Direct Imports by The Wine Company

Posted on February 27, 2024 by Nicholas Livingston

TRADE ALERT!
To all buyers in our merry, local wine trade, we invite you to reach out to your Sales Consultant at The Wine Company to check out our latest digital Direct Imports Catalogue.

For the public at large, The Wine Company is immensely proud of our direct import program and you ought to be too because these are among the best values to be found at any wine shop. When shopping, spin the bottle round to look at the back label and when you read IMPORTED BY THE WINE COMPANY, you have in hand a wine that will bring greater joy at a lower cost to you.

In terms of what sets The Wine Company apart, our direct import program perhaps shows it best. For nearly 40 years we have invested our time and resources to explore both great and underappreciated wine regions of the world, to meet families that share similar visions to ours, and purchase their wines and bring them directly into Minnesota.

As a result, there are many wines imported only by The Wine Company and unavailable in most other markets – including New York and California. There are few distributors that do this with the same commitment and dedication.

The logistics are immense, and the investment is high but we believe the end results are some of the best values in the world of wine. By eliminating the import middleman, we are able to bring Minnesotans far greater diversity and value with these wines.

It is our pleasure to continue this work and search. It is our commitment to you to continue to bring you wines that are compelling, exciting and delicious values.

Be sure to follow #WineCoImports + #WineCoValues for highlights across social media.

Launching our annual Diaper Drive for 2024

Posted on February 1, 2024 by Nicholas Livingston

THE WINE COMPANY’S ANNUAL DIAPER DRIVE RUNNING THROUGH FEBRUARY

Might you be able and willing to help?
PLEASE DO!

The Wine Company is excited to announce the launch of our annual diaper drive starting today and ending Friday, March 1st! This year’s recipient is Jeremiah Program, a cause that closely aligns with our ongoing initiatives.

“Jeremiah Program is a national organization with a mission to disrupt the cycle of poverty for single mothers and their children, two generations at a time. When a mother invests simultaneously in her personal and professional goals and the education of her children, she can re-author her family’s outcomes and act as a change agent within her community.”

You can read more about their CORE PILLARS, including their dedication to providing career and college support to single mothers, quality early childhood education for their children, safe and affordable housing, and empowerment, leadership, and career training.

What is needed?
• Diapers sized 1-4
• Pull-ups sized 3T/4T & 5T/6T
• Diaper wipes

How do I donate?
• Drop off or have your donation delivered to:
The Wine Company
425 W. Minnehaha Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55103
• Spread the word on social media, with your customers, friends, family, etc.!

What should I not donate?
• Please do not bring in your opened, leftover diaper packages. Many places do not take open packages for safety and quality control reasons.

For any questions or concerns, please contact us directly, or comment here. Let’s see if we can get to 7,000 diapers and 7,000 wipes!

THANK YOU!

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Fresh Spirits Portfolio that reads like a Wish List!

Posted on December 18, 2023 by Nicholas Livingston

The Wine Company’s Digital Spirits Portfolio >>>

It has just been freshly updated to inspire the dreamiest holiday wish lists! Learn all about our broad range of craft whiskies, brandies, aquavits, gins and other botanical spirits, mezcals, sotols, tequilas, liqueurs, piscos, rums and other sugarcane spirits, bitters, vermouth and other aromatized wines, ready-to-drinks and spirit-free options from over twenty countries!

Sharab Shrubs Unveils New Line of Ready-to-Drink Beverages: Shrub n’ Bub

Posted on November 24, 2023 by Nicholas Livingston

Minneapolis, MN – 11/24/2023

Sharab Shrubs, a trailblazing force in the world of artisanal shrubs, is thrilled to introduce its latest creation: Shrub n’ Bub, a line of ready-to-drink beverages that marries the finest fruits, herbs, and a commitment to quality craftsmanship. Based in Minneapolis, Sharab Shrubs takes pride in its local roots. Founded in 2017 by former bar manager Alex Zweber, the company has grown since its inception and can now be found in dozens of restaurants and retailers throughout the State of Minnesota, contributing to the vibrant beverage culture of the region.

