Wednesday, December 25, 2019

{#WordlessWednesday} Holiday Lights at the @BronxZoo are a must see this Christmas season #holidaylights #bronxzoo #MerryChristmas

Merry Christmas Everyone!

illuminated Christmas Tree at Bronx Zoo Holiday of Lights 2019, Holidays, Christmas Tree, Holidays in New York City, NYC Landmarks, LED Light Show
I bring you a Special Christmas Edition  #WordlessWednesday

After a 12 year hiatus, Holiday Lights returns to Bronx Zoo in New York City! Running from November 29 - December 31st as well as January 3-5 (they are not open today though! But you should head over there tomorrow if you haven't seen it already!) I can't even describe how happy I am that the Holiday of Lights is back, I have visited the Festival every year since it's inception and was so sad when it went away in 2007. I would visit every year with my mom. Our tradition is back, I hope these photos put the "Ho, Ho, Ho!" in your holidays and the holly in your jolly!

Stay tuned for a special video at the end!

Ice Carver at Bronx Zoo Holiday of Lights 2019
Above: One of my favorite stops is the Ice Carving Station. It always amazes me how much painstaking detail goes into making these unique ice sculptures.

Ice Sculpture at Bronx Zoo Holiday of Lights 2019, Ice Sculpture, Ice Carving, Bronx Zoo, Holiday of Lights, Christmas Light Festival
Above: I enjoy watching ice carvers, they take this huge block of ice and turn it into something beautiful knowing full well it won't last long. I have always wanted to try my hand at it. I would probably carve wine glasses and grapes! And of course, BUTTERFLIES

Christmas Carolers Bronx Zoo Holiday of Lights 2019, Carolers, Caroling
Above: Nothing gets you in the holiday spirits more than Christmas Carols - thankfully the Zoo thought of EVERYTHING!

Underwater Fantasy Illuminated Sea Creatures Christmas Carolers Bronx Zoo Holiday of Lights 2019
Above: This underwater fantasy was one of my favorite displays. Long time readers know I live for being at the Beach/Ocean. It's where I feel the most peace. And getting a chance to interact with dolphins is one of my favorite things to do when I travel, second only to horseback riding. Press this one to make it bigger, it's worth it. The RAW file to this is my current screen saver!

Illuminated Dolphin Bronx Zoo Holiday of Lights 2019
Above: I had to get a better angle for the Dolphin. I wanted the coral so I got a bit of the rope divider in the shot. I wish people could be cool so the dividers weren't necessary, this would have looked so much more real without the ropes.

Illuminated Giraffes Bronx Zoo Holiday of Lights 2019
Above: Little known fact about me, I LOVE all things Giraffe. I have always been fascinated by them. The real Giraffes at the Zoo are always one of my must see stops!

Illuminated Antelope Bronx Zoo Holiday of Lights 2019
Above: Don't forget you press the photos to make them larger. I took the shot of a group of these, but for some reason I opted to post the solo Antelope. There was just something more expressive about this photo to me.

Illuminated Crocodile Alligator Bronx Zoo Holiday of Lights 2019
Above: I hope he isn't planning to eat those Parrots as a late night snack! LOL

Illuminated Gorillas Bronx Zoo Holiday of Lights 2019
Above: It was so much fun seeing how all the kids faces lit up at each display, aren't these Gorillas cool?

Illuminated Herd of Elephants Bronx Zoo Holiday of Lights 2019
Above: Herd of Elephants! See the cute baby in the center?

Illuminated Pride of Lions Bronx Zoo Holiday of Lights 2019 NEW
Above: Pride of Lions (I call this 'new school' holiday of lights Lions, look at the photo below to see why)

Illuminated Pride of Lions Bronx Zoo Holiday of Lights 2019 OLD
Above: This is the 'Old School' pride of 'light lions' - these are the ones I remember when I used to go before, I had fun finding some of my old favorites still on display!

Illuminated Lemurs Bronx Zoo Holiday of Lights 2019
Above: Are those Lemurs I spot in the Bamboo?

Illuminated Parrots Bronx Zoo Holiday of Lights 2019
Above: These Parrots are trying to get away from that Tiger on the lower left!

Illuminated Penguins Bronx Zoo Holiday of Lights 2019
Above: These penguins are ready for the festivities!

Illuminated Rhinocerus Bronx Zoo Holiday of Lights 2019
Above: I spot Rhinocerus!

