ChocoVine on "The Today Show"!

Check out this link ...

ChocoVine is on "The Today Show"!

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/34619883#34619883

Winter Weather Advisory ...

If the weatherpersons are correct ... we're going to start getting one heck of a Real Maine Snowstorm starting tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon and it is going to last ALL Weekend and dump up to FOUR FEET of snow on us.

So if you're thinking you might just curl up and enjoy it, don't forget to stock up on the basic needs (yes that includes WINE!) so that you can do just that!

Lots of wines to choose from ... pick some ones you like, but perhaps you'll find some new ones to try, as well!

Scented Bath Flowers

Are now on Clearance Sale @ $5/package; regular price was $7.50/package.

2010 Photo Calendars are ON SALE

Check out these beautiful Photo Calendars ... On Sale Now for ONLY $2.50/card ... while supplies last!
Stop in today ... Use it for yourself and/or send it as a greating card.

ChocoVine Website!

ChocoVine is Online ... Recipes too! www.chocovine.com

ChocoVine

Price Change in Effect for ChocoVine ... The price is going up to $14/bottle!

However, my current inventory will remain at $12/bottle while supplies last!

Riesling Rules ... for the HOLIDAYS!

PACIFIC RIM'S highly acclaimed Sweet Riesling and Dry Riesling – both 89 point Wine Spectator BEST BUYS – are the perfect pairings for all Holiday meals. With a bright and fresh flavor profile, Riesling is a welcome change from heavier, oaky white wines . . . making Riesling the perfect wine pairing for all holiday meals. And at just $10 per bottle and FREE SHIPPING FOR SIX BOTTLES OR MORE, it's easy to bring joy to your Holiday dinner table.

The Sweet Riesling is a STANDARD Shelf Item at Downtown Gifts & Crafts and the Dry version can be ordered in. Just let me know!

LeRustique Wine Rack

This is now available In Store for ONLY $21.99 (+T&D) at Downtown Gifts & Crafts ... Great Gift Idea ... for yourself or for someone else!

Holds (6) Bottles of Wine!

Riesling Rules ... for Riesling Lovers

http://rieslingrules.com/the_book/

Holiday/Fall Store Hours

For the Months of November & December, I will be staying open until at least 6 p.m. and coffee will continue to be available until 1/2 before I close.

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays until at least 6 p.m.
Tuesdays & Thursdays until at least 7 p.m.
Saturdays I will stay until at least 4 p.m.

If you know you are coming, feel free to call me, if I can stay late, you know I will.

Happy Halloween

Here's wishing everyone a Spooktacular Halloween Weekend!

Hot Hot Coffee & Yummy Pastrie

Just a reminder that I am now offering Hot Hot Coffee from 8 a.m. to 10:00/10:30 a.m. and from Noon to at least 5:00 p.m. each day.

I'm also stocking some yummy treats from Isamax's ... Wicked Whoopies, an assortment of muffins, Cinnamon Buns & Turnovers!

If you need a shot of caffeine or sugar, feel free to stop in!

Hot Coffee & New Store Hours

Downtown Gifts & Crafts will now be offering HOT COFFEE to go by Green Mountain Coffee!

New Store Hours will be as follows:

Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. & Noon - 5:30 p.m. ***
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed or By Appt (No Hot Coffee Service)

*** January - June ... Mondays will be 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. ONLY ***

Too Much Wine! Who Knew?

Who knew that you could have too much wine ... but I do! I have many close outs in the store ... and if you mention this BLOG - THIS WEEK, you will save 25% off any close-out wines in the store ... instead of the afore mentioned 10% to 20% off.

So stop in today and stock up for the holidays!

This is only for CLOSE OUTS!

Cheers!

Wine Club

Ask me about our Wine Club! It will be fun ... please consider joining us!

Clearance Table

We now have a clearance table set up ... come get it before it gets posted to my EBAY STORE!

Lots going on..

Downtown Gifts & Crafts is getting set up as a UPS WINE SHIPPER ... so I will be able to ship wine to other States that allow it ... (yes, Colorado is one of them) ... for an additional fee. More details to follow!

New Product, New Product! WoW!