Fresh and Flavorful Ingredients

Shrub n’ Bub stands out for its commitment to freshness. The beverages are crafted with fresh, never frozen fruits and herbs, ensuring a burst of authentic flavors in every sip. The addition of cane sugar, without any high fructose corn syrup, adds a natural sweetness that complements the vibrant ingredients.

Small Batch, Handmade Elegance

Embracing the ethos of small-batch production, Shrub n’ Bub beverages are meticulously handmade, guaranteeing a level of quality and attention to detail that mass-produced alternatives simply cannot match. Each bottle is a testament to the dedication of Sharab Shrubs to provide a unique and artisanal drinking experience.

Cold Pressed Shrubs with Lightly Carbonated Seltzer

Shrub n’ Bub features cold-pressed shrubs paired with lightly carbonated seltzer, creating are refreshing and effervescent combination. The result is a beverage that is both invigorating and delightful, making it the perfect companion for any occasion.

Light and Bright Flavors

Shrub n’ Bub is characterized by its light and bright flavors that dance on the palate. From the sweet and smoky Blueberry Poblano to the herbaceous burst of Thai Basil, each variant promises a unique sensory adventure. The Pineapple Toasted Coconut and Strawberry options round out the collection with tropical and summery vibes.

Spirit-Free Offerings

Strawberry Shrub n’ Bub:

Like a freshly picked strawberry, our strawberry shrub n’ bub delivers the sweetness and brightness you’d expect from Sharab Shrubs with the added zing of vinegar and champagne like carbonation to wake up the palate.

Pineapple Toasted Coconut Shrub n’ Bub:

Chock full of pineapple, a touch of toasted coconut, and a kiss of vinegar. No passport required for this journey. It’s a tropical vacation for your mouth! Think tepache without all the sugar!

Elevating the Shrub Experience

Sharab Shrubs has redefined the concept of shrubs, offering a more fruit-forward experience that captivates the taste buds. Their commitment to innovation is further demonstrated with the addition of two groundbreaking 3mg Hemp Derived THC Seltzers: Blueberry Poblano and Thai Basil, providing a unique and elevated twist to the Shrub n’ Bub lineup.

THC Ready-To-Drink Offerings

Blueberry Poblano Shrub n’ Bub 3mg Hemp Derived THC

Sweet, smoky, earthy and just a little bit spicy. This complex shrub has all the brightness of fresh picked blueberries, with a smoky and vegetal pop of poblano pepper!3mg of hemp derived THC brings a sessionable balance to our shrub n’ bub.

Thai Basil Shrub n’ Bub 3mg Hemp Derived THC

Herbaceous, funky, fresh and fun. Our Thai Basil Shrub n’ Bub is a knockout, providing all the freshness you come to expect from Sharab Shrubs. It’s like being transported to Southeast Asia without a plane ticket! 3mg of hemp derived THC brings a sessionable balance to our shrub n’ bub.

Distributed by The Wine Company

To experience the magic of Shrub n’ Bub, look no further than The Wine Company, the exclusive distributor for Sharab Shrubs in the State of Minnesota. With a commitment to delivering exceptional beverages, The Wine Company ensures that these tantalizing shrub beverages are accessible to consumers looking for a premium and unique drinking experience.

Indulge in the extraordinary world of Sharab Shrubs’ Shrub n’ Bub, where freshness, craftsmanship, and innovation come together to create a symphony of flavors. For more information, please visit www.sharabshrubs.com or contact Alex at sharabshrubs@gmail.com.

Media Contact

Alex Zweber

Founder/Owner

3722 ChicagoAve, Minneapolis

952-693-6342

alex@sharabshrubs.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Join Us for Blood Drive at The Wine Company Offices

Posted on October 30, 2023 by Nicholas Livingston

Join Us for Blood Drive at The Wine Company Offices Monday, November 13th, 2023 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM Follow this link to sign up now! (Sign up quick, spots are limited – 35 total slots)

Why do we give blood?
“Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.” – How Blood Donations Help Patients

What is our donation goal?
Our goal is to get 35 total donors for this event! This amount of donations would help over 100 lives.

