August 24, 2008 -- Joe Gosman and Ethan Clark

Joe-baby Gosman has an opening act on Friday night!  Does that mean he's gone big time on us? (Joe, for the record, I've always thought you were big time.) Ethan Clark will begin the evening with some tunes from the pop rock genre, followed by some rockin' with The Joe Gosman Band. You'll get double the bang for your buck this week.  Deli fare served till 9 pm; Cuezzo's Cafe open till 9 pm; Wine, beer and music till 10:00 pm.  

Call 252-335-1163 for more info.  If you'd like to be added to our weekly evites, send an email to d_malenfant@yahoo.com with "evite" in the subject line.   Visit Joe's web site at www.joegosman.com, and Ethan's at www.myspace.com/jamesethan

October 17, 2008 -- Sarah Leary

Chick Power!!! Sarah Leary will spice up The City Wine Sellar on Friday evening as our first female act.  We've had bands with female members (Ticky Tacky) and female guests (Connected), but never all all-female gig.  It's a first -- and you know we're all about doing things new and different at the ole CWS!  Sarah is an acoustic diva who will play a little folk and a little rock.  She has an authentic, natural sound all her own.  One day you'll see her on TV and say to yourself, "I saw her at The City Wine Sellar before she became famous!"  Music 7-10; Deli and Cuezzo's Cafe open till 9.  Call 252-335-1163 for more information. 

October 10, 2008 -- Nick Simmons

Nick Simmons will be going it alone on Friday night at The City Wine Sellar, but don't think for a second that it won't be a spectacular show.  You know him as singer and guitarist for Further Adieu; however, he is an amazingly talented solo act.  It'll be a treat for all in attendance.  On stage from 7-10 pm; enjoy dinner till 9 pm.  Call 252-335-1163 for more information. 

October 1, 2008 -- Wine Tasting

It's an "Animal Attraction" Wine Tasting on Wednesday evening.  Join us for an evening in the animal house (The City Wine Sellar) for a tasting of beastly proportions.  We'll be playing animal games by tasting wines with animal labels -- Dog House Pinot Grigio, Four Bears Sauvignon Blanc, Howling Wolves Chardonnay, Arrogant Frog Red, Little Penguin Cabernet/Merlot, and Gray Parrot Pinot Noir.  It's a real jungle out there, so come on in for a drink and soothe your savage beast. 

Our animal tamer of a Guest Pourer will be Wayne Harris, Director of the Albemarle Economic Development Commission.  Tasting 6-7:30 pm; $10 per person; RSVP Requested.  252-335-1163

October 3, 2008 - Chuck Hodges

"Like an old friend you never knew you had, Chuck's music greets you with a familiarity that's almost palpable. Startlingly revelatory lyrics and instantly memorable melodies invoke nearly every human emotion as songs about truth, love, heartache and hope unfold like the melodic chapters in a musical book. Unabashed and disarming, and with a voice that's at once wounded yet hopeful, Chuck writes songs that draw you in with their rich imagery, and then keep you with their musicality."  -- from www.chuckhodges.com

I couldn't have said it better myself!  "Musicality" has made it into my "word list" for future use.  Visit a couple of old friends on Friday night at The City Wine Sellar and lose yourself in the music of Chuck Hodges.  Music 7-10 pm; Deli fare served till 9 pm. 

www.chuckhodges.com

www.myspace.com/chuckhodges

September 26, 2008 -- Kurt Juergens Jazz Quartet

Straight-up Jazz with the Kurt Juergens Jazz Quartet on Friday night from 7-10 pm.  The foursome will play the much-loved jazz standards as well as some original tunes.  Jeremy Ellis will hold the drum beat; Matt Hudson will guide the way with bass; Josh Curry will be trumpeteer; and Kurt Juergens will tickle the ivories.  Stop by and get jazzed up for a good time...and maybe do some tickling of your own.  It's the neighborhood bar.  Music 7-10 pm; Deli fare served till 9 pm.  Call 252-335-1163 for more info.

