Photo of Hudson Business Lounge courtesy of its Facebook page
Milwaukee’s newest wine bar has a twist: it’s inconspicuously tucked into Hudson Business Lounge, a chic space at 310 E. Buffalo St., in the Third Ward, where self-employed folks can hunker down in their mobile workstations and stave off isolation. One half of the space is work stations and the other half a casual, drop-in site for anyone, whether you’re hammering away on your laptop or catching up with a friend over wine or an espresso drink (that’s the other liquid vice here).
Open only since last month, I dropped in yesterday afternoon to check it out: Think high ceilings, tall windows with sunlight pouring in, white-marble countertops and a cozy fireplace. Perfect for the upcoming brisk, cold season, yes? Sixteen wines by the glass – from Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel to French Roses and even a Wisconsin selection (Wollersheim Winery White Riesling) – are dispensed via a shiny silver machine.
WINE DEAL OF THE WEEK
Our city’s Italian grocers never fail to woo me – what’s not to love about jars of imported pasta sauces and slices of fluffy tiramisu? G. Groppi Food Market’s new wine club is a dream. It rolls out from the Bay View specialty grocer on Dec. 1. For a $35 monthly fee you get one bottle each of red and white wine, along with complimentary attendance to a members-only wine tasting. To become a member, dial G. Groppi’s at 414-747-9012. I’ve plucked quite a few bottles from G. Groppi’s wine department; trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
WINE EVENT OF THE WEEK
Three summers ago I flitted through the Burgundy region in France, checking out wineries in Pouilly-Fuissé, Côte de Beaune, Chablis and Montrachet, marveling at how terroir (wine-speak for soil conditions, and how they affect the taste of the wine) played a huge role. You can taste these beauties for yourself at Waterford Wine Company’s Burgundy Festival open house this Saturday from 1-5 p.m. at the shop, 1327 E. Brady St., Milwaukee. For $20 you can sample a bunch of wines from Burgundy, and that entrance fee is applied to purchases of six bottles or more. RSVP is required: call 414-289-9463.
WINE OF THE WEEK
Are you already thinking of wine pairings for the Thanksgiving Day feast? I’m a fan of pulling out a dessert wine a few hours after you’ve digested a feast of turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberries, stuffing, etc. (Are you hungry yet?)
2010 Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery Eldorado Noir Black Muscat (Russian River Valley, California, $30) is robust, with creamy blackberry and raspberry notes that also feature traces of vanilla. I might pair this with a pumpkin pie or cheesecake. (www.ferrari-carano.com)