I have the 1st round of new product in! Lovely Blank Note Cards ...

Single Cards are only $2.00/each or get a package of (10) for a discounted price of $10/boxed set. Sets are either all the same card or an assortment.

These cards are proudly printed in the USA!

Check them out Today!

New Wines from Cellardoor Winery

Serendipity ... This is for you sweet white wine drinkers!

Viognier ... White Wine but not so sweet but lots and lots of yummy flavor!

Sweetheart Wine, back in stock ... get it while it lasts!

Wine on Sale

So I have some wine at 10% off and even more wine at 20% in an effort to move it out and make room for some new wines. I also have some other merchandise also on the 20% off shelves ... So make sure to check out the sale items when you come in!

Maine Wineries Out of Business

Vintner's Cellary Winery went out of business the end of June 2009

Royal River Winery has now also ceased operations.

Whatever Wine I have on hand is all that will be available.

Wine Club Anyone?

Mark of Club OTR and I are discussing starting a Wine Club.

The Wine Club will have monthly meetings at Club OTR in the private function room. There will be food and wine samples as part of the meeting. Estimated Cost for each person at the meeting will be $35 and this includes the food & drink as well as use of the room.

There will also be a wine tasting notes available, a person to pour and talk about the wines, and a chance to order them from Downtown Gifts & Crafts.

We're thinking that the meeting will be on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and that the club members will pick which of those (3) nights are preferred.

Space is limited to the first (20) people to sign up and make a committment. Monthly Credit Card billing can be arranged; however, 10% discount will be given to anyone that pays the full year in advance.

ChocoVine Cocktails (RECIPES)

Lady's Night: 2 oz Chocovine
1-1/4 oz Raspberry Liqueur

Midnight Rush: 2 oz Chocovine
1-1/4 oz Expresson Vodka

Mon Cheri: 2 oz Chocovine
1-1/4 oz Vanilla Vodka
1/4 Cherry Liqueur

Decadent: 1-1/2 oz Chocovine
1-1/4 Chocolate Vodka
1/2 oz Kahlua ... (This if for the real Chocolate Lover!)

Treasure Island: 1-1/2 oz ChocoVine
1-1/4 oz Coconut Rum
1/2 Banana Liqueur

Tired of Chocovine ... (not likely but just in case) ... The Horny Drink:
2 oz Chambord
2 oz of Malibu Rum
2 oz of Pineapple Juice

Maine Wine, Organic Wine, Kosher Wine

We have all Locally Made Maine Wine available for distribution here in lovely downtown AUGUSTA. We also have a very nice selection of KOSHER WINE, if you have the need. In addition, we have a nice selection of ORGANIC WINE, too!

Stop By Today!

Wine Close Outs

HOMARD White Merlot $13 less 20% ($10.40/bottle +T&D)
HOMARD White Zinfandel $13 less 20% ($10.40/bottle +T&D)
NIGHT HARVEST White Zinfandel $11 less 20% ($8.80/bottle +T&D)
BERRINGER White Zinfandel $8 less 20% ($6.40/bottle +T&D)
TERRA GENS Sangiovese $11 less 20% ($8.80/bottle +T&D)

may be more added to the list later

Spring Wine Tour Trip to Italy! Who wants to go?

I'm trying to plan a Spring Wine Tour Trip to ITALY! Estimated Cost is about $4000, includes air fare, lodging & meals ...

So who wants to go ... trying to figure out which wineries to visit as well as when to visit! So everything is in flux ... but it will be fun no matter what happens!

Paradise Music

We are now offering a new product line ... Musical Greeting Cards ...

The Greeting Card includes a CD with a nice musical selection. The Greeting Card becomes a keepsake as it is the CD holder for when the CD is not in use.

Great Idea and only $9.95 (+tax) available at Downtown Gifts & Crafts in lovely downtown Augusta!

September 2009 Wine Tasting Event

Downtown Gifts & Crafts wants to remind you that TONIGHT is the September Wine Tasting Event here at Downtown Gifts & Crafts in lovely downtown Augusta, Maine. 4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Email Address

downtowngifts@myfairpoint.net is no longer valid.

