LYRA MAG.

Sparkling + white  wines from Loire Valley France, South Africa and Greece-travel the globe, palate wise-without leaving home. via GIPHY BOUVET-Ladubay --crisp lively texture, clean balanced fruit flavors-very elegant 20% Chardonnay/80% Chenin Blanc- priced under $14-  from winery established in 1851-now run by 4th generation family. Domaine de Cézen -Coteaux de Loir-good till the last drop...well balanced Chenin grapes-from clay-calcareous soil-this wine pairs well with grilled fish Rich volcanic soils on the glorious Santorini island plus that fab weather=ideal growing conditions for native island grape...Assyrtiko by the Santo Winery -a co-op...crisp, medium bodied fruit-acid - with citrus, stone, and lemongrass  mouthfuls...vinified in stainless steel....ideal for Mediterranean or Asian cuisines eaten anywhere! Nonalcoholic sips are in demand...fresh apples bouquet-delicious chilled-Martinelli's Organic Sparkling Cider. is flute worthy, Widely availabl...

 Part One:  Quaffing regional craft beers-Americans have shown great love for home grown brews. But for sophisticated summery wines-palate pleasing value options are internationally produced...and readily available. Some recent favs...from South Africa Sparkling Rosés merge the win win of summer's fresh fruity acid leaning Rosés and traditional sparkling wines. Perfect for outdoor occasions- from casual beach  outings to fancier celebrations- DGB 's Boschendal 's 300 years of winemaking-produces this yummy award winning,  pink hued Brut Rosé -  made in the traditional Methods Cap Classique - spending 12 months on the lees.  Bonus points for memorable names--- Black Elephant Vintners ' Two Dogs A Peacock & A Horse (yup there's a story MO about the name/label)...a South African Sauvignon Blanc -is  spicier acidic mineral complex sip- than typical New Zealand style wines of this grape-though both have fruity overtones which make these fo...

via GIPHY source: hellogiggles.com Sparkling and ready to drink whites...top French Loire Valley + Italian wine picks ... Looire Valley Wines: Crisp dry white varietals, rich aromatic white varietals, sweet wines, dry and off dry rosés, fruity reds,  earthy reds, and sparkling. Sparkling Wine, Chenin Blanc $20 Ferrari Brut -Sparkling Trentdoc-100% Chardonnay

a bountiful display of gourmet chocolate bars...from around the world... AN invite for a gourmet chocolate-wine pairing tasting-count us in! via GIPHY yes-chocolate is that good... A worthy reminder that single source and refined blends of planet earth's most fav 'food' -has caused worthy destinations-like the chic sleek Italian style coffee (ILLY) café 2Beans (Manhattan based-including convenient right near Grand Central station)...to offer discerning and curious customers-an outstanding assortment of chocolates from around the world-in custom confections -by the piece-or in beautiful packaged bars-to go..

Metropolitan Pavilion NYC 11th Annual Taste of Hope NYC -a culinary, spirits and wines ' walk around tasting gorge-thon event featured some of the most popular restaurants, chefs and beverage vendors... plus a silent auction...with proceeds to support the American Cancer Society 's mission and goal of eliminating cancer as a major health problem. A not to be missed evening...it benefits this 100 years old nationwide  community based, volunteer organization ...and their millions of supporters and patients. Some Highlights : Culinary Honoree Chef David Burke and Corporate Honoree Drew Nieporent -icons in the food industry Taste of Hope 11th Annual Benefit...a foodie must-hosted by Chris Wragge-honored Philanthropist and author Jean Shafiroff. corporate sponsor Vinitaly Int'l delicious-sparkling wine from Italy...ROTARI NOBU NY-Tuna Sashimi w/ tofu aioli-chef Ryo Hasegawa-we had this tasting multiple times!!!! Alido...