Sam Kavarsky DC Founder, Complete Health CT
Performance Based Chiropractic
The best type of ability is availability This is not your typical chiropractic visit
Active Release Techniques | Neurofunctional Acupuncture | Light Therapy
Performance Based Mobility (Group Class) | Chiropractic Adjustments
Functional Range Release (FR) | Individualized Supplementation Protocols
Book your appointment today.
Stars, Stripes,
& Sustainable Beauty
July 2024 Publisher’s Letter
We live in an efficiency and productivity-obsessed age. And I admit - I fall into the trap sometimes too. The trap of believing the only things worth doing are those for which I can make an exact calculation of the time, effort and investment it will cost me. The things that result in the highest level of control and least amount of uncertainty.
But the truth is - that is really a sad and unfulfilling way to go through life.
We must leave some room for exploring, for trying new places and things, for being a beginner, even for getting lost. It is those times that are unstructured and open-ended where the space exists for connections to be made, friendships to be fostered and trust to be built.
In the last few months I've really been analyzing my relationship with my kids, how our family operates as a unit and what we love spending our time doing. The way I made this more clear, was to first focus on the things that I don't love spending time on. For our family - it’s screens. For yours, it may be too many busy weeknights away from home or not enough dinners around the table together. But I've noticed that "adventures" and “exploration” doesn't even have to be something big and crazy. It can be playing a board game out on the patio, walking a new trail or going out to find a fun cookie place we've never been to before in a different part of town.
Our hope is that this issue encourages you to make room for exploration. To prioritize time away from the regular schedule of life. To lose yourself on a trail or in a book. To book that trip you’ve been thinking about, to make time for the things that matter most to you, but often come last on the calendar.
BRUCE BERNSTEIN, PUBLISHER
July 2024
PUBLISHERS
Bruce Bernstein | bruce.bernstein@citylifestyle.com
Mindy Katz | mindy.katz@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Samantha Beranbom
samantha.beranbom@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Pam Antonacchio | pam.antonacchio@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Monica McCall, Susan Wilson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Michele Tereso Photography
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
city scene
NicholsMD of Fairfield 2nd Anniversary Party 1: Anna Barnes, Melanie Tzenova and Emma Freatman 2: Emily Anne Scalise and Andreah BonHomme 3: Matt Goldfine, Amy Tambini and Dr. Nichols 4: Sharon Reid Deflorio with her daughter 5: Zac Mathias 6: Team NicholsMD 7: Reesa Lake and Hailey Brunner Photography by Michele Tereso Photography
Hughie’s Jewelry and Coins Grand Opening Party 8: Shannon Jenest and Chloe Flynn 9: George Kopp, Nemira Kopp and Chloe Flynn 10: Chloe Flynn and Hugh Breslin 11: Daniel Giardina, Chloe Flynn and Hugh Breslin 12: The Grand Opening 13: Paul Soja, Ewa Chmielewska and Hugh Breslin 14: Hugh Breslin, Robert Passero, Paula Passero, and Ewa Chmielewska Photography by Emily Racker
ConnectFairfield Presents 80s vs 90s Dance Party FUNRaiser to support Wakeman Boys & Girls Club at Park City Music Hall 15: Kathy True, Anna & Walter Roland and Debbi O’Keefe 16: Sarah Motti, Sabrina Smeltz, Rich Bratton and Margaret Reynolds 17: Allyson Mandelbaum, Alison Seyal, Liz Miller, Jenn Arata, Lindsay Rosenberg and Randy Roffe 18: Fran & Mark Hernandez 19: Corey Smith, Brianne Frazier, Aubry Trivigno, and Sarah-Jane Henry. 20: Joe & Kerry Gueterman, Gina Little, Leslie & Tim Shannehan and Peter Little. Photography by Amanda Kaye
107 John Street, Southport, CT 06890
(203)327-1212 | www.5thstreetadvisors.com
Shane Pendley, CFP® | spendley@5thstreetadvisors.com
Cesar Manent, CFP® | cesar@5thstreetadvisors.com
Abelardo Curdumí, CFP® | curdumi@5thstreetadvisors.com
Wealth Management F inancial Planning Fiduciary Standards
HAPPY HOUR
Daily (closed Mondays) | 4-6pm $4 beers, $8 house wines, $9 cocktails + food specials
LIVE MUSIC & DJs EVERY WEEKEND 55 Miller St., Fairfield southbayct.com (203) 955-1178
1/2 PRICED WINE Sun, Tue, Wed, Thu | 4-10pm 1/2 off bottles <$100, 30% off bottles $100+
ROUNDUP
Edibolic Kitchen
