Limited Edition Wild Arc Cans Now In Stock!

Our love for well-made, locally-produced beverages knows no limits – and when it comes to the Hudson Valley, Wild Arc is one of our go-to producers.

Founded by native New Yorkers Todd Cavallo and Crystal Cornish in the summer of 2016, this now 10-acre farm produces a variety of produce and beverages from their biodynamically-farmed soils in Pine Bush, New York.

Recently, we were able to get our hands on some of the pair's limited-edition canned piquettes and ciders, which are perfect for transitioning from summer-to-fall sipping. For those unfamiliar with piquette, the product is technically not wine, as it is not produced from fermented grapes.

Instead, water is added to leftover grape pomace so as to create a light, low-ABV sipper that's super easy to drink – in the past, this was the go-to beverage of winemakers in France / Europe, and its resurgence on the market has us quite pleased!

We've currently got a limited number of Wild Arc's canned rosé and orange piquettes, as well as their delicious, pleasantly fruit-forward cider. For sustainably-produced, locally-crafted beverages that are as easy to take on the go as they are to drink, look no further than these unique picks.

Stop by this week and grab a few this week. We'd love to see you in person.

Cheers!

Bright & Citrusy Thirst Quencher from Milan Nestarec!

We've long been fans of Milan Nestarec's wines. In addition to being produced from responsibly-farmed fruit and with minimal intervention, these natural, easy-drinking sippers are perfect for serving with a chill and enjoying year-round with a variety of cuisines and snacks.

Milan created his Forks & Knives lineup of wines out of frustration for his native country, the Czech Republic's, wine-drinking culture. While other European countries regularly embraced the art of food and wine pairing, Milan explains that the latter wasn't always an essential part of the daily table, but rather something for binge drinking or for celebrating special occasions.

Seeking to change this stigma, Milan crafted this easy-drinking, budget-friendly lineup of wines to enjoy with food on the daily. The bottle we're sharing with you here is a blend of Gruner Veltliner, Neuberger, Sauvignon, Pálava, and Riesling that sees a tiny bit of skin contact.

On the palate, expect bright and tangy flavors of citrus, melon, peach skin, white tea, and hints of yeast. We love the wine with kimchi, Middle Eastern cuisine, and Asian takeout favorites, though simple hummus, eggplant dips, and easy-to-prepare snacks work just as well.

New Producer Alert! Check Out Our Latest Addition

Here at Windmill, we believe that discovering new producers (and wines) to love is one of the best parts of the biz. This week, we discovered a new California-based project thanks to our friends at Zev Rovine Selections – and we think you're going to seriously love them, too.

Introducing Populis, founded by Shaunt Oungoulian and Diego Roig. Based in the Golden State, this dynamic pair farms eight hectares of their own, as well as purchases grapes from historic vineyard sites across Mendocino County to create their fun, lively, and incredibly energetic wines. The duo is completely committed to organic farming, as well as restoring older vineyard plots in California.

Shaunt and Diego vinify their wines in the basement of Shaunt's parents' house just east of Berkeley – when we say it's all in the family here, we mean it. The reason? To ensure that other wineries' yeasts and influences remain far from their signature style.

This week, we added their Sauvignon Blanc, Macerated Orange Chardonnay, Pét-Nat, and Reversée Zinfandel blend to our lineup. These wines are perfect for summer sipping, and if we're being honest, they likely won't last too long on our shelves.

Stop by this week and grab a bottle (or few) from the lineup. We'd love to see you in person.

Cheers!

Our Feature on VinePair.com

“Pullus Pinot Grigio from Štajerska, Slovenia is a skin-contact Pinot Grigio that pours a pale pink color, (almost like a rosé), and is packed with aromas of peach and strawberry blossom. On the palate, it’s vibrant with yellow pear, cantaloupe, pink fruit, and more tangy elements like tangerine, yet still it achieves an element of cream to balance things. It’s more racy and mineral-driven than many traditional Pinot Grigios, but feels familiar and unique at the same time. The best part is it’s affordable at around $15.” — John Harington Gilpin, wine director, Millstream, Woodstock, N.Y.

