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Philly Foodies: This Spring Find the Best Wines at the Best Prices, revealed by Sommelier Jaime Smith

This Spring Find the Best Wines at the Best Prices, revealed by Sommelier Jaime Smith

With the coming of spring and the equinox, we start a time of renewal in nature, particularly in the northern hemisphere as the vineyards start to bud and come alive with energy. As the weather starts to warm and the plants wake up from a nice winter snooze, it’s time to think about what the last few years harvests have given us (as far as bottled wine).

With this warming, we still have cool if not cold nights, so when thinking about choosing wines for this new season, we have few limits.

We can celebrate in the day with sparklers and fade into the evening with a heartier red to keep you toasty.

These wines were chosen for QPR (quality to price ratio) as this is the single best determinate that defines well made wines. A good way to think about this is that if you have the means to drink a bottle daily, sub $20 is a sweet spot.

If you prefer one better bottle a week for a nice dinner on the weekend, perhaps $35 is a nice option; a very special bottle shouldn’t cost more than $75 (ever) in a store.

Not to give away the game but generally at wholesale if a bottle costs, for terms of simplicity, $10, in a store it would be 35% on top of that; on a shelf to you for ~ $14.

The markup for a restaurant is generally 300-400%, as they have many operating costs inlaid.

If anyone ever tells you they understand how bottles of wine are priced, they are lying.

These 15 wines represent some of the tastiness that is the exciting wine market right now. The wine will include both domestic and international selections and depending on where you live, will dictate the availability of each; the internet is the great leveler of the field!

For ease of choice to match both your moos and temperature needs, we split these up into a few categories. Mix and match!

Sparkling Springtime Wines

 

Sparkling wines are an everyday pleasure, from Pet-nats to traditional Champagne, the category is wide open, exciting and affordable.

Kobal, Bajta, Blaufrankisch, Natural Sparkling Rosé, Slovenia

Kobal, Bajta, Blaufrankisch, Natural Sparkling Rosé, Slovenia

Kobal, Bajta, Blaufrankisch, Natural Sparkling Rosé, Slovenia $22

Absolutely one of the most fun and tasty and colorful sparklers out there, the wine nerds and G-Ma would both drink this.

Buy Kobal, Bajta, Blaufrankisch, Natural Sparkling Rosé here

Alfredo Bertolani, Lambrusco, Rose Emilia-Romagna

Alfredo Bertolani, Lambrusco, Rose Emilia-Romagna

Alfredo Bertolani, Lambrusco, Rose Emilia-Romagna , Italy $14

Don’t buy this if you want that sweet & heavy sparkling red, this is another level, fully dry and zippy.

Buy Alfredo Bertolani, Lambrusco, Rose Emilia-Romagna here

Le Vigne di Alice, Tajad, Prosecco, Italy

Le Vigne di Alice, Tajad, Prosecco, Italy

Le Vigne di Alice, Tajad, Prosecco, Italy, $18

Hands down one of the best dry Prosecco’s made.

Buy Le Vigne di Alice here.

1+1=3 , Cava, Brut, Spain

1+1=3 , Cava, Brut, Spain

1+1=3 , Cava, Brut, Spain $15

Traditional Cava , off – dry, not fruity and solid QPR.

Buy 1+1+3 Cava here.

FRESNE-DUCRET, LES NOUVEAUX EXPLORATEURS, Champagne, France $41

FRESNE-DUCRET, LES NOUVEAUX EXPLORATEURS, Champagne

FRESNE-DUCRET, LES NOUVEAUX EXPLORATEURS, Champagne

A Champagne for this price that destroys all the big names in this category.

Buy Fresne-Ducret here

 

White wines for Springtime

 

White wines: light to heavy and joyous to accompany the new season!

2020 SELBACH 'INCLINE' RIESLING QUALITÄTSWEIN, MOSEL

2020 SELBACH ‘INCLINE’ RIESLING QUALITÄTSWEIN, MOSEL, GERMANY $17
Pure Riesling essence, a touch fruity, green apple crunchy!

Buy Selbach ‘Incline’ Riesling here

 

ARNEIS, COLLINA SAN PONZIO Roero , Piedmont, Italy $14
Clean, fresh, apple and fennel , zippy minerals, perfect.