A best-kept secret for healthy lifestyles is Edibolic Kitchen, Connecticut’s own gourmet readyto-heat-and-eat meal delivery service. Hundreds of busy households rely on owner Josh Wechsler and executive chef Erica Pierre for a varied weekly menu full of delicious, balanced nutrition to keep them fueled and satisfied. From lunches on the go to family-style dinners, this small local company brings just-right portions, great taste, and convenience to your doorstep. Gluten-free or high protein? No problem! edibolic.com
Photography by Jordan Wechsler
Redline Restorations
Redline Restorations is the premier place for restoring high-end and exotic cars. We love preserving the rich legacy and craftsmanship of these remarkable vehicles. We implement time-honored techniques and state-of-the-art technologies, breathing new life into these automotive legends. We also offer venue rentals for all kinds of events. Our exceptional amenities and dedicated team make Redline Restorations the ultimate choice for weddings, corporate events, and any special celebration you have in mind. redlinerestorations.com
Photography by Danny Trisko
ComForCare Home Care
ComForCare Home Care is a premier provider of in-home care, helping older adults live independently in their own homes and continue to do all the things they love. ComForCare is committed to helping people live their best lives and offers special programs for people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. comforcare.com/fairfieldct
Esskay Four Photo Booth Co.
Esskay Four Photo Booth Co. is a family-owned company dedicated to making your vision come to life. We customize your entire experience. We pay attention to the details, from the color and theme of your photos to the texts and hashtags! We customize the screens on the booth and your live gallery and make sure the backdrop & props match your event. We pride ourselves on making your event memorable while capturing your memories! esskayfourphoto.com
Bricks & Minifigs
Bricks & Minifigs is a one-stop shop for all things LEGO®. Owned by a local Fairfield family, this unique store welcomes customers to buy,
sell and trade new and used LEGO products in a fun and welcoming environment. With thousands of minifigures on display, new and used sets lining the walls, tables full of bulk pieces, and a dedicated party room, Bricks & Minifigs is a haven for LEGO-lovers of all ages!
Jaclyn Picarillo Unique & Luxury Properties | Higgins Group
Jaclyn’s newest listing answers the cry of Buyers who have exhausted the current housing inventory. It’s time to build the home of your dreams with renowned Builder/ Developer, Joe Feinleib of Coastal Luxury Homes, atop a private cul de sac in coveted Greens Farms. This 5,050sf, 6 bedroom masterpiece will be designed and appointed to exceed your wishlist. Built with the finest materials and the exceptional quality and cutting-edge innovation Coastal is known for. 24Edgemarth.com $4,995,000 uniqueluxuryct.com
Ryan C. Sheppard | CPA,CFF Managing Partner
GET IN TOUCH AT
Photography Provided by Bricks & Minifigs
Plan A Bucket List Adventure with Hidden Gem Travel
ARTICLE BY SUSAN WILSON
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY HILLS OF AFRICA
If you’ve been dreaming about your next bucket list vacation, you’re not alone. We’re experiencing a travel boom coined ‘revenge travel’ since the end of the pandemic. I should know as I feel this boom every day as a professional travel advisor. I specialize in premium to luxury global travel and design custom vacation itineraries that elevate the travel experience.
In the age of AI, a wealth of information is at your fingertips but how much of what you read is accurate and honest? Yes, you can spend hours researching, but ultimately, you don’t know what you don’t know. What do you do when the unexpected happens, like a strike? Or your Airbnb cancels your booking at the last minute? Or even the gorgeous boutique hotel you found online isn’t in a location where you feel comfortable? While we don’t have control over everything that happens, travel advisors know how to respond when the unexpected happens to our clients. We have valuable relationships with our local partners who not only take care of our clients but can also VIP them because of the strong relationships we invest in. The internet can’t do that for you.
Safari Dreams
People come to me with a wide variety of bucket list vacation requests, from Europe to South America to Asia to New Zealand; it spans the globe. One of the most popular requests is an African safari. I’m fortunate to have a top-notch partner with deep roots across Africa. We create once-in-a-lifetime experiences for clients. I know personally, as I traveled to Tanzania to see the Great Migration, which far exceeded even my expectations!
