{#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:

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

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!

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!

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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!

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/

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.

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.

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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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.

A #FoodieFriday from @brasserie812 with @fmg_nyc + @WinesofCroatia #Wine! Because it is #NationalWineDay

NOT SPONSORED!

Today is National Wine Day!

Happy National Wine Day Butterflies! Hope you have some fun plans for Memorial Day Weekend!

Does your Memorial Day Weekend include Wine and Good Times?

Grab an Ice Bucket and start chilling your wine!

I meant to serve this up for #WineWednesday on the interwebs (and will admit this recap is LONG overdue) but I am glad it worked out for both #FoodieFriday and #NationalWine Day as it includes a nice mix of BOTH.

When my friends at FMGNYC PR invite me to an event I make every effort to attend, and considering I haven't been attending nearly a quarter of the amount of events I have been invited to this year that is saying A LOT.

My wine posts have tended to be heavier on international wines - what can I say, I am well heeled and so is my choice in wines. I like events that expose me to something different and this dinner held by the Croatian Chamber of Commerce at Midtown’s Brasserie 8 ½ gave me a taste of what the Croatian wine region has to offer.

Above: Menu + Place Card - look my name is spelled correctly! It never fails that I attend an event and the place card botches my FIRST name by sticking an 'E' where it does NOT belong. So I am always happy for a place card with my name spelled right. We are off to a great start. CHEERS to this!

Above: I was seated at Table 5 and nabbed a shot before the rest of the guests hit the table.

The Menu:

Appetizer: Grilled Jumbo Shrimp Salad with Couscous Citrus Vinaigrette, Peppercress Lettuce

Entree: Filet Mignon Au Poivre - Chive Whipped Bintjee Potatoes, Haricots Verts, Black Truffle Sauce

or

Roasted Rack of Lamb - Potato Dauphine, Haricorts Verts, Au Jus

Dessert: Warm Pear Financier - Maple Ice Cream

Above: Appetizer: Grilled Jumbo Shrimp Salad with Couscous Citrus Vinaigrette, Peppercress Lettuce - the touch of Citrus gave these Jumbo Shrimp the perfect hint of summer loving and would be perfect for your memorial day entertaining this weekend.

Above: I chose the Filet Mignon Au Poivre with Chive Whipped Bintjee Potatoes, Haricots Verts, and Black Truffle Sauce! It was so GOOD!!! There was no one close enough for me to nab a shot of the rack of lamb but it looked great also.

Dessert: Warm Pear Financier - Maple Ice Cream - This was such a well balanced dessert!

This white wine fom the Slavonia region, the Vezak Graševina was a great example of Croatia’s principal grape variety, the Graševina. The color of this dry white is similar to the colors of the golden fields characteristic of  Croatian valleys. It offers a flowery aroma mixed with a fruity bouquet and a slight mineral aftertaste. This wine will compliment seafood or a white meats.

Above: This dry robust  red wine, Ivan Dolac Barrique, was named for the aforementioned French barrel it matures in and hails from Hvar. It offers a berry and slightly  floral aroma. It is quite smooth, easy on the palette and  compliments any roast game or grilled fish.

Above: The award-winning Plavac, the Zlatan Plavac Grand Cru is made from grapes that are organically grown in the picturesque slopes of the island of Hvar.  From 35 to 50-year-old vines! The wine is then aged in French barrique barrels for two years and 6-12 months in the bottle. It is a dry red with hints of leather, pepper, chocolate, and prunes. This earthy wine is best paired with steaks and lobsters and as you can see there is a bottle size to suit pretty much any size party!

Above: The final Croatian wine was the Kabola Muškat Momjanski. It perfectly complimented the warm pear and maple ice cream dessert. A refreshing and medium-bodied white with notes of peaches, rose, and honey with a slight mineral quality. This white had a slight lingering taste that I normally associate with red wines. Definitely a great summer white to enjoy during memorial day weekend.

Above: Sorry to bounce you around so much from whites to reds, but I actually saved the one I loved most for last on purpose. The Erdutski Rosé is made from the Pinot Black grapes of the Slavonia region and has a warm blush pink color. This is literally THE MOST  BALANCED Rosé I have tasted in a LONG time. There were some folks at my table who do not like Rosé and tried this one at my urging and asked for another glass. It is perfect - not sweet or overly dry - the balance on this Rosé makes it one I will be reaching for year round, but it is definitely perfect for these upcoming summer nights and this long memorial day weekend. This one is my stand out from the tasting for sure.

