Wine With Wanda

Inspiration: Josephine Baker

Today, during a very boring meeting, I found my mind wandering to Paris. Specifically, the 1920's Paris of Josephine Baker. In this vivid daydream, my business attire was replaced with shimmer, feathers, and a whole lot of va va voom. My coffee mug transformed into a champagne flute and the office became a very chic cabaret with moi on stage. A little crazy, I know, but I've always felt inspired by Josephine's fearlessness. She left her home in St. Louis and took Paris and the world by storm with her talent, charisma, and sensuality. She was also an activist and a highly honored member of the French Resistance. Josephine wasn't afraid to explore the world, live her truth, and let her light shine. Even if you don't want to wear a banana skirt a la Josephine, she sets a fine example for the great things that can happen when we let go of the places and situations that hold us back.

 

Fabulous Frock: The Maggy London Illusion Dress

 

Maggy London - The Illusion Dress
$148 (available for pre-order)

Call me greedy but I'm always looking to add more fabulous little black dresses to my wardrobe and this chic little number from Maggy London has definitely caught my eye. The sheer neckline and figure-hugging silhouette of the Illusion Dress create an elegantly sexy look that showcases your figure without revealing too much skin. The timeless and retro-inspired design make this dress absolutely perfect for a night out on the town. And, did I mention that it is only $148? The Maggy London Illusion Dress makes a strong statement without breaking the bank. Available in sizes 0-16.

 

 

 

Take Me Away: Domaine de la Baume in Provence

This dreary New York winter has made frequent reminiscing about my summer 2013 vacation to Provence an absolute necessity for my mental well-being. I'm not sure when I will take my next trip to the land of lavender fields and ever-flowing rosé, but when I do I would love to stay at the luxurious Domaine de la Baume in the village of Tourtour - 90 minutes from Cannes by car.


Opening for its second season on April 18, Domaine de la Baume is part of the MAISONS & HOTELS Sibuet collection of boutique hotels. Situated on 99 acres, Domaine de la Baume is an 18th century building with 22 guest rooms - including 4 suites. The picturesque property has formal French gardens, an olive grove, several ponds, a chapel, and numerous waterfalls - the highest of which is 220 feet high. Amenities include a spa in a wood cabin in the forest by the waterfalls - sounds divine!


The interiors at Domaine de la Baume were designed in an 18th century Provence style with luxury fabrics, antiques from local shops, and custom-made furniture.


Rates start at 440 Euros, based on double occupancy. For more information, visit the Domaine de la Baume website.

Rev Up the Romance with Sparkling Wines from Italy

 Legendary Italian actress Sophia Loren famously said, "Everything you see, I owe to spaghetti." It looks Iike wine may have played a part too -  I'll have what she's having!

If you can't get to Italy for a romantic Valentine's Day, take your tastebuds on a delicious journey with a sexy sparkling vino. My three picks are all priced under $20 but deliver a tantalizing taste of la dolce vita. Go ahead and unleash your inner Sophia Loren! A va va voom dress is also a must.

Lamberti Rosé Spumante Veneto, NV
$14
This sparkling rosé from Italy's famed Veneto region is an award-winning blend of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Raboso. A very pretty shade of pink, Lamberti's aroma of rose petals and juicy taste set the mood for romance.



Cavicchioli Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC Vigna del Cristo 2011
$17
If you're trying to woo a crush, a bottle of Cavicchioli Vigna del Cristo 2011 will certainly make your feelings known. A light luscious red with violet hues, the flavor of 100% hand-harvested Sorbara grapes flirts with the palate. Full and dry with a fruity aroma, this wine is playful but serious enough to pair with red meat, fish, and pasta dishes with complex sauces.



Cavicchioli 1928 Sparkling Lo Spumante NV
$14
Fun and fizzy, this sweet white wine is made from 100% Malvasia grapes and has the most enticing notes of juicy peach and apricot. Add a little grenadine to make it pink and you'll taste a hint of pomegranate.

