December 7, 2012

Signature Cocktail Recipe: Classic Champagne Cocktail

We love collecting cocktails for our readers to try for special occasions but we also love creating signature cocktail recipes for you to use on your wedding day. Straight from our new issue, our sommelier Gianna has created these wine-based cocktails that would fit perfectly for you and your new spouse to toast with on the big day. Take our this first cocktail recipe, the Classic Champagne Cocktails inspiration to create your own recipe or just use our recipe. We encourage you to be inspired and make your own but if not – enjoy this recipe and we will toast to your happily ever after. Cheers!

Just as a ring is the ultimate symbol for tying the knot, nothing says celebration like a champagne cocktail.This timeless libation has a special place in my heart as it was recommended by sommelier Erik of Thomas Keller’s restaurant, Bouchon where I got engaged. I also enjoyed this classic many times on my honeymoon; there is just something about sparkling wine that accentuates joyful occasions unlike any other drink. Best served on a silver platter during cocktail hour with canapes or paired with dessert – the hint of sweetness from the sugar can handle wedding cake and creates another great opportunity for a toast.

Recipe Courtesy of Erik Johnson, Sommelier, Bouchon Restaurant,Yountville. Recipe adapted from the Metropolitan Hotel, New York City circa 1935

Photograph by Leslie Grow

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Signature Champagne Gift - [...] Signature Cocktail Recipe: Classic Champagne Cocktail | Wine … We love collecting cocktails for our readers to try for special occasions but we also love creating signature cocktail recipes for you to use on your wedding day. Straight from our new issue, our sommelier Gianna has created . [...]

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December 6, 2012

A Very Merry Engagement: Katherine & Ben

One evening, Katherine went out for drinks with her friend Tessa, who brought along her boyfriend and some other friends, one of those friends being Ben. Katherine had never met Ben before, but as she sat across the table from him, she couldn’t help but notice how handsome he was and was instantly attracted.

 

“Of course I was not wearing makeup and I had my glasses on that night… got to love fate,” Katherine laughed.

Eventually, all of their friends had slowly left the restaurant and it was just Katherine and Ben sitting at the table. The two stayed to chat and finish up their drinks and really hit it off.

One day, Ben called Katherine at work and told her that she had to be out of work by 3 p.m. He told her he had already run it by her boss. Christmas was just around the corner and since Katherine was leaving town, they planned to have dinner and exchange presents that evening.

Ben took Katherine to a nice restaurant in the Bay.  “We had full service treatment with champagne, wonderful food and a tour of the kitchen.” After dinner, the couple went back to Katherine’s house to sit by the Christmas tree and exchange presents.

After opening a few presents, Ben handed her a box that said, “your last present is located on the Christmas tree.” Katherine walked over to the tree and found an ornament that read, “tonight brings you to my knee.” As Katherine turned around, Ben was one his knee holding an open box with a ring inside.

The rest, Katherine explained, is history.

 

 

Photos by Lori Paladino Photography.

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December 5, 2012

The Perfect Pair

We’re saying hello December with these lovely pairs of heels. A winter wedding would not be complete without a little glam, right? Fresh from our Fall/Winter Issue, we’ve filled our closet with these beautiful pairs and couldn’t help but share them with our wine country brides. Where will you add your touch of glitter to your big day?

 

Tip Toe Through Wonderland with one of our favorite pairs; whether it’s the Spirit-of-the-Moment Heels,  Auroral Vapor Heels, Sakura Ivory, Manolo Blahnik Embellished Satin Point Pumps, or White by Vera Wang, we think any one of these would add the perfect detail to your winter wedding day.

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December 4, 2012

Inside The Magazine: New Year’s Eve Wedding

We had so much FUN producing our New Year’s Eve style shoot with Sallie Ramsey of Couture Hair Design and Yellow Bird, Yellow Beard for our second issue, and hope you got a chance to view the beautiful images by Shahin Gholami, featuring stunning boutique winter wedding gowns that each had a festive touch.

Now we are working on our next issue and would love to hear your style ideas, requests or suggestions. We are envisioning dresses with extravagantly detailed backs and bright colors, feel free to keep track of our ideas and share your own on Pinterest. We’d love to hear what you would imagine for your ultimate wine country spring or summer wedding. Please comment on Facebook or email our Editor-in-Chief, Autumn Millhouse. We would love to hear from you.

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December 3, 2012

DIY Food Favor: Limoncello

Straight from our DIY Food Favors inside the new issue, we are sharing a refreshing beverage that is a perfect take-home gift for your wedding guests. Last week we shared our Mexican Hot Cocoa food favor, and if you are loving these labels we’d like to remind you that they are all part of our free printable collection. If you’d like to use these for your own favors please contact gloria@winecountryweddingsmagazine.com.

INGREDIENTS

  • 10-12 large lemons
  • 1 (750-ml) bottle vodka 2 1/2 cups sugar
  • 3 1/2 cups water

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Begin by removing the peel from the lemons with a vegetable or potato peeler in long strips. Trim away any remaining white pith from the lemon peels with a small, sharp knife and discard.
2. When all the lemons have been peeled, place the lemon peels in a 2-quart pitcher. Pour all the vodka over the peels and cover with plastic wrap. Continue to steep the lemon peels in the vodka for 4 days at room temperature.
3. After the four days, it is time to create the simple syrup mixture and finish your liquor. In a large saucepan, stir the water and sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves (about 4-5 minutes.) Let cool completely. Pour the sugar syrup over the vodka mixture and cover. Let stand at room temperature overnight. Use a strainer to strain your limon- cello, and discard the remaining peels.
4. Transfer the limoncello to bottles and seal. Add labels as decor. (Note: Remind guests to chill their limoncello for 4 hours until cold before enjoying.)

Contributed by Wine Country Weddings Magazine DIY Contributor Alex Michael May & Photography by Leslie Grow.

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DIY Food Favor: Walnut Shnapps | Wine Country Weddings Magazine - [...] beverage that is a perfect take-home gift for your wedding guests. Last week we shared our Limoncello food favor, and if you are loving these labels we’d like to remind you that they are all part [...]

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