Please use downtowngifts@downtowngiftsmaine.com for email! Thanks!

Spring Wine Tour to Italy ???

I'm wondering if there is anyone out there that would be interested in going on a Wine Tour Trip to Italy in the Spring of 2010?

Looking for (12) to (15) people to travel to Italy for (7) to (10) days.

If there is enough interest ... I would see if we could actually visit some of the wineries that I already have here in the store, as well as other local wineries.

If enough people are sincerely interested ... I will work on further details, dates and possible itineraries!

Let me know!

Thursday, Again ...

It's Thirsty Thursday ... Time for some YUMMY WINES!

Chocovine is still in stock ... but don't know for how long ... Stock Up now While you Can!

Wine Tasting is NEXT Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Come and taste some Yummy Yummy Wines!

This coming Weekend is Labor Day Weekend ... Open on Saturday Until NOON! Closed Sunday & Monday ... Back Open on Tuesday. Normal Hours Tonight Until 7 p.m. and tomorrow until 6 p.m.!

Tanguay Back In Stock

Tanguay Blueberry & Tanguay Riesling are both back in stock!

ChocoVine Back In Stock NOW!

This is the current must have for all you fun loving Wine Enthusiasts ... If you have already tried it, then you know how GOOD IT IS! If you haven't, take a chance ... and give it a try!

ChocoVine is drinking a Chocolate Martini only it is WINE so I can sell it in my STORE. Instead of the $10 mixed drink at the local pub, try a bottle of ChocoVine Today!

It is very popular and going fast ... My next delivery will be in TWO weeks so Stock Up for Labor Day TODAY!

Back In Stock - TODAY

Croft Pink PORTO ... Great Summertime, Great Anytime!

Greener Planet (ORGANIC) - Red Blends
Tempranillo-Grenacha
Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz

St Urbans Kabinett Riesling

Tuesdays Comings & Goings

OUT OF STOCK:
Cellardoor Vineyard STONE TOWER (Dry Riesling) ... should be back in sometime next week!
Savage Oakes STERLINGTOWN
Honey Maker MEAD (Dry, Semi-Dry & Blueberry)


BACK IN STOCK:
Savage Oakes BARN RED (Maine Dry Red Wine)
Savage Oakes BLUE MOON (Maine Blueberry Wine)
Savage Oakes VINEYARD BLUES (Maine Grapes & Blueberries Blend)
Savage Oakes WHITE ROSE Wine

Sweetgrass Winery CRANBERRY SMASH
Sweetgrass Winery BLUEBERRY SMASH

Sweetgrass Winery BLEUJOLAIS
Sweetgrass Windery CARROLL APPLE
Sweetgrass Winery PEACH

Robertson's NATURAL SWEETS White & Red Wines

NEW TO STORE:
Savage Oakes BLUEBERRY Dessert wine ... very similar to Cellardoors' Maiden Cliff's ***
Sweetgrass Winery PEACH SMASH

DISCONTINUED & GONE
Cellardoor Maiden Cliff's Blueberry Desert - See NEW Wine Above!!! ***

Out of Stock

It's OFFICIAL Tanguay Blueberry is out of stock now ... and will be for at least ONE WEEK!

Watch this list for when it is back in stock!

Also out of Stock is the ChocoVine!

But we still have many other delicioius choices!

Captain Eli's Locally Brewed Soda Pop

Mixed Case Special is down to (4) Cases ... Get them while they last ... ONLY $1/bottle (+T&D) for a mixed case of (6) 4-Packs ... assorted flavors.

Comings & Goings

ChocoVine sold out until NEXT WEEK ... should have more in NEXT Wednesday ... Chocolate Wine that tastes just like a Chocolate Martini! WoW! Reserve yours today.

BACK IN STOCK:
Pampano
Passitivio Primitivo
Clean Slate Riesling (as served at SLATES RESTAURANT)
Bully Hill White
Bully Hill Red
St Urbans Riesling
Croft Pink Porto
Pacific Rim Riesling

Friday's Suprise Special

Captain Eli's is On Sale, while supplies last!

