Spice up the Big Game: Wing & Wine Pairings

No Super Bowl party is ever complete without the MVP of the menu, chicken wings. Yes, those crispy, oven-fried, sticky wings are essential for the big game day. We’ve teamed up with Memphis bred and Los Angeles based wing expert and foodie influencer, Melissa Cottingham for the party-perfect pairing. Melissa’s been cooking since the tender age of twelve and started her catering business, Melnificent Wingz in 2017. She has graced the palates of Tracee Ellis Ross, Serena Williams, Anthony Anderson, Shaunie O’Neal, James Wright Chanel, Adam Mendezvo and many more. So the trick to pairing wings with your favorite wines is simple, balance is key. White wines that are sweet-ish and high in acidity are great to mask the spice of your wings. Some of my favorite whites to pair with mild to spicy wings are Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Light-bodied reds with tannins like Rose’, Zinfadel and Pinot Noir are the perfect companion for spicy and sweet flavored wings. Check out Mel’s wing recipes and our wine pairings below for a guaranteed win this Super Bowl Sunday.

”Honey Lemon Pepper Wings”

Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc (Tip: Pick up a Bordeaux or New Zealand produced wine like Whitehaven.)

-The grassy, sharp & crisp acidity flavors in this wine compliment the
lemon seasoned wings. The fresh citric fruit flavors will burst in your mouth after your first bite. Whether dry or sweet this wine is a great option for the function.

Melnificent Honey Lemon Pepper Wingz

INGREDIENTS 

6-8 whole chicken wings

Canola oil for frying 

DREDGE

2 C all purpose flour

1 C cornstarch 

CHICKEN SEASONING 

2 t paprika

2 t onion powder

2 t garlic powder 

1 T black pepper 

SAUCE

2 T lemon pepper seasoning 

1/4 cup of lemon juice

1/2 cup of honey

INSTRUCTIONS:Pour frying oil into a Dutch oven or cast iron skillet and heat to 350 degrees. While the oil is heating, begin seasoning the chicken wings. In a separate bowl mix the corn starch and all purpose flour and whisk until blended. Toss wings in the flour mixture and beginning to drop them in the oil one by one. While the wings are frying, take a small sauce pan and combine all the sauce ingredients, lemon pepper seasoning, honey and lemon juice. Stirring occasionally, bring sauce to a boil and then remove from heat once boiling. After wings are done, remove from oil giving a slight squeeze with your tongs to remove excess oil. Place wings in a mixing bowl and pour sauce on top, giving them a toss to fully cost each wing. Plate and EAT UP!

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”Fiery Harissa Hot Wings”

Wine Pairing: Zinfadel (Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi is a great bargain bottle for just $7)
-Harissa is a North African garlic chile paste that adds depth to ordinary meats and veggies. Zinfadel, is a light bodied red that’s high in alcohol content and perfect for spicier wing flavors. This fruit-forward wine bears notes of black pepper, cherry and plum.

Melnificent Harissa Fiery Wingz

INGREDIENTS: 

5-7 whole chicken wings

Canola oil for frying 

2 T canola oil for sauce 

1 t minced ginger

1 T water 

1 T honey 

1 tsp minced garlic

2 T sugar 

1 T sesame seeds (for garnish) 

1 T sesame oil

2 T chili powder 

1 t soy sauce 

1 t rice wine vinegar 

3 T Harissa paste

Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS: Pour enough oil to cover wings into a dutch oven or cast iron skillet. Heat oil to 350 degrees. Once oil has reached temperature, drop wings into oil one and a time. Fry wings for 15 minutes, moving wings around occasionally. While the chicken is frying prepare your sauce. Mix all remaining ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk until blended. Once wings are done, remove and place in mixing bowl. Pour sauce into the bowl with the wings and toss. Plate and EAT UP!

A Napa New Year: Girlfriends Getaway

For many years Napa Valley has attracted the affluent, famous, and curious to its luxe lifestyle of world-class wines, upscale tasting rooms and breathtaking mountainous views. With close to 500 registered wineries in the infamous California region, Napa Valley is home to the largest wine region in the US. While most recommend visiting Napa Valley during the harvest season (August through Oct) we decided to voyage to the California wine region on the best holiday of the year, New Year's Eve. As it continues to thrive as the quintessential destination for wine lovers, we rang in the new year with an epic "Girlfriend Getaway" in Napa.