You can find these widely available wines at your local wine purveyor or wines.com. 

Black Dress Beauty: The Duchess of Alba

The Duchess of Alba
Francisco de Goya y Lucientes (1746-1828)
1797

Some paintings are like cherished friends and Goya's powerful portrait, The Duchess of Alba, has always enchanted me. Goya so beautifully captures La Duquesa's confident stance. The fiery red sash on her gorgeous black dress reminds me of  a matador's cape that pulls you in closer at your own risk  - La Duquesa looks like she doesn't suffer fools. They say that Goya was quite in love with his subject and you can feel that affection in the portrait. The Duchess has the look of a woman who knows she is loved.

I haven't visited The Duchess in a few years and I'm long overdue. You can spend time with her too at the Hispanic Society of America Museum and Library in New York City - the portrait is part of the permanent collection at this FREE museum with an impressive collection of art from Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. On Saturday, March 8th at 11:00 am, the Hispanic Society is hosting a gallery talk - New Thoughts on Goya's Portrait of the Duchess of Alba. 

A Sip Like Sunshine: Mionetto Prosecco Brut DOC

As I thaw out in my living room and count down to spring, I'm reminded of just how delicious sunshine feels and tastes when I sip Mionetto Prosecco Brut DOC. Winter can dull the senses but the dancing bubbles in a glass of golden Mionetto Prosecco adds a little sparkle to a dreary day. It reminds me that seasons do change and I'll be strutting in my favorite little summer dresses before you know it. All of this for $14? That's a deal!

Prosecco hails from the Veneto region in northeastern Italy. Those sloping hills aren't just pretty to look at, the topography nurtures the flavor of the Glera grapes.

But don't let the low price fool you - Mionetto is consistently delicious. The company was founded in 1887, so they've had plenty of time to perfect their winemaking style. Made from the Glera grape, Mionetto Prosecco Brut DOC is well-balanced with captivating aromas of golden apples with a hint of white peach. The finish is crisp and refreshing. Perfect for a romantic dinner for two or daydreaming for one!

Raise A Glass: Wine Spectator Spotlights Off the Beaten Path Wines

It is great to have a go-to wine that you absolutely love but don't get stuck in a rut - your tastebuds have to travel! Yes, the options can be overwhelming but Wine Spectator always makes it easier to pick the perfect vino and their 2014 Editors' Picks in the latest issue will steer you towards wine roads less traveled via the article Off the Beaten Path. A quirky and informative showcase of wines from 30 categories, Off the Beaten Path is a fantastic resource for building your knowledge of some unique wines from around the globe. So, if you're curious about Malbec beyond Argentina, North American Tempranillo, and aromatic white wines from Campania, pick up a copy of the February 28th issue, on newsstands now, and refer to it throughout the year. And, just because a wine is featured in Wine Spectator doesn't mean that it costs a fortune - some of the Off the Beaten Path wines, like Pepi Chenin Blanc-Viognier California 2011, are only $10 a bottle. 

Good Food is Sexy! Tempt Their Tastebuds with a Gourmet Crate from Mantry

Can foods really be qualified as masculine or feminine? The women I know delve into bratwurst and bonbons with equal gusto! However, I'm very intrigued by a new food-of-the-month club called Mantry. Described as the modern man's pantry, Mantry showcases American artisan foods like BBQ sauce from Alabama, bison jerky from Montana, and birch syrup harvested in Alaska. Mantry packs all of that tasty goodness in an eye-catching wooden crate that is hand-made in the USA. Each crate contains 5-6 full size items along with recipes and product details. Mantry gift boxes are $75 per month and you can opt for a single crate or a monthly subscription. I know that Mantry is targeting men but if any admirers out there are wondering what to send me for Valentine's Day, ship me a Mantry and keep the drugstore stuffed animals for yourself!