Buy Arneis Collina San Ponzio here

Collina San Ponzio 2021 Roero Arneis

Collina San Ponzio 2021 Roero Arneis

Dog Point Vineyard, Sauvignon Blanc , New Zealand $20
Find a better savvie , you won’t!

Dog Point Vineyard, Sauvignon Blanc , New Zealand

 

Buy Dog Point Vineyard’s Sauvignon Blanc here

 

 

Scar of the Sea x Dedalus, Central Coast, Chardonnay, California $30
New school, rich and complex, no butter in sight.

Scar of the Sea x Dedalus, Central Coast, Chardonnay

Scar of the Sea x Dedalus, Central Coast, Chardonnay

Buy Scar of the Sea x Dedalus here

GRENACHE BLANC, COTES-DU-RHONE, DOM DE LA SOLITUDE, France $16

Deep and rich, a heavier wine with texture for days.

GRENACHE BLANC, COTES-DU-RHONE, DOM DE LA SOLITUDE

GRENACHE BLANC, COTES-DU-RHONE, DOM DE LA SOLITUDE

Buy Grenache Blanc Dom De La Solitude here

 

Red Wines for Springtime

 

Red Wines: lighter to heavier again, dealers choice.

Matilda Nieves, Mencia, Ribeira Sacra, Spain $18
Light , zippy, Smokey , perfect for a warm night.

Matilda Nieves, Mencia, Ribeira Sacra, Spain

Matilda Nieves, Mencia, Ribeira Sacra, Spain

Buy Matilda Nieves, Mencia, Ribeira Sacra here

Lieu Dit,  Gamay , Santa Maria, California $25
Step outside of Beaujolais and see what the cool kids are drinking from Cali.

Lieu Dit,  Gamay , Santa Maria, California

Lieu Dit,  Gamay , Santa Maria, California

Buy Lieu Dit,  Gamay here

 

CLAUDIO QUARTA VIGNAIOLO, Aglianico, Irpinia, Italy $16
Medium bodied, dense black fruits, Smokey, meaty, lovely.

CLAUDIO QUARTA VIGNAIOLO, Aglianico, Irpinia, Italy

CLAUDIO QUARTA VIGNAIOLO, Aglianico, Irpinia, Italy

Buy CLAUDIO QUARTA VIGNAIOLO, Aglianico here

 

BORDEAUX, CH LANDES, LUSSAC-ST-EMILION, France $25
A classic claret!

Buy Bordeaux, Chateau Landes Emilion here

BORDEAUX, CH LANDES, LUSSAC-ST-EMILION

BORDEAUX, CH LANDES, LUSSAC-ST-EMILION

COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES-SAINT GERVAIS, ROUVIERES, MOURVEDRE/SYRAH, France $18

Full bodied, spiced, herbed, a rich bowl of black fruits.

Cotes-du-Rhone-Villages Saint-Gervais “Les Rouvieres

Cotes-du-Rhone-Villages Saint-Gervais “Les Rouvieres

Buy Cotes Dr Rhone Villages-Saint Gervais Rouvieres here

About Sommelier Jaime Smith

Sommelier Jaime Smith

Sommelier Jaime Smith

a drone in the Sommelier Brain Collective.  Jaime Smith loves wine. He’s currently in DC causing havoc.

 

 

 

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Is This the Dominican Ozama Rum Philly Didn’t Know It Needed? Big Papi Thinks So.

Is This the Dominican Ozama Rum Philly Didn’t Know It Needed? Big Papi Thinks So.

In a region that prides itself on loyalty, grit, and a good pour, Hall-of-Fame baseball legend David Ortiz—yes, “Big Papi” himself—is making a bold new play far from Fenway Park. But this time, it’s not with a bat. It’s with a bottle.

Ortiz has just launched Ozama Rum, a 100% Dominican-made, ultra-premium spirit that’s already raising eyebrows (and glasses) from Swarthmore to Chesterbrook. And while Philadelphia is famously a whiskey-and-beer town at heart, this rum is built to challenge your expectations—and maybe even your liquor shelf.