Illuminated Tiger and Rhino Bronx Zoo Holiday of Lights 2019, Tiger, Rhinocerus
Above: Hey Rhinos! You might want to run in the opposite direction of this hungry looking Tiger!

Illuminated Reindeer Bronx Zoo Holiday of Lights 2019, Reeinders
Above: These make me want to start singing Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer!

Illuminated Horse Bronx Zoo Holiday of Lights 2019, Horse, Horses
Above: This horse makes me super happy!

Illuminated Butterflies Bronx Zoo Holiday of Lights 2019
Above: And of course I had to end the photos with the illuminated Butterflies. (These were there when I used to visit in the past and I was so happy to see they kept them) I mean my blog is called Ascending Butterfly, there was no way I would have missed this shot.

Below: Press Play (you might want to watch "Full Screen" for maximum effect and enjoy the Christmas Tree Light Show with a nice mug of hot chocolate or coffee. Volume on, the light show syncs up to holiday music, ENJOY!




MY TAKE:

I couldn't quite edit out all the exuberant children around me, but I think hearing real families taking it in is part of the charm. (Note: None of the kids you hear are mine. I do not. Repeat. I do not have children). I am just a big kid at heart, I still love going to the Zoo.

I couldn't be happier to have one of my favorite holiday traditions return to The Bronx Zoo. The holiday lights will fill your heart with cheer and joy and you should definitely make it a point to see it.

I also normally attend the Train Show at New York Botanical Garden (The Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden are very close by, but in my opinion I would do two separate days to make a day of each one and be sure you don't miss anything.) Since I wasn't able to attend this year's show, I will link you to coverage of a previous Train Show.

The New York Botanical Garden Train Show: https://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2016/01/last-chance-for-nybg-holiday-train-show.html (this is 2015's Train Show as it has the most pictures and my most recent coverage included a giveaway which is of course closed, I figured using an older one that did not have a giveaway attached would cause the least confusion.)

Readers: Do you take in a Light Show during the Holidays? It doesn't always have to be a special trip, even a walk around the neighborhood to see the Christmas lights count! Did Santa treat you nice today?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a compensated Post, tickets to the show were provided to Ascending Butterfly's Editorial Team for Editorial Consideration. ALL opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. My love for my favorite Bronx Based NYC landmarks is true and strong and genuine! #ProudBronxite

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Since The New York Times Travel Show 2020 is nearly upon us, here is a #TravelThursday recap of the 2019 @NYTTravelShow and @NYBoatShow #NYTTravelShow #NYBoatShow

The New York Times Travel Show 2020 is nearly upon us!

I love covering The New York Time Travel Show, it literally puts the world at my fingertips, and I always look forward to what each new year of the show has to offer.

If you haven't already done so, get your tickets!

In 2019, The New York Times Travel Show Media Day was filled with seminars/panels, eats on and off the exhibitor floor, and many discussions about the Government Shut Down and how it is affecting travel.

Scary stats about how enrollment and applications are down to U.S. universities from international students.

The keynote delved into how the US is currently perceived abroad. And it is not very positive right now.

And while I do try hard to keep politics and religion off my pages and make this a place where you can escape from the daily news and connect with fellow light seekers, it makes me sad that the one thing that connects everyone - travel - is becoming so much more difficult to do.

At the Travel Show I always find my tribe. Journalists, Travelers, Creatives, Photographers, Influencers, Foodies, and Wanderers.

Travel shows us that we have so much more in common, more commonalities than differences. We need to build bridges, not walls.

More love and more inclusion.

The show has always been somewhat of an escape for me, but ultimately it was important and smart that panelists addressed the elephant in the room.

It is not only difficult for travelers to get here, but for us to go abroad. We can't spread our wings when someone else has them clipped.

I have always subscribed to the "salad bowl" theory instead of the melting pot, a ton of different ingredients all coming together to make something great, while maintaining their individuality.

I travel because I am curious. I travel because I like to learn, see, explore, wander, eat new foods, explore new architecture, meet people, change my perspective. I have never once returned from any journey the same person I was when I left.

I got to travel the world in a weekend at The New York Times Travel Show and that is why it is one of my favorite trade shows to cover!

Here are some photo highlights:

New York Times Travel Show 2019, #NYTTravelShow

I was still in a panel session when they did the ribbon cutting.