September 19, 2008 -- Christopher Palestrant

Boogie, ballads and broadway this Friday night with Christopher Palestrant. Chris will entertain you with a variety of show tunes, along with some Billy Joel, Elton John, the Beatles, as well as some blues and folk music.  Begin your weekend with a relaxing evening in the Sellar Wine Bar with friends and fabulous entertainment.  Music from 7-10 pm; Deli fare served until 9 pm.  Call 252-335-1163 for more information. 

September 12, 2008 -- Peter Boehling

Welcome Peter Boehling, new and talented artist (new to The City Wine Sellar, that is) this Friday evening.  Peter will wow you with mix of original tunes and classic acoustic rock cover tunes.  If you're in the mood for some Neil Young, Grateful Dead (I know we have some Dead Heads in town!), Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd, James Taylor, Jackson Brown, you'll have a jammin' good time.  Peter has a great voice, and, ladies, he is VERY easy on the eyes! 

Great music from 7-10 pm; Deli fare served until 9 pm; Beer & wine till we close.  Call 252-335-1163 for more info.

September 5, 2008 -- Jazz with Connected

A little tropical storm won't stop us from a night of jazz delights at The City Wine Sellar tonight. The talented gentlemen from Connected will be there keeping the mood festive with jazz tunes, classic to contemporary. Always a fun time! So, keep the sunshine in your heart, throw on your raincoat and come on out for a stormin' good night of jazz and wine! What else are you gonna do? Stay home and watch Jim Cantori? Boring! Music from 7-10; deli fare served till 9 pm. Call 252-335-1163 for more info.

September 3, 2008 -- Wednesday Wine Tasting

We'll be hosting our regular Wednesday Wine Tasting this Wednesday, September 3rd at The City Wine Sellar.  Our theme this month is Washington State wines, including: Snoqualmie Winery Naked Riesling (an organic wine) and Chenin Blanc; Columbia Crest's Horse Heaven Hills Chardonnay (in this month's Oprah Magazine as a best buy!), Cabernet, and Merlot; and Pine & Post Merlot.  There you have it -- 3 whites and 3 reds, one of which is "naked" and another liked by Oprah; who could ask for more!  Speaking of Oprah-worthy -- we will be having three guest pourers this month:  Mary Grace Luton, Michael Mercer, and Pam Edwards.  Plan on sipping your way silly down on the corner of Main & Water Streets from 6-7:30 pm.  $10 per person; RSVP requested. Call 252-335-1163 for more info.  

Hey, Barry....

Glad to see you back in your regular chair on Friday night.  Call or email me about the car. Erik will take $9500 if you're interested. d_malenfant@yahoo.com

August 29, 2008 -- Ty Fleming

The Teddy Bear is back!  Start your 3-day weekend with a night of music by Ty Fleming at The City Wine Sellar.  Everyone loves Ty Fleming -- he's WAY talented and will have you singing along at the top of your lungs.  He'll do a variety of classic rock, country, and some original stuff.  Visit him at www.myspace.com/flemnation.  Music from 7-10 pm; Deli fare served till 9:00 pm.  Call 252-335-1163 for more info. 

August 22, 2008 -- BC of the Dreadnecks

Keep the summer alive with music this Friday by BC at The City Wine Sellar. BC will bring the feel of the beach to downtown Elizabeth City. Tap your toes to sounds of rock, reggae, blues, folk, and a few unique originals. You can usually hear BC playing with his band, The Dreadnecks, at such Outer Banks venues as The Brewing Station, Port O' Call, Chili Peppers and The Beach Bread Company. BC offers a CD of his band's tunes for only $10.00. BC will play from 7-10 pm. Regular deli menu items served from 6-9 pm. Enjoy our patio cafe.

Check him out playing an original song (We Are All One) in Kauai, Hawaii! http://video.aol.com/video-detail/bc-of-the-dreadnecks-we-all-areone-kauai-hi/1700592407

August 15, 2008 -- Deacon Blues

I've got the Friday Night Blues, and it's a terrific ailment to have.  Especially THIS Friday, when we will be hosting Deacon Blues at The City Wine Sellar.  So, slide into your blue jeans and slip on those blue suede shoes, have fun till you're blue in the face and fall into blue oblivion.  ONLY at The City Wine Sellar!  Music from 7-10 pm; Deli fare served till 9 pm.  Enjoy beer and wine till 10:30ish.  For more info call 252-335-1163. 