Zesty Italian Rosato for the First Week of Summer!

As of Tuesday, the summer season is officially upon us – and what better way to kick off the sunniest time of year than with a delicious bottle of rosé?

However, we take our rosé pretty seriously here at Windmill. Forget the pink swill of your past. When produced at the right hands, we guarantee that these wines will keep you coming back for more just as much as your favorite chillable reds and whites.

This week, we're pleased to share one of our go-to picks for the season: Montenidoli Canaiuolo Rosato 2021. You may recognize Elisabetta's labels from her beloved Vernaccia, but we mean it when we say that if you love acid-laden, fruit-driven wines, this pick is definitely for you.

Crafted entirely from organic Canaiuolo, the wine opens up with aromas of raspberries, violets, and orange blossom, which carry over to the palate and collide perfectly with ample amounts of natural acidity. On the finish, the wine is salty, mineral-laden, and unbelievably refreshing. Pop it at picnics, serve with cheese boards, or simply sip a chilled glass after a long day at work.

Thirsty? Stop by this week to grab one (or a few) anytime. We'd love to see you in person.

Cheers!

What's Better Than a Bottle of Chillable Red Wine?

Wine friends,

The only thing better than a standard-size bottle of chillable red wine is... a liter of chillable red wine. (Did you really think we'd say there's anything actually better than chillable red wine?)

This week, we're excited to show you a side of Tuscany that you've likely never seen before – enter Maremma, the sun-soaked answer to coastal Tuscan winemaking. As much as we love savory Sangiovese from the rolling hills of inland Tuscany, this under-the-radar appellation of the region is equally worth discovering.

Head about 100 miles west from Tuscany's famed Chianti region and you'll find Ampeleia, a bioydnamic, Maremma-based project focused spearheaded by famed natural winemaker Elisabetta Foradori. This liter-sized bottle is comprised from a blend of three ancient grapes of the region: Alicante, Carignano, and Cannonau, known as Grenache in many other parts of the world.

Fruit hails from rugged, scrubby vineyards laden with flowers and rich in minerals, creating a perfect environment for these grapes to thrive. Foradori's goal with Ampeleia was to showcase the fresh, easy-drinking, and often overlooked side of Tuscany – and boy did she succeed.

On the palate, the wine jumps with flavors of cherry, raspberry, dried herbs, and a hint of anise seed. Its chillable, fruit-forward nature renders it perfect for sipping with burgers and barbecue fare (and it's liter-sized bottle means an extra serving of fun).

Curious? Stop by this week to grab one (or a few) anytime. We'd love to see you in person.

Cheers!

Natty, Fun, Chillable - A Red For The Weekend

Wine friends,

With summer lurking just around the corner, our mind is set on crisp whites, zesty rosés, and acid-laden, chillable reds that promise to keep our thirsts quenched all month long.

This week, we're excited to share one of our favorite Austrian wines with you. Produced by Martin Arndorfer and Anna Steininger, this organic/biodynamic blend of Zweigelt (80%) and Pinot Noir (20%) is perfect for sipping at picnics, barbecues, and outdoor hangs.

Fun fact: Martin used to fake sick to stay home and hang in the vineyards with his Mom, and Anna is the daughter of world-renowned winemaker Karl Steininger, so it's only natural that the pair would end up making such tasty, terroir-focused wines.

In the glass, the wine pours a beautiful cherry red hue and exudes with high-toned aromatics of strawberries and a touch of cinnamon. The palate is tart, tangy, and laden with fresh flavors of cranberry, sour cherry, red jolly rancher, and cracked pepper. Bright acidity and light, near-absent tannins make this wine almost too easy to drink.