Above: Monika Elling, FMGNYC Public Relations

Above: And guess who I spotted at Table 4? (Former) Governor George Pataki, NYC! (Seated Center)

MY TAKE

The selection of wines was quite impressive and the pairings were excellent, this is a wine tasting I definitely want to recreate for friends and family and hope it inspires you too. I say a visit to Croatia is next on my list as well.

Readers: What are your plans for Memorial Day? What wines are you drinking this weekend and where are you travelling to?

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, this was a media tasting, and 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.

#ValentinesDay Gift Buying Guide presented by @Ascending1 and @Corkcicle #wine #whiskey #beer

Disclosure: 2017 Valentine's Day Gift Buying Guide presented by Ascending Butterfly sponsored by Corkcicle. Products were provided for Editorial Consideration.

This gift guide is all about the 'perfect spirits' and has a little 'something-something' for both him or her!

The Corkcicle One

Let's start with the Oenophile in your life who by now has an Electronic Wine Opener, Corkscrew and Foil Cutter at their disposal right? But how about an aerator that also keeps that wine bottle cool? The Corkcicle One (this is an amazon affiliate link) has a built-in aerator that enhances the aromatic profile of any wine, coupled with an easy pour spout that makes serving your favorite wine a breeze, and the unique freezing gel maintains chilled whites for up to an hour without the need for an ice bucket and can cool down room temp reds in 15 minutes.

Prior to this one I owned the Soiree In Bottle Wine Aerator, (this is an amazon affiliate link) and don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved it, but someone dropped it and broke it and shortly after while hunting for a replacement, I met the Corkcicle team at a tradeshow where I got to see the Corkcicle One in action and the ability to chill down a room temp red or keep a chilled white wine cool for almost an hour without the need for an ice bucket is what swayed me to make the switch and I have never looked back. It's the accessory in your wine arsenal that you had no idea you needed and once you have it just can't live without it!

You can keep the party going without the need for tons of ice, ice buckets, and honestly I would recommend getting a few, if you have ever hosted a dinner party where pretty much everyone wanted something different, having a few of these on hand is a life saver! I can't remember the last time I drank wine without the use of an aerator.

Is your sweetie more of a 'hard spirits' lover? Would a bourbon or Whiskey be more up their alley? Then no worries Corkcicle has got you covered there too with the Whiskey Wedge (this is an amazon affiliate link) - keep your Whiskey cool without diluting it or watering it down and do it in style! No shade but I love the look of this WAY better than the stones. (and if you are anything like me you can't help but wonder where those stones are sourced and what might be on them, we know what you nasty boys do in the woods! I am just not about sourcing stones to put in my glasses OK? LOL).

I have been all over Bourbon ever since the signature cocktail I discovered during my last press trip to Brandywine Valley (read more about the Bourbon St. Margarita that I enjoyed at High Street Caffe & Vudu Lounge HERE) - this is that sexy and grown James Bond way to serve your Bourbon. You go Ms. MoneyPenny Get Your Bourbon On! LOL

Bourbon and I are still in the "getting-to-know-you" stages, but I do know Corkcicle is making this recent love affair that much more sexy and fun!

Now I don't want you guys to think I am not team ice, some drinks do need real ice, but that doesn't mean you can't do it the way bartenders do, and again, Corkcicle has got you covered with their Invisiball. (this is an amazon affiliate link)

Here is a video of it in action:

As much as I enjoy a good ice carving, I am NOT about to do all that to get the perfect ice for a drink, so thanks Corkcicle, Invisiball is right up my alley, not to mention I love that can you use it to add fruit, herbs, or flower petals to infuse flavor and get perfect cubes every time that melt super slowly so as not to dilute your drink. You can use a freezer bag to prepare a few in advance and have them ready for your next party, or for Valentine's Day! (How about making some with those cute candy hearts in them to send a special message to your sweetie?)

























Is your sweetheart more into a good brewski than a good wine? No worries, Corkcicle GOT YOU! They apply the same technology to the Chillsner that they do with the Corkcicle One - Keep your favorite brew as cold as the first sip with each sip using the Corckcicle Chillsner! (this is an amazon affiliate link)

It is with good reason that the Chillsner is a number one Best Seller in the category on Amazon!

I plan on smuggling mine into the bowling alley to keep my beer cold from first sip to last, the bigger the group the longer the wait between bowls....just saying.

CHEERS!

MY TAKE:

I love that Corkcicle has products that keep the party going with a little something for every type of spirit lover in your life. These are amazing hostess gifts, so whether it's just you and your sweetheart staying in for some Netflix and Chill, or GALentine's Day with the girls, or heading off to a party, bring Corkcicle's innovative products with you and you are bound to set the party off right.