August 8, 2008 -- Jazz & Blues with Cool 21

On the hot, hazy August nights we all need a little cooling off. Why not mellow out downtown at the coolest little wine bar in town with some Jazz & Blues with Cool 21? They will heat things up beginning at 7:00 pm with a Bourbon Street-worthy set of jazz and blues tunes. We'll cool you off with a nice glass of wine or beer. Music till 10:00 pm; Deli fare served till 9:00 pm. Call 252-335-1163 for more information

August 6, 2008 -- Wednesday Wine Tasting

It's our regular Wednesday Wine Tasting at The City Wine Sellar. Don't let the fact that we had a wine tasting last night stop you from attending this one. We will be tasting wines from the Canyon Road and Firestone wineries. Both well-established wineries in California. We will taste Firestone Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Merlot and Canyon Road Chardonnay, Cabernet, and Merlot.

Sarah Murray, Fitness and Aquatics Director at the YMCA will be our Guest Pourer this evening. She'll do swimmingly well, I'm sure.

Sipping begins at 6:00 pm and lasts until 7:30 pm. Cost is $10 per person, which includes light appetizers and a chance to hang out with a bunch of cool folks. It's always a fun time (till cleanup starts). If you've never been to a tasting at The City Wine Sellar, give it a try. We're not a stuffy bunch. It's a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Call 252-335-1163 for more information.

August 1, 2008 -- Chuck Hodges

If there was just one word to describe Chuck Hodges, it would be eclectic.  But who wants to limit themselves to just one word!  Energetic, entertaining, super-duper talented -- I could go on and on.  His mix of music is to die for!  I can guarantee that if you're a musician, you will be both jealous and in awe at the same time.  Chuck can play and sing just about anything.  And he does!  So, don't miss him this Friday night at The City Wine Sellar.  He'll be there from 7:00-10:00 pm. Deli fare served until 9:00 pm.  Stop by and visit with him and friends (you know he always invites friends to join the band and join the fun).  Call 252-335-1163 for more information.

July 25, 2008 -- Ty Fleming

I call Ty Fleming the teddy bear entertainer. He's a laid back guy who simply wows you with his talent. It's been quite a long time since he's graced us with his presence, so don't miss out this Friday night. Ty has a band, but plays as a one man show for us at The City Wine Sellar -- he plays classic rock and some original tunes, as well as a bit o' country. Music from 7-10 pm; Dinner served till 9:00 pm. Come on down to The City Wine Sellar and enjoy hanging out with friends. Call 252-335-1163 for more info.

Friday, July 18, 2006 -- Without Further Adieu

Last week we were entertained by the super-duper group, Further Adieu, and it was awesome as usual! This week, the stars must be aligned perfectly because we're extra-lucky enough to have an encore of sorts. The acoustic duo of Nick Simmons and JJ Jernigan, hereinafter and forever referred to as "Without Further Adieu" (get it?) will be on stage at The City Wine Sellar. So, practice your bocce ball at Mariner's Wharf, but don't forget to swing on down and visit with us on the corner of Main and Water Streets -- the coolest place in town with the coolest customers and the coolest entertainers.

Music from 7-10 pm; Deli fare served till 9:00 pm. Call 252-335-1163 for more information.

Jewelry & Handbag Sale -- July 10-11, 2008

Jewelry & Handbag Sale by

'Just Bags'

Summer and Fall merchandise at great prices!

Also...New Items to check out...

Costume Estate Jewelry

"Illuminating Florals" from the West Coast (visit www.thelightgarden.com)

Thursday, July 10 (4:00-7:00 pm)

Friday, July 11 (9:00 am - 3:00 pm)

Don't miss it!!

July 11, 2008 -- Music with Further Adieu

We're lucky to have these guys back at The City Wine Sellar on Friday, July 11th.  Pretty soon, they will be world-famous and we won't be able to book them anymore!  I can't say enough about Further Adieu...they are one of our more popular groups and play such a wide variety of music. They can always get the crowd on their feet!  It'll be a great night for all who attend!  

The show will begin at 7:00 pm (till 10:00).  Deli fare served until 9:00 pm. 

