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Because the Sam Somm Fam is from all over the place, I decided to try and stick to mostly my favorite Kirkland Signature Wines as those are more likely to be the same or similar in most locations, but some other winners just may sneak their way in! Wine prices may vary slightly from this blog post, as it's based on my personal experiences & some online hunting-- but should be pretty damn close to accurate. Grab yourself a Costco Churro & have a blast Costco Wine Hunting! Sparkling Kirkland Champagne Brut Okay Yum!! Sitting around $20 a bottle, you cannot beat this price for Champagne! The winemaker, Manuel Janisson's own Janisson Champagne retails for $40-$50 per bottle--so a total steal! This Champagne comes for the vineyards of Verzenay & has notes of crispt lime, apple orange & gingerbread, pairs amazing with anything salty & fatty, making it perfect for a Sunday brunch! Il Fiore Prosecco DOC BULK BUY From Veneto Italy, this Italian Prosecco, tends to make occasional appearances at Costco & when it does, it's a must grab, maybe even a bulk buy!! If you love Prosecco then you will seriously enjoy this one, with its crisp sweetness & hints of tropical flavors it pairs well with shellfish, vegetarian dishes & appetizers! The Il Fiore Prosecco can be found for around $8 a bottle at Costco! Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG BULK BUY Okay, talk about an affordable yummy wine!! Sitting around $7 a bottle, this Kirkland Signature has a seat at the table whenever it's time to celebrate! & Don't be fooled by this price, this is a DOCG level wine, which is the highest classification of Italian wines there is. This prosecco hails from the Asolo Prosecco region near Treviso which is at the base of the Alps (umm okay--beautiful) making the climate perfect for these sweet bubbly wines! I may even call this one a porch pounder... White Kirkland Signature Russian River Valley Chardonnay Okay, since we have had a lovely time abroad with our bubbly wines, it's time to come all the way back to Sonoma County California! This Kirkland Signature Chardonnay is priced at $13 a bottle & is aged in French Oak, which gives it a delicious and lingering exotic taste. With its hints of pear & fig, pair this wine with a cheese board & don't forget the bread & butter as this wine has an ABV of 14% so you may want the snacks (; Kirkland Signature Sancerre This Sancerre is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc Grapes from Sancerre, Loire Valley, France. Joining in 2019 this Sancerre is one of the newer members of the Kirkland Signature family & is priced around $16 a bottle, but don't forget the discount when you bulk buy because this one is worth it! A great warm-weather wine for all of you in the Arizona area. Pairs well with seafood & goat cheese & to be honest; sour cream & onion chips! 2017 Laguna Chardonnay, Russian River Valley Sonoma County Okay, now there is something spectacular about this wine! Also hailing from the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County this wine is rarely found for the price you can find at Costco, sometimes they even have crazy discounts bringing it down to the $10 range! If you're into a more modern Chardonnay then this wine is for YOU! For a Chard-- it's light and so refreshing but still so flavorful and intense! Kirkland Signature Pinot Grigio-- Friuli Grave-- Italy BULK BUY!! Coming in around $6 a bottle, this Kirkland Signature is described as "Cheap & Good!" What more could you ask for in a Pinot Grigio? This wine is perfect for a wine Cocktail, a girl's night in with ALL the pizza & snacks! Rosé Whispering Angel Cotes de Provence Rosé From Esclans Valley in the South of France, this wine is AMAZE! If you have been following me for a while, you know I have tasted with this wine before! They also make the Whispering Angel Palm Rosé which is equally delicious and if found at Costco you can be sure you are getting a deal. Coming in around $18 a bottle you usually can't find this for less than $20 elsewhere! This wine pairs really well with a charcuterie board full of cured meats, cheeses & fresh fruits! Kirkland Signature 2020 Cotes de Provence Rosé BULK BUY! Just priced around $9 a bottle you may be curious to buy & compare to the Whispering Angel. This wine sells FAST, so if you see it, BUY IT! Like most Rosés this is a great summer, to be enjoyed outdoors even if that just means your porch! Pair it with Veggies, watermelon, Fresh Strawberries & light meats! Kirkland Signature K Vine Rosé If you wanted a West Coast Rosé then here you are! Found for $10 this Kirkland K Vine is from Buckshot Winery in the Columbia Valley, Washington State! Shout out to the PNW with this delicious Rosé! This Wine has a lot of fruity flavors including watermelon, strawberry, and CHERRY! Yes, please!! I love to balance out fruity wines with salty foods, can you say Truffle Fries & Rosé?! Red Hook or Crook Cellars Field Blend Reserve Red This is a red wine made up of undisclosed varieties from Lodi California. Usually, you can find this wine for $15-$25 but can be found at Costco for $7!! Truly a steal!! This wine is PACKED with flavor so I recommend opening it and definitely giving it some time to breathe! Very easy to drink and not too sweet! I say "Burgers & Fries" for this beauty!! Luke Cabernet Sauvignon This is a relatively exclusive wine as a limited number of cases were produced, so if you see it at your Costco or literally anywhere you should try it!! Comprised of grapes from a variety of vineyards in the Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington you can find this wine at Costco for $18, & the average price elsewhere is $25! This wine has aromas of black cherry, spices & vanilla and its taste has similar flavors of deep berries, spice, and vanilla. You definitely get a little taste