Happy Valentine's Day to all my beautiful Butterflies!

Readers Sound Off: Which Corkcicle Product sounds like the right one for YOU? What is your favorite Spirit? Are you team wine all the time? Beer? Bourbon/Whiskey?

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FTC Disclosure: Corkcicle provided their innovative product line to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration and all thoughts and opinions are 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.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cocoon of fabulosity: Electronics/Technology (yes I am a Gadget Geek first!), Fashion, Jewelry, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants, Photography and Travel. And remember Ascending Butterfly does NOT have children, please do not pitch her toys (at least not those that are intended for children).

Unless it's charity related, If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey's Butterfly. Still here? Now go make someone happy today.

{#WineWednesday} Let's discuss the White Table #Wine 'Julia-Marie' from @SalemOakWinery & my blinged out Glass too!

When I cover Wine Tastings sometimes individual glimpses can get lost as I try to present an event as a whole. I feel with Wine Events actual *feedback* or at least my perceptions on the wines I was introduced to was getting lost in covering the magnitude of an event.

I thought with the interwebs offering two choices for Wednesday - #WordlessWednesday or #WineWednesday I would try to use my Wednesdays for Wine Wednesdays as we all know I am NOT good at going totally Wordless.

Here is this week's 'Wine Wednesday' -  Salem Oak's Winery 'Julia-Marie' White Table Wine:

MY TAKE:

I first met 'Julia-Marie' during Tropicana's Winter Wine Festival which in case you missed it I covered HERE. Local Wineries were featured prominently at this Tasting Event and I really enjoyed learning more about Local Wines and Wineries. I hope to visit Salem Oak Winery in person and I greatly appreciated getting a sample of what they have to offer.

I am all about trying out a wide variety and when I attend a wine tasting event I 'taste through' starting with Whites and moving to Reds. (And needless to say Sparkling Wines which are my personal favorite). While I am open to trying out as many as I can to develop my palate and learn, I do tend to lean toward Sparkling Wine like Champagne and Prosecco, then White Wine, Rosé, Moscato then Reds. I also seem to have a 'dry palate' and am attracted to slightly drier wines (which is why my affinity for Moscato surprises even me) - Julia-Marie leans slightly dry to me which is probably why I found myself so drawn to this particular white during my Salem Oak Winery 'taste through'. The wines are actually named after real people - employees in fact, which I found fun! (I want a Champagne named after my blog - just think about that for a minute - Ascending Butterfly the Bubbly! YAS!!!!)

I think all wines take on extra flair when consumed from my favorite animal print painted blinged out to the max wine glass, don't you agree?

I like this one for a Seafood Meal, Shellfish Dishes etc (I tend to prefer a white that is not overly fruity when I am using it for a Seafood Pairing). Remember butterflies - it is not about how much the wine costs, learn your palate and buy what makes you happy!

Readers Sound Off: Have you visited any local wineries recently? Which one?

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FTC Disclosure:  Wine was provided for Editorial Consideration and my pure enjoyment, and as always 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.

{CLOSED} 3 Month The California Wine Club Review AND Giveaway! Ends 12/15

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor The California Wine Club! We look forward to working with you again. The Winner is *'Gina Nuzio'*. Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!

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Ascending Butterfly's 2011 Holidays Buying Guide, Giveaway #10 brought to you by:

I'm happy to say we are resuming our annual holidays buying guide this week with an ADULT themed giveaway! Don't get me wrong, I love providing you guys with Kids Corner, but I'm not yet a mom, and my City Girl lifestyle is a lot more cocktails and wine than it is soccer matches or car pools!

While there is absolutely nothing wrong with Fruit-of-the-Month Club, as a former Special Ed teacher I can tell you if I see one more apple.......

I know different schools have different rules and different gift etiquette, but I'm sure most teachers will tell you they'd prefer the grape to the apple, and by grape I do mean wine.

For the past three months I've been in wine nirvana with some amazing at home deliveries straight from some amazing wineries direct to my door all courtesy of The California Wine Club!

The California Wine Club - Premier Club

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Each wine club shipment includes two bottles of award-winning wine - Every month they feature two different wines from a winery located in not just Napa and Sonoma, but also places like Monterey, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara (when I grow up, whenever that is, I want to live there!) and even the Sierra Foothills. Your CWC wine of the month club adventure will take you to wine regions not normally represented outside of California's wine community.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Detailed and beautiful 12-page, full color publication, Uncorked - offers an up-close and personal look at the family behind the wines plus tasting notes, recipes, wine luminary interviews, games and so much more.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Just $49.45* per month includes shipping and handling. *Plus sales tax where applicable.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Bruce and Pam work with the wineries directly. No middleman and no distributor mean members get the best choice of wine, at the best possible price. Members can even reorder their favorites and save up to 50% off normal retail.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - There are no wine of the month club membership fees, you can cancel anytime and every wine is 100% guaranteed.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - There is never any bulk, closeout or private label wine.

