LYRA MAG.

 NYC-IAC Building VIAS IMPORTS GRAND PORTFOLIO TASTING Hundreds  of delicious wines, liqueurs, and spirits/cordials -from 91 wineries+ several countries including Italy (mostly), France, Spain, USA (CA, WS, NY, VA), Argentina, Austria, and even Colombia and Lebanon..brought out crowds of industry insiders, restaurant owners, distributors and media...for a six hour professional tasting. We'd say the producers and event staff -helping with the sampling of sips-got an arm workout, for sure...but -seemed very happy to be there. All that good wine... DUH. via GIPHY Highlights were numerous...there are indigenous grapes (83!!!) as well as found around the world grapes -all with their own unique characteristics (terroir, weather...)...and of course, each vintner imparts knowledge and  specialness onto production/blends/aging...vintages typically from 2008-2014 with most 2011+. Pleasant surprises include-the variety of Prosecco s -the sparkling Italian white w...

 NYC Who knew -that yet there is another delicious reason to celebrate Brazil....this time-it's wines...from established CASA VALDUGA (founded in 1875!)...that has won international acclaim ( wine competition- gold medals )  already ---yet its offerings are fairly new to North America wine drinkers. Acclaimed Casa Valduga served up four sparkling wines for tasting...at a recent event in midtown, NYC. Tradition, terroir, weather in the southeast highlands of Rio Gran do Sul region of Brazil...all ideal conditions for growing crisp chardonnay and a variety of luscious red wine grapes. it was mid-day---never to early for sipping sparking wine-chilled just right. lovely color-fresh tropical fruit/almond taste (70% chardonnay, 30% pinot noir), aged 25 months- does well by itself or paired with all kinds of appetizers/seafood/risottos/cheeses... on the left-the premium BRUT 130 is a distinguished sparkling wine that rivals French champagne and-like those pictured....

Whether travel destinations are a metro stop at an urban beach, a do it in a day packed dirt hike, or a leisurely cobble stone stroll... smaller niche brands of carry-alls deliver multi-task haulers for summer  get-aways. via GIPHY (source YouTube.com) COTOPAXI repurposes quality remnant material scraps for these fab colorful daypacks...unique, durable and affordable. LUZON DEL DIA 18L Backpack (11oz)  GRANITE GEAR aka Go Where You Gotta Go water tough urban slick RIFT-2 packs (26L, 32L) come with Gear-Tec tricot lined padded personal electronics sleeve. Rift-2 RIFT-2 pretty cool looking -and like all Granite Gear backpacks...center of gravity of the pack is ideal features include Rift Tab Quick access main compartment, barrier zipper tricot lined pocket for valuables,  heavy duty tarpaulin material, compression molded back panel, high density EVA foam shoulder harness, multi-pocket organizer, hydration ready port-3 color options. FJÄLLRÄVE...

via GIPHY Thirsty people---say hello to summer's higher temps -that bring out the need for hydration on the go---whether on a solo jaunt or the crowds all here party anywhere...there a lots of new options for drinking on the go. FITLETIC- makers of those race belts everyone seems to use (the best)...new perfectly shaped portable Hydration bottles...highly reflective color paneling ...on the left-adjustable hand strap, lightweight pouch on Hydra Pocket stores essentials like keys in stretchy breathable mesh upper, side against hand-smooth soft nylon with an ez grab tab for on the go access, and leak free bottle has easy flow sprout-BPA free and dish-washer friendly... AVEX OUTDOOR    AVEX FreeFlow and Fuse   insulated bottle in BPA-free  Eastman Tritan co-polyester or rugged powder-coat finished, double-walled, vacuum-sealed Capacitor Stainless™ steel. Featuring a AUTOSEAL tech and a metal cross-bolt lockout pin to prevent leaks , glove-friendl...