of tannins with this one! I say a nice well-cooked steak & grilled veggies would be F*cking great here!! Kirkland Signature Rioja Reserva BULK BUY!! Have you ever had a true Rioja Reserva? No? Okay, then you have got to get your hands on this one!! Aged for 30 months in Oak Barrels & an additional 6 months once in the bottle-- This wine is seriously good. 100% Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain, The producer of this wine varies from year to year, but they are all consistently good and for the price, you just can't beat it. I mean guys, it's $8!! Are you for reals?! Have you ever had a steak & goat cheese salad? No? Well, maybe it's time to grab a bottle of this Reserva & find a recipe hehe (; Kirkland Signature Sonoma County Old Vine Zinfandel For just under $12 this Sonoma County wine is one of my favorite Zinfandels! This is a great wine for when you are hanging out at home & are in the mood for BBQ! Kirkland Signature Malbec Argentina BULK BUY! Wahoo an Argentinian wine! Typically around $9 a bottle, making it a great bulk buy. This is a great everyday sipping wine and would pair really nicely with poultry & roasted potatoes! Yum!! Kirkland Signature Carneros Pinot Noir! Hailing from the beautiful Napa Valley, this Pinot Noir is something special & can be found at Costco for $10! This is a stellar Pinot Noir option and is super consistent! It is usually seasonal though so if you try it & love it I'd definitely go back and grab more!! Personally, I find this one to be better than the Kirkland Signature Russian River Valley Pinot but to each their own ;) This wine is super smooth and has a medium body making it easy to drink a lot of so be careful. Enjoy with a rich pasta dish and follow it up with popcorn & a movie! BOXED DEAL I LOVEEEE My fave cheap rose come in a box and my life is made IYKYK Sam Somm fam, this one is your go-to porch pounder rose all year round. Some Costco Wine Hunting Advice Guys, seriously don't be afraid to dig through the boxes & crates at Costco, if you are really into finding different vintages of wines, you may find them in the very same boxes as the newer wines! I don't know why Costco does this, but take advantage of it! They also pack wines into their displays, so if you don't see what you are looking for on top, and you DGAF what people think, drop down and dig underneath the displays. You may find something special & if you do, I'd love to hear about it! Thank you all so much for your contact support! Hope you enjoyed my suggestions!!

Alright friends, it's finally here! A breakdown of some of my favorite wines at Total Wine & More under$20!!! Let me know which ones you end up trying! Fave Wines $10-20 Borrasca Prosecco Docg ~ Can't go wrong with this cheap and crisp prosecco, perfect on its own but I personally love it mixed with Aperol! Bodegas Pinord Dibon Brute Reserve Cava ~ from Spain this one has apple and pear aromas and is crisp! If you know me, then you know I love Cava & this one is great on its own or as a mimosa! Whitehaven NZ Sauvignon Blanc ~ We all need a Sauvy B at home, this one will not disappoint! Perfect porch pounder, couch wine, and versatile with cheese, veggies, and seafood! SUN GODDESS SAUVIGNON BLANC - MARY J BLIGE,2019 ~ Italian Sauvy filled with tart granny smith apples and a touch of citrus. Pair with salty cheeses, chips, or seafood! 2018 St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc ~ I love this one because it is so well-balanced and refreshing! Pair this one like other SB's and go with some fish, poultry & cheese! Broadbent Vinho Verde ~ one of my absolute favorite Vinho Verdes & for the price you truly cannot beat this one!! Jadot Bourgogne Chardonnay ~ an absolutely delicious option for a chardonnay, this one is medium bodied with the complex aromas of vanilla, honey & citrus with a nice buttery and nutty finish! Yum!! Cheese and cured meats all the way on this one! Dr Heidemanns Riesling QbA ~ okay this riesling is legit! It's so light and its fruitiness fits wonderfully with spicy food, whether thats hot cheetos or blackened mahi mahi tacos! Bourgrier Rose D'Anjou ~ French style rose is always a must! I like this one because it's more fruit-driven than most and pairs really nicely with spicy dishes. La Vieille Ferme Rose ~ If you've seen my TJ's wine guides you know that this is a staple general grocery store find. Summer water at its finest! MCBRIDE SISTERS BLACK GIRL MAGIC ROSE This Pinot Noir-based blush pink wine is filled with crisp fruit and acidity! Perfect with your chips and cheese out on the patio! CHATEAU D'ESCLANS THE PALM WHISPERING ANGELI gave this porch pounder a gold medal in a blind tasting, Nuff said. Diving Into Hampton Water Rose ~ Or another great name would be; Diving Into an AZ Summer?! This Rose is amazing! Drink it chilled, and straight out of an insulated Yeti Poolside! Strawberries & Cheez-Itz with this one! Yum! Susana Balbo Malbec, 2017 ~ This is an Argentinian wine that will not disappoint! It's intense yet clean, flavor would pair nicely with something fresh off the barbecue like steak or burgers! Chateau Musar Cuvee Jeune Red ~ you guys!! This wine comes from the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon! It's fruity and refreshing & would go great with a cheese board, but I have to say its amazing paired with authentic Lebanese dishes like Hummus, Manakish and Rice Pilaf! Josh Cellars Bourbon Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon Family Reserve ~ you guys!! This wine gives you the best of both worlds!! It's incredibly bold and packed with a blend of berries and spices! If you enjoy bourbon you are going to love the way this wine tastes & finishes! Try pairing it with rich cheeses and olives! Campo Viejo Rioja Tempranillo ~ Coming from the Rioja region of Spain this Tempranillo is a game changer, try it with a spicy taco dish or while