What I Tried:

I have had the pleasure of receiving 3 months of selections from The California Wine Club's Premier Club, I also tried out a shipment earlier in the year that I also loved and definitely plan to re-order from Bixler Vineyards. I'm in love with the 2008 Union Island White!

In October:

I tried Perry Creek Zinman's 2008 Zinfandel, El Dorado - What makes it even sweeter is that it's sustainably farmed and produced from Old Vines.

A unique legend: The legend of ZINMAN can be traced back to the days of the gold rush. It was then that reports first trickled in of a mystical creature known to sprinkle “ZinDust” upon the vines of the Sierra Foothills. Over 150 years later, his work can still be experienced in a bottle of Zinman, one just has to close their eyes and enjoy all of the magical flavors that dance upon your palate.

ZINMAN is one of Perry Creek’s most recognized and highly successful signature series wines. It is rated among the top 15 best-value Zinfandels by Wine Spectator in 2010 and its popularity continues to grow year by year. What makes it so special is the unique combination of spice and elegance in its flavors which stems from being produced in one of the best vineyards in the El Dorado County AVA. Its truly modern composition and sustainable farming practices makes it a must have for anyone’s dinner table.

Perry Creek Winery 2009 El Dorado Chardonnay - This is a crisp Chardonnay with just a hint of vanilla and tropical fruit flavors.

Food Pairing Suggestions include: stuffed, roasted chicken with tarragon, smoked turkey (yes I'm sure much like me, many of you are 'Turkey'ed' out by now!) , crab cakes with cream sauce, light curry dishes and summer salads.

In November:

Castoro Cellars 2010 "Blind Faith" Paso Robles Pinot Noir - Grown in the Blind Faith Vineyard on steep terraces and dry creek bottom soils. These extreme growing conditions produce a unique wine with intense flavor. The 'Estate Lots' are watched carefully and only bottled in limited quantities when the wine warrants it. This wine is certainly a worthy addition to any wine cellar. It can be enjoyed now or held up to five years.

Food Pairing Suggestions: Lighter meats like poultry as well as pork chops, ham, and my personal favorite grilled salmon.

Castoro Cellars 2010 Paso Robles Gewurztraminer - Castoro’s Gewürz is made in such small quantities that the winery has never submitted it for review or competitions. The final blend was 77% Gewürztraminer, 15% Viognier and 8% Muscat Canelli.

Food Pairing Suggestions: Great with salads, Japanese or Thai cuisine. It's the aromas of jasmine and ginger and tropical fruit flavors that make it such a perfect compliment to Japanese or Thai, and I love both!

In December:

2009 Tulip Hill Winery Tracy Hills Reserve Chardonnay - Cellar Select Mount Oso - blended from 17 barrels of 100% MLF Chardonnay with tropical fruits and apples with a hint of spice. The undertones of butter and oak lend to a mouth feel that is rich and balanced leading to a creamy finish with a light punch of acid to extend the flavors across the palate.

Food Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy with your favorite soft cheese, pasta in a light cream sauce. (My appetizer pairing was Sesame Crackers with Camembert and my pasta entree was my penne and sausage a la vodka I really need to remember to share that recipe with you guys!)

2009 Tracy Hills Cabepulciano - Yes this is a blend that includes:

45% Montepulciano

27% Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 4-

28% Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 10

With notes of spice, black cherry, cedar, currant, vanilla and a delicious hint of dark chocolate, it's definitely elegant with a bright, juicy finish. It's a limited production making it perfect for a very special dinner or holiday party.

Check out this You Tube Video of Tulip Hill Tasting Room Manager Tom Montaney discussing Cabepulciano:

 My Take:

I have nothing but good things to say about The California Wine Club, it's an amazing gift year round not just for the holidays. It's perfect for corporate gifts as well as personal, and the fact that they work directly with wineries in vineyards not just in Napa and Sonoma make the club a very distinctive and unique gift. I will say my preference has always been white wine over red, but through the club I've opened up my palate more and have tried many reds I wouldn't have found so readily locally that I have greatly enjoyed.

Ordering via the club makes wine much more approachable and the Uncorked newsletter makes it fun. The convenience of having the wines delivered right to your doorstep and dazzling family and friends with wines they are not going to find at their local spirit shops is priceless!