Photos from July 2, 2008 Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting -- July 2, 2008

I wasn't thinking. It's as simple as that. Although Concha Y Toro winery is a superb winery in Chile and will make for a great wine tasting, I "faux pas"ed (that's French for screwed up). A July 2nd wine tasting should be a celebration of American wines...we have SO many of them! So, to correct my error in judgment, we will make this month's theme "A celebration of our freedom to choose any wine we darn well please." Among our selections: Casillero del Diablo Privada, Carmenere, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc; Marques De Casa Cabernet; and Frontera Rose.

Guest Pourers will be: Terri Arrants and Amy Frazier from Shape Up Salon and Kim Markham from Fitness Warehouse.


Tasting time is 6-7:30 pm. RSVP Requested. Light appetizers. $10 per person. Call 252-335-1163.

July 4, 2008 -- Intelligent Design

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism. ~Erma Bombeck

Spend July 4th with your family and friends at the beach, in your back yard, on the river, wherever it feels right. Enjoy life and stop to appreciate it. Say a quiet prayer for all of our heroes, past and present. At the end of the day if you're not too tired, full, or sunburned, stop by The City Wine Sellar for some light music. We will have a new entertainer, Justin Dorman, who plays folk, indie rock, and acoustic rock. He says he's good. I'll trust him. Either way, we'll be having a good time.

Music from 7-10; Dinner 6-9; fun and frolicking till we close (around 11ish). Call 252-335-1163 for more info.

July 27, 2008 -- Deacon Blues

Waylon Jennings said, "I've always felt that blues, rock 'n' roll, and country are just about a beat apart." I don't necessarily agree with that, but in the sense that it's all music, it's all good! It'll surely be good on Friday night when Deacon Blues strolls into the City Wine Sellar for their gig. They are a laid back, mellow, and all-around "sway inducing" duo. As usual, we'll have music from 7-10 pm, we'll feed ya till 9:00 pm. Wine and beer will be available to help you get that swaying started! Call 252-335-1163 for more info.

June 20, 2008 -- Ticky Tacky

I can't tell you how many times recently I've heard, "When is Ticky Tacky coming back? We love them!" Well, your wish is my command...Ticky Tacky will be playing this Friday, June 20th. For those of you who haven't heard them, you've missed one of those classic, laid back, chock full of quality-type bands. Bill Luton, Brittany Luton, Mindy Luton and Charlie Hoidal have pooled their talents and, man-0-man, are they awesome! Their playlist includes a hodgepodge of hits from the classics to 90s rock today's pop tops. They'll play from 7-10 pm. We'll feed ya till 9:00, and keep you in liquids till we lock the doors. Call 252-335-1163 for more information.

June 13, 2008 -- Dr. Tom Vinick

Make this Friday the 13th your lucky day with entertainment by Dr. Tom Vinick at the City Wine Sellar in downtown Elizabeth City. With his song list chock full of sing-a-long 70s cover tunes, you'll be ready to get up and boogie early in the evening! Music starts at 7:00 pm and goes until 10(ish). Swing on by and enjoy an evening with friends. If you're new to town, I guarantee you'll make some new ones! Call 252-335-1163 for more information.

June Wine Tasting Pictures

Thanks to Guest Pourers Ray & Maureen Donnelly!

June 6, 2008 -- Jazz & Blues with Cool 21

Slow down a bit this weekend with some bluesy jazz New Orleans style at The City Wine Sellar, Bakery, Deli & Wine Bar. The Cool 21 Trio is a mellow group that will have you swaying like a light summer breeze with the rhythms of their melodies. They will play from 7-10 pm. Deli fare served until 9:00 pm. Wine and beer served till the first person falls of the bar stool. (Just kidding...we know your out there ALE.) Call 252-335-1163 for more info.