If you have safari dreams, maybe with a side of wine tasting or relaxing beach time, read on for travel inspiration that will motivate you to take the next step to make your dream a reality!
A safari isn’t something you see or do; it’s truly something you feel… an immersive experience. You get up close and personal with animals that you have only ever dreamed about, be in the middle of their natural environment, watch the circle of life in action, hear the stories from your guides, and immerse yourself in a world that cannot be found anywhere else, it’s truly indescribable.
CONTINUED >
If it’s your first time to Africa, one of my favorite itineraries takes you to Cape Town and Victoria Falls and ends with a safari in Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, or Zimbabwe. This type of itinerary allows you to combine the most dreamedabout wildlife game viewing on safari with an adventure that also includes culture, food, history, and activities – the best of both worlds.
If your primary motive is a classic wildlife safari, then several places automatically come to mind. Kenya, Northern Tanzania, and the eastern side of South Africa boast some of the planet’s best game parks—Kruger National Park in South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe for amazing elephants, and Zambia for great cats.
Kenya & Tanzania are famous for the Great Migration, and the beautiful, colorful Maasai & Samburu people.
South Africa is known for Kruger National Park for great Big Five wildlife sightings. You also have Cape Town for gorgeous coastal scenery, penguins, amazing food & wine in a bustling city.
Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia offer exceptional game viewing, in some respects just as good (if not better) than the more famous areas. For instance, Chobe National Park in northern Botswana and Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, are probably the continent’s best place for elephants, sometimes more than a hundred in a single herd.
Botswana’s legendary Okavango Delta is another place where boats are the primary means of getting around and viewing the unique animals (both large and small) that dwell in one of the world’s great wetlands, such as hippos and elephants.
Namibia is best for amazing scenery – with shipwrecks, ocean, deserts, huge orange dunes, saltpans, mountains, grassy plains full of wildlife, and rivers in addition to its cities and villages, Namibia boasts a variety of super-scenic destinations no matter your taste.
Uganda and Rwanda are the best places for gorilla trekking. Chimpanzees and golden monkeys too!
Madagascar is the only destination where you can see lemurs in the wild. Depending on who’s counting, the huge island is home to more than 100 lemur species as well as copious chameleons, fabulous bird life, and marine mammals offshore in the Indian Ocean.
Of course, Africa has a lot more than just wildlife. The best blends of beasts and beach are found in Kenya, Tanzania (specifically Zanzibar Island), Mozambique, and South Africa where tropical beach resorts glimmer along white-sand strands. And no matter which country you are visiting, get ready for the best food you’ve ever tasted.
IS THERE ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD THAT YOU CAN EAT YOUR DINNER WHILE A HERD OF ELEPHANTS WALKS BY, OR BE GREETED BY A GIRAFFE ON YOUR WALK BACK TO YOUR ROOM, OR HEAR THE ROAR OF A LION IN THE DISTANCE AS YOU LAY DOWN FOR THE NIGHT?
Foodie alert! Breakfasts often include coffee, teas, freshly squeezed fruit juices, made-to-order omelets, fresh fruit, pastries, and rusks. Dinners are served under the stars, in the boma, or inside depending on the weather. Guests will find Western dishes, such as herb-roasted chicken, beef filet, grilled vegetables, and tasty vegetable soups, as well as more traditional African dishes such as lamb curry, prawn skewers, spicy stews, often accompanied by a glass of South Africa wine or local beers. And there’s nothing better than a ‘sundowner,’ a cocktail while watching the sunset at the end of a long safari day.
If you are visiting a bustling city, such as Cape Town, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of world-renowned restaurants, cafes, and bistros. Cape Town and its neighboring Cape Winelands are both internationally celebrated as being foodie meccas. Food lovers flock to these regions to try dishes from some of the world’s most spectacular and talented chefs.
As surreal as the safari experience is, the experience back at camp is sometimes equally surreal! Choose from a variety of camp activities depending on your location, such as game drives or walking safaris, fishing, bird watching, sleepouts under the stars, cooking classes, and more. Want an afternoon of absolute relaxation? Spend an afternoon lounging in your cool room, watching the wildlife out the window, or napping on the patio. Is there anywhere else in the world that you can eat your dinner while a herd of elephants walks by, or be greeted by a giraffe on your walk back to your room, or hear the roar of a lion in the distance as you lay down for the night?