How do I sign up to donate?
If you already have an account, follow our direct signup link! If you do not have an account, follow account creation instructions on the Red Cross website, or download the blood donor app and join THE WINE COMPANY TEAM to tally your donation with our past donations!:

Blood Donor App Instructions:

Download the Blood Donor App. (click here for instructions on the website – you can also text BLOODAPP to 90999)
Login or create an account
Join our team! The Wine Company – follow this link once you have downloaded the app to join our team

Want to donate blood, but can’t make the November 13th event?
No problem! Let us know when and where you’ve donated in the month of November and we’ll count it toward our total.

Should you have any questions regarding donations or the signup process, please do not hesitate to reach out directly to Elyse Poshard, our Philanthropic Chair.

In gratitude,
YOUR FRIENDS AT THE WINE COMPANY

J. Carver Distillery Announces First Release of J. Carver 7 Year Brickyard Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Posted on September 8, 2023 by Nicholas Livingston

Waconia, Minnesota – September 7, 2023 – In celebration of National Bourbon Heritage Month, J. Carver Distillery, the grain-to-glass Minnesota microdistillery located in Waconia, Minnesota is pleased to announce the limited release of J. Carver 7 Year Brickyard Straight Bourbon Whiskey. As with the recently introduced 7 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey and 7 Year Runestone Straight Rye, this is a fine whiskey that offers the unique flavors of Minnesota grains and Minnesota barrels with the complexity of a carefully crafted, well-aged Whiskey.

“J. Carver Distillery is located in beautiful Carver County, home to the historic Chaska brickyards, which produced the distinctive yellow “Chaska Brick” churches and farmhouses located up and down the Minnesota River,” stated Bill Miller, Founding Partner. “Likewise, our Brickyard Straight Bourbon uses local, similarly yellow corn, wheat and barley grown in towns along the banks of the Minnesota River. Based on Minnesota grains and aged in Minnesota barrels and hand-made and bottled here at our facility in Waconia, we are thrilled that Minnesota distilleries are adding to the history of Bourbon.”

“Our Brickyard Straight Bourbon is our most popular and awarded whiskey, and we are so excited to introduce this carefully curated 7 Year product to our customers and partners across Minnesota,” stated Gina Holman, Founding Partner. Holman continues, “Our Brickyard Straight Bourbon offers an amazing balance of sweetness and richness. Soft and approachable with intriguing flavors of baked pear, brown sugar, vanilla, bread pudding, toffee, caramel, honey, dried cherry, milk chocolate, toasted oak, baking spice notes with a long, soft and smooth finish.”

Holman concludes, “Our J. Carver team has been patiently waiting to launch this 7 year wheated bourbon since local Carver County history inspired us to name this bourbon during the time we started repurposing our building from the Pontiac car dealership into J. Carver Distillery over 10 years ago.” Holman says the J. Carver team is raising a glass and honoring all the J. Carver friends and fans who have helped them get to this historic moment for J. Carver Distillery. They invite you to celebrate with them at the distillery on September 16th for a release party.

J. Carver Distillery will be celebrating National Bourbon Heritage Month and the first release of J. Carver 7 Year Brickyard Straight Bourbon with a first release party at J. Carver Distillery from 5:00-8:30pm after the conclusion of Waconia’s Annual Nickle Dickle Day event, a town festival put on by Waconia’s Chamber of Commerce.