I'm a mega foodie, and my motto is never cook with a wine you don't enjoy sipping, and I have incorporated the wines into many of my dishes (recipes to come). I'm also a member of The California Wine Club's over 82,000 and counting fan base on Facebook, and I love reading their updates, there is always humor, fun tips and promos!

Want to send the gift of wine this year? Take 10% off any holiday gifts you wish to send from The California Wine Club with promo code: butterfly

You didn't think I'd forget about you right? Who loves you butterfly?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at The California Wine Club would like to give 1 lucky winner a 3 month Premier Club Membership of their own! With Premier Club you get to choose, 1 red and 1 white, 2 reds or 2 whites, the choice is yours!

Don't you just ♥ The California Wine Club? I know I do!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - How to Win: (1) You must be a PUBLIC follower of Ascending Butterfly to be eligible for this and all giveaways. Indicate in your entry that you follow (if your 'comment name/user id' differs from your profile id, please let me know what name you follow under) and (2)MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit The California Wine Club and tell us which of the four wine clubs is your favorite! (you can post the name of it or link to it, your choice, and while I will allow premier as a choice, you'll get extra brownie points if you select a different club!)  (3) You must also leave your email address somewhere in your comment. (You can format it this way for security, example: ascendingbutterfly AT mail host DOT com). (If your email is clearly visible in your profile, you can just say so, that's OK!) Please follow the easy 1, 2, 3 steps to winning (or in this case, the A,B,C’s of winning!) This giveaway is open to USA residents who are 18 years of age or older. No PO Boxes. No purchase necessary. One entry per Household, see Ascending Butterfly Giveaway Rules and Disclosure Policy HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! All comments are moderated, they may not appear on the site right away (comments like "I want this" or "I want to win" will not be entered). You have from Tuesday, December 06, 2011 until Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 03:00 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. You will have 48 hours to confirm if we do not hear from you we will be forced to move on to an alternate. (We only notify winners DIRECTLY via email, so if your profile or your comment does not have an email your entry will not be processed)

EXTRA CREDIT:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Order any wine club as a gift or for yourself and post your order confirmation number or email it to me and get 10 extra entries!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - In honor of all things wine, tell me your all time favorite wine? Was it a winery you discovered during your travels? A house wine at your favorite restaurant?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Blog about this giveaway, linking to this giveaway post. Leave the URL in a comment. (If your blog post contains more than just a pic and link you'll get 5 extra credit entries!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our NEW Button and put it on your Blog. Leave the URL where we can see it in a comment (if you have our old one, please swap it out, our URL address has changed!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Tracy_Iglesias on Twitter (this is ascendingbutterfly’s editor) and give me your twitter ID in a comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Ascending1 on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @cawineclub on Twitter

Tweet This:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ @cawineclub + @Ascending1 THREE Month The California Wine Club Premier Club Giveaway! Ends 12/15 - http://tinyurl.com/79xydrn

(Leave a comment with the tweet’s url so you can get a valid entry (click on the time your tweet was sent to get the direct URL and then copy and paste it here). You can Tweet TWICE per DAY. If you Tweet more than that, that entry will be disqualified.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Digg about this giveaway and leave your digg username in your comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Fave this blog on Technorati and leave your Technorati user name in your comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like The California Wine Club on Facebook HERE (Tell them which wine club is your favorite and/or that you are trying to win a Premier Club 3 month membership from Ascending Butterfly) - Be sure you leave the link to your comment here for extra credit. (You can get the link the same way you do on twitter, press on the time you left the comment on their facebook wall, and when the page fully loads, highlight and copy the URL address and then paste it into the comment field here). If you say "I wrote on their wall" and do not leave the link that Extra Credit Entry will NOT be processed.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join Ascending Butterfly's NEW Community/Real Time Chat, Group HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join Ascending Butterfly's Blog Frog Community HERE <-There is an active giveaways thread there too, so if you are a blogger also, please feel free to add your active giveaways to that thread!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog -This is ONE time per giveaway, NOT daily.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you entered another active giveaway on Ascending Butterfly? Let me know which one and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you commented on a non-giveaway entry? Let me know which one here and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Press the button below and join, you get an extra entry for this giveaway and a shot at more great prizes, lets win together! (one time extra credit, will be verified before entry can be accepted)

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure Info for this Giveaway:  This is NOT a sponsored promotion. NO compensation has been received  from the sponsor in exchange for this post. A 3 month membership was provided to me free of charge for editorial consideration. Also, The sponsors are fulfilling directly to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of the products. All opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor. An Affiliate Link is used for the ScoreBig Extra Credit Entry and for EZ Win game.