We aren’t just another wine club - we provide our club members with everyday wines along with a daily blog full of great wine information. Our articles are full of wine news, pairing suggestions, restaurant reviews, and party tips designed to help wine buyers ranging from complete novices to experienced drinkers looking for the next best bottle. Sure, we want you to purchase a membership to The South Beach Wine Club, but we also want you to stop by every day to see what's on our minds. And once you're here, we hope you comment on what you read.

The club is designed for those who like to enjoy wine every day and those who know that wine helps make a party great - no matter what size! But who has time to make that extra trip after work to the wine store, trolling through endless bottles of wine? You should spend your time enjoying the wine, so we pick great bottles at great prices for you. No more guess work!

We keep it simple - 3 different tiers: 2, 4 or 6 bottles per month.

The price is listed in the total price - no hidden shipping costs at check out.

Customize your shipment to be all reds, all whites, or a mix - because you never know.

Perfect gift for those busy friends who always like to have a bottle of wine around.

Regularly updated blog to provide you with helpful party tips, wine suggestions, and pairing ideas.

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Think blush is out of style? No way, rose. Not so long ago, rose (pronounced row-ZAY, not like the flower) sparkling wine was thought of as low-quality. The word on the street was that rose was too frivolous, too sweet and too…pink. Honestly, some of it was. At that time only true wine lovers knew that the better roses were complex creations from some of the most prestigious Champagne houses in France and other wine producers around the world.

In the last few years though, a much broader consumer base has caught on to the charms of sparkling rose. Most of these wines are elegant, dry and flavorful, and the festive color certainly doesn’t diminish their appeal. Suddenly Rose Champagne is the fastest-growing segment in the sparkling wine category, and producers are rolling out new labels, and amping up production as fast as they can. Sparkling rose prices run from under $30 for light, everyday bubbly to well over $500 for vintage Rose Champagne. (Note: It’s called “Rose Champagne” if it comes from France’s Champagne area and “sparkling rose” if it comes from anywhere else.)

Good sparkling rose offers all the complexity and many of the same flavors as a red wine without the heaviness. A good rule of thumb is sparkling rose works with any food you might pair with a Pinot Noir:  pork, duck, salmon and tuna. This makes sense, as Pinot Noir is nearly always used in the production of sparkling rose (it should also be noted that Pinot Noir is usually the dominant grape in regular Champagne as well).

How Does It Get Pink? Rose bubbly can get its pink hue in a number of ways. With Rose Champagne, it’s usually achieved by adding a little bit of red wine (typically Pinot Noir) at some point in the production process. Most sparkling roses from the rest of the world are made pink by allowing the red grape skins to stay in contact with the juices for awhile during the fermentation process.

If the summer heat has you intrigued enough to go out and try a sparkling rose, here are a few suggestions to try that should cost under $30:
•    Banti Rosa Regale
•    Chandon Rose
•    Jacob’s Creek Sparkling Rose
•    Korbel Brut Rose

If you’re only willing to try Champagne, here are some suggestions for bottles under $100:
•    NV Pommery Brut Rose
•    NV Moet et Chandon Brut Rose
•    Veuve Clicquot Brut Rose Reserve Vintage
•    NV Taittinger Brut Prestige Rose

For those who only drink the best, or for those believing that any rose really isn’t all that and a bag of chips, check out these bottles which usually run over $200 per bottle:
•    Louis Roederer Cristal Rose
•    1998 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Rose
•    1996 Moet et Chandon Dom Perignon Rose
•    2003 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Brut Rose
•    2002 Perrier Jouet Fleur de Champagne Rose

My girlfriend is a fan of kicking off a casual evening with friends by serving a delicious bowl of nuts for everyone to munch on. While she does this, I’m normally making cocktails and pouring glasses of wine. Between the two of us, we’ve put together a few delightful wine-and-nut combos to try the next time you gather friends:

Peanuts
One handful of peanuts has a way of becoming two or three, so to refresh yourself between bites, sip something with a little fruitiness to contrast the salt. Many Washington and Oregon Rieslings will do the trick. For something drier, reach for Cava. This refreshing, and often inexpensive sparkling wine from Spain fits right in with the sorts of easygoing gatherings (i.e. tailgates and bowl-game parties) where casual jars of peanuts are right at home.