Adventure Flying with the Icon A5 by Icon Aircraft, NY Boat Show, #NYBoatShow


Above: Adventure Flying with the Icon A5 by Icon Aircraft! The NY Boat Show was co-branded with The New York Times Travel Show!



I wish I was on one of these right now! Hello SeaDoo! Think I could convince Santa to leave one of these under my tree for Christmas this year?

Curacao Tourism Board New York Times Travel Show 2019 #NYTTravelShow

Above: Curacao Tourism Board greets visitors with a smile!

Curacao Tourism Board New York Times Travel Show 2019 #NYTTravelShow
Above: Let's just say my smartwatch clocked me in at way over 10,000 steps per day walking around the convention center! I am wearing Miracle Body Jeans, Emu Boots and my Michael Kors Access Smartwatch!

Curacao Tourism Board New York Times Travel Show 2019 #NYTTravelShow
One of the best things about trade shows are the raffles! The Curacao Tourism Board was encouraging visitors to take a photo and post them to social media for a chance to win a trip to Curacao.





































This Rum Punch from the Puerto Rico Tourism Board gave me life! The 360 degree LED display at their booth was amazing and they also hosted one of my favorite networking receptions held during the New York Times Travel Show hosted by ManAboutWorld.com

Puerto Rico experienced so much devastation after Hurricane Maria in 2017. It was the worst natural disaster on record to affect the Islands of Puerto Rico and Domenica.

I remember seeing the 13th ward in Louisiana well after they were hit, things are just as slow going in Puerto Rico as they were for Louisiana - and in both cases, they need those tourism dollars to help speed up re-development efforts.

Not only is Puerto Rico Tourism Ready for travelers, but this quote from the Tourism Board of Puerto Rico sums it up perfectly:

"Puerto Rico is still as enchanting as ever…your visit is a gift to yourself and to the people on the island.   Thank you!! "


Above: As you can see from the photos above I spent a great deal of time in the Caribbean Pavilion!


Above: Isn't that red head dress amazing?



Above: Doesn't this one remind you a bit of Cher?



Above: I need this for Carnival




Above: Photo from Costa Rica Tourism Board Booth at New York Times Travel Show, Jacob Javitz Convention Center, New York City 2019

MY TAKE:

The New York Times Travel Show always provides me with travel inspiration, industry trends and access to a myriad of Tourism Boards and Resorts and I am excited to learn that this year one of the main sponsors is Dubai - a travel experience that is definitely on my travel bucket list. I will be taking all the notes!

This year wasn't such a great year for me personally and health wise and I didn't get to travel nearly as much as I wanted to. So for me, days away from a brand new decade, travel is certainly at the forefront of my mind, front and center of my vision board, and one of the things I want most for myself in this coming new year/DECADE. (I still can't believe we are not just entering another year, but ushering in an entirely new decade!)

Readers/Butterflies Sound Off: Have you done any traveling in 2019? Where have you visited so far? If you haven't traveled yet this year, what was your favorite trip of all time?


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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own!  This is event recap coverage. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Since #WordlessWednesday is a day to let the pictures do the talking, here is a visual representation of where I am at right now!

So my visit to the Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop in New York City where there was a Japanese Calligrapher who I asked to spell out "Butterfly" instead of my actual name totally got me back into Calligraphy again. I used to do it when I was younger, but haven't whipped out my calligraphy pens in a very long time.

In Japanese Calligraphy, here is where I am at right now (at least emotionally):



My Take:

Right now I am definitely an "Ascending Butterfly in Transition"

It is hard to believe that in a few short weeks we will be ending an entire decade!

Are you ready for a new decade?

I am trying to start thinking about my "focus word/phrase" for 2020 - have you figured out yours already?

I also want to take a moment to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. 

Even if you do not do anything special to celebrate it - it is an amazing time of year to tally your blessings and take a moment to express your gratitude for all that has gone well this year.

READERS: Have you ever used the Kanji Name Generator to see your name in Japanese Calligraphy?

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FTC Disclosure: All opinions are 100% MY OWN. This is NOT a Compensated Post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Monday, November 11, 2019

The 52 Best 'Woman Yelling at a Cat' Memes That Have Taken Over the Internet inspired me to create my own! @kelis this one is for you! #MEMEMONDAY #MusicMonday

Why is it that when Monday rolls around it is the easiest day of the week to fall into an internet surfing rabbit hole?