David Ortiz Dominican Ozama Rum

“To me, Ozama isn’t just about rum, it’s about identity, pride, and progress,” Ortiz says. “I wanted to build something that celebrates the energy and soul of my people and shows the world what we’re made of. It’s always been important for me to do things the right way, which is why this labor of love has been one of the most rewarding projects of my career. I can’t wait for people to try it! They say that perfection doesn’t exist, but you can get close to it.”

From Santo Domingo to the Schuylkill: Ozama Rum Arrives

Named after the Ozama River in Ortiz’s hometown of Santo Domingo, Ozama Rum is a full-circle project for the former MLB star. Every drop is born, aged, and bottled in the Dominican Republic—from fresh-pressed sugarcane to oak barrel aging (for a minimum of one year), with no shortcuts or outsourcing. It proudly carries the Ron Dominicano denominación de origen, certifying it as a true product of the island.

This isn’t the kind of celebrity-branded spirit you buy once and forget. It’s built for drinkers who care about craftsmanship, story, and serious flavor.

Ozama launches with three distinct expressions, each one capturing a different note in the Dominican rum legacy:

  • Ozama Blanco: Bright and crisp with citrus and a whisper of white pepper. Ideal for daiquiris, mojitos, or sipping neat in your backyard in Penn Wynne.

  • Ozama Añejo: A rich, copper-toned rum with hints of chocolate, toffee, and warm spice. Smooth enough to replace your bourbon in an Old Fashioned.

  • Ozama Gran Añejo: Silky and deep with notes of dates, raisins, honey, and fine wood. The kind of pour that deserves your best glass and a quiet evening.

With prices between $25 and $40 for a 700ml bottle, Ozama is positioned as an accessible indulgence—whether you’re picking it up from a premium bottle shop in Center City or mixing cocktails at a family cookout in Chesterbrook.

Rum’s Renaissance—and Philly’s Perfect Timing

According to Global View Research, the global rum market hit $11.77 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow by over 5.6% annually through 2030. Craft rum, in particular, is rising as consumers turn to artisanal, culturally rooted spirits. That’s good news for Philly, where diverse culinary traditions meet a growing appetite for unique, quality liquor—especially from Black- and Latinx-owned brands.

Ozama Rum fits the moment. And Ortiz isn’t just a face on the label. He worked closely with Dominican distillers and Abbott Wolfe, CEO of Drink2Success, to ensure the product had integrity, vision, and real impact.

“From day one, David had a clear vision to create an ultra-premium rum that feels authentic, vibrant, and undeniably Dominican—it was important to him to spotlight the Dominican Republic and at the same time give back to the community that raised him,” Wolfe said.

A Spirit That Gives Back

Beyond its refined flavor, Ozama carries a mission. Two percent of its profits will be directed to cleanup efforts around the Ozama River and to community-building projects in the Dominican Republic. It’s the kind of built-in social impact that resonates with Philly’s values-driven drinkers—especially younger generations.

Where to Try Ozama Rum in Philadelphia

Ozama is available now at drinkozama.com and is beginning to roll out in select stores and venues in the Northeast—including Pennsylvania. While you may not see it on every bar in Old City just yet, insiders say local mixologists are already experimenting with it behind the scenes.

Expect to see Ozama popping up at Latin-inspired restaurants in South Philly, rooftop lounges in Rittenhouse, and maybe even your next tailgate in FDR Park.

Final Thoughts: Philly’s Rum Moment Starts Here

Ozama Rum isn’t trying to be flashy. It’s not a gimmick. It’s a high-quality, hand-crafted, heritage-driven spirit with a story as deep as its flavor—and Big Papi’s passion is in every bottle.

“They say that perfection doesn’t exist,” Ortiz says. “But you can get close to it.”

In Philly, where we respect heart, hustle, and something with real roots? That might be close enough.


Would you like to add a sidebar with cocktail recipes or recommendations for where Ozama might pair best with Philly cuisine?

WWE and Seagram Escape Spiked Just Tag Teamed on a Boozy Banger—and Philly’s First in Line to Crack It Open

WWE and Seagram Escape Spiked Just Tag Teamed on a Boozy Banger—and Philly’s First in Line to Crack It Open

Wrestling and beer. If there’s a better pairing for the City of Brotherly Love, we haven’t found it yet.