Cashews
Match the cashews’ irresistible buttery richness with a wine that has some luxurious oaky weight. Many Australian and California Chardonnays, especially those that have been barrel fermented, offer just that. Or, go in the opposite direction with a lighter style of Chardonnay, one that’s labeled “un-oaked.” With this match, you’ll be contrasting the nut’s creamy flavor with the wine’s bright, refreshing fruit.

Walnuts
Walnuts mesh well with dried fruit flavors (think figs, apricots and raisins), so it’s no surprise that the nut will go beautifully with little glasses of tawny port – a wine that’s rife with the aromas and tastes of dried fruits and nuts. Though it’s often served as a dessert wine, tawny port also makes an inviting aperitif when lightly chilled.

There are, or course, more nuts out there to pair with wine. If you have a pairing suggestion, let me know.

A gorgeous Washington Syrah or red Burgundy may be, in theory, the perfect match for the luscious leg of lamb you’re serving.  But, sometimes, it pays to choose wines based on who’s joining you for dinner rather than what’s being served. When you’re hosting friends whose enthusiasm for the fruits of the vine don’t quite match your own, the gracious thing to do is offer them what they prefer, not what you’d prefer them to have. True, many wine lovers at your table will delight in your thoughtful pairings, reveling in, for example, how that juicy lamb heightens the spice and fruit in the bold Syrah you serve. Yet for the guy who drinks only white, the pairing may fall flat, no matter what you offer.

If your friends are curious about wine, then it’s equally gracious to introduce them to wines that provide easy-sipping introductions to the wine world. That means you likely won’t want to pull out a bottle of your darkest, moodiest Malbec or your biggest, boldest Cabernet Sauvignon. Go ahead and buy the wine you think will match the food you’re serving. But also make sure you have everyone covered by adding an extra bottle or two to the lineup.

Some like it sweet. Dry just doesn’t fly with many wine drinkers, so always offer a few sweeter-style picks. White Zinfandel and some Rieslings should fit the bill. Riesling is just so easy to enjoy. The best Rieslings possess a sweetness that is balanced by acidity, so many newbies find it palatable. German Rieslings are, in my opinion, the best but they may be too complex for the beginning wine drinker.  US style Rieslings are light and not too expensive, making them perfect for such a dinner party. Some bottles I’d recommend: 2007 BV Coastal Estate California Riesling, 2007 Hogue Cellars Columbia Valley Riesling (Washington State), and 2007 Bogle Vineyards California Riesling.

Others are serious, but no need to feel intimidated when an educated wine-lover comes to dinner. Simply look for wines from currently sought-after regions, such as Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara, Rhone-style blends from Paso Robles and Syrahs from Washington State. Just know that the prices of wines made from preferred grapes from preferred regions can vary. The 2006 La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a great value at $18 per bottle, but could be considered too light when compared against a 2006 Chalone Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir (a $30 bottle). Whether or not such guests love the wine, they’ll relish the opportunity to sip something from a region currently scoring high on the wine world’s buzz-o-meter. You could also throw a Rioja (sometimes labeled by the grape, Tempranillo) into the mix. This Spanish red is also plenty soft and easy to sip, with strawberry, cherry, and berry flavors. Reach for those labeled “crianza” – they’ll be lighter and fruitier (and, conveniently, less expensive). The 2004 Lerin Navarra Tempranillo, a South Beach Wine Club wine, would be perfect for such a dinner party.

If you still aren’t sure about what to serve, remember that something for everyone is the way to go. Guests may find higher-alcohol wines hard to take. Try to have a lower-alcohol pick on hand (look on the label for bottles under 12.5 percent alcohol). When in doubt consider that Chardonnay and Merlot still rank among the top-sellers, so if you have a bottle of these waiting in the wings, you have an excellent chance of pleasing every palate.

Sauvignon Blanc stands tall as New Zealand’s bright, shining white. But there is much more to kiwi-land – eight wine regions in all: Auckland, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa, Marlborough, Nelson, Canterbury, and Central Otago. Gather friends to check out these other varietals that continue to receive high scores (by plenty of people other than Robert Parker).