Wine Tasting -- Wednesday, June 4, 2008

For the first time this season, the temps are predicted to reach the 90s this week. What a perfect time for our June wine tasting theme: "Refreshing Summer Wines." Summer is typically a time for sipping fruity whites and lighter reds. Holy smokes (as in barbeques), some of those reds can even be served chilled!
At our June 4th tasting, we will pour a Villa Pozzi Pinot Grigio, a Herding Cats Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay blend, and a sparkling Moscato d'Asti (which has been at the top of the list of requests recently). Our selection of reds will include: Bolla Sangiovese, Georges Dubeouf Beajoulais Village, and Barnwood Tempranillo. Don't tell, but we will also have a (non-liquor) Sangria and a Sangria Blanca (sangria made with white wine).
Our Guest Pourers this month will be Ray and Maureen Donnelly, the ever-popular proprietors of Elizabeth City Bed and Breakfast. A little inside secret -- the "Guest Pourer" idea was theirs. The tasting will be held from 6:00-7:30 pm. The cost is $10 per person, with light appetizers served. RSVP is highly requested so we can plan for enough wine and food. Call 252-335-1163 or email d_malenfant@yahoo.com

May 30, 2008 -- Christopher Palestrant

We'll have boogie, ballads, and broadway this Friday, May 30th, at The City Wine Sellar with Christopher Palestrant. Chris will entertain you with a variety of show tunes, along with some Billy Joel, Elton John, the Beatles, and blues music. Begin your holiday weekend with a relaxing evening in the Sellar Wine Bar with friends and fabulous entertainment. www.palestrant.com
Deli fare served until 9:00 pm

May 23, 2008 -- Jazz with Connected

Get jazzed up on Friday, May 23rd, with the sounds of Connected at The City Wine Sellar. The very talented quintet will play from 7:00-10:00 pm. Almost everyone in Elizabeth City is familiar with this group -- Ellard Forrester, Maurice LeFlore, Chabra "CJ" Mercer, Andrea Mercer, Wayne James, and Dennis Figgs. They have been performing in the area for over 10 years and play classy jazz, from the "New Orleans" sounds to more contemporary jazz music. Visit them and hear a sample of their music at http://www.dwconnected.com/. You can book them for your next event. I highly recommend them!

Deli fare served from 6:00-9:00 pm, beer and wine served 'till close.

May 17, 2008 --It's Potato Festival Time -- Don't Miss It!!!

A spud by any other name is a tater.

May 16, 2008 -- Joe Gosman

Joe and Joel will be here on Friday night playing their eclectic mix of music. Joe Gosman always draws a good crowd and is an entertainer for all ages. We'll have some wine features and beer features, as well as our regular deli fare. Check out Joe at www.myspace.com/joegosman or http://www.joegosman.com/. Joe on Friday night will be a super primer for the NC Potato Festival happening in Downtown Elizabeth City on Saturday. Festival starts at 10:00 am and is chock full of fun things to do! Go to http://www.ncpotatofestival.com/ for details.

Fotos from the French Wine Tasting

How to Taste Red Wine Video

May 13, 2008 -- EC Junior Woman's Club Social

Ladies 40 and under....looking for something fun to be a part of in Elizabeth City? Want to meet new people and be part of an organization dedicated to helping local charities? The Elizabeth City Junior Woman's Club is perfect for you! This organization is a very well-respected group of young women who work hard (and have fun at the same time) to help others. They host a number of events and have monthly get-togethers, and are involved in many events in the area.

On Tuesday evening, May 13th, from 5:30-7:00 pm, they will be hosting a membership drive social at The City Wine Sellar for potential new members. There will be food, wine, lively entertainment and really neat people!

So, come on over and check it out. I'll be there! (Unfortunately, I've aged out, but since I own the place, I'm crashing the party!!!)

Invite a friend! RSVP to amcooper@embarqmail.com or call 264-4157.

May 9, 2008 -- Ticky Tacky is Back!

According to Websters, Ticky Tacky means "shoddy and unimaginatively designed; flimsy and dull." I doubt this is an accurate description of the group that will be playing at The City Wine Sellar on Friday night. Band members include: Bill Luton, Britney Luton, Hot Hoidal (aka Charlie Hoidal), and Mindy Luton. They play a hodgepodge of hits from the classics to today's hits, with some 90s rock thrown in for good measure. Ticky Tacky will play from 7:00-10:00 pm. Deli fare will be served until 9:00 pm.  Call 335-1163 for more information

May 7, 2008 -- French Wine Tasting

A super night of fun is guaranteed at The City Wine Sellar on Wednesday evening at our May wine tasting. A variety of French wines will be served by "The Common Girls" from the Water Street Commons Business Complex. Debbie Sauls, Nikki Marshall, and Julie Jones will be on hand to serve you while you listen to Jazz by Connected. French wine, silly girls, and jazz...there's no telling what might happen!