All my friends Facebook timelines have me obsessed with "Woman Yelling at Cat Memes"

So much so, that I combined my love and music and memes to create my own: (press to make photo larger)


Left: Your Milkshake Does NOT Bring All The Boys To The Yard!

Right: Damn Right It's Better Than Yours!

I couldn't fit in "I'd teach you, but I'd have to charge" - which I am pretty sure meme kitty would have said! 

I was inspired by Kelis' song "Milkshake" and this article.

I just got out of the shower and was feeling sassy!

Hope this puts a little 'laugh out loud' in your Monday!

READERS: Which one of the infamous memes is your personal favorite?

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FTC Disclosure: All opinions are 100% MY OWN. This is NOT a Compensated Post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

#WordlessWednesday Photos from the @worldmarket Pop Up Shop celebrating all things @hellokitty (& @sanrio friends) Happy Birthday #HelloKitty #WorldMarketxHelloKitty #DiscoverWorldMarket

NOT SPONSORED! MY LOVE FOR HELLO KITTY AND WORLD MARKET IS 100% REAL




I have been obsessed with all things Hello Kitty since childhood. Figures, Stickers, Pajamas you name it!

I recently got the chance to check out an Influencer Preview of the Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop at Cost Plus World Market.

The World Market location in Manhattan's Chelsea Neighborhood got a special Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop Makeover!

The Hello Kitty Holiday Collection at World Market will offer exclusive items from Hello Kitty and Friends!

I got a chance to live out my childhood dreams and because it is #WordlessWednesday on the interwebs I am bringing you the Photo Highlights:

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: Meet Hello Kitty and Keroppi Live and In Person and join in on the Hello Kitty Birthday Celebration? Yes, Please! (If only it were a Pajama Party, I would have sported my HK PJ's. Yes, I own adult Hello Kitty Pajamas, don't judge me!)

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: Not sure how I managed to get decent shots outside the store, I couldn't wait to get inside!

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: What has two thumbs and wants one of everything? This Chick!

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop
Above: Drinks? Don't mind if I do! The Drink Menu included: Hello Kitty - Cabernet Sauvignon,  Hello Kitty Sparkling Rosé, Sparkling Mineral Water and Orange Passion Mango Italian Soda

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, Hello Kitty Wine
Above: That Sparkling Rosé is so good! Just make sure to keep it well secured if you have any littles around! I also found out I need that Orange Passion Mango Soda in my life too!

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, Japanese Calligraphy, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: Japanese Calligrapher @kuni_rhythm was on hand to make guests a print of their name. I wanted mine to read: "Ascending Butterfly" but we were asked to restrict the print to one name, so I asked for 'butterfly' - which prompted him to ask 'like the insect'? This totally reminded me of the event where I got to meet Soccer Player, Mia Hamm, during the meet and greet she was signing 'mini soccer balls' and I asked for her to sign mine Ascending Butterfly but she omitted Ascending and just signed mine "To Butterfly" and I will treasure them both because of the fun memory. Little known fact about me, I was also obsessed with and learned to do Calligraphy when I was younger, this made me want to dust off my pens and start doing it again!

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, Butterfly in Japanese Calligraphy, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: The finished Result! The word "BUTTERFLY" in Japanese Calligraphy! I like to post my photos in the order I worked the room, oddly this photo ended up being number 22 in my camera roll, for some reason the numbers 2, 22, and 222 always follow me somehow. I like that my number got attached to this photo. For me butterflies have always been a sign from a loved one who has passed. I like to think this is a double sign that my angel on my shoulder was watching over me.

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, AMEZAIKU, Traditional Japanese Candy Art, Candy 5, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: AMEZAIKU - Traditional Japanese Candy Art by Candy 5!

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, AMEZAIKU, Traditional Japanese Candy Art, Candy 5, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: I couldn't resist zooming in to nab a shot of Candy 5 at work! When she would complete the personalized candy, she would hold it up to her shirt, perfectly centered inside the border of the frame, so you could see the completed result as Art. I thought that was genius!

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, Towers of Treats, Hello Kitty Treats, Macarons, Cherry Blossom, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: I was not fast enough to nab shots of the passed eats, but I did nab a shot of these assorted tower of treats!

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, Kerropi and Hello Kitty, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: Keroppi and Hello Kitty busting a move!