Tickets are available at www.jcarverdistillery.com/reservations

J. Carver 7 Year Brickyard Straight Bourbon

Distilled from local Minnesota corn, Minnesota winter wheat, malted barley, and aged for more than 7 years in charred new oak barrels
Non-chill filtered and bottled at 95.2 proof
First release produced 1,111 bottles
Handcrafted entirely on-site in Waconia, Minnesota

J. Carver 7 Year Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber
Aroma: Sweet nose, caramel, toffee, vanilla custard, and toasted oak
Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied, sweet, smooth, complex, and rich in flavor
Flavor: An amazing balance of sweetness and richness. Soft and approachable with intriguing flavors of baked pear, vanilla, bread pudding, toffee, caramel, honey, brown sugar, dried cherry, milk chocolate, baking spice notes with a long, soft and smooth finish.
Finish: Long, sweet, smooth, and elegant finish
Aged: 84-90+ months
Proof: 95.2 proof
% Alc By Volume: 47.6
Mash Bill: MN 71% corn, MN 20% winter wheat, and 9% malted barley

About J. Carver Distillery
J. Carver Distillery crafts distinctive award-winning spirits inspired by a tradition of craft and curiosity, harkening back to the days of unchartered exploration and wonder. J. Carver Distillery is open to the public for educational tours and tastings by reservation on Saturdays. Please book your reservation online. Stop in and experience a tour and tasting and their grain-to-glass approach to distilling. Join their many enthusiastic customers in sampling locally made vodka, gin, barrel gin, apple brandy, brandy, bourbon, rye whiskey, liqueurs, absinthe, American Single Malt and now 7 Year small batch whiskey, and hand-crafted cocktails in their cocktail room. Founded in 2013 in Waconia, Minnesota, partners include Bill Miller (Waconia), Gina Holman (Victoria), Gregg Groechel (Medina), John Zupan (Waconia), Tom Kullman (Waconia).

More information is available online at www.jcarverdistillery.com.

You must be at least 21 years of age to drink alcoholic beverages. Do not drink and drive, and please drink responsibly.

For more information please contact:
Gina Holman
mobile 612-306-7870 / office 952-442-2433/ ginah@jcarverdistillery.com

1320 MILL LANE, WACONIA, MINNESOTA, USA

New Arrival: Rostaing-Tayard Gamay from Coteaux de Lyonnaise

Posted on August 28, 2023 by Nicholas Livingston

DOMAINE ROSTAING-TAYARD
Coteaux du Lyonnais Le Coeur des Hommes

« This cuvée is the reflection of a blend of plots located on a terroir of blue stones unique to Savigny. Coming from a geological frontier, it gives this cuvée a uniqueness. »

– Emmanuel Rostaing-Tayard

LE COEUR DES HOMMES | AT-A-GLANCE

Grape variety: Gamay
Age of the vines: Average of 50 years
Altitude: 1,300 to 1,800 feet
Manual harvesting
Drastic sorting both in the vineyard and in the cellar
Vinification without inputs
Burgundy-style vinification with the aim of finesse and elegance
Maceration for 12 days without extraction
Combined aging in stainless steel vats and demi muids with very light sulfiting before bottling
12.53% ABV

TASTING NOTE
Fruity, spicy nose, a supple structure and a tangy final note which gives a sensation of freshness to the wine.

COTEAUX DE LYONNAISE
Rostaing-Tayard is based in a region just outside of Lyon called ‘The Coteaux de Lyonnais”; just beyond Northern Rhone and South of Beaujolais sandwiched between the two regions. The influence of Beaujolais can be felt here with grape varieties like Gamay and Chardonnay and granitic soils with metamorphic blue stones making for a noble terroir to host 50-year-old vines. Emmanuel brings a wealth of knowledge and experience back to his hometown of Savigny where he is deeply passionate about biodynamic principles and saving the historic vineyards in his small comer of France.

EMMANUEL ROSTAING-TAYARD
Emmanuel Rostaing-Tayard grew up in the vines at Récy in Savigny within a family of winegrowers who passed on this passion from generation to generation. “You could say that wine runs through my veins!” Devoted to polyculture at every turn, the ecosystem at Domaine Rostaing-Tayard is certified organic by Ecocert and biodynamic by Demeter. The approach in the vineyard and in the cellar is one of minimal intervention.