We will be tasting six wines: Hob Nob Chardonnay, Michel Picard Pouilly Fuisse, Baron Philippe de Rothschild le Rose Mouton Cadet, Georges Duboeuf Cote du Rhone Rouge, Michel Lynch Merlot, and a Rothschild Pinot Noir.

The silliness will happen from 6:00-7:30 pm with light appetizers served. RSVP strongly requested. Call 335-1163 for more information.

May 2, 2008 -- BC of the Drednecks

Folk, reggae and blues with BC of the Drednecks. BC is one of our more laid-back entertainers, and one of our most talented. Close your eyes and it'll almost feel like you are in the islands, at a tiki bar, sipping on a fruity umbrella drink. Speaking of islands, see BC playing in Hawaii http://la.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.channel&ChannelID=182942072

BC will be playing in our little paradise from 7-10 pm; Deli fare served until 9:00 pm.

April 25, 2008 -- Dr. Tom Vinick

The movie star entertainer, Dr. Tom, will be here on Friday evening. If you follow the happenings at The City Wine Sellar, you'll remember that the last time Dr. Tom entertained us was the evening the folks from PBS' NC Weekend show were here filming and interviewing. We made both the newspaper and television!

Dr. Tom has a great variety of songs in his repertoire. His specialty is 70s cover tunes. So, stop by and boogie on!

April 18, 2008 -- Joe Gosman

Joe and the guys will be jammin' this Friday night. Joe Gosman always draws such an eclectic crowd to The City Wine Sellar. Maybe it's because he is talented enough to cover a wide variety of musical genres, making everyone happy...from twenty-somethings to sixty-somethings. So, whatever "something" you are, we guarantee you'll have a good time. Music from 7:00-10:00 pm; Deli fare served till 9:00 pm.

Bring an extra nine bucks and buy his CD, "Where is Home."

April 11, 2008 -- Chuck Hodges

Plan for a once in a lifetime event at the City Wine Sellar on Friday evening...Chuck Hodges entertaining when there's NOT a downpour outside! Seems the last four times Chuck has played for us, he has been forced to trudge his equipment through the cold and nasty weather. Alas, it looks like Spring might finally visit with us on Friday. According to the weather gurus, Friday is to be in the 70's, with no rain. No better time to wander around Downtown Elizabeth City, stop by the wine sellar and listen to the sounds of Chuck and Hot Hoidal. Entertainment 7:00-10:00 pm; Deli fare served till 9:00 pm. Smoking allowed in the outside cafe area. Call 335-1163 for more info.

May 7, 2008 -- Do it French-style with The Common Girls

Man, oh man! What a treat we have for you for the May wine tasting! Or, should I say "treats." The "Common Girls" will be our Guest Pourers for the May 7th wine tasting. Debbie Sauls, Nikki Marshall (and maybe even Julie Jones) from the Water Street Commons complex will be sashaying around spilling wine into your glasses.

We'll be doing it French-style on this particular evening. Hobnob wines will definitely be on the tasting list, along with a few others to be chosen at the last minute (in my world, that's referred to as procrastination). Visit their web site for a few laughs prior to tasting night (not the Common Girls' web site, but the Hob Nob site...www.hobnobwines.com). Come hob nob with the best of 'em next month!

Sip to the sounds of jazz with Connected.

Tasting 6:00-7:30 pm; $10 per person; RSVP highly requested. 335-1163.