curled up on the couch eating popcorn! Intrinsic Cabernet Sauvignon ~ Alright, I have to say the bottle is eye catching & the taste does not disappoint, honestly this one is super yummy and the fruit forwardness is nicely balanced, I'd suggest drinking this one with a steak, maybe even a perfectly cooked Filet Mignon?! Yes Please! Terrazas Los Andes Malbec Reserva ~ Another delicious wine from Argentina! Did you know that even though Argentinian Wines are considered New World, the country actually has 400 years of history in making wine? Anyway- this Malbec does not disappoint, especially after a long workday. Tenuta Di Renieri Chianti Classico, 2018 ~ Last but certainly not least, this Chianti hails from the famous Tuscany region of Italy! It's so smooth and easy to drink, refreshing but also bold, honestly, I say have one of these in your wine fridge regularly! Because it's sweet & bitter-- I'd suggest pairing it with your favorite pasta dish! Stay tuned for more wine recs, I will keep this guide as an ongoing list for you! 😉

Okay, I obviously have food and booze on my mind 24/7 but thought I would put together some extra fun creations in honor of the week of love. Perfect for your Galentines virtual get together or date night at home! Lot's of love, Sam ROSE DRUNKEN STRAWBERRIES INGREDIENTS: - Strawberries - wash and hull them before soaking in your wine - Rose wine of choice - my pick? "La Vielle Ferm" you do not need an expensive wine for this recipe, use your favorite porch pounder rose. ;) -Granulated Sugar STEPS: -Soak strawberries in a bowl with rose and refrigerate for at least 1 hour -Drain and pat dry -Roll in sugar YUM! PRETTY IN PINK MARTINI INGREDIENTS - 2 oz strawberry pink gin (Total Wine & More has "Beefeater") - 1 oz London Dry Gin - 2 tbs strawberry syrup -Squeeze of lemon juice -Splash of Berry La Croix STEPS - Put all ingredients except for the la Croix in a cocktail shaker with ice -Shake shake shake - Strain into a martini glass - Squeeze a little lemon juice on top with a splash of La Croix -Garnish with edible flowers and/or fresh strawberries GIANT COOKIE SKILLET INGREDIENTS - 1 cup butter - room temperature - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup packed light brown sugar - 2 large eggs room temperature - 2 tsp vanilla extract - 2 tbsp milk - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tsp cornstarch - 1 tsp baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon table salt - 1 cup chocolate chunks - 1 cup festive sprinkles - 2 tsp coarse sea salt - Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for topping STEPS -Preheat oven to 325°F - Lightly grease oven-safe, 10-12" cast iron skillet (oven safe) - In mixer bowl with a paddle attachment, beat the butter until creamy - Add in granulated sugar & brown sugar then beat on medium-high until light & fluffy - Beat in eggs, vanilla & milk at high speed until well mixed - Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to be sure all is mixed in - Add flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and table salt at low speed until combined - Add 1/2 of the chocolate chunks and sprinkles, mix on low - Transfer 1/2 the cookie dough into the prepared skillet & press down into an even layer - Add sea salt - Top with remaining dough, pressing down again & then with remaining sprinkles and chocolate chunks - Bake for 25-30 minutes or until browned on the sides and lightly brown on top (I like my center nice and gooey) - Allow the cookie to cool slightly in the pan on a wire rack before serving - Serve with extra sea salt and sprinkles, oh and whipped cream or ice cream if desired! MY FAVE WINES FOR GALENTINES AND VDAY NV Masia Puigmolto Can Xa Brut Cava Ponzi Vineyards Rose and Sparkling Rose Gloria Ferrer Brut Rose GURRIERI GRILLO DOC SICILIA 2017 DOMAINE ROGER NEVEU SANCERRE "COTE DES EMBOUFFANTS" 2019 PETIT PEROU BROUILLY PISSE-VIEILLES 2018 WEATHERBORNE WINE CO. PINOT NOIR SANTA RITA HILLS 2014 For more wine rec's, check out my latest Trader Joe's Wine Guide, and follow along on my IG, @samanthasommelier xoxoxo Sam

If you’re an avid lover of wine, then you may have toyed with the idea of starting your very own label once or twice. After all, now is an interesting time to get into the business, with people treating themselves to more wine while in lockdown. But a deep love for Cabernet isn’t the only thing you need to start a business — you need to be determined, hard-working, and meticulous in order to succeed. If you think you have what it takes, then read on: First thing’s first Before you start investing, it’s important to start with a name and some idea of how you want your business to operate. You wouldn’t want to go all-in with a name that’s already been taken, so check with your Secretary of State’s office. Try searching on social media to see if your potential name is available, too. From there, you can start writing up a business plan. It’s not the most exciting part of the process, but it is an integral one, as you’ll be using this plan for the entire time you will be operating. It should outline what your company aims to be, what your products are, how your business is organized and managed, as well as what projections you have for finances — all supported by research about the industry and your competitors. Compliance and paperwork Once you’ve got your name and business plan ironed out, it’s time to start thinking about legal requirements. If you are registering a limited liability company, then you’ll need to choose a registered agent, draft up a certificate of formation, and an operating agreement to start. Most states allow entrepreneurs to submit all these online, via mail, or in person, but fees will depend on your state, so be sure to inquire with your Secretary of State’s office, too. Next up are licensing and permits. The winemaking industry is heavily regulated, and