In a move that’s got South Philly popping and the Northeast buzzing, WWE has officially entered the beverage ring with its first-ever ready-to-drink alcoholic product, and they’re doing it with flavor-forward heavyweight Seagram’s Escapes Spiked. The two icons just dropped a multi-year partnership, and the new WWE-branded drinks are already hitting shelves all over Philly.

Whether you’re grabbing a cold one for a backyard wrestling watch party in Fishtown, tailgating before a WWE Live event at the Wells Fargo Center, or just stocking the fridge at your neighborhood deli, the new Seagram’s Escapes Spiked WWE Series is made to hit like a chair shot—and go down smoother than a Stone Cold stunner.

Philly’s Wrestling Legacy Meets Its New Favorite Drink

Let’s not forget—Philadelphia is wrestling royalty. This city gave us ECW. We’ve packed the Spectrum, sold out the Wells Fargo Center, and brought serious heat to WWE, AEW, and every indie fed that’s dared to step between the ropes. So it’s only fitting that Philly gets to be one of the first cities to crack open WWE’s newest creation.

Seagram’s has a rich history of innovation and a deep commitment to authenticity, making it the ideal partner to go to market with our first-ever licensed ready-to-drink product,” said Grant Norris-Jones, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Partnerships for TKO Group Holdings, WWE’s parent company. “Philly fans bring unmatched passion—and we wanted to bring this launch to cities that know how to show up.”

Show up? This is Philly. We throw snowballs at Santa. We boo our own draft picks. And we’ve been showing up loud for wrestling for decades.

The Flavor Card: A Main Event Lineup

Seagram’s Escapes Spiked WWE Series debuts with three bold, bodyslam-worthy flavors that were clearly designed with Philly’s taste buds in mind. This isn’t your average backyard seltzer. These are full-flavored malt beverages, and they’re coming in hot:

  • Rumble Punch™ – A remix of the classic Jamaican Me Happy, this flavor brings strawberry, watermelon, lemon, and guava together in one tropical haymaker. It’s the kind of drink you’d sip while screaming “E-C-Dub!” in a backyard kiddie pool in Kensington.

  • Pineapple Powerhouse™ – With juicy pineapple, cherry, and lime, this flavor feels like the afterparty to a surprise cash-in—sweet, citrusy, and absolutely electric. Perfect for rooftop parties in Northern Liberties or tailgates at the Linc.

  • Slammin’ Blueberry™ – A tag-team blend of blueberry and lemon that hits crisp and clean, made for easy drinking during a hot August night watching SummerSlam.

Each flavor is 8% ABV, unapologetically bold, and available now in Philly-area retailers, from Center City liquor shops to corner delis in South Philly.

Superstars, Stores, and Citywide Showdowns

This isn’t just about cans on shelves. As part of the partnership, Seagram’s Spiked is now an Official Partner of WWE, meaning you’ll see the brand front and center during Premium Live Events like Money in the Bank® (June 7), SummerSlam®, and Survivor Series®.

Expect enhanced match sponsorships, custom digital content featuring your favorite WWE Superstars, and yes—in-person appearances from Superstars right here in Philly.

Imagine bumping into a former champ at your local Acme or grabbing a selfie with a WWE Superstar at your favorite beer distributor in the Northeast. It’s all on the table.

“Our collaboration with WWE marks an exciting moment for Seagram’s Spiked as we connect with WWE’s global audience—and Philly’s local fans who bring energy like nowhere else,” said Jaime Polisoto, brand director of Seagram’s Escapes. “Our sales team is thrilled to bring the excitement of WWE into Philadelphia’s stores and create unforgettable fan experiences.”

It’s Not Just a Drink. It’s a Pop.

Philly doesn’t do subtle. We do flavor. We do passion. And we do loyalty. That’s why this partnership works—it’s for fans who know every chant, who still talk about the time The Rock came through South Street, and who treat every PLE like it’s WrestleMania at the Vet.

So whether you’re cracking open a can after a shift in Brewerytown, posting up with friends in Fairmount, or pregaming in your Rhawnhurst backyard with