Bernie Madoff's Wine Stash Scores Cash for Scam Victims

So the infamous Bernie Madoff is in the news (again) but this time on the wine circuit.  It seems that the Ponzi Scam artist was a wino.  His extensive wine collection was auctioned off last night raking in $41,530. The proceeds will go toward the scheme victims.  

The auction was coordinated by Morrell & Co Fine Wine Auctions in New York.  The top pick of the night was a case of 1996 Chateau Mouton-Rothschild, a Bordeaux which was purchased for nearly $7k.

Despite having a cellar full of wine, some say that Bernie didn't have very good taste in vino. Perhaps Bernie received more wine gifts than he actually purchased himself...figures.

While old Bernie may be singing the jail house blues while he's serving a 150-year sentence, there are many wino's who will be toasting to his demise. 


Cheers to justice being served!

Wine & Chocolate: Good for Your Noodle

If you're a wino with a sweet tooth, you might have just struck gold!  Scientists have recently divulged that red wine and dark chocolate (consumed in moderation) is good for the brain. When the two are consumed together it enhances the brains ability to complete complex tasks. 

It seems that polyphenols (natural antioxidants found in plants) increase brain activity, by relaxing blood vessels, making them wider and more open - which increases their capacity to function. What foods naturally contain polyphenols?  You guessed it...wine and chocolate!!!


The study didn't find any significant increase in the brains of younger people, simply because they are already functioning at optimal levels. But older people did show significant brain function improvement. The blood flow to the brain naturally decrease as we get older, so increasing the blood flow is a good thing. 

**A word to the wise: you don't need to consume very much red wine or chocolate to experience the benefits.  Moderation is key.**

The Winos - Hangover Weekend

Well guys, the Winos' are off to Sin City this weekend - Las Vegas, Nevada.  Our good friend and fellow wino, Peggy, got the hook-up on a cheap room, so we're off!  Of course we can't go on a trip without checking out the potential for a Wino Adventure.  


Here are a few wine hot spots in the desert this weekend:

• Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit - This is a four day food extravaganza! Luncheons, dinners, tasting, food, food, food - did I mention food?  Of course this is not a cheap affair (the cheapest event still available is $95).  Each event is individually priced and many have already sold out.  My boyfriend, Chef Tom Colicchio of Top Chef will be there, but his event is already sold out.  This event is hosted annually on Mother's Day weekend - maybe next time Winos'.
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• Valley Cheese & Wine in Henderson, NV - has free wine tasting every Friday and Saturday from 4-7pm.  This specialty food store was founded in 2006 by Bob Howald and Kristin Sande, who hand pick "hard-to-find wines, artisan cheese, charcuterie, specialty dry goods and wine accessories." We might have to check them out!
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• Terra Verde at Green Valley Ranch - is an Italian restaurant and on Friday nights they offer all-you-can-drink featured wines from 5-7pm.  They also have $20 appetizers during these "happy" hours. 

If we make it to any of these we'll let you know.  But we will be having a good time and drinking wine wherever we end up!

$15 wine: the new normal???

So I came across this article in the Los Angeles Times: $15 wine: the new normal.  It seems that the economy is improving, but there has been an evolution in the wine industry.  While the elite may still afford expensive vino, the rest of us have found that $15 bucks is on the high end of the wine spectrum.  Let's face it -- you don't have to break the bank to be a Wino!  Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with splurging every now and then.  You deserve it from time to time.  But you don't have to go bankrupt to enjoy a good glass of wine.

$15 bucks is a decent price for a bottle, wouldn't you say?  Honestly, we have thoroughly enjoyed bottles for even less than that!  Trader Joe's (our favorite wine buying spot) has a nice selection of wines for under $10...and you know what that means?  You can buy TWO!!!  Believe it or not you can actually save on the price without skimping on the quality.

So before you go out and spend a small fortune on wine, go to your local market and peruse the wine aisle.  Ask other the other winos (you will never be alone on the wine aisle) to recommend a bottle.


FYI: Other winos are always happy to give wine advice -- it's a rule of the club! So go ahead and make some new wino friends!