April 4, 2008 -- Further Adieu

The boys are back! They last rocked us in January. Wow. Can you believe it's been three months, almost to the day? There WILL be fireworks...literally. Roanoke Bible College is celebrating their 60th anniversary with fireworks at 9:15 pm. So, hang out in downtown Elizabeth City tonight...enjoy the show at The City Wine Sellar, Bakery, Deli & Wine Bar, then hop on down to the waterfront for a spectacular show in the sky. (We'll guard your drink for ya. ;-) )
Deli fare served until 9:00 pm; wine & beer until 10:30 pm; entertainment from 7:00-10:00 pm.
See more of Further Adieu at http://www.furtheradieu.com/

Wine Tasting Notes -- April 2, 2008

Let it be known that I’m horrible at keeping secrets. I wanted to keep these wines under wraps, so to speak, until the end of the tasting, and do a great “voila” to reveal their identities. While putting together the tasting notes, I got too excited about the variety of wines we’ll be tasting that I decided to save the “brown bag” theme for another time. I hope you will be as excited tasting the super group of Argentine wines selected.
Argentine wines could very well be the next phenomenon wines to hit the U.S. market. They’re being regarded as some of the best wine values, balancing quality and value quite nicely. Argentina is the worlds 5th largest wine producing country, and 6th largest wine consuming country. Once difficult to find in the United States, you will surely be seeing more and more of these wines in your favorite restaurants and wine shops in the years to come. –Debbie
Special thanks to Ann Hoffman, Publisher of The Daily Advance, our Guest Pourer for this evening, and to Lisa Van Curen of Empire Distributing. “Connected” is back with us for another great evening of jazz and wine. Be sure to get their contact information and book them for your next big event!
--Trivento Chardonnay – “Combines distinctive varietal character with judicious oak aging to deliver rich banana and crisp apple flavors complemented by toast notes. After fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak for two months. Well suited for seafood and white meats.”
Regular Price: $ 12.36 Tasting Price: $ 11.36
--Pannotia Torrontes – “Pannotia Torrontes has floral notes of iris and hibiscus, two plants growing along the Cafayate plateau. Pannotia’s riper style of Torrontes offers light notes of orange zest, green apple, lemon, and peach. With this wine, Pannotia has created a wine that juggles lightness and intensity.”
Regular Price: $ 14.68 Tasting Price: $ 13.68
--Duo Sauvignon Blanc – “The nose is fragrant with cantaloupe melon and lemon blossom. The taste carries a vivacious freshness with rich, chewy flavors of grapefuit, tropical fruit and mineral. Plump mouthfeel followed by a flinty note on the finish.”
Regular Price: $ 13.18 Tasting Price $ 12.18
--MontGras Carmenere – “Powerful aromas of spices, wild herbs and vanilla. It has a well-rounded taste with subtle fruit flavors and soft tannins leading to a velvety finish.”
Regular Price: $ 15.58 Tasting Price $ 14.58
--Trivento Syrah – “An alluring nose of violets and cassis. Intense red in color, the wine is smooth and velvety on the palate with supple tannins. It offers rich fruit flavors complemented by spice notes. Aged in American and French oak for 5 to 7 months, it is perfect for braised beef or lamb as well as for Mediterranean fare.”
Regular Price: $ 12.36 Tasting Price $ 11.36
--Pannotia Malbec – “Pannotia Malbec is created from grapes grown in one of the most distinctive areas of Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo. The dusty, even fluffy, soils of that great old vineyard bring out another side of the grape: black and red cherries, blueberries, and hints of chocolate.”
Regular Price: $ 14.68 Tasting Price $ 12.68

Brown Bag Wine Tasting -- April 2, 2008

No foolin'. We're having a Brown Bag Wine Tasting this month. No, you won't be required to bring your own wine. We're going to try something a little different by keeping the wines a secret until near the end of the tasting. We'll still taste 3 reds and 3 whites, and we'll still provide descriptive wine tasting notes; however, the names of the wines won't be included and the wines will be tightly tucked into little brown bags until the time of "big unveiling."

We won't keep the Guest Pourer a secret, though. This month we are pleased to have Ann Hoffman as our pourer. Ann is the new Publisher of The Daily Advance. For those of you who haven't yet met her, this would be the perfect opportunity to demonstrate Elizabeth City's southern hospitality and welcoming nature by stopping by to say, "hello."

March 28, 2008 -- Christopher Palestrant

End your month with a new artist at The City Wine Sellar. Christopher Palestrant will set the stage with his boogie, ballads and Broadway act. The multi-talented Chris will also play up some Billy Joel and maybe a little Elton John, as well as a few folksy tunes and original. It sounds like he will certainly cover the gamut.Music from 7:00-10:00 pm. Deli fare served until 9:00 pm. Non-smoking inside venue.

