wine

Cheers to Life’s Celebrations

| kristencastillo

Whether you’re celebrating the big game or an upcoming event like a wedding, this is a pretty cool way to toast the special occasion.

Thanks Sans Wine Co. for sending me these wines to sample. #gifted

These stylish canned wines are convenient, tasty and available in choices like Rosé Bubbles and Carbonic Carignan.

They’re sans additives, sans chemicals, naturally crafted, old vine and vegan-certified.

The wines are the passion of husband and wife team, Jake Stover & Gina Schober. Cheers to all the big days ahead!

Cheers to Thanksgiving!

| kristencastillo

Setting the table for Thanksgiving is always so much fun. On the table this holiday: these two sparkling wines from Alsatian winery, Dopff & Irion.

They’re made from different grapes, like Pinot Blanc and Pinot Auxerrois, in a traditional champagne method. These well-balanced sparkling wines have fine and lasting bubbles.

IMG_2429

The Brut Blanc de Blancs NV, is ideal for dinner and even dessert. It’s light and bubbly with green apple or lemon aromas. The Brut Rosé NV, suited for cocktails, has a red berry fruit taste.

Thanks to Dopff & Irion for sending me these wines to try! I’m looking forward to sharing them with my guests this holiday. Happy Thanksgiving!

Mix.Mingle.Schmooze

| kristencastillo

I recently attended the “Mix.Mingle.Schmooze” magazine release party for San Diego Style Weddings – the wedding magazine for which I’m the editor.

img_6004
The latest issue of San Diego Style Weddings.

The party, held at Mission Brewery, featured great food, beer and wine, and of course wedding inspiration.

fullsizerenderfullsizerender

Another awesome party hosted by San Diego Style Weddings’ publisher Dena Nolen-Malasek.

SDSW party pic.jpg
Posing with SDSW’s publisher, Dena-Nolen Malasek. Photo credit: Paul Barnett Photography.

Some of the highlights included:

  • The amazing paper flower backdrop created by Esmeralda Luxury Paper Flowers. What a colorful backdrop for photos!
  • I’m a sucker for photo booths and Captured Photos Booths didn’t disappoint!

fullsizerender_2

  • Yummy milk and cookies from the Cravory. I especially liked the chocolate truffle and lemon bar cookies.

  • Comfy and stylish seating from Lounge Appeal
  • The “Idaho Nachos” (create your own potato ship nachos) from caterer Feast on This were great – a perfect late night snack at any wedding or event.
  • Cool caricature drawings from Caricatures by Dave.

img_6040
Caricatures by Dave

fullsizerender_1

With my husband – does the caricature match us?   Photo credit: Eisenhower Photography

  • Tasty mini donuts and deep fried Oreos from Sensational Treats.

  • Pretty floral arrangements from local florists like Studio Flourish and Haydee’s Creative Flowers.

 

Fun fact: Mission Brewery is located inside a former Wonder Bread factory in downtown San Diego. The building has lots of open space, exposed brick and great city views.

img_6018

Check out the latest issue of San Diego Style Weddings online and in local stores.

 

Photos are my own, unless noted.

A Sweet Treat for Wine Enthusiasts!

| kristencastillo

Here’s a refreshing way to celebrate a wedding! Make your own “winesicles,” an adults-only frozen treat made with wine.

The recipe, courtesy of Santa Margherita is below:

Ingredients

  • Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore
  • Edible Flowers

Instructions

  • Place 3-5 edible flowers in each popsicle mold.
  • Fill popsicle molds with Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore
  • Freeze 4-6 hours, or until completely solid.
  • Once frozen, remove from mold and garnish popsicle stick with ribbon.

Elderflower & Edible Flower Popsicles
Elderflower & Edible Flower Popsicles, photo: SantaMargherita.com