Editor's note: Long before Chris Shepherd became a James Beard Award-winning chef, he developed enough of a passion for wine to work at Brennan's of Houston as a sommelier. He maintains that interest to this day. When Chris expressed interest in writing about wine-related topics for CultureMap, we said yes.
In this week's column, he shares some must-know seasonal wine deals. Take it away, Chris.
Yes, team, the holiday season is here, and there are some things you should know. One: This Friday is Black Friday.
So I looked up the term “Black Friday” and basically, it derives from the concept that businesses operate at a financial loss — or are “in the red” — until the day after Thanksgiving. That’s when massive sales finally allow them to turn a profit, or put them “in the black.”
What Black Friday really means for you is that you can find killer deals on things — specifically wine — that you really need, or just things you never knew you needed...until you saw the price!
Look, impulse buying can be really fun. Regretful purchases I’ve made are way more fun...because you can drink them. You can’t do that with a TV that you stood in a mega-line for hours to save that $100...and then find out you really don’t have anywhere to put it. (Or is that just me?)
Okay, seriously. Let’s talk about Black Friday wine deals you should know about!
13’s 15th big Black Friday sale
First, Adele Corrigan and the team over at 13 Celsius are kicking off a 10-day “Black Friday” sale for you to get your cellar ready for the year!! This is their 15th annual sale, and this is how it works. On Friday, they will list around 50 different wines on their website that you can get the deep deals on — some have a high quantity that you can order, some are more rare and limited quantities will be available.
The price points are very attractive as well with the majority of the bottles priced between $20 and $35.
Here’s the coolest part: on Black Friday when the sale goes live, you have the opportunity to purchase a ticket for only $13 that gets you into an in-person tasting on December 3, which gives you a last-minute chance to taste and choose your wines before the sale closes at midnight on December 4.
I love what they’re doing over at 13 Celsius, and I think you should stock up while, as they say, the price is right.
More can’t-miss deals
Next up on the cool kid calendar of events is a double-your-fun kind of moment. I would make yourself familiar with Antonio Gianola and team over at Houston Wine Merchant, because they have a multi-day beverage extravaganza that starts on (it’s a big day) Black Friday when they open the doors at 10 am.
The first 100 guests will have the opportunity to purchase one bottle of from their selection of highly allocated spirits. Do I know what the 100 bottles are? No, but whatever my man Everett Lynch has been stock piling is going to be cool!
That is what hunting cool spirits is about — the thrill of the chase. When you only get to pick one, it’s also about timing so I would say line up early!
Then on Saturday (Small Business Saturday), Antonio is going to get crazy with his wine pricing. Get this….10 percent off single bottles, 15 percent off mix/match cases and 20 percent off four or more cases.
I LOVE A SALE! Buy me all the Barolo, please. That’s what you guys can get me for the holidays! I’m going to go ahead and thank you in advance! (Editor’s note 2: Well shoot, guess we'll return the powder blue tux to Amazon, Chris.)
Also beginning on Small Business Saturday is the Holiday Chalet at Stella’s Wine Bar! Stella’s is a wine bar in the Post Oak Hotel run by master sommelier Julie Dalton. You know if Julie has it on the list, it’s going to be delicious! During the holidays, Julie and her team are turning the bar into giant ugly sweater party with fun holiday cocktails and chocolate fondue. It’s just what you need to get you into the holiday spirit. Plus, good wine makes a great gift so you can shop while you’re there!
On Saturday, just make it a point to go out and support small businesses everywhere, no matter if they sell food, wine, home goods, or clothing. So many people put all their money, time, and passion into owning a small business, so let’s show them the love. I am very thankful for them all and love to see people succeed.
Stella's wine director Julie Dalton hosts a giant ugly sweater party with fun holiday cocktails and chocolate fondue.
Courtesy of Fertitta Entertainment
Wine Guy kitchen takeover
Finally, mark your calendars for December 3. That’s when I am taking over the kitchen at Rosie Cannonball for the release party of William Chris Wanderer Series IV, a delicious wine made in conjunction with MML Hospitality that benefits the Southern Smoke Foundation, which provides emergency relief funding and mental health services to the food and beverage industry nationwide.
Will there be slow roasted pork belly with Steen’s sugar cane syrup, Korean braised goat and dumplings and fire-roasted Cha Ca-style redfish on the half shell? I would absolutely bet on that! For real, there are only five tickets left, so get yours now!
Our Wine Guy will take his talents and knives to Rosie Cannonball for a special release party.
Photo by Julie Soefer
Wine Guy wishes you well
Hey, it’s the holidays. It’s time to smile, celebrate life with family, friends, and loved ones and spread joy across all the lands.
Our Wine Guy is especially thankful for Lindsey Brown, his lovely wife, travel partner, and better half.
Photo by Chris Shepherd
Also one last, super-important housekeeping note: Please be careful out there — and be sure to ride share to any and all holiday parties where you will be imbibing. I want to see all of you around and give you a high five at some point!
Until the next time, cheers!
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Got a hot holiday wine deal tip? Wanna wish the Wine Guy Happy Thanksgiving? Contact Chris Shepherd via email at chris@chrisshepherd.is.
Chris Shepherd won a James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest in 2014. The Southern Smoke Foundation, a nonprofit he co-founded with his wife Lindsey Brown, has distributed more than $11 million to hospitality workers in crisis through its Emergency Relief Fund. Catch his TV show, Eat Like a Local, every Saturday at 10 am on KPRC Channel 2.