Black Wine-O’s: The Black Wine-O, Brittany Rodgers, Waverly Coleman and Catherine Hooper

The Wine-

Napa is mostly known for producing bold red grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon. Most of the wineries we visited were Cab Sauv dominant, even in the blends. The terrior of the Napa Valley is the foundation for some of the best quality wines in the world. The volcanic soil and warm climate in the region are perfect for grape growing. We had a chance to visit four wineries during our stay thanks to my girlfriend, Waverly Coleman, a Special Event and Wedding Planner who arranged most of our tours and tastings. Our first stop was at Chimney Rock Winery, we had a flight of four of their top wines which included my personal favorite the Elevage Blanc for $50 per person. After having a full fashion photoshoot in the garden of Chimney Rock, we were off to our next destination at the Brown Estate.

Tasting @ Brown Estate

I was eager to arrive at our tasting at Brown Estate because it's notably the first and only, black owned winery in Napa Valley. The tasting at Brown Estate was exceptional, from the wine, level of service to their sleek interior which resembled a cozy living room. We had a chance to indulge in four of their best sellers from the Intro Flight which was moderately priced at $40. This flight included a 2018 Duppy Conqueror Rose', 2018 Betelgeuse Sauvignon Blanc, 2017 Napa Valley Zinfadel and a 2017 Chaos Theory Proprietary Red Blend. Red wine lovers would appreciate the pure Zinfadel, I fell in love with it and had to talk myself out of buying a bottle. The warmth of the tasting room and the homages to hip-hop culture throughout the space make this an unforgettable experience.

The next day we had a chance to tour and taste at the enchanting V. Sautti Winery. This award winning winery has plenty of bragging rights as it’s been named the "Best Winery" three years in a row. The 38-acre property was magical and felt like we had been transported to a vineyard in Venice.

We also had a chance to visit Domaine Carneros, the French inspired chateau mostly known for its sparklings. Unfortunately, we didn't have reservations, however we finessed our way into a tasting to enjoy the most popular flight for $35. The flight included the 2014 Ultra Brut, 2014 Estate Brut Cuvee, 2016 Brut Rose and the 2014 Vermeil Demi-Sec. Each pour was better than the last plus we got a chance to sample the Blanc de Noir made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes.

A spread of Domaine Carneros Champagne Flight Tasting

Napa Valley Marriott- Double Standard Room

The Stay- We chose to fly into San Francisco, which is about a 90 minute drive away from Napa Valley down Interstate 80. The drive from the airport was pretty serene and a straight shot to the valley as we passed over the Bay Bridge. Initially, when planning this trip we couldn’t decide if we wanted to stay in Napa, but i'm glad we did as most of the wineries were close in proximity with the exception of a few within driving distance. We stayed at the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa, where we had a comfortable room enough to fit our group of four. I loved this hotel because of its central location, and the resort style amenities like the daily Vintner's Pour (HH) and access to the spa's eucalyptus steam room. The spa is a great way to unwind and relax with your girlfriends. Fun fact: Our hotel is also the host hotel for the Oakland Raiders training camp.

The Extras- Visiting Napa Valley during the peak season can be pretty tricky as most of the wineries require reservations and tend to fill up pretty quickly. Then there’s that whole issue where most of the wineries are actually closed during the holiday season. So you must plan accordingly if you want to make the most out of your visit to Napa. We ended up randomly going to a NYE party at the Andaz Hotel to say goodbye to 2019, without pre-booked tickets our options to party were very limited. You can honestly eat your way through Napa with a variety of upscale dining options. Be sure to make stops in Yountville for brunch and dinner as it's referred to as the most "Foodie Town" in America. However, if you're looking for an affordable and casual dining experience, don't miss the opportunity to stop by Gott's Roadside, a Napa staple since 1999. This isn't your ordinary burger joint, as its menu even has something for your friends who never pass up an opportunity to remind you that they’re vegan. If you're getting tired of wine tasting-said no one ever, stop by the Archer Hotel for elevated bar bites, creative cocktails and panoramic views of the city from the rooftop bar, Sky & Vine. Shopping in downtown Napa is also a great way to sober up or take a break from wine tasting. First St. was filled with quirky shops, art galleries and fashion boutiques for some non-alcoholic fun.

I can't think of a better way to kick off the new year than with a new experience alongside my fellow black wine-o's. Napa provided all of the rich bitch energy I vow to uphold in 2020. I can't wait to return and explore more of this region, but hopefully these suggestions help you, if you're considering visiting Napa Valley, in the meantime.

Vino in the City: Top 7 Wine Bars in Houston Right Now

Houston, we have a problem. It’s debatable, but having a copious amount of wine bars to sip at seems like a good problem to have. Houston continues to offer wine-o’s alike a host of neighborhood wine bars to enjoy a great glass of wine without having to break the bank. These 7 Houston wine bars are serving up the city's best vino right now. Honorable mention goes to Sixty Vines which we had a chance to preview last month catch our recap HERE.