March 21, 2008 -- Jazz with "Connected"

Join us Friday night at The Sellar Wine Bar (located inside The City Wine Sellar) for an evening of Jazz with "Connected." Connected will delight you with a variety of jazz music, standard to contemporary. Come join us and be entertained by the talented trio of Wayne James, Dennis Figgs, and Ellard Forrester.Entertainment is from 7-10 pm. Regular deli menu items served from 6-9 pm. The Sellar Wine Bar is a non-smoking venue. Smoking permitted in the cafe seating area.

Check out the band at www.dwconnected.com

March 17th Beer Tasting -- 6:00-7:30 pm

Betcha never tasted a Sour Apple Honey Cinnamon Ale! You'll have an opportunity to do so on Monday evening, March 17th (coincidentally, St. Patrick's Day). We're having a home brew beer tasting in cooperation with Elizabeth City Brewing Company. In addition to the interesting Sour Apple Honey Cinnamon Ale, you can try an Irish Pale Ale, a Clover Porter, an Indian Brown ale, an Ein Bien Bitte Bier, and a Kilt Lifter. Personally, I can't wait to check out that last one. Tasting will be held from 6:00-7:30 pm. Light appetizers will be served. RSVP Requested. Call 335-1163 for more info.

March 14, 2008 -- BC of the Drednecks

Keep rocking in March with live music with BC at The City Wine Sellar. BC will keep your toes tapping with rock, reggae, blues, folk, and a few unique originals. You can usually hear BC playing with his band, The Dreadnecks, at such Outer Banks venues as The Brewing Station, Port O' Call, Chili Peppers and The Beach Bread Company. BC offers a CD of his band's tunes for only $10.00
Music from 7:00-10:00 pm; Deli fare served until 9:00 pm.

Beer Tasting March 17, 2008

You seriously can't miss this lucky tasting! The guys from Elizabeth City Brewing LLC will be brewing at least five batches of home brews for us to try. I can tell you from experience, they know what they're doing. And it's on St. Patrick's Day, no less. So, put on those green underwear and sham-rock your hineys on down to The City Wine Sellar on Monday, March 17th. 6:00-7:30 pm. RSVP requested, please. 252-335-1163.
Check out Elizabeth City Brewing's web site at http://www.ecitybrew.com/

Other March Entertainers

Jazz with Connected -- March 21, 2008

Boogie, Ballads & Broadway with
Christopher Palestrant -- March 28, 2008

Further Adieu -- March 4, 2008

Chuck Hodges Friday Night, March 7, 2008

He's a little bit country. He's a little bit rock 'n roll! More specifically, "progressive modern rock and alternative country." The result is a "bluesy-folksy, roots-rockish, guitar-centric sound." Everyone who hears Chuck falls in love with his laid back style. His music has a way of making you feel like all is right with the world.
Chuck will play from 7:00-10:00 pm. Deli fare served until 9:00 pm. Call 252-335-1163 for more info.
Get more information about Chuck at www.chuckhodges.com

The No-Cork Wine Tasting with Guest Pourer Jamie Koch -- March 5, 2008 (6:00-7:30 pm) --

Remember Boone's Farm wine? What do you remember most about it? How "economical" it was; that you could find it at some of the very best gas stations in town; or those fancy screw caps that required no cork screw (which was a good thing, 'cause at that age, who really knew how to use one anyway)?

Strawberry Hill aside, I bring up Boone's Farm because I want to point out the fact that our psyche many times makes the automatic linkage between screw caps and cheap (i.e., bad) wine. We need to overcome this mental hurdle. 95% of wines purchased are consumed within 24 hours. So, the argument that corks are necessary for proper aging isn't a convincing one.

At our March wine tasting, we will try to help you conquer your fear of screw cap wine by offering a selection of quality "non-corked" wines. No Boone's Farm allowed.

Our Guest Pourer will be Jamie Koch, Membership Director of the YMCA. 6:00-7:30 pm. $10 per person. Light appetizers served. RSVP Requested, please.