Unoaked Chardonnay: These energetic sips consistently capture the wine world’s attention. They bring the fullness Chard-lovers seek, but with loads of tropical fruit shining through. These Chardonnay’s have good acidity as well – and aren’t as much of an “oak bomb” as their Californian counterparts.

Riesling: While many New World Rieslings register as sweet and fruity, New Zealand winemakers more often craft bottles into brisk, dry styles. I wouldn’t say these Rieslings are as dry as those from Alsace, but if that’s the style you enjoy, a New Zealand bottle is one for you.

Pinot Gris: New Zealand’s best approach to this grape (often known elsewhere as Pinot Grigio) brims with a great balance of citrus and fruit, but in a rich, voluptuous package.

Pinot Noir: New Zealand’s take on this magical grape enchants wine-lovers who love rich, deeply fruity wines, but seek Pinot’s hallmark shimmery silkiness too. Overflowing with elegance and finesse, New Zealand’s Pinots come at a fraction of the price of their Burgundian cousins.

Sauvignon Blanc: Of course, no tasting of New Zealand would be complete without a bottle or two of this zingy white, which put New Zealand winemakers on the map.

Not only is a New Zealand wine tasting a great idea for a party, but all of these wines are food friendly, and absolutely worth trying with dinner.

An abundance of high-quality wines hail from France’s Loire Valley.  These wines are light and refreshing, and are great to use for any type of outdoor entertaining. Yet because most Loire wines are named for places within the region, many of these superb sips remain a mystery to wine lovers. Check out this quick guide to help you make sense of them all.

Named after one of the most renowned regions in the Loire Valley, Pouilly-Fume is a world-class aromatic white made exclusively from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Other regions that produce wonderful Sauvignon Blanc are Sancerre and Touraine.  Remember, when in the Loire section of your wine store, these wines will be listed by region, not varietal, so look for bottles that say Sancerre and Touraine, not Sauvignon Blanc (as they would if produced in the New World).

Vouvray lies at the eastern end of the valley near Tours. Slightly sweet but still delightfully dry, Vouvray wine is made from 100 percent Chenin Blanc grapes. In addition to winsome dry wines, the large Vouvray district also produces excellent sweets and sparklers. If you’re looking for a tantalizing wine to serve with seafood this summer, give Muscadet a look. Some of the most interesting of these come from the sub-regions of Muscadet, which lies at the western end of the Loire Valley. Be sure to check for the words “sur lie” on the label, as these versions offer some of the most intense flavors of all Muscadets.

The Loire also makes fantastic roses that range from slightly, to fully off-dry (that is, a little sweet). Because these roses are lighter versions of red wines such as Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Gamay, the Loire’s roses make superb introductory sips for those who are new to wine. Some of the best can be found around the region of Anjou, about 200 miles southwest of Paris. Look for bottles labeled Rose d’Anjou.

Second only to the Champagne region as a producer of sparkling wines, Loire sparklers are required by law to be made with the same labor-intensive technique as their sassy competitors to the north. For great quality at bargain-basement prices, sparklers with Vouvray in their names are very hard to beat. There are also sweet wines made from Chenin Blanc grapes which represent the most outstanding incarnations of this varietal and style. As I mentioned above, Vouvray sweets are particularly notable.

When inviting friends over for a Fourth of July barbecue, it’s easy to find a wine that everyone at the party will enjoy. You have to appeal to guests whose tastes range from light and fruity to heavy and complex. As the host of the gathering, remember to put both reds and whites out, as many wine-lovers prefer one or the other. That way, you’ll surely please everyone. Above all, don’t worry too much.

Remember that most people who come to your house aren’t going to furrow their brows over the wine you serve; they’re just happy to be invited to join in the fun. If you choose wines you enjoy and pair them with foods you like, chances are you’ll be just fine. Keep in mind, however, that some people exclusively drink reds, while others drink only whites. Therefore, it’s a good strategy supply plenty of each. Choose two go-to wines that pair well with a great range of foods – sandwiches and burgers, as well as steaks and ribs. If you order in or if it’s a potluck shindig, you can still choose from an assortment of food-friendly wines.