Postino Montrose- After descending in Houston just a little over a year ago this wine café’ has doubled the size of its new location in Montrose. Postino’s approachable wines, make it the perfect atmosphere for a happy hour hangout with wines starting at $5 daily from 11am-5pm. Fans of the Heights location will be pleased to know not much has changed at the new location. 805 Pacific St, HTX 77006

Photo Credit: Postino

Penny Quarter-This cozy and hip two-story café and wine concept is the current hot spot in the Montrose neighborhood. Boasting a full menu of coffee, wine, food and pastries you can’t go wrong with making this your new brunch destination or meeting location. The alluring interior and natural lighting creates a relaxing ambiance that transports you from the H right into the streets of SoHo. Bottles prices are on the higher end, however their selection rivals some of Houston’s most notable wine bars. 1424 Westheimer Rd, HTX 77006

Photo Credit Penny Quarter

Trez Art + Wine Bar- You may not recognize this new wine bar since its facelift. Formerly, Ogun Wine Bar this laid back black-owned wine bar and art haven is located near Houston’s first ward. On Wine Wednesday’s you can nosh on pizza and a bottle of wine for only $20. Trez also has a daily happy hour from 4-7pm and will serve as the host of our first intimate experience, Winesgiving. 920 Studemont Suite #150 HTX, 77007

Light Years Natural Wine Shop + Bar- This natural wine destination allows you to sip responsibly and sustainably. A naturals-only wine bar is the first of its kind in Houston. The process relies on a natural fermentation allowing the character of the grapes to be on full display. Light Years is clearly ahead of the pack, as natural and organic wines are being embraced all over the world. 1304 W. Alabama HTX 77006

Noble Rot Wine Bar- This hidden gem is tucked away in Downtown’s Conservatory. Offering up various flights for as low as $7, you can try several of their Wines by the Glass. The winetenders are very knowledgeable and help guide you to a selection that’s affordable and worth a 9 oz. pour. It’s also pretty hard to pass up their $1 champagne shots, which you can get anytime of the day.

1010 Prairie St Suite 101, HTX 77002

Photo Credit Noble Riot

La Grand Rue- Right in the heart of the Heights, this newcomer is the brainchild of two friends who understand that the world of wine can often be intimidating. Grab a bottle in the boutique wine shop and sip it next door in the wine bar with friends. Swing by for happy hour when the glasses are all half off from 4-7 pm during the week. 1344 Yale, HTX 77008

Vinology- Dubbing themselves as Houston’s first true European style enoteca, Vinology is a wine shop, wine bar and educational venue for wine seminars. Vinology offers six weekly flights and carries over 300 wines from around the world. With more than 16 years in the wine industry these owners know a thing or two about quality vintages. 2314 Bissonnet St, HTX 77005

 Montrose Cheese & Wine- A new retail and wine shop in Montrose emphasizes a traditional Italian style wine experience. With over 125 wines and a rotation of up to 15 cheeses this concept will specialize in local and high quality bites with exceptional wines priced under $40. 1618 Westheimer Rd, HTX 77006

Photo Credit Julie Soefer

The Hidden Gems of Central Mexico: CDMX x San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende has been on my list of places to visit since it was first voted “Best City in the World” by Travel + Leisure back in 2017. After celebrating the new year solo in Mexico City back in 2017, I realized that it was a three hour trek away from the most central point of the country, and was determined to make the journey. I wouldn’t have this opportunity again until this October as my birthday month served as the perfect opportunity for a new adventure. Typically when I travel solo I immerse myself in an authentic cultural experience. Fraternizing with the locals, dining at the best restaurants and visiting art museums that showcase the soul of the city. After doing my Googles, I discovered that San Miguel de Allende was the hidden gem of Mexico’s modern wine country. I honestly found it hard to believe that Mexico was the first place in North America where grapes were planted back in the 16th century. Today, many producers in Central Mexico rely on Spanish influences to bottle up their single varietal wines like Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Chardonnay, and Semillon to name a few.

 CDMX-

After landing in Mexico City, I took my talents to La Condesa for a content shoot with Aldo Doring, of El Ojo de Dominga at the beautiful Casa Decu, a chic boutique hotel offering a mix of luxury and practicality in the epicenter of one of Mexico City’s best neighborhoods. Casa Decu’s Mexican art deco and vine-lined rooftop served as the backdrop for the shoot I’ve been wanting to pull off ever since I launched theblackwineo.com. Working with Aldo was such a pleasure, as much of our interaction beforehand took place through email or WhatsApp. Naturally, I worked up an appetite after our shoot, and Aldo was kind enough to drop me off at nearby Osteria 8, an Italian restaurant ducked off in Colonia Condesa. For dinner I enjoyed a simple caesar salad and Spaghetti Carbonara paired with two glasses of their house Rose’. It wasn’t long before the hand-rolled pasta gave me the itis. After a few more sips of wine, sleep won.

