Wine Down and Chill: Bully for You
This article was originally published on September 11, 2020 at https://gritdaily.com/wine-down-and-chill-bully-for-you/
The world is still struggling and all of us behind wine down and chill are still trying to help you through it by doing our part. Of course, today is always a somber day as we remember all those who perished in 9/11. We know that you’re interested in learning about different wines so that you can get down to drinking! Got it.
Theme: bye-bye bullies
No bullying here! We’re an equal opportunity wine down and chill column. Everyone gets a chance to enjoy their wine and say their peace.
Listen: We’re Not Going to Take it
Here’s a wine down and chill playlist with dozens of songs that speak out against bullying. Of course, one of the all-time super popular videos (back in its day in the whackadoodle ‘80s fashion scene) and an anthem for kids fighting their parents is by Twister Sister, “We’re Not Going to Take it.” Dee Snider looks a tad clownish in the video but don’t underestimate that man’s intelligence – he’s brilliant! And the band was sober for their performances.
Learn: Walter Taylor’s legacy
The history of Bully Hill Vineyards goes something like this; the founder, Walter Taylor, whose grandfather founded the winery, was essentially bullied out of the vineyard. He then formed an independent pseudo-competitor to his family’s business. Years later, after he had achieved great success, he was then legally prohibited from using the Taylor name on his wines following an injunction by a bottling behemoth who bought the rights to his family’s wines. Walter disappeared for a couple of days after the injunction was levied but they found him in his barn, laughing, clutching the one thing he had left, one farm animal – a goat. He laughed, “They got everything, but they didn’t get my goat.” With that, a new label was born.
Here’s a few other cool tidbits related to standing up to convention (and bullies) and leading the charge. All bottles are recycled glass, all packaging is made from recycled materials and they use soy-based inks. They have eliminated the toxic diatomaceous earth material from their filtration efforts and the grape pumice (mash resulting after grapes are pressed) are composted in the vineyards. They also recycle their wastewater to water the grass which is mowed and mulched as fertilizer for the vineyard. And, get this, all fryer oil from their restaurant is used to power their tractors!
Wine: Bully Hill Sweet Walter White
We’re all doing our part to stimulate the economy and get through this COVID chaos and whacky world. What better way than to support a winery in the tristate area, upstate New York with a wine down and chill shout-out? Bully Hill Vineyards has recently reopened with outdoor and limited indoor dining. The winery launched 100 years ago, survived Prohibition and has gone on to be one of the state’s production leaders.
In homage to Walter’s efforts, “Sweet Walter White” was created and now stands as one of their most popular options. Affordably priced at $10 per bottle, this sweet white grape blend with heavy florals pairs nicely with something sweet.
Dine: banana boats
Because life is short and why not? Dessert first. We’ve done this a few times on our wine down and chill column and it never seems to get old. Cheers for the “sweet tooths” out there! The summer is winding down and it’s almost the end of bonfire cookouts. So, why not take advantage of the timing with a banana boat? Leave the banana in its peel and slice it vertically down the middle from the stem to the bottom of the banana. Splay it open and fill with mini-chocolate chips, caramel syrup and mini-marshmallows. Fold it back together (fat and happy) then wrap it in tinfoil. Place it on the bonfire embers until everything gets hot and sticky!
Watch: A Fatal Affair
Okay, fair enough, the suspenseful thriller, “A Fatal Affair,” may not be a contender for the prestigious Academy’s list, but it does pack a punch. There are moments of pure terror; you know, the kind that make you gasp and almost choke on your wine when here you thought that you could just wine down and chill! Just when you least suspect it, this sinister cyber-stalker figures out how to hunt his victims down and find a way to show up where – and when – he’s least expected. Plus, there’s a bit of eye-candy and a few torrid bedroom scenes if that’s your thing. If nothing else, it serves as a reminder on how you have to be extra cautious in this all-too-digitally-accessible world!
You can wine down and chill all week long
If this week’s theme didn’t float your boat or fill up your glass to wine down and chill, no worries. We’ll continue to offer affordable suggestions for music, wine, dinner and movies with a different wine down and chill theme each week. You can also follow me on Instagram for wine art and photography @WineDownAndChill. We’re here to help you sit back, wine down and chill. If you missed an article, fret not! You can find every article here.
If you like podcasts, well, wouldn’t you know, we’ve got those, too! Three of them, in fact: 1) Like a Boss with snappy insights; 2) wine down and chill; and 3) Monday motivation. All three are available on all streaming channels including Apple, iHeart Radio, Spotify and more. Tune in!
It’s the weekend. Time to wine down and chill. Cheers!
Lead photo by Matilda Wormwood from Pexels