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, Hello Kitty Birthday Cake, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: Leaked Footage of my Dreams, ahem I mean Hello Kitty's Birthday Cake! A four tier cake surrounded by Hello Kitty Cookies, yes Please!

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, Hello Kitty Birthday Cake, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: While the cake was almost too pretty to cut, I am glad Hello Kitty wanted to share birthday cake with ME, ahem I mean guests, yeah that's the ticket!

Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop, Hello Kitty Influencer Event, #WorldMarketxHelloKitty
Above: The stuff that dreams are made of! I realized my childhood dream of meeting Hello Kitty! Special thanks to my blogging buddy Mitch of GayNYCDad for patiently taking tons of photos and being sure to nab my footwear (Shout out to Earth Footwear, these tall waterproof boots are called "Raleigh" you can get them from Earth Footwear here: https://earthshoes.com/earth-shoes-raleigh-womens-waterproof-leather-boots-bdl)

MY TAKE:

For those of you who don't live near any of the 15 Cost Plus World Market Brick and Mortar retail locations that are hosting this special Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop - you can totally shop for the items online!

It is probably hard to tell in the photo but I am wearing a very special Hello Kitty Necklace in this photo!

There is literally something fun for all ages (and us adults who are still kids at heart!).

For those of you who have deals on the brains, and who doesn't right? It is Black Friday Deals month all month long at Cost Plus World Market!

And one sad warning for my fellow New York City peeps, while the Manhattan Pop Up Shop has a ton of cool stuff, they do NOT sell the wines in the Chelsea location (and if you have a Manhattan or tri-state address the site does not let you ship wine to your home either), you will have to pick up the wines from another location. I just thought I should warn you in case you were only heading out there to pick up the wine for purchase. And while I reference owning HK adult PJ's they are my own, this pop up does not have them nor do the brick and mortar stores. The necklace I am wearing is also my own.

I bought some cute stuff in addition to the amaze balls gift bag - those photos will come under their own respective posts in the future - so stay tuned!

The only thing I don't actually have yet is Hello Kitty Luggage - so ahem if you make Hello Kitty Luggage and are reading this post, I take HK bribes, ahem I mean collaborations - that's the ticket!

READERS: Do you love Hello Kitty as much as I do? What is one of your favorite childhood toys?

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FTC Disclosure: All opinions are 100% MY OWN. This is NOT a Compensated Post, it is an Event Recap. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

{#WineWednesday} With Fall approaching you may be ready to ditch Frosé, but here are some Rosé wines and others to keep on rotation!

With Fall approaching you may be ready to give up those summer Frosé Drinks, but don't count out Rosé just yet.

It's an approachable Wine that can be enjoyed year round.

I got to hit a Wine Trade Tasting hosted by Vias Wines at a really cool downtown location called The Leroy Room an events space at Murray's Cheese.

Vias Imports really went all out and a selection of their finest wines were on display.

This butterfly had to be quick to nab decent shots as it was definitely a good turnout, here are my standouts:


Murray's Cheese The Leroy Room Bleeker Street New York City
Above: "Say Cheese" - this bright and beautiful display attracted trade and media to enjoy a selection of cheeses to pair with their wine. Murray's Cheese put out quite a spread, whenever you are in NYC you *MUST* check them out, here is a link to their store and partner locations: https://www.murrayscheese.com/locations


La Dolci Colline Rosé Spumante Brut, Aneri Rosé  Di Sorbara, Davolarosa Brut Rosé Feudi del Pisciotto
Above: (from Left to Right): Altaneve Rosé, La Dolci Colline Rosé Spumante Brut (you know I can't resist a good Brut!), Aneri Rosé  Di Sorbara, Davolarosa Brut Rosé (Feudi del Pisciotto) - you literally can't go wrong with any of these!


Vias Imports Vias Wines Summer Rose Wine Tasting The Leroy Room Murrays Cheese New York City
Above: Same wines in the Wine Bucket - I have a thing for hammered copper - Can I have this as a parting gift please? Tee-Hee!


Vias Imports Vias Wines Summer Rose Wine Tasting The Leroy Room Murrays Cheese New York City Pour Shot
Above: I am literally obsessed with Wine Pour Shots (but you already know this) by the way - not my hands, both parties agreed to me taking this shot and preserving their hands for virtual posterity. I only wish I had four hands so I could have also taken a boomerang for Instagram. I am obsessed with Boomerangs too as they give you an 'endless pour' effect. I love capturing moments.