you’ll need to apply for a permit to operate a winery, register with the FDA, and have your company approved by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. It’s a lot to think about, so it’s best to consult with a lawyer to avoid making any mistakes on compliance. The production process Here’s the fun part. For starters, you’ll need to think about your desired grapes and where you will source them from. This can make or break the final flavors and feel of your wine, so take your time searching. There’s also the matter of supplies like barrels, glass bottles, corks (or screw caps), and labeling to consider. Next, you also have to think about how exactly the wine will be made and bottled. You don’t actually have to have your own facility, as you can hire others who have mastered the art and science of winemaking to do it for you. This way, you can spend your time handling the many other aspects of running your business. If you want to make the wine yourself, then it’s important to understand that it will take some time to get comfortable and build up your experience in winemaking. Lastly, you’ll have to think about storage. Look for a reliable warehouse that can house your wine during the aging process and send your bottles where they need to go. Be sure to think about temperature control, insurance, and proper storage and handling so that your wine arrives at your customers’ dinner tables in great condition. Budget and funding At this point, it’s clear that breaking into the industry isn’t cheap, so you have to be meticulous about your budget and consider where you will get your funding. Not everyone is born into wealth, so after you’ve computed your startup costs — including employee payroll, equipment, and insurance — then you’ll have to think about how you’ll pay for them. Bank loans, business lines of credit, and investors are all options you can consider. Marketing and sales Last but not least, of course, is getting the word out! Today’s unique circumstances have brought about some interesting ways to build a community around wine, so there’s a ton of room to get creative. Do your research to find brokers and distributors in your area, and look into potential campaigns you can run on social media. If you need a little help with brand identity and customer engagement, then be sure to reach out. Starting your very own label isn’t the easiest of hills to climb, but it is very rewarding and definitely possible — especially with the right support.

Want to find the wine you'll love? Introducing Sippd, your new fave “AI-Powered Personal Sommelier" “Siri, I mean Sippd, find me the perfect wine to bring to the beach!” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ If you’ve done a virtual wine tasting with me, you know I’m all about pairing wine with an experience, mood, food, Netflix binge you name it! There’s always a time and place for a specific wine and Sippd helps me curate the best wine line up for my clients... (and myself). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Sippd connects to wine.com to provide you with your personal Taste Match score to more than 40,000 wines! I always say I’m your pocket sommelier and Sippd’s platform takes that to a whole new level. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Life is hard enough right now. Leave it to Sippd and me to curate you the perfect wine line up for any day of the week. Think of Sippd as a dating tool but for wine lovers, except they never steer you wrong with their personalized wine recommendations. How the Sippd Extension Works Sippd is a FREE Chrome extension, which means you use the tool while shopping for wine on your laptop or computer! After creating your profile you'll first tell Sippd three wines that you love or maybe even three that you dislike so their Artificial Intelligence tech begins to know your palate preferences. If you don't have any wines in mind to put into the extension, that's okay! The more you use the extension, the better Sippd can get to know you and understand your preferences. See, it's just like dating! The more you get to know someone the better of a fit you'll become. I get texts daily from my friends dining out, sending me the wine list, and asking me what wine to get. I love helping but it's nice to have some assistance from Sippd too, ha! Just in case I cannot respond quickly enough to your message Sippd has your back. Why Use Sippd? A lot of wine extensions will provide you with quality reviews, tasting notes, pricing, and photos of wines but they do not work to understand your own personal palate. Like I always tell my wine tasting clients, just how you can't be everyone's cup of tea, neither can wine. A wine I may love and highly recommend may not be my husband's go-to vino and that is OKAY. Wine is meant to be fun and enjoyed with the people that you love so Sippd keeps it simple. The more you utilize the extension the better the system gets to know your own unique palate and will become better at providing you with wine suggestions that work best for you and your current mood! Every wine you are matched with, tasted, and loved or hated-- it's review will be saved in your Sippd profile's history so you will never forget what wine you fell in love with! Joining the Sippd Community If you are ready to find new wines that you will love, order the best wines based on your taste, want to know if you will like the bottle before ordering it, and order with confidence, you are ready to install the extension! You can head HERE to install while on desktop or HERE to create your profile while you’re on mobile then#GetSipping when you’re back on your computer. Loving this info and want access to free guides, exclusive events, tastings, and more, be sure you join the Sam Somm Fam here! Just enter your e-mail and let the fun come to you. ;)

