Happy Thursday, y’all.
I’ve been gone for a minute, now I’m back with the jump-off.
I’m a big believer that wine goes with just about anything. And while I’m sure you’ve seen your fair share of “wine and candy” pairings, I wanted to offer something different: wine and spooky SZN tunes.
Of course, wine and music have long gone together like peanut butter and chocolate. For instance, my big homie Jermaine “Real Wolf of Wine” Stone just dropped his new book, Wine Barz Volume 1: For The Love, which blends wine education with hip-hop culture. The book also comes with a soundtrack of five original songs created by Stone.
My fellow Wine Enthusiast Future 40 Tastemaker Ken Pettus frequently hosts UnWine 101, sensational events that harmoniously meld wine tasting and music.
Sommelier Devin Reed (aka Dev The Somm) dropped a track entitled “Wine, Wine, Wine”, a fun cover of JAY-Z’s “Girls, Girls, Girls”.
Whether you’re staying in or heading out, here are the perfect pairings for a spooktacular evening!
Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) by Backstreet Boys with Field Blends SKINS
Who knew the first single from one of my favorite boy bands would be a Halloween hit? When I heard this song, I automatically thought of one of my favorite funky orange wines from Paso Robles, California. 🗣 ROCK YA BAHDAYYYYYY!
Disturbia by Rihanna with McBride Sisters Collection Red Blend
”Bombombidombombombidomdom…” It’s so catchy, right? Not only is this bop an earworm, but it’s also quite sexy and mysterious. I think a red blend would be perfect with this because it’ll help you slowly transform into the monster you want to be.
Monster by Kayne West feat. Rick Rose, JAY-Z, and Nicki Minaj with Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier
This song has always been chaotic to me–but in the best way possible. My favorite verse is the last one by (the old) Nicki Minaj, but I imagine sipping on a blend of two bold white wine grapes like Chenin Blanc and Viognier. They each can stand alone, but together, they make a beautiful melody.
Bring Me To Life by Evanescence with Caruso and Minini Cataratto Naturalmente
I love this song’s depth, drama, tension, and yearning. Ms. Amy Lee sang her entire face, which drew me to choose a white wine with tension and freshness. This wine grape can evoke emotion but also keep you on your toes.
Thriller by Michael Jackson with Medici Ermete i Quercioli Reggiano Lambrusco Dolce
An undisputed classic deserves a fun, light-bodied red so you can hit the timeless choreography with all of your friends. Lambrusco is one of my favorite wines to get the party started, and its juicy effervescence will help you hit those moves with precision.
BONUS: Haunted by Beyoncé with Susana Balbo Crios Malbec 2022
I didn’t want smoke from ANY of the Beyhive, so I had to include the darkest track from Giselle’s 2013 self-titled album. This song is heavy yet sultry and alluring. Argentine Malbec exemplifies those qualities, with a spiciness in the finish.
Keep your head on a swivel tonight beloved – the freaks come out at night!
***
WINE-ish NEWS
Congratulations to the 2024 Wine Business Monthly Wine Industry Leaders!
In my latest for Wine Enthusiast, I had the honor of spotlighting Brown Estate.
The McBride Sisters have teamed up with a dazzling brand.
Sparkling wines from across the pond are on the rise!
CAN YOU DO ME A FAVOR?
If you’ve purchased the book in the last few months, could you leave a review on Chronicle Books, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or wherever you bought it? I’d appreciate it. THANK YOU!
And if you haven’t grabbed your copy, click below to purchase today!
UPCOMING EVENTS
November 2 (Richmond, VA) – The Two Up, Two Down Festival in Virginia is THIS SATURDAY! Get your tickets here.
If you have any upcoming wine events you’d like me to feature in the newsletter, leave a comment below or send an email!
Thank you!
A big shout-out to Ari, Elaine, Emily, Jessika, Sara, Teresa, and Tim for being paid supporters of Bright + Balanced! Your contribution to my work means the world to me, and I’m so grateful!