« I only use biodynamic preparations; herbal teas, fermented extracts and decoctions. These preparations allow me to use minimal doses of copper and sulfur to fight against diseases such as mildew and powdery mildew. The vines are grassed and I sometimes work the soil on the surface with the help of a chasing machine so as not to compact the soil and disturb its microbial life. On the pruning side, I am trained in non-mutilating pruning and I take care to respect the flow of sap in order to perpetuate the life of the vine and to avoid diseases of the wood. »

In the cellar, he vinifies all wines with the indigenous yeasts already present in the grapes. Vinification takes place naturally without inputs. Once alcoholic fermentation and malolactic fermentation have taken place, the only input Emmanuel uses is sulfur in very small quantities at the end of ageing leaving this cuvée Cœur des Hommes, or the Heart or Men, as the purest expression of Rostaing-Tayard vineyards.

Wine Co Cares Update

Posted on July 13, 2023 by Nicholas Livingston

As we begin the second half of the year, we look back to our many accomplishments not only as a company, but as a family, as colleagues, and as friends.

In our togetherness we have done everything from plunging into a frozen lake to collecting over 200 pounds of pet food, and many more projects that celebrate the philosophy which shapes how we provide for our multiple communities.

We endeavor to strengthen our current partnerships and build future relationships, to continue to empower others, and to retain our passion through every step forward. Thank you to those who have chosen to join us in these efforts.

– Elyse Poshard, Chair of the Philanthropic Committee

PHILANTHROPIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2023 TO DATE

Our Pet Supply Drive for Pet Haven provided over 200 pounds of pet food, along with other supplies and toys. Pet Haven is a local rescue and one of our Frogtown neighbors. Pet Haven recently celebrated their 70th anniversary as Minnesota’s oldest foster-based animal rescue. They improve the lives of pets and the people who love them by rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs and cats; reducing pet overpopulation by supporting spay and neutering efforts, and providing resources to people that help strengthen the human-animal bond.

Our Polar Plunge for Special Olympics raised $7,788 Jumpers included Wil, Dana, Connor, Austin, Scott, Elyse, Jane, Nicholas, Paul Mazanec, and Ken. Notable donations included Matchbook, Twin Cities Wine Education, Diamond Wine Importers, Chris Johnson, Top Ten Liquors, Montaigne Imports, Laine Boswell Selections, Sharab Shrubs, Impex, Valentine, Fred Petters, Mac Caron of Vintus, and Jesse Marrow of Cline.

Our Family Essentials Drive collected 5,214 Diapers, 5,936 wipes, 60 pairs of socks, and 682 menstrual products for donation to Esperanza United whose work in the community includes a shelter for families escaping gender-based violence.

Earthquake Relief raised $900 for Alight through Beckmen Sauvignon Blanc purchases. The Wine Company donated $60 of each case to Earthquake Relief for Turkey and Syria. This meant $5 per bottle on every bottle you bought and sold to your customers.

The Wine Company is pleased to announce our donation of $3500 to the Trevor Project in support of Pride this June. Thanks to YOUR partnership and collaboration, this donation was made possible. We greatly appreciate your business and ongoing support of TWC’s philanthropic efforts!

Community drives our philanthropic efforts
Helping when and where we can has been a core value stretching back our very beginnings in 1985. Fundraising, charitable donations, volunteerism and neighborhood engagement play an important role throughout our calendar year. In the first half of 2023, we have helped many a noble cause as outlined above. For coming together over these initiatives, WE THANK YOU!

Stay tuned to #WineCoCares for more opportunities to help out including your chance to prepare meals for those in need through Harvest Pack this September, our annual Blood Drive for the American Red Cross in November, and more to come.