All these experiences fall under the broad category of African Safari. I can design the perfect itinerary for you and make your dream a reality! Now is the time to get started planning for 2025.
ABOUT SUSAN WILSON, OWNER OF HIDDEN GEM TRAVEL CONSULTING:
After years of traveling the world and working for Fortune 50 companies and global nonprofits, Susan opened a boutique travel business affiliated with Virtuoso, the leading global network of agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel. Through her deep network and signature consultative process, she designs customized travel itineraries that allow clients to feel the full vibrancy of the destination while giving them access to perks, amenities, and special experiences. In working with Susan, you will have access to a trusted travel advisor. For Africa itineraries, Susan partners with Hills of Africa, leveraging their extensive knowledge and local network of top guides and property managers. The service level is high-touch and meets the high expectations of Hidden Gem Travel clients. hiddengemtravelconsulting.com
ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA SCHOENGOLD BERANBOM
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY DUNE
DUNE
A CHIC BOUTIQUE HOTEL FOR STAYCATIONS AND BEYOND
The sand, the sun, the sound - Fairfield in the summer is its own destination. There is so much to do here, especially in the summer. If you are planning a friends’ getaway, hosting out-of-town family and guests, or even for a romantic staycation that is not exactly at home, DUNE is the spot you are looking for.
Discover the charm of DUNE, a recently renovated, family-owned boutique hotel nestled just steps away from the beach. Offering a contactless check-in experience, complimentary Wi-Fi, parking, and exclusive access to a private beach, DUNE is your gateway to a memorable beachside getaway. Enjoy the convenience of free beach essentials such as umbrellas, bags, chairs, wagons, and bikes. With its proximity to downtown shopping, restaurants, and the train line, DUNE is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience.
The vibe is at once both elevated and laid back. The rooms are well-appointed with intention. Designed to be clean and simple, they are a casual luxe and comfortable space to unwind and relax, especially after a day beachside with the kids, strolling around town or local exploring.
DUNE is at the center of it all, where guests can feel seamlessly enmeshed in the community and yet a world away from life’s hectic demands. Whether you are a tourist in your own town or exploring from far away - Fairfield is a great destination this summer and all year long.
DUNE Fairfield Beach
1160 Reef Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824 (203) 256-4985 dunefairfield.com
SOUNDBAT H SYMPHONY
ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA SCHOENGOLD BERANBOM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELE TERESO PHOTOGRAPHY
“When I heard these alchemy crystal bowls, I was moved to tears.”
Terry Eldh always knew that music was powerful and profound. While studying abroad in France, Terry was accepted to the Conservatory of Rouen where she first started to understand the potential in her voice. After graduation, she nurtured and honed that natural talent at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music. As a classically trained singer, Terry’s career started first, in Opera and then on Broadway. But she always sensed there was more, eventually leading her to SoulOSoaring.
Q: HOW DID YOU DISCOVER SOUND BATHS? WHAT WAS THE BEGINNING OF THAT JOURNEY?
A: After studying energy for several years, I heard about sound meditation and
signed up for a training course. During the final sound meditation, a strong feeling guided me to join the master sound healer’s spiritual journey retreat to Egypt. There, my life was irrevocably changed. As a result of being there, along the Nile River in the Horus Temple, I experienced a transformative emotional release. Upon arriving home, I decided to learn everything I could about sound meditation. 15 years later, it has fulfilled my life.
Q: WHAT WAS THE CATALYST FOR STARTING SOULOSOARING?
A: At the start of the pandemic, I was hired by GE Capital to do a live-stream sound meditation to help reduce the stress of their employees. I had no idea how to
“The benefits of meditation are well documented, and sound may be the simplest way to get there.”
live-stream anything, so I immediately signed up for a course on how to live stream a sound bath. On the day of the event, over 100 people attended, and the event got rave reviews. The teacher of the live-stream course used singing bowls that were different from mine. They were beautiful colors, slimmer and more refined. I learned that the crystal of her bowls was infused with gemstones, precious metals and rare minerals. Each of these elements added its own energetic signature to the quartz crystal frequencies that were emitted when the bowls were played. When I heard these alchemy crystal bowls, I was moved to tears. And so began my journey with alchemy crystal singing bowls and sound therapy. I believe in their power to heal so deeply that I have become a distributor for the company that makes the bowls, so that I can participate in assisting others to create their own sound therapy practices and communities.