Since so many of you loved my first Trader Joe's wine guide I created last year, I decided to keep the wine rec's going to bring some joy to our brutal 2020! Let's be honest, we are drinking more vino than ever and it's okay we are in this shit together. I always want to make wine fun and approachable for you and I love how I can do that through these guides, my social channels, and of course my virtual wine tastings! This time around, I am sharing some of my favorite wines that I am drinking from TJ's to get me pumped for fall! Don't worry, this list will continue on as I discover more killer finds! This rosé is such a staple in my wine fridge during the holidays I had to bring it back from my OG wine guide! This will be your new favorite Rosé for all your Thanksgiving eats and I guarantee your loved ones will love it too. Who said Rosé was just for summer anyway? Whenever someone is looking for a cheap, crowd-pleasing rosé they can buy a bunch of, La Vieille Ferme it is a solid go-to and it won't break the bank! Let's just say it's a mega #PORCHPOUNDER. T'J's prices this tasty rosé at $7.99 which makes it hard to resist picking up a bottle (or 6) whenever I am grocery shopping. This easy sipper that I can only describe as fresh and fruity makes the perfect aperitif or complement to your holiday cheese board! If you haven't tried the McBride Sister's Brut Rosé what have you even been doing?! I have been enjoying this brut for quite some time, I even served it at my wedding last November! So when I found it being sold at TJ's the other day, I was shook! YAAAAS! Everyone and I mean EVERYONE needs a sparkling wine in their home at ALL TIMES. Want to know why? When in doubt, bubbles! Grab your tee! This brut has a crisp acidity with complex aromas of red cherry, strawberry, and floral notes. If you don't love it, call me because we gotta chat about why the hell not! Hey, all you chardonnay doubters., yeah I see you and I hear you! What if I told you there are chardonnays that you will actually love, won't be overly oaked and it won't break the bank? Introducing, a white burgundy aka French unoaked Chard! This wine has fresh crisp flavors of apples, pear, and citrus with a nice acidity which will make for a great aperitif or pair alongside shellfish, goat cheese, and my personal fave, my mom's mashed potatoes! I like to call it one of my go-to Thanksgiving wines because it will match with most everything on your family's spread! Want to learn more about wine lingo terms such as "acidity" and the reason it pairs with food? Head here to hang out and virtual taste with me, I will teach ya allllll the things in a fun and laid back format! See ya on Zoom! Alright, I am a sucker for an Oregon Pinot Noir and it's rare I find one I love at a grocery store but damn friends. Cloudline Pinot Noir is a winner! This Pinot is filled with intense black fruit, spice, and a long finish keeping you wanting more and more, aka my version of a #NetflixWine. Smooth enough tannins where you don't necessarily need food but is also a staple with your favorite fall spreads. From smokey cheeses to roasted turkey and my personal favorite any mushroom-based pasta or pizza. This wine will be your new everyday fave! I was walking through the aisle the other week vetting out my new line up for this guide and one of the TJ's staff members came up to me and said this wine was killer and I would not be disappointed. He was right! This Southern Italian red will be your new favorite table wine, move over Chianti! Think of this wine as you would dip french fries in ketchup. This wine craves pairing alongside beef, tomatoes based pasta, and pizzas! Don't be shy about how savory your dish is, this wine can handle it. The Silence Red Blend is a blend of mainly Tempranillo which is one of my go-to wines when I think of fall. I like to think of Tempranillo as the Pumpkin Spiced Latte of the wine world. Think baking spices, rich fruit, and moderate tannins that linger just a tad in your cheeks! I personally guzzle this wine down with no food but maybe a slice (or 10) of smoked manchego. This wine can match up against any red meats, pasta, and even your favorite Mexican dishes such as tacos, nachos, burritos, and Chile Rellenos. I'm hungry AF now. Step outside your comfort zone and buy this! Here is our big guy of the line-up, Kings of Prohibition Australian Cab-Shiraz! Peep my IG post from last year, I transported myself to the Great Gatsby with Leo. That's what this wine does, it transports you to the party you want to be at even if you are in your cozies on the couch! Truly is an out of body experience. This red blend is filled with dark juicy fruits like blackberry and dark cherry with hints of cocoa from the French Oak but also comes through with a bit of pepper to give it that kick. I want to go home and have my grandma make me her famous brisket to pair with this ASAP. Alright, my friends, I have to finish this guide with some Washington wine love! Intrinsic Cabernet Sauvignon is not only beautiful on the outside but a masterpiece on the inside! It's everything you want in a Cab, medium to full-bodied filled with red and dark jammy fruits, sweet tobacco, and juicy tannins. You can find Intrinsic at TJ's of course along with one of my new favorite wine subscription services elicit wine project! If you haven't checked it out, highly recommended if you are looking for a fun and approachable wine club to join. I'm biased but I am apart of the elicit fam so definitely join. ;) Loved these recs? I am going to be leading a FREE virtual wine tasting event highlighting some of my favorites from both my Trader Joe's wine guides! PLUS a digital food pairing guide with all items that can be found at your local TJ's! Click here (fill out the little box at the top of my site's page that says "be my BFF") join my e-mail list to get notified or follow me on Instagram for all the latest!

