You may look at National Wine Drinking Day as just another day, but for us it is an opportunity to partake in some great pours and more. Sip away at these options in this edition of the OnMilwaukee WeWant.
Use it: Vinturi lever wine stopper and Champagne resealer
These sleek little products (the wine stopper is polished chrome and the resealer is stainless steel) are key in a house like mine where we often open wine – still or sparkling – and can't finish it in one go. I've struggled to find reliable stoppers and resealers that not only work but also last. These both fit the bill and are more than worth the investment of $12.99 for the stopper – at Bed, Bath and Beyond – and $16.95 for the resealer, which is a Williams-Sonoma exclusive. – Bobby Tanzilo
Sip it: Cecchi Sangiovese 2013 and Chianti Classico 2012; and Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2012
Don't believe the myth that you've got to break the bank to enjoy really good, satisfying and drinkable Tuscan wines. These three fit the bill at unbeatable price points. Though Cecchi's Sangiovese retails for $19 and their Chianti for $22, you can likely find both for less. The Sangiovese (with 5% Merlot) is bright and fruity, with hints of raspberry and violets, while the Chianti (90% sangiovese), which has a bit more alcohol (13 v. 12.5%), is spicier and more complex with a nice balanced acidity that will pair well with red meat or, especially, pizza. Have friends over and serve the Sangiovese with a cheese and salami tray, then uncork the Chianti when the pizza is ready. The Avignonesi – unlike the others – is 100% sangiovese (14% abv), and is aged in oak for 18 months. The result is a warm medium body with elegant tannins and a long finish. It'll run you about $25. Save that one for later, when you're sitting around the fire with your honey. – Bobby Tanzilo
Drink at it: Pastiche
Being an entertainment writer and enthusiast of locally-owned eateries, I have never been to Pastiche. It's not that I haven't wanted to go, but for absolutely no reason at all I've never ended up there. I would like to change this in honor of "national drink wine day" and spend an evening at the Bay View bistro sampling their delicious (I hear) vinos – as well as the food that multiple friends – and my mom – have raved about. After all, moms are usually right. – Molly Snyder
Sip ti: Vina Ventisquero Grey [Glacier] Carmenere 2013
This Chilean carmenere is a fabulous bargain at about $16 to $20. To create it, winemakers crush only half the grapes and the finished wine is aged 18 months in a mix of new and second- and third-use French oak to create an alluring wine with a complex palette of flavors, from spicy black fruit to a pleasant earthiness. Buy two: one to enjoy now and age one in the cellar to see how it evolves. – Bobby Tanzilo
Ride with it: bike wine rack
Wine can be heavy, especially when traveling by bike. One way to lighten the load is the handy dandy Bicycle Wine Rack. I want this. Badly. This handmade tan leather bicycle wine rack is perfect for taking wine with you on the go. It attaches to most bike frames with antique brass fasteners, while there are hidden clamps hold the bottle securely. You have to protect your investment after all. This olive oil-treated vegetable-tanned leather will only look better as it ages, just like wine! – Carolynn Buser
Drink with them: HaloVino
It's an all-too common experience. You're attending an event – maybe at a stadium, concert hall or theater – and you order a glass of wine, which is served up in a disposable wide-rimmed plastic cup. If so, you've probably noticed that the wine – no matter how good – just never tastes the same as when it's served in proper glassware. Enter HaloVino, a Milwaukee-based startup run by respected Milwaukee sommelier and wine educator Jessica Bell. Read more on the new option here. – Lori Fredrich
Sign up for it: Club W
We bet you know at least a few people who'd enjoy a couple bottles of wine delivered each month. Club W sends little-known labels right to your door. Members can fill out a preference test and go with what's suggested or customize their own selections each month. Each wine comes with tasting notes and a recipe to pair. Cheers! – Nick Barth
Use it: HomeImage Wine Cooler
One of my new year's resolutions is to always keep more wine on hand at home. I've signed up for a number of emails with local wine specials such as Otto's and Sendik's and stock up when I see something I like. The one thing that I also wished I had was the correct place to store them all. So, this wine fridge will be my next big purchase. I'd like a dual temperature one to hold both my reds and whites – and maybe even a few bottles of beer if need. – Carolynn Buser