As great of a chillable red as this wine is, its complexity goes so much further than that. In addition to its meticulous vinification, Martin and Anna also ferment the juice on Sauvignon Blanc skins, adding to the texture and flavor spectrum of the wine.

Thirsty? Stop by this week to grab one (or a few) anytime. We'd love to see you in person.

Cheers!

Celebrate This Week's Warm Weather With...

Wine friends,

Although we believe that rosé is made for year-round drinking, there's something undeniably special about popping a bottle of it during that first warm week of the year... and friends, it looks like this week is that week.

After what felt like an endless bout of snow and cold weather, we're finally landing on some sunny spring temperatures. So why not pop out a bottle of rosé to celebrate? This week, we're sharing two of our favorites with you: one classic, and one more off-the-beaten-path.

First up, we've got a traditional Provençal pink from Bastide de la Ciselette. Provence is undoubtedly the holy grail of rosé, and within it, Bandol is its crown jewel appellation. This pale pink wine is savory, fruit-driven, and loaded with mineral-laden undertones. Pair with shellfish, barbecue favorites... you name it. Whatever's on the table, this wine has your back.

Next, we've got something a bit more eclectic. This darker-hued, Gamay-based rosé from Beaujolais is perfect for those not quite ready to dive fully into rosé world yet. Think of it like the perfect transition from wintertime reds to summertime pinks. The wine is produced from organically-farmed fruit and sees 12 days of maceration prior to its eight months of aging in stainless steel. Best of all, this juice comes in a liter-sized bottle, so more bang for your buck.

We're in a New York State of Mind

Wine friends,

We've said it before and we'll say it again – great wine is made right in our very own backyard of Upstate New York. Although there are a plethora of talented winemakers and tasty bottles to discover, this week, we're honing in on two of our go-two picks for drinking local.

First up, we’ve got a skin-fermented Riesling from Bloomer Creek. Forget any preconceived notions you may have about this polarizing grape variety – Bloomer Creek's macerated expression is truly like no other Riesling we've had before. Expect flavors of yellow apple, tangerine, and wet stones to leave to a citrusy, acid-driven finish. The wine comes from organically-farmed (practicing) fruit on the east side of Seneca Lake.

Next up, we’ve got an earthy, varietal Cabernet Franc produced from local legend, Nathan Kendall. Nathan founded his eponymous estate back in 2011, and over the past decade, has become one of the biggest pioneers of low-intervention winemaking in the Finger Lakes. Expect flavors of raspberry, cedar, and a touch of bell pepper. If you generally tend to reach for Old World Cab Francs, this New World expression is definitely worth seeking out (and promises to give your Old World favorites a run for their money!)

A Return to the Classics

Wine friends,

As much as we love off-the-beaten-path regions and grape varieties, there’s something to be said about taking it back to the classics. For us, this looks like the traditional growing regions of Europe.

This week, we’re excited to share two of our favorite Old World bottles from the Southern Rhône and Bordeaux. These wines merit a place on any table laden with food, surrounded by friends and family – and if you’ve got the patience, perhaps a place in your cellar.

First up, we’ve got a 70/30 Grenache and Syrah blend from Gigondas. The wine is produced by the very talented Christophe Galon and his wife YuYen at Domaine les Semelles de Vent. The domaine’s house style is known for its purity, fruit-forwardness, and easy drinkability.

Fruit for this cuvée comes from sloping hillside vineyards planted on the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains. In the cellar, grapes are destemmed, vinified in concrete tanks, and aged for 12 months in used French oak. Expect flavors of crushed raspberries, orange peel, cinnamon, and clove.

Next up, we’ve got a classic blend from Château Grand-Pontet, located in the Saint-Emilion appellation of Bordeaux’s Right Bank. Fruit for this Grand Cru Classé wine comes from the estate's 14-hectare vineyard, which is dominated by clay-limestone and sandy clay soils.