Hi friends, I plan on making this much more detailed with the wineries/owners bios but I wanted to get this out there ASAP so we can do our best to bring light to these vintners now and moving forward! Some of these wineries I already know and love, some I am looking forward to learning more about. I encourage you to not only share these wineries but visit, taste, and connect. If I can make any immediate additions please let me know. :) Zafa Wines by Krista Scruggs Website: https://zafawines.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zafawines/ Location: Burlington, Vermont. Frichette Winery Website: https://frichettewinery.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frichettewinery/ Location: Benton City, WA Longevity Winery Website: https://www.longevitywines.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longevity_wines/ Location: Livermore, CA McBride Sisters Website: https://www.mcbridesisters.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcbridesisters/ Location: Oakland, CA Brown Estate Website: https://www.brownestate.com/register Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brownestate/ Location: Napa, CA Theopolis Vineyards Website: https://www.theopolisvineyards.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theopolisvineyards/ Location: Yorkville, CA André Hueston Mack, Maison Noir Wines Website: https://maisonnoirwines.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisonnoirwines/ Location: McMinnville, OR Okapi Wines Website: http://www.okapiwines.com/about-us/our-story/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okapiwines/ Location: Napa, CA Jenny Dawn Cellars Website: https://www.jennydawncellars.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennydawncellars/ Location: Wichita, KS P. Harrell Wines Website: https://pharrellwines.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pharrellwines/ Location: Sonoma, CA Intercept Wines by Charles Woodson Website: https://www.cwinterceptwines.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/interceptwines/ Location: Parlier, CA Amour Genève Website: https://www.amourbluforever.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amourgeneve/ Charles Wine Company Website: https://charleswineco.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charleswineco/ Location: Los Angelas, CA Aslina Wines Website: https://www.aslinawines.co.za/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aslina_wines/ Location: South Africa B. Stuyvesant Champagne Website: https://www.stuyvesantchampagne.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stuyvesantchampagne/ Location: Champagne, France Love Cork Screw by Chrishon Lampley Website: https://www.lovecorkscrew.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovecorkscrew/ Location: Chicago, IL La Fête Rosé Website: https://www.lafeterose.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lafeterose/ Location: Saint-Tropez Bodkin Wines Website: https://www.bodkinwines.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodkinwines/ Location: Healdsburg, CA Abbey Creek Winery by Bertony Faustin Website: https://www.abbeycreekvineyard.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbeycreekwine/ Location: North Plains, OR Wade Cellars Website: https://dwadecellars.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwadecellars/ Location: Napa, CA Flo Wine by Marcus Johnson Website: https://buyflowine.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowine360/ Location: Sonoma, CA Domaine Curry Wine Website: http://domainecurrywine.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/domainecurrywine/ Location: Napa, CA Cheurlin Champagne Website: https://www.cheurlin.com/where-to-buy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheurlin1788/ Location: Aube, France Serendipity Wines Website: https://sked.link/serendipitywines Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serendipitywines/ Location: Austin, TX Lyons Wine Website: https://lyons.wine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyons.wine/ Location: Emilia-Romagna, Italy Marie Césaire Champagne Website: http://marie-cesaire.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/champagne_marie_cesaire/ Location: Champagne, France Silkbush Mountain Vineyards Website: https://silkbush.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silkbush_mountain_v/ Location: Breedekloof, South Africa Taste Collection Cellars Website: https://tastecollectioncellars.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastecollectioncellars/ Location: Houston, TX Earl Stevens Selections Website: https://earlstevensselections.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earlstevensselections/ Marbue Marke Wines Website: http://www.marbue.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winemakerbue/ Seven Sisters Website: http://www.sevensisters.co.za/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seven_sisters_vineyards/ Location: Lynedoch , Cape Town LVE Wines - John Legend Website: https://lvewines.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lve_wines/ Corner 103 Website: https://www.corner103.com/wines/current-releases/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corner103/ Location: Sonoma, CA Free Range Flower Winery Website: https://www.freerangeflowerwinery.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freerangeflowerwinery/ Location: Oakland, CA Sip & Share Wines Website: https://linktr.ee/Sipandsharewines Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sipandsharewines/ Kumusha Wines Website: https://www.kumushabrands.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KumushaWines/ Location: Cape Town Markell-Bani Fine Wines Website: https://markellbaniwines.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markellbanifinewines/ Ole’ Orleans Wines & Spirits Website: https://www.oleorleans.com/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oleorleans/ Location: New Orleans Darjean Jones Wines Website: https://www.darjeanjoneswines.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darjeanjones/ Location: Napa, CA J. Moss Wines Website: https://jmosswines.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.moss_wines/ Location: Napa, CA EDELHEISS WINE Website: https://www.edelheisswine.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edelheisswine/ Location: Zellertal, Germany. Vina Sympatica Website: https://www.vinasympatica.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinasympatica/ And to be continued...

Mother's Day is around the corner and I am sure we are all trying to find a way to show the mom figure in our lives how much we love them even if we can't see them in person this year! One thing I know for sure, wine brings us together no matter where we are sipping in the world so I wanted to provide you with some brunch food and wine pairing ideas to virtually do for mom! With the help from Cakebread Cellars located in Rutherford, CA, I am going to get you and mom set for the best virtual Sunday brunch! For nearly 50 years, Cakebread Cellars has been crafting exceptional quality wines and hosting guests in the heart of Napa Valley. From their journey from Cakebread’s Garage in Oakland to the special spot they are proud to call home in Rutherford, this winery embodies bringing loved ones together through a delicious glass of vino. Life is already difficult right now, so the last thing I want you to struggle with is creating some awesome food and wine pairings so that's why you have me! The wines I am going to share are all very versatile and will truly complement an array of different dishes, but here are some of my favorites pairings I hope you will enjoy. Cheers to building new memories with mom! Pairing #1 ~ Sauvignon Blanc and Asparagus with Burrata and Pistachio Salsa Verde This complex, bright, crisp, mineral-driven wine by Cakebread Cellars will go perfectly paired alongside an array of different dishes but a favorite pairing of mine is pairing Sauvy B with green vegetables like asparagus. Vegetables are tricky to pair wine with but thankfully Sauvignon Blanc has the perfect touch of Pyrazine flavor (green vegetable taste) to enhance this incredible dish by Chef Brian Streeter! Not to mention, Sauvignon Blanc is always going to pair nicely with most cheeses, especially burrata. Head here for Chef Brian's full recipe! Pairing #2 ~ Chardonnay Reserve with Eggs Benedict This bold and balanced Chardonnay reflects abundant yellow apple, vanilla, baking spice, and brioche aromas followed by delicious juicy melon and peaches on the palate. This Carneros Chardonnay is rich enough to compliment the creaminess of a classic Eggs Benedict! If you need a simple Eggs Benny recipe to whip up for brunch, head to Cooking Classy's page here! Pairing #3 ~ Vin de Porche Rosé with Bistro Breakfast Burger It’s a rosé state of mind, especially when it comes to brunch! If you have been following me for a while you know how much I love rosé and rave how versatile of a wine it is! Vin de Porche reveals delicate aromas of fresh strawberry, raspberry, and rose petals. On the palate, well-defined ripe raspberry, white peach, and melon are balanced and supported by bright acidity. The great thing about rosé and this one, in particular, is it can complement your lighter fare brunch food but also be able to stand up against your heartier dishes like that classic bistro breakfast burger with a sunny side up egg! Pairing #4 ~ Pinot Noir and Kimchi Fried Rice with Bacon Pinot Noir probably isn't the first wine you think of when you think of Sunday brunch but I promise you this Pinot Noir by Cakebread Cellars is going to be a killer pairing alongside any brunch dish that includes bacon. The silky tannins of this Pinot will cut through your juicy and fatty bacon (queue drooling emoji). If you want to be extra adventurous I challenge you to create this Kimchi Fried Rice with Bacon recipe by Chef Brian! It requires minimal ingredients and just a bit of time to create this mouthwatering dish. I know this will be a different and probably challenging Mother's Day for us all, but I hope these recipes and wine pairings can inspire you to get creative virtually with mom! Tag me @samanthasommelier in any brunch and wine creations, I would love to see! Cheers and Happy Mother's Day to all of the incredible moms and motherly figures out there! Xx Sam Loving these recipes and wine pairings? Book a sommelier led virtual wine tasting to learn even more!

