Drink Up, Chow Down

Let's face it, we're going to be social distancing for a while, so we might as well make the most of it. Here are a few picnic-friendly favorites you can enjoy outside with or without a meal. So, grab a bottle and remember to sit at least six feet away from your drinking companions. Barone Montalto Pinot Grigio, Terre Siciliane IGT You can find this refreshing tipple for under 15 bucks a bottle. It is great on its own (although some goat's cheese and crackers would be an ideal picnic pairing.) Notes of peach, citrus and mango coupled with bold acidity and a clean kick of alcohol on the finish make this wine deliciously easy to drink. And drink. And drink. Chill before serving. Bunan Moulin Des Costes, Bandol I adore Bandol wines and I'll proclaim it to anyone listening. It's one of the most underrated yet quality-producing regions in France, which means you can actually still get a decent bargain for some stellar wines. This inky beauty exudes

It’s day 3482 of the lockdown and you’re on your 3 rd  virtual happy hour of the day. What are you pouring? Here are the lockdown lovelies that I’m enjoying this week — all from Spain, and all under $20.  If bubbles are called for (and let’s be real when aren’t they?) I’m a big fan of Cava Vilarnau .  Made with traditional cava grapes (Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo) I find this energetic sparkler to be insanely drinkable with hints of pears, apples, grapefruit, brioche and wet pebbles. It’s big, bright and balanced with a refreshing clean finish. Pair with spicy noodles for a rich contrast. Fancy a big red instead? Meet the Ace Kicker , a juicy blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Petite Verdot, Tempranillo, Graciano and Garnacha. This bold beauty is the perfect pairing to a cheese plate or a creamy bowl of carbonara. Gentle tannins give her a lovely chewy quality while notes of bright red fruit, tobacco, vanilla and dark chocolate round out the profile. A long cocoa fini

Congratulations, you’re knocked up! If you’re like me and waiting to tell friends and family until well into your second trimester, you’re going to have to get creative with how you hide that you’re not drinking. Here are some ways that worked for me. 9. The trusty “I’m on antibiotics” excuse will only get you so far. Use it just once per social circle (although, you can use it for about two weeks, so that helps.)  8 I’m hungover! This was my favorite. You can use this one a couple times per social circle. (And if you think of morning sickness as a kind of hangover, you’re not even really lying…)  7. I’m driving! Drive everywhere so nobody can question your abstinence. If people are ride sharing, say you have to leave early so you’ll take your own car.  6. I’ll get this round! Offer to buy the drinks. Order yourself a sparkling water in a short glass with lime. Tell people it’s a vodka and soda. Boom. (If they want a sip, say you have a sore throat.)  5. I’m