Q: DESCRIBE THE SINGING BOWLS? WHAT MAKES THEM SO SPECIAL?
A: Alchemy crystal singing bowls made by Crystal Tones are made of pure quartz crystal, and are infused at high heat with gemstones such as ruby and diamond, precious metals such as platinum, 24K gold and palladium, and earth minerals such as shungite. Crystal Tones products are unmatched in craftsmanship, which is evident in the depth and duration of their tone, and in their visual beauty. In addition to being interdimensional sonic restorative tools, they are one-of-a-kind pieces of sonic art for the home.
Q: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SOUND BATHS?
A: The benefits of meditation are well documented, and sound may be the simplest way to get there. Simply by being immersed in crystal singing bowl sound frequencies can lead to deep relaxation and to a meditative state. The frequencies of the singing bowls entrain with our brain waves, slowing down our ‘monkey minds’ and slowing our breath. Clients have reported heightened states of mental clarity, relief from emotional and physical pain, and improved sleep.
Q: WHO IS YOUR TYPICAL CLIENT AND WHAT DOES SOULOSOARING PROVIDE?
A: We provide sound meditations for corporations, private events, individual and couples’ sessions. We also offer a VIP 1:1, 8-hour training, as well as courses in Music Theory under the “Find Your Inner Mozart” brand. A typical client for a 1:1 session is anyone who wants to experience a deeply relaxing restorative modality. For private events, I have done sound baths for all sorts of occasions, from recovery group gatherings to birthday parties for 40-somethings. For corporate events, I have worked for large corporations as well as smaller non-profits. Typical clients for singing bowl purchases are primarily therapeutic professionals. However I have had interior designers purchase them as sonic art for display in home decor, and I have had women purchase them as gifts for their friends and family members.
Q: ANYTHING NEW HAPPENING WITH SOULOSOARING TO SHARE?
A: Our latest commission for singing bowls in a new musical work is being written by Ed Thompson, PhD, composer, and Minister of Music at the Westport Unitarian Church. The piece will be performed with the American Chamber Orchestra conducted by Christopher Hisey on Saturday, October 19th at the Norwalk Concert Hall, with yours truly playing the singing bowls!
Q: WHAT DO YOU FIND THE MOST REWARDING?
A: I feel pretty blessed to be inspired by each aspect of my business -- I love offering sound meditations and seeing the relaxed faces of the guests at the end of the session. I never knew I would love to teach, and in addition to teaching my own courses, I am a mentor where I love guiding new students through the training curriculum. And I love helping new and accomplished sound practioners, with or without a musical background, select singing bowls that light them up musically, visually and spiritually!
Find Terry on Instagram @soulosoaring or visit SoulOSoaring.com for an updated schedule of sound bath dates, times and locations.
“I feel pretty blessed to be inspired by each aspect of my business -- I love offering sound meditations and seeing the relaxed faces of the guests at the end of the session.”
• Servicing companies nationally from 5-200 employees, specializing in but not limited to, group medical, dental, vision, life and disability benefits.
• Representing all regional and national insurance carriers.
• Full-service employee benefits firm focused on benefit administration, value-added services and compliance.
EVERY SATURDAY THROUGH OCTOBER 26TH
Greenfield Hill Farmers Market
75 Hillside Rd | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Featuring local and new vendors offering organic produce, fresh eggs, bread, herbs, floral arrangements and more!
JULY 2ND Chamber Coffee Connect
Sacred Heart University | 8:00 AM
Network with Chamber members over a cup of joe on your way to work. Bring a friend and learn about a new business. Stay for 5 minutes or the whole time! 8am-9am. Non Members $5. Visit fairfieldctchamber.com to register.