Leonardo da Vinci said it best, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." The last thing we need during quarantine is to make life even more complicated than it needs to be right? I wanted to do some no brainer wine and food pairings so I present to you, my chip and wine pairing 101 guide! Sour Cream and Onion with Longford Estates Chardonnay This Longford Estate Chardonnay from Monterey county has everything you love in a lightly oaked Chardonnay. Lightly oaked Chardonnay will compliment the creaminess of these chips without washing each other out! Make sure your Chardonnay has a touch of acid on the palette to tone down that heaviness. BBQ with Longford Estates Pinot Noir Rosé Here's the thing with rosé, it really is such a versatile wine it will go well with any chip on this guide but it definitely will pair alongside the BBQ chips the best! I am pairing our BBQ chips with Longford Estates Rose because of its a lush sweet fruit that brings out the sweetness in the BBQ chips. One of the main ingredients in BBQ chips is honey and sugar so this rosé does a beautiful job bringing out the sweetness in these chips without overwhelming them! Hot Cheetos with Hive and Honey Reisling Spicy snacks like these flaming hot Cheetos scream for a wine that will help calm down that heat. The perfect pair for these chips is Hive and Honey's Riesling! Light bodied with crisp acidity, this Riesling is balanced by the perfect amount of sweetness and a refreshing fruit finish! Salt and Vinegar with Smith Devereux's Sauvignon Blanc Blend I believe in the food and wine pairing world, tangy love tangy! A bit of these salt of vinegar chips alongside a sip of Napa Valley's Smith Devereux's Sauv Blanc blend actually tones down that sharp tang these chips have and creates the perfect balance. This sauvignon blanc blend or even an Albariño would go well with these chips! Nacho Cheese Doritos with Tolosa Pinot Noir When it comes to a cheesy chip, just think cheese board and wine pairings! My go-to pairing for sharp cheddar cheese is a lush fruit-driven Pinot Noir like Tolosa's Drum Canyon Vineyard 2018 vintage! Ripe strawberry, raspberry, and boysenberry fruit flavors are balanced by a firm tannin structure making it the perfect complement to these Nacho Cheese Doritos! I hope I inspired you to open up a bottle and turn on your favorite rom-com! Don't forget to tag and send me your wine pairings, I would love to see what you come up with! Want to be educated on wine in the comfort of your own home? Book, your favorite somm for a virtual wine tasting! Book here! Never miss a post, wine tip, recipe, or exclusive deal! Sign up to be apart of the Samantha Sommelier family here!

I am listening to my body these days and channeling my inner sweet tooth like crazy! I whipped up this amazing cookie skillet in less than an hour, I suggest you do the same to lift your spirits! How can you not be instantly happier after diving into a giant cookie?! Ingredients 1 cup butter - room temperature 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 cup packed light brown sugar 2 large eggs room temperature 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 tbsp milk 21/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp cornstarch 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 teaspoon table salt 10 Cow Tales Caramels® cut into bite-size pieces A handful of Caramel Creams® to top each slice of skillet cookie with 1 cup spring colored chocolate candies 2 tsp coarse sea salt Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for topping Instructions Preheat oven to 325°F Lightly grease oven-safe, 10-12" cast iron skillet (oven safe) In mixer bowl with a paddle attachment, beat the butter until creamy Add in granulated sugar & brown sugar then beat on medium-high until light & fluffy Beat in eggs, vanilla & milk on high speed until well mixed Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to be sure all is mixed in Add flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and table salt on low speed until combined Add the colored chocolate candies & mix on low Transfer 1/2 the cookie dough into the prepared skillet & press down into an even layer Add ½ Cow Tales caramel pieces & sea salt Top with remaining dough, pressing down again & then with remaining Cow Tales caramels & sea salt Bake for 25-30 minutes or until browned on the sides and lightly brown on top (I like my center nice and gooey) Allow the cookie to cool slightly in the pan on a wire rack before serving Serve with extra Caramel Creams and whipped cream or ice cream if desired! Need to find some clarity with yourself or brand right now? Book a complimentary clarity call here!