Crafted from Merlot (approximately 80%), Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, the wine shows deep and complex notes of ripe red and black fruits, cedar, dried herbs, and dusty earth. Firm tannins and a bright, lingering finish make it the perfect companion for red meats, burgers or late-February / early-March stews.

Spring-Inspired Picks for Year-Round Sipping

Wine friends,

Although the weather's been frigid, spring is lurking just around the corner... so much so, we can almost taste it! Well, maybe not – but hey, we're going to drink like it.

Here at Windmill, we believe that chillable reds and full-bodied rosés are perfect for year-round drinking. Sure, they remind us of sunnier days and summery weather, but in reality, these easy-drinking styles of wine pair perfectly with a variety of hearty winter foods.

We've taken our spring dreams and winter reality to select two delicious picks for drinking this weekend. First up, we've got a tasty red blend from Ad Vinum, located in the Southern Rhône. Produced from Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre, and Roussanne, this juicy bottle explodes with flavors of tart cherries, raspberry coulis, and strawberries. Think of it like carbonic-meets-full-body in the best way (in other words, sunny day wine on a cooler temperature day).

Next up, we've got a full-bodied Bandol rosé from Bastide de la Ciselette. Contrary to popular belief, these flavor-packed wines from Bandol are actually better with food on the table than crushed by the pool, as their fuller bodies and high levels of acidity render them perfect for pairing with rich cheeses, roasted veggies, and spicy takeout. Homemade fondue or pad thai takeout, anyone?

Stop by this week to grab one (or both) of these wines anytime. We'd love to see you in person.

Valentine's Day is Monday – Don't Forget the Wine!

Wine friends,

Here at Windmill, we believe that all holidays are made better with wine – and Valentine's Day is no exception. Whether celebrating with a significant other or popping a few bottles with friends, why not get a little festive this weekend? We've got two lovely picks (emphasis on the love) that promise to please a variety of palate preferences.

First up, we've got Les Polissons Malbec. Produced from organically-farmed vineyards in France's Cahors region, this juicy red wine shows flavors of plum, blackberry, leather, and a hint of sweet baking spice on the finish. At under $20 a pop, this bottle is an absolute steal - and its festive label is the cherry on top.

Next up, we've got Broc Cellars Love Rosé. Who says that pink wine isn't for wintertime? We find rosé to be one of the most versatile, food-friendly wines for year-round drinking. Produced mostly from Valdiguié, this bright and zesty bottle jumps with flavors of strawberry, apple skin, lemon rind, and crushed sea salt. At just 11.5% alcohol, this low-ABV bottle is a perfect pick for those looking to stay light on the booze.

Stop by this week to grab one (or both) of these wines anytime. We'd love to see you in person.

Back in Stock – Two of Our Favorites!

Wine friends,

Despite our love for trying new wines, there are some bottles that continuously keep us coming back for more. Such is the case for Les Vins Pirouettes Ultra Violet de David and Thousand Gods Sauvignon Blanc. We're delighted to let you know that both are now back in stock.

Over the past few months, Les Vins Pirouettes wines have seriously captured our attention. The project was founded by Christian Binner, a pioneering natural winemaker in Alsace with a desire to bring affordable natural wine to the masses. Ultra Violet de David is a light-bodied, crunchy red wine with a low ABV of 12.5%.

A blend of Auxerrois, Pinot blanc, Pinot Noir, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, the grapes were hand-harvested, whole bunch macerated for five days, fermented with native yeasts, and aged for seven months in stainless steel. No added sulfur was used during the entire winemaking process.

For our white wine lovers, Thousand Gods Sauvignon Blanc absolutely needs to be on your radar. Produced in the heart of Marlborough, this rich and complex white wine sees seven days of skin contact and is aged for 11 months in neutral French oak. Contrary to most varietal Sauvignon Blanc, this wine shows a weightier, more textured side of what the wine can be. Expect richness and minerality meets refreshing and zesty. It's the basically the total package.

Stop by this week to grab one (or both) of these wines anytime. We'd love to see you in person.