Winobee:Tailgating Wines

Broke, Flush, Loaded: Tailgating Edition

When cheering on my favorite football team (go Hokies!) I often find myself playing the role of a simple “beer n’ wings” kind of girl. But as I’m find my affinity for wine growing more intense, the places I crave a good wine are not what we all would consider common… sort of like at tailgates.

Now, beer and football go together like, well, beer and football. But sometimes making a sporting event more exciting could mean trading in a few more traditional items on your party menu.

 Wanna be #1? This week on “Broke, Flush, Loaded” we’re challenging you to sack the brewskies and pass the vino during your tailgating season.

Korbel Mini

Many tailgates kick off pretty early in the day, and if you’re not ready to go full throttle at the starting line then snagging a nice bubbly is a good way to start the day on a slower track. This Korbel Brut Champagne from California offers an individualized serving so you don’t have to feel obligated to share or sip at someone else’s pace. Plus the crisp finish and blend of citrus and pear accents make it a perfect mixer with a little OJ for a refreshing morning winetail.

Cost: $3.99/bottle

Where To Buy: Wine.com

SOFIA by Coppola Wines

Aesthetically, you may say Sofia is more of a woman’s drink (although at our family tailgates real men drink pink). These petite-sized pink cans offer a revolutionary design that are easily party portable making it the ultimate selection for replacing standard canned beers and energy drinks as your tailgating bevy of choice.

Once you get over the fact that you’re sipping your favorite libation from a can, you’ll become enraptured in the fresh, aromatic blends of Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat varietals. Its perfectly effervescent with rose fragrances and bold summer fruit flavors, particularly notes of raspberry that will compliment many of the finger foods you’ll likely have present at your tailgate.

Cost: $12.99/4-pack

Where To Buy: Wine.com

Duca Del Frassino – Pinot Noir/Merlot Blend

I admit, I was just as apprehensive as most of you probably are right

now reading this. After all, boxed wines (until recently) ruined many of our relationships with wine (c’mon, who didn’t have a bad Franzia experience in college once or twice? My old roommates are not allowed to comment on that!)

But this premium Italian red wine is the epitome of value, especially when you’re hosting a larger-sized tailgate. At just $19.99 a box, you’ll get roughly 20 glasses worth of wine – that’s $1 per glass without compromising quality.

This wine opens with aromatic red fruit aromas and flavors, including cherry, raspberry and strawberry. On the finish you’ll witness some spicier notes of cinnamon and vanilla, which makes this wine a perfect option to stand up to meatier dishes at your tailgate. Try sipping alongside wings, burgers or hot dogs.

Cost: $19.99

Where To Buy: Local grocers, like Shoprite and Safeway