For white wine, try to stay towards bottles with good acidity. Picks from the whites include Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Champagne and sparkling wines. Chardonnay, often rich and buttery with pear and apple notes, is the most popular white in the U.S. Although it does not pair perfectly with all foods, Chard fans simply won’t care. Pinot Grigio is usually a sure bet as well. This light, fruity, but subtle, pick will go with just about anything on your table. Viognier has the creaminess and body of Chard, but intriguing floral notes that guests will remembered.

Some exciting red wine to try could include a Spanish Rioja, made mostly from Tempranillo, or Italy’s Chianti which is made mostly from Sangiovese. Pinot Noir is also a shoe-in. Merlot is a soft, rich, plummy wine that will flatter most foods and is easy to drink. Syrah/Shiraz offers plenty of personality; find vivid dark-fruit flavors with pleasing spicy notes. Blends are also a great idea. American wineries are bringing together unique blends of grapes, and these wines are the newest attention-grabbers to hit the shelves. Start with blends that feature grapes you like. Branch out from there.

Also be sure to offer plenty of nonalcoholic beverages – people will look for cans of Miller Light and Pepsi.

Whether you throw parties regularly, or occasionally have friends over, wine will always add something special to the evening.  In addition to the bottles, there is certain wine “paraphernalia” that a household will benefit from having.  And, because so many homes don’t have these little necessities, they make great gifts. So, if you are looking for more gift ideas for your favorite wine lover, here are some suggestions:

Wine drinkers can never have too much stemware. For red and white wine drinkers, consider a set of four Bordeaux or Burgundy crystal glasses (I’d recommend Riedel). Champagne drinkers would enjoy flutes, either new or a lucky discovery at a local antique store or arts festival. Petite dessert-wine glasses, with bowls about the size of an egg, also make lovely gifts – especially when presented with a half-bottle of late harvest Riesling or Sauterne.

Aside from stemware, you can purchase a stainless steel Champagne bucket to serve as a table-side chiller, or to chill wine out on a patio. You could even have it engraved to commemorate a special occasion, like a wedding, anniversary, promotion or retirement.

Decorative bottle stoppers are also useful gifts that are always welcome. These range from the whimsical (animals, seashells, travel motifs) to the serious (silver-plated and monogrammed).  If you think these may be too inexpensive, think again. Some hand-blown glass stoppers cost upwards of $50.  Of course, you could always purchase a few cheaper ones – you never know how many bottles are going to get opened up.

An insulated wine carrier is a practical gift that can be used for picnics and to carry chilled wine to dinner parties. Carriers range in style from sporty, soft-sided pouches to old-fashioned wicker cases to futuristic aluminum totes. There are even fine leather cases and hard-sided cases designed to work on a motorcycle.  These are perfect for the friend who always brings wine in a brown bag.

If you’ve ever set your wine glass down at a party and couldn’t find it again, then you’ll understand the appeal of wine charms. These tiny charms (think of a charm bracelet) are designed to be slipped onto the stem of a wine glass and come in many themes. They’re usually sold in sets of six or eight and make a great hostess gift.

Maybe I should add that every household should have a wine opener, be it a Rabbit-style corkscrew, a waiter’s corkscrew, or something else in between.  Because without an opener, any other wine tool is useless!

My sister graduated from high school today, and in preparation for the graduation party, wine for toasting was bought in GREAT quantities. The decision was made to purchase a variety of sparkling wines, including some good Champagne. It is important to note that all sparkling wines are not necessarily Champagne. As a rule, only bottles from the Champagne region of France may be labeled Champagne. However, you can find outstanding sparklers from wineries around the globe. These wines must be labeled as something other than Champagne, such as sparkling wine, cava or cremant – but they are just as perfect for toasting a special occasion such as a graduation.

While some sparklers do a great job of standing in for Champagne’s elegant bottles, other bubblies are unique. Many of these great “alternative” sparkling wines come at much lower price tags than pedigreed Champagnes.

