Aug 13, 2022

Storied & Scandalous Charleston

"Charlestonians are devoted to debauchery and probably

carry it to a greater length than any other people.”-Josiah Quincy

We've all heard it before: Charleston is a drinking town with a History problem. This week we'll be treated with a bit of both! From 5 until 7 on Wednesday, we'll be holding our normal weekly Tasting. But in addition to that, starting a little early at 4 and going a little late until 9, we're going to have Storyteller Leigh Jones Handal in house doing a reading and signing of her just released new book, Storied & Scandalous Charleston, a narrative chronicling tales of Charleston's ancient codes of honor, piracy, rebellion, wayward women and the Merry Monarch from who our city gets its name.

Mrs. Handal, a South Carolina native and graduate of the College of Charleston, is and has been an avid student of Lowcountry history for all of her life. She owns her own tour guide company, Charleston Raconteurs, and has been a licensed city tour guide for over two decades. Her previous book, Lost Charleston, also highlights our beloved holy city in which the greatest architectural and cultural losses of Charleston are documented in chronological order from 1861 thru 2018.

Coinciding with this super-sized Tasting event, this week has two appropriate holidays. Tuesday the 16th is National Rum Day, and given Charleston's long history with the Caribbean Islands and piracy, we thought it fitting to hold this soiree so close to the day celebrating yo-ho-ho and a national rum day! Holiday two hits a bit closer to home as far as our Tasting goes. Thursday the 18th is Pinot Noir Day. In honor of such an illustrious observance, we'll be pouring two Pinot Noirs during the tasting. A side-by-each face off between Willamette Valley's Sokol Blosser Redland Cuvée and Sokol Blosser's Evolution. The Redland Cuvée is the winery's flagship, while the Evolution is a fan favorite around here at the Shop. Let's see which comes out on top!

To pair with the historical aspect of the evening, we'll be enjoying a Soave Classico by Pieropan. Now on their 4th generation of winemakers, this family was the first to bottle Soave. Made from 100% Garganega, the wine in named after the medieval town of Soave.

And of course, a book launching is a pretty big deal. To commemorate such a successful endeavor, we'll be toasting with some Champagne. Yes, Champagne Champagne. And it'll be in the form of Piper Heidsieck Champagne Brut Cuvée, a favorite of not only ours but also of the late Marilyn Monroe.

Pen in hand and a stack of books ready to sign, Mrs. Handal will be selling her book and autographing them for that personalized touch! We'll be pouring some great stuff in your glass! From 5 through 7, Justin George with Breakthru Beverage will be keeping those glasses full. But we encourage you to stick around and socialize after the Tasting is over. Buy a bottle to enjoy with some friends or purchase a glass or two as Mrs. Handal scribbles you a message in her book. We'll be keeping our doors open til 9.

Come on out this week for some great wine, tall tales, scandals and a front row seat with the author to tell you all about them!

See you there!

Salud,

The Wine Shop Team

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