Americans have a love affair with Chardonnay - its ripe, juicy flavors make drinking wine a pleasure. Pine & Post's version is packed with pear and apple notes and a creamy yet vibrant texture. Grab a glass and ring in spring. 2004 Pine & Post Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington State Imagine biting into a lusciously ripe cherry. That's what the fruit flavors of this wine remind me of...and it makes me want more. With light tannins and a medium body, this Cab is all about enjoyment. For more information, check out: www.preceptwinebrands.com
The Wines of the World journey heads to South Africa this month. Two Oceans wine takes its name from the two great oceans that converge at the country's Cape of Good Hope. The warm Indian and the bracingly cold Atlantic provide the idea climate for growing grapes. Fruit grown in the world-famous Stellenbosch wine region as well as several other spots around the Western Cape are blended to craft the easy-drinking style of Two Oceans. If you haven't explored wines from this emerging area, you're in for a treat. Leslie's Tasting Notes: 2007 Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa Get ready to taste bottled sunshine with Two Ocean's Sauvignon Blanc. The ping of lemon/lime flavors are accented with a hint of herbal aromas in a wine that will make your mouth water. Perfect for oysters, goat cheese salad, or grilled asparagus topped with shaved parmeggiano. 2006 Two Oceans Shiraz, Western Cape, South Africa Elegant and pretty, this deeply-colored Shiraz highlights the sunny but cool climate of South Africa's Western Cape. Smoky notes underscore the red berry freshness of the fruit in a Shiraz that will take you from season to season with ease. Drink with everything from burgers to veggie pizza. For more information, check out: www.twooceanswines.co.za
March is the transition from winter to spring. You crave bottles that not only warm your soul, but tease with freshness. This month's winning wines do both beautifully. Hailing from Chile, Xplorador captures the essence of the Southern Hemisphere hot-spot. Days are warm and nights cool in this slim county bordered by the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The ideal climate creates fruit-driven yet elegant wines. Part of the Concha y Toro family of wines, one of Chile's most historic and highly-regarded producers, Xplorador is a brand to discover. Leslie's Tasting Notes: Xplorador, Chardonnay, Central Valley, Chile Highlighting exotic tropical fruit flavors paired with crisp freshness, this is a food-friendly white to uncork alongside just about everything from grilled swiss cheese sandwiches to roasted vegetable salad. Xplorador, Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Valley, Chile Combining structure with softness is the hallmark of Chilean Cab. This harmonious red also sports a touch of herbal complexity, which makes it an snap to pair with earthy dishes such as lentil soup, mushroom-topped pasta, and rosemary-grilled lamb chops. For more information, check out: www.conchaytorousa.com
A focus on quality and value has been the motto of Washington Hills wines since 1989. Using fruit grown in the highly-acclaimed Columbia Valley as well as other parts of the state, the wines showcase vibrancy and richness - a hallmark of bottles from Washington. From Chardonnay to Shiraz and Merlot to Riesling, Washington Hills delivers deliciously affordable ways to experience the vinous beauty of the northwest. Leslie's Tasting Notes: 2004 Washington Hills Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, Washington State Crisp, bright and juicy, this light-hearted white captures the elegant side of Chardonnay. Sip it as a refreshing cocktail or pair with flavorful fish dishes from smoked salmon to spicy Cajun catfish. 2006 Washington Hills Riesling, Washington State With aromas of peaches and spice this delicate, off-dry Riesling is a crowd pleaser. Pour it by the glass for those who enjoy succulently fruit-driven wines and offer as a thirst-quenching counterpoint to piquant Pacific Rim fare. 2005 Washington Hills Merlot, Washington State Washington ranks as my favorite spot for domestic versions of Merlot. The state's warm days and cool nights allow grapes to reach lush levels of ripeness while zipping in racy acidity. This Merlot tastes of red berries rounded out with a smooth texture. For more information, check out: www.washingtonhills.com 
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