Buy it by the CASE (24 bottles) for ONLY $1/bottle (+T&D)

Ginger Beer
Rootbeer
Blueberry
Orange
Strawberry
Lemon-Lime
Parrot Punch

Mystery Wine Tasting TONIGHT

We are going to have some fabulous wines tonight ... Official Hours are from 4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. but Wine Tasting can start as early as 3:00 p.m. so feel free to come by earlier.

Cheers!

Sunny Mondays

There is something about Sunny Mondays that just puts me in a good mood; eventhough I must come to work! :-)

Anyway, please remember that we are having our MYSTERY WINE TASTING this THURSDAY on the 13th from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

I hope that you can stop by!

Cheers!

Time & Again Secret Summer Sale

Buy (1) Time & Again Product & Save 10%
Buy (2) Time & Again Products & Save 20%
Buy (3) or more Time & Again Products & Save 30%

Excludes Time & Again Green Tea Line & is limited to In Store Stock Only

It's Friday! It's Tanguay!

Jerry Tanguay of Tanguay & Son's Winery (of Lewiston, Maine) has just brought in more Tanguay Blueberry Wine as well as his Vino Roso & Merlot.

Back in Stock:
Tanguay Blueberry
Tanguay Vino Roso
Tanguay Merlot

But I must warn you that Tanguay Blueberry is likely to be out of stock the last 2 weeks of August ... so if you're planning on having it for something special ... please plan ahead.

More Comings & Goings ...

New Wines!
Mirassou Cabernet Sauvignon
Mirassou Chardonnay
Mirassou Pinot Noir

Each ONLY $11/bottle (+T&D)

New Store Close Outs
HOMARD White Zinfandel $13 reduced to $11
HOMARD White Merlot $13 reduced to $11
Beringer White Merlot $8 reduced to $6
Night Harvest White Zinfandel $11 reduced to $8

Wine ... Comings & Goings ...

Back in Stock ...

C'est La Vie ...
Mad Housewife ...
Monte Antico

Close Out ... Harvey's Fino ONLY $10

Sold Out ... until Friday ... Tanguay Blueberry & Tanguay Vino Roso

Drawings ... Raffles ... Important

FREE DRAWING ... just for stoping in ... you can put in your name to win a $25.00 Gift Certificate to use at CLUB OTR (food only). One Drawing Each Wednesday ... for the rest of the Summer!

Free Entry for a LUNCH BUFFET for TWO at Lucky Gardens ... when you buy a CASE of WINE or a CASE of Captain Eli's. Winner will be drawn at the September Wine Tasting Event at 7 p.m. on 10th September 2009.

Raffle Tickets on Sale for $1.00 for a Complete Set of Wine Tasting Glasses from 2009. Winner will be drawn at the December Wine Tasting Event at 7 p.m. on 10th December 2009.

2009-08-03 Happy August 2009!

Back In Stock:
LOCALLY MADE => Cellardoor Winery Sweetheart; Cellardoor Ned Said “Red”; Cellardoor Queen Anne’s Lace

NEW TO STORE
Cellardoor Winery Stone Tower (an almost dry Riesling)

Close Outs
Terra Gens Sangiovese from $11 CLOSING OUT at $8/each …
Vintner’s Wine Cellar of Portland $14 CLOSING OUT at $10/each

Captain Eli’s LOCALLY MADE “pop” Only $1.75 each or $5.25 for a (4) pack.
Bluberry
Ginger
Orange
Lemon-Lime
Parrot Punch
Strawberry
Rootbeer

NEXT WINE TASTING 13th August 2009 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Friday Afternoon

I'm sitting here listening to Paul Sullivan's "My Irish Soul" ... it certainly fits in with the weather we have been having here lately.

I've spent the better part of the week working on cleaning up the website links on my webpage ... and now I just have to try to figure out store hours ... and if I want to make any changes to them. So if anyone wants to send me some feedback, I'm listening.

So what do you think of the updates to the website or did you even notice?

Wine Updates: Close Outs are going fast ... but I do still have some Sangiovese for $8/bottle

Monthly Tea Club: Don't forget to sign up for the Monthly Tea Club - only $10/month for (4) different samples each month.

Have a great Friday!