Vias Imports Anna Rosé Wine
Above: Anna Rosé Wine - you know that this looked like butterfly wings to me! Think I can convince them to change the name from 'Anna' to 'Tracy'? or Ascending Butterfly?


Vias Imports Mr Dry Malbec Gouguenheim 2018, Vias Wine
Above: Mr Dry Malbec, Gouguenheim 2018 - as you guessed Anna is Ms Sweet and this Malbec is Mr Dry! Rosé with low residual sugar and 13% alcohol by volume. You should easily pick up on strawberry, red berry and notes of cherries.


Vias Imports Gouguenheim Malbec Bubbles Sparkling Wine Rosé Valle Escondido
Above: All kinds of YES to this Gouguenheim Malbec Bubbles Sparkling Wine Rosé (Valle Escondido) - and I am so grateful to the staff that graciously held up the bottles of the wines I wanted to feature! I am going to cheat a bit but this is so accurate:

"Delicate with red fruit aromas, predominantly of cherries and strawberries. Very fresh in the mouth; soft tones with good acidity. Small and brilliant bubbles." ~ Vias Imports



Vias Imports Burst 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand Wine
Above: Burst 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand Wine - In regard to New Zealand wines, the Marlborough region is the most highly regarded and by far the largest in the country. This region has been closely associated with high quality white wines for over forty years now, and consistently produces some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc wines in the world.


Vias Imports Vias Wines Acinum Prosecco Extra Dry DOP
Above: Acinum Prosecco Extra Dry DOP. To find a dry Prosecco that is slightly creamy with guava and pineapple notes was a pleasant surprise, this one would pair nicely with any fish dishes you are serving!


Vias Imports Vias Wines SUHRU Wines North Fork Long Island
Above: SUHRU Wines - The goal of this North Fork Long Island Winery is to make crisp, bright white wines and fruit forward red wines with soft tannins and medium body. They strive to create easy drinking, approachable, and food friendly wines that compliment the local environment and the local foods and produce grown on the North Fork. Visit SUHRU Wines here: https://www.suhruwines.com/


Vias Imports Vias Wines SUHRU Wines North Fork Long Island Pour Shot
Above: Had to nab a SUHRU Wine Pour shot. SUHRU Wines is a family owned winery established in 2008 with a romantic and sweet backstory, Susan and Russell definitely put their love into SUHRU.


Vias Imports Vias Wines Purato Certified Organic Wines
Above: Purato Certified Organic Wines. From Left to Right: Purato Rosé Terre Siciliane IGP (smooth sip with fresh berry aroma and flavor, suggested food pairing - prawns), Middle: Purato Cattaratto Pinot Grigio Terre Siciliane IGP (straw yellow color with citrus, tropical fruit and floral notes - everyday drinking wine pairs with seafood dishes and grilled dishes), Right: Nero d'Avola Purato Sicily DOC (Fruity Notes of Blackberry and Blueberry Compote - pastas with tomato based sauces, red meats, barbecued pork ribs or grilled steak) The wine in the box that is to the back and separate is: Purato Siccari Terre Siciliane IGP with notes of spices, medicinal herbs, cherry, black cherry and dried fruits this one was the most intense and would pair well with red meat, game, sharp and aged cheeses.


Vias Imports Vias Wines Leone De Castris 1665 Five Roses Salento IGT
Above: Leone De Castris 1665 Five Roses Salento IGT - a fresh wine with cherry and strawberry scent which pairs nicely with risotto, braised meat dishes, white meat and seafood dishes

MY TAKE:



Whether you are a wine expert or a novice, I hope I was able to put a few new wines on your radar. I try to be sure to give you a feel for a wide variety even though my palate leans more toward 'dry' wines. 

The focus was Rosé Wine, but there were other wines to be tasted which I was very happy about, especially that hidden gem Prosecco (you know I LOVE my bubbles).

My signature hostess gift is Wine and Flowers, and I am always looking to mix things up!


I like to present what I tasted as an overview, I try to avoid 'reviews' when it comes to wine, much like a perfume I prefer to give the notes - only you know which direction your palate leans (and if you don't hit a few consumer wine tastings until you figure out if you are a 'balanced', "dry", or "sweet" palate - once you know that the rest falls into place), and then you can read reviews or tasting notes and have them make more sense to you.

Readers Sound Off: Which of these Wines would you most like to try? 

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