JULY 4TH
Pequot Library 4th of July Bike Parade
Five Corners in Southport Village 10:00 AM
Bring your festively decorated bike, scooter, or wagon to Five Corners in Southport Village and parade to the Great Lawn for some fun and games! Face-painting, sack races, hula hoop contest, and crafts. Free Super Duper Weenie hot dogs. Ice cream, and drinks available. Free and open to the public. All ages welcome. No registration required. pequotlibrary.org
JULY 6TH
Independence Day Fireworks
Jennings & Penfield Beaches | 9:00 PM
Celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks at the beach. Rain date July 7th. Fireworks begin at 9:15 PM. fairfieldrecreation.com
JULY 18TH The Moody Blues' John Lodge
FTC | 7:00 PM
John Lodge is bass guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the iconic rock band, The Moody Blues. Songwriter of such mega Moody Blues hits “Ride My See-Saw”, “I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock and Roll Band)”, “Isn’t Life Strange?” and many more. For more information and ticket purchase go to fairfieldtheatre.org
JULY 30TH Beach Bash
Jacky Durrell Pavilion | 5:30 PM
Join the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce and FELO for an evening of summer fun. Enjoy dinner, dancing, prizes and more! Registration is required. Tickets and more information at fairfieldctchamber.com
ComForCare Means True Caregiving
STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE, Be Adventurous
EXPLORE UNIQUE WINES WITH KINDRED SPIRITS & WINE
ARTICLE BY MONICA MCCALL
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY KINDRED SPIRITS & WINE
Show your artistic side this summer and hone your skills by trying an unconventional and seasonally fun and refreshing beverages using some unique ingredients.
Lavender
French 75
ingredients:
• ½ cup ice
• 2 oz Nordes Gin
• ½ oz Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 oz Collins Lavender Simple Syrup
• Borgo Molino Motivo Prosecco
• Berries and mint for garnish
directions:
Add ice to a cocktail shaker. Add gin, orange liqueur, lemon juice and simple syrup. Pour into a chilled glass and top off with prosecco and fresh berries.
An adventurous person is eager to try new things, explore, learn, and expand their horizons. Whether it is food, travel or wine and spirits, stepping out of our comfort zone to experience something different can be exciting and rewarding. It is easy to stick with your tried-and-true but challenge yourself to be curious and explore the world with a sense of wonder. When it comes to wine, being adventurous involves exploring unique, unconventional, or exotic options that push the boundaries of traditional offerings. Seek out different grape varieties, regions, and styles to expand your palate and discover new favorites. If you have a favorite grape varietal, some options share similarities. Below are a few examples.
For Sauvignon Blanc lovers: Try a white wine from Greece made from the Moschofilero (moosh-ko-fee-lair-oh) grape. It is a richly aromatic, lively white wine from the hilly Peloponnese region, bright with refreshing and expressive citrus flavors.
“Seek out different grape varieties, regions, and styles to expand your palate and discover new favorites.”
For devoted Chardonnay lovers: Broaden your scope with an Alvarinho from Portugal or Albariño from Spain. Same grape, different countries. It has a similar full-bodied, lush and creamy citrus experience in the mouth to Chardonnay.
For Pinot Noir lovers: Grab a bottle of Schiava instead. It grows in the Veneto region of Italy and shares Pinot’s light body with red fruit notes and low tannins. An excellent choice for warm summer days; put a chill on it and enjoy!
For Cabernet Sauvignon lovers: Look for something similarly big, bold, and beautiful. The Mourvèdre grape grown in the Bandol region of southern France is a worthy substitute. You can also find it in Spain, known as Monastrell, in the region of Jumilla. Perfect for the barbecue!
Another way to branch-out is to attend local wine tastings. It is a great way to sample a variety of wines in a structured setting. Look for tastings that focus on a specific theme or region to deepen your understanding and appreciation of different wines.
If spirits and cocktails are more your lane of enjoyment, experiment with different spirits and look for small, artisanal producers and even something made locally. Get creative with cocktail-making by incorporating unexpected
ingredients such as herbs, spices, bitters, or unusual spirits. Experiment with flavor combinations to create your signature drinks. Participate in workshops or mixing masterclasses that focus on unique spirits (check out Kindred Spirits & Wine—Spirits & Staves Society). These experiences can provide valuable insights and new perspectives on the world of drinks.
For the Summer of 2024, be open, curious, and adventurous. Embrace the unknown and expand your horizons to wine and spirits, cuisines, and cultures. You may discover something new!
Kindred Spirits & Wine is a local wine shop with four locations – Fairfield, Westport, Monroe and Shelton. They have a well-curated shelf of wines from around the world. Each weekend they offer in-store tastings and monthly they have educational wine tasting events to enhance your discovery. Monica McCall is the Wine Director who goes above and beyond to bring wines of great quality and value at every price point.
Kindred Spirits & Wines
2260 Black Rock Turnpike Fairfield, CT 06825 (203) 374-0040 kindredspiritsandwine.com