J Carver 7 Year Runestone Straight Rye Whiskey

Posted on June 8, 2023 by Nicholas Livingston

Thursday, June 8, 2023

J. Carver Distillery Unveils the Debut of J. Carver 7 Year Runestone Straight Rye Whiskey

Waconia, Minnesota – J. Carver Distillery, the grain-to-glass Minnesota microdistillery located in Waconia, Minnesota is pleased to announce the limited release of J. Carver 7 Year Runestone Straight Rye Whiskey. This exceptional whiskey embodies the unique flavors of Minnesota grains and barrels, showcasing the complexity of a carefully crafted, well-aged spirit.

“Following the highly successful release of J. Carver 7 Year Bourbon a few months ago, we are equally excited to introduce J. Carver 7 Year Runestone Straight Rye. Planning for this product began many years ago, by carefully selecting our favorite barrels and holding them on-site in reserve for long term aging”, stated Bill Miller, Founding Partner. “This is a unique, pure rye whiskey, with a malt-heavy mash bill that enhances the sweetness and imparts a spicy, yet smooth finish compared to other rye whiskies. With our extensive inventory of similarly aged barrels of other products, we are likewise excited to plan similar releases of our other barreled spirits in the near future.”

“We are excited by the interest and excitement in this product indicated by our partners throughout the spirits industry,” added Gina Holman, Founding Partner. “J. Carver Distillery has been barreling whiskey for nearly nine years, and we are gratified that our larger barrels are producing the complex flavors we had hoped for.” Holman continues, “our first release J. Carver 7 Year Runestone Straight Rye offers intriguing and complex flavors of nougat, sweet churned butter, caramel, honey, apple, cardamom, nectarine, dried fruit, dried orange peel, cocoa, oak, vanilla, white pepper, dill, and baking spice notes with a long, well-balanced, soft and smooth finish.”

J. Carver 7 Year Runestone Straight Rye Whiskey
• Distilled from 100 percent MN rye and aged for more than 7 years in charred new oak barrels
• Named for the famous Kensington, MN Runestone
• Created for whiskey aficionados and hardcore rye lovers
• Irish Whiskey and Highland & Speyside Scotch-lover’s Whiskey
• Non-chill filtered and bottled at 98.4 proof
• First release produced 852 bottles
• Handcrafted entirely on-site in Waconia, Minnesota from local grains

J. Carver 7 Runestone Straight Rye Year
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber
Aroma: Sweet nose, butterscotch, caramel, toffee, citrus, cocoa, vanilla, herbal, grains, and toasted oak
Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied, smooth, balanced, elegant
Flavor: An amazing balance of sweetness and spice. Enjoy flavors of nougat, sweet churned butter, caramel, honey, apple, cardamom, nectarine, dried fruit, dried orange peel, cocoa, oak, vanilla, white pepper, dill, and baking spice notes with a long, well-balanced, soft and smooth finish.

Finish: Long, smooth, elegant finish
Aged: 84-90+ months
Proof: 98.4 proof
Mash Bill: 86 percent Minnesota Rye, 14 percent malted rye

More information is available online at www.jcarverdistillery.com.

Welcoming STACI MICKELSON to The Wine Company!

Posted on April 17, 2023 by Nicholas Livingston

STACI MICKELSON
I grew up in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Augsburg College. I have WSET Level 3, and am a Certified Sommelier through the CMS; my favorite wine program I have done was the French Wine Scholar. In 2016, I was awarded the Les Dames d’Escoffier Wine Legacy Award, which took me to Washington State and Washington DC later that year. I am a member of the Minnesota chapter of the Les Dames d’Escoffier.

I’ve been in the wine industry since 2011. My favorite part of being a wine rep is the adventure of every day. I like being in the car traveling around town, showing cool wines to fun people. The first wine I truly fell in love with was a Fiano from Sicily, and I still really love almost any Italian white. My favorite wine regions are Washington State, the Loire Valley, and the Jura. I also have a love for gin and cider. As for my favorite food pairing, Joel Nelson would joke that my favorite pairing is any wine that goes with mac & cheese.

Outside of wine, I love walking, learning about people and other cultures, history, astrology, Key West, and cats. My current favorite cat is my kitty, Molly. Please don’t be afraid of adopting senior animals; they are the best!