This time of isolation has made me grateful for many things, but one huge simple pleasure is being given more time to play around with food and wine pairings! I never was a huge fan of sweets until I started pairing them alongside some vino and let me tell ya my friends, there is nothing better! I hope these dessert and wine pairings can add something sweet to your weekend and hopefully inspire you to get baking or order in from your local bakeshop! All of these shown below are created and sold at mother-daughter owned bakeshop, Sweet Dee's in Old Town Scottsdale! Available for online order and curbside pickup! Sweets & Wine Pairing #1 Dark Chocolate Cake with Fudge center paired with Zinfandel Why does it work? Dark chocolate makes a heavenly match with a robust red wine. The dark chocolate goes really well with the deep flavors in Zinfandel. My Zinfandel Pick: Opolo Mountain Zinfandel Sweets & Wine Pairing #2 Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake paired with Riesling Why does it work? Cheesecake’s creaminess makes it difficult to pair with many wines. But luckily for us, the fruity and light texture of Riesling complements the deeper notes in the cheesecake. My Riesling Pick: Albert Boxler Réserve Edelzwicker Sweets & Wine Pairing #3 Peach and Dulce De Leche Croissant Bread Pudding paired with Champagne Why does it work? Bread pudding is a classic dessert and deserves a classic wine, Champagne, crisp and versatile. Bubbles are always the answer! My Champagne Pick: Laurent Perrier Cuvé Rosé Local AZ friends, you can purchase all of these desserts, wine pairing cards, and a virtual wine tasting with me at Sweet Dee's Bakeshop! Looking for an interactive and fun activity to do with your friends while we need to practice social distancing? My virtual wine education tastings are the perfect option to spruce up your average wine night! I will be teaching you how to taste wine like a pro, provide you with expert wine buying tips, and provide you with exclusive wine tasting materials to get your wine game on point! Only $40 if you are a Samantha Sommelier Subscriber! Book here! Never miss a post, free guide, recipe, or exclusive deal! Sign up to be apart of the Samantha Sommelier family here!

In a world currently full of panic and chaos, there are a couple of things we can rely on to remain consistent past time pleasures. I am talking about our beloved wine and Netflix of course! As serious as this Corona Virus is, I am working hard to incorporate some positive light into our current WFH/quarantine situation. I am going to share some Netflix and wine pairings I created to get us excited to plop down on our coach solo with our favorite show and a glass of vino! We can even make it into a game and encourage our friends to drink the same wine as us while watching the show that pairs with it! Join me in making the most out of a grim situation, let's Netflix and wine my friends! "Master of None" paired with Primitivo Being that season 2 of Master of None is set in Italy, I want to honor this beautiful country and heartwarming Netflix show with of course an Italian wine. I recommend a bottle of Primitivo aka Italian Zinfandel to pair alongside this show! Though rich and fruit-forward, the tannins in Primitivo tend to be soft and balanced making it a drinkable red to enjoy with your nightly Netflix. An affordable Primitivo I recommend is on my Trader Joe's Wine Guide, Epicuro! "New Girl" paired with Rosé If you're already a fan of New Girl you're familiar with Jess Day's love of pink wine! In almost every episode where she is drinking wine, it is almost always pink! With that being said, I have to recommend enjoying New Girl with your favorite rosé. One of my go-to rosés right now is from Longford Estates Pinot Noir Rosé. Bright fruit flavors of raspberry and cherry are framed by a crisp, balanced acidity that unfolds into a smooth, elegant finish." "Parks and Rec" paired with Garnacha Hopefully, we have all seen Parks and Rec, if not here's your time to sit down and binge-watch one of the funniest shows EVER! Our beloved Leslie Knope makes it known she doesn't care what her wine is she just wants the cheapest one on the menu, lol. With that being said, I am of course going to pair Parks and Rec with a super affordable but delicious wine. I am recommending a beautiful Spanish red wine off my Trader Joe's wine guide, La Sonriente! "The Office" paired with Sauvy B (Sauvignon Blanc) Probably one of the best scenes in The Office, we can always count on Michael Scott to bring a smile to our face during these dark times! I am pairing The Office with one of the brightest, and zesty grape varietals I know, SAUVY B! There are so many delicious and affordable Sauvy B options and it's hard to go wrong but one I am loving these days is one from Spy Valley's Sauvy B! "Workin' Moms" paired with Chardonaaaaaynay If you need a new show to binge, this Canadian comedy is SO DANG GOOD! When I think "mom," I think Chardonnay. I personally love me a good oaked Chard and is more often than not my weeknight wine of choice! I am loving quite a few Chardonnay's right now but one that is delicious and local to AZ is one from a collaboration between AZ wineries, Page Springs and Pillsbury. Check it out, here! I hope this inspired you to sit back with your favorite Netflix show and cheers your friend on Instagram so you can virtually enjoy a glass of vino together! We need to take advantage of our online platforms more than ever and I hope this helps you realize you're not alone. We are in this together and thankfully the beautiful nectar of the gods (wine) and Netflix are here to brighten our evenings! Send me virtual cheers on Insta if you try and of these pairings! Cheers and be well my friends, Sam Want to book a wine 101 virtual tasting with me?! Head here! Let's sip some wine together and learn something while we're at it. Never miss a post, wine tip, recipe, or exclusive deal! Sign up to be apart of the Samantha Sommelier family here!