Copper Vine is now showcasing a creative collaboration between sommelier Lydia Kurkoski and executive chef Amy Mehrtens with new wine-tasting experiences. Featuring a unique combination of cuisine and wine, and specially curated for each guest, the 13 new tasting themes (such as Spanish reds or California Pinot Noir) span the spectrum of varietal offerings. Private wine tastings (with a minimum of four guests) include curated flights of wine and thoughtfully paired bites. One of Copper Vine’s wine experts guides guests through the vineyards, varietal characteristics and innovative cellar practices surrounding some of the best wines in the world. Meanwhile, the private wine dinners (for groups of eight to 50 people) feature a custom-coursed menu with carefully chosen wine pairings. Kurkoski curates the experience to match the group’s tastes and preferences, all while highlighting unique and interesting wines. 1001 Poydras St., 208-9535, coppervine.com.
Celebrity Tequila
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has released the ultra-premium, small-batch Teremana Tequila, now available in Louisiana. Crafted at the highest peaks of the Jalisco Highlands mountains, the tequila is available in two expressions: a blanco and a reposado. The name Teremana directly translates as “spirit of the earth,” from the Latin word “terra,” meaning earth, and the Polynesian word “mana,” meaning spirit. Teremana Tequila is made from fully mature, naturally sweet agave slow roasted in small traditional brick ovens and distilled in handmade copper pot stills. teremana.com.
Specialty Cocktail
The Peacock Room, the gorgeous new cocktail lounge located inside the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot in the Central Business District, released a specialty cocktail this summer and has added it to the lounge’s regular menu. The “Flock to Me” cocktail (made with Cathead Vodka, Cocci Rosso, watermelon syrup, spirulina falernum and butterfly pea flower tincture) is just as pretty as the surroundings of the lounge, thanks to its gradient from purple to white and blue. 501 Tchoupitoulas St., 571-1818, hotelfontenot.com
Grand Award
Brennan’s Restaurant, which first received the “Wine Spectator” coveted Grand Award in 1983, has once again received the award during its 75th anniversary in 2021. Brennan’s carefully curated wine list, developed by sommelier and wine director Braithe Tidwell, with counsel and support from the owners, now boasts more than 14,000 bottles. In recent years, Brennan’s has spent nearly $1 million on wine, increasing the total selections on the list by half, with special attention paid to boutique producers, verticals and large formats. Brennan’s wine cellar features a fine line-up of blue-chip California wines, but its greatest strength is its exceptional Burgundies and close to 100 offerings of Champagne. 417 Royal St., 525-9711, brennansneworleans.com.
Botanical Vodkas
Finlandia Vodka has released two new expressions made with real botanicals and natural fruit flavors—and both are only 30 percent alcohol by volume. The Finlandia Botanical infusions are presented in the classic Finlandia bottle inspired by fresh glacial water in two flavors: cucumber and mint and wildberry and rose. Combining the versatility of vodka with the craftsmanship of botanical infusions in a lower ABV format, these two new offerings meet the growing demand for mindful sipping in casual get-togethers. They have no artificial flavors or sweeteners; they are only 73 calories per serving; and they were just released in Louisiana ahead of a larger national roll out. They serve as a perfect base for straight-forward cocktails and are best enjoyed simply mixed with sparkling water, tonic or lemonade. finlandia.com.