Even in France, luscious sparkling wines aren’t only the domain of Champagne ; in fact, sparkling wines are made all over the country. Some fine examples are the sparkling wines from the Loire Valley; some are labeled Cremant de Loire, while other sparklers may be labeled by sub-regions, such as Vouvray or Saumur. Most will be made with the lush, fruity, brightly acidic Chenin Blanc grape.

Spain’s sparkling wines are produced predominantly in the Catalonia region of Spain and are most often labeled cava, which is the Catalan word for an underground cellar. Cava is primarily made from grapes typical of the region. Aside from being loved for their wallet-friendly price (you can easily find bottles for under and around $10), cavas are known for being nicely crisp and fruity, but not quite as acidic as a French Champagne.

Italy definitely has its illustrious high-end sparkling wines at high prices; however, when you’re looking for an easy-sipping crowd-pleaser, try Prosecco. It’s fruitier than Champagne and not quite as fizzy. Lighter in body, it’s also a good choice for holiday brunches.

For California sparkling wines, look for the word “Carneros” on your label, which is a growing region that straddles both Napa and Sonoma counties. It is one of the country’s best places to grow those quintessential Champagne, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. The words “methode traditionelle” on the label means the wines were made in the same labor-intensive manner used to make French Champagne.

If you’re ready for something off the beaten path, look for sparkling Shiraz from Australia. It’s definitely a sparkling wine of a different color, but it’s a good choice when you want the festivities of bubbles, but crave the heft of something red.

Many of these bottles will be present at the graduation party, and I look forward to sharing them with friends and family. If she’s lucky, I may even allow my sister a glass (don’t tell the Voorhees police department).

While Father’s Day parties often conjure up images of barbecue, sides, and beer, why shouldn’t wine be a part of the party too? After all, wine has now surpassed beer as America’s alcoholic beverage of choice. In addition to some ice cold beer, make sure some of dad’s favorite bottles are on the menu at your own quintessential Father’s Day party. Depending on your Father’s Day celebration style, some wines may be better than others. Here are a few suggestions:

Zinfandel for grillmasters. Whether you bring a simple little hibachi or or if you have a fancy grill with all the bells and whistles, chances are you’ll have some beef, chicken and/or pork sizzling over the coals. Red Zinfandel’s pleasant richness and heft will go particularly well with such meaty, robust foods. Dark, thick and rich with berries and spice, fuller-bodied versions of this wine particularly sing with anything slathered in barbecue sauce.  I don’t know if I’d go with any white wine (except perhaps a Chardonnay), because they won’t be able to stand up to most sauces.

Shiraz for chips, dips, sandwiches and more. Like Zinfandel, Shiraz (also known as Syrah), will go great with anything hot off the grill; however, it’s also a smart choice to go along with meat prepared in the oven, such as roasts or meatloaf.  That’s because Shiraz is one of the food-friendliest reds around.  Its tantalizing berry-fruit flavors and peppery-spice notes mesh well with all kinds of party foods, from chili and pizza to hoagies and potato chips.

A little bit of bubbly never hurt anyone. It’s true-there’s plenty of gourmet action going on at many Father’s Day tables. If world-class cheeses and high-end cuts of meat are more your speed, a sparkling wine might just be in order. This isn’t the time to pull out the Champagne (you should have spent your money on a Father’s Day gift and card!). Instead, reach for Cava, a sparkling wine from Spain, or Prosecco, an Italian bubbly. Both are much less expensive than their French cousins. Most sparkling wines buddy up beautifully with a variety of foods, and Cava and Prosecco are no exceptions. Reach for Cava if you like a more traditional, brut-style sparkling wine-it’s toastier and drier than Prosecco, which can often be lighter and fruitier.

Dessert for dad.  Whether dad prefers cheesecake and creme brulee, or chocolate chip and Oreo cookies, dessert wines will certainly end the night on a great note. Port such as a Late Bottle Vintage and Perdro Ximenez Sherry will go great with anything chocolate.  But if dad likes creamier desserts, a chilled bottle of Late Harvest Semillon, Sauterne, or Ice Wine will go great with ice cream, cake, and my favorite – a fresh cannoli.