The Black WIne-O @ Casa Decu, Colonia Condesa, CDMX

SMA-

The three hour journey to San Miguel was peaceful. I slept most of the trip as Primera Plus offered a luxury coach bus experience from Terminal Norte directly to San Miguel de Allende. Upon arrival, I could tell that this city was charming, and I was eager to explore everything it had to offer. My first stop was to check-in at the Jewels of San Miguel. Nestled, near the highest point of the city- El Mirador, my casita was a beautiful home away from home with an incredible view. Now on to the important stuff like wine—After getting lost a few times due to communication barriers with my taxi driver I arrived at Bodega Dos Buhos Winery for a tasting.

Bodega Dos Buhos

Bodega Dos Buhos - This small batch winery sits on three acres of family owned land which produces 10 varietals that include Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Moscato, Sauvignon Blanc, Agilianico. Cabernet Franc, and Giallo. After learning more about the history of their wine from Maria, I began to admire their respect and love for winemaking. They produce certified organic wines using natural fermentation and produce different styles of wines in limited editions. I indulged in three of their current wines and their dessert wine- Moscato Giallo for my tasting paired with a cheese board. The vineyard produces around 9,000 bottles annually, at the moment, the only place where you can get their wines is directly at the winery, local shops and the infamous Pujol restaurant in Mexico, City. The “Two Owls” vineyard also doubles as an event space for special occasions and corporate events.

Tub pictured was used for grape stomping during the first harvest in 2006.

Cuna De Tierra- About 30 minutes away from SMA is the city of Dolores Hidalgo, and where I ventured to indulge in more wine at the massive vineyards of Cuna de Tierra. With over 30 acres this international winemaker produces six red wines and one white. The first commercial wines were produced in 2008, but they are currently introducing new grape varieties, among which are Portuguese, Italian and French, with the intention of evaluating those that best adapt to the terroir. I chose to pass on the Spanish-only tour of the vineyard by tractor and went straight in for my reserved tasting. For $500MXN I was able to taste three wines and a charcuterie board complete with meat and cheese. The winetender was knowledgeable about the history of the wine and was attentive as I soaked in as much as I could about the winemaking production. Cuna de Tierra has won numerous awards for its wine, and the design of the independent structures that house the wine. Designed by the architects Ignacio Urquiza Seoane and Bernardo Quinzaños Oriahe, the building honors the history and land that has allowed the conception of the various vine varieties that surround it. Cuna de Tierra is Winederlust approved.

Cuna de Tierra

Welcome to the Neighborhood-Sixty Vines: Rice Village

Houston is home to a thriving wine community due to a collective of intimate wine bars, restaurant concepts and boutique wineries. The new kid on the block, Sixty Vines is a transplant from up north in Plano, Texas which recently opened its doors to wine-o’s in the city.

 The Space-The two-story restaurant is simple yet sophisticated in design. The sleek white walls and natural greenery are inviting and inspired by the vineyards in the California wine country. The thoughtfully-curated space features art pieces commissioned by Houston-based artist Christopher Vela which depict the winemaking process, from vine to glass. This isn’t your pretentious type of wine bar as modern furniture and communal tables make it the perfect atmosphere for a festive night with friends. Upstairs, the main dining room features an open kitchen with a charcuterie bar, a private dining space, and a greenhouse patio that’s reminiscent of a wine garden. While the Sonoma room located on the first floor will transport you to a cozy and contemporary cellar ideal for a date night, client meetings or all day sippin’.

 The Food- During the media preview party guests were treated to a full wine + dine experience as light bites handpicked from the shared plates menu were on display. From cheese boards to fig & prosciutto pizzas, Sixty Vines has tailored a menu to complement their wine list. The menu is filled with shareable plates and entrees that change seasonally and are prepared with local ingredients. Other notable main courses that standout are the Asian Chicken Chop Salad, The C.A.B. Burger or the Short rib Pappardelle braised in red wine. If you mainly come for the wine you can head downstairs for a selective tapas style menu, and of course more wine.

The Wine- With a diverse selection of over 50 wines on tap, 7 craft beers, cider and cold brew the Rice Village location allows guests to enjoy eco-friendly glasses of wine served at the perfect temperature. The hassle of wrestling with a cork are no longer as this sustainable approach to wine consumption is both good for your taste buds and the environment. The interactive wine list affords guests the opportunity to choose their pour based on their meal selection, wine region or by varietal. If you’re a real wine-o don’t pass up the opportunity to become a member of the Vine Hugger’s wine club. You can snag a bottle each month along with other dope perks for as low as $39 monthly.

Combine the charming setting with delicious cuisine and international wines, and it’s not hard to see that this restaurant will be a new Houston favorite. We can’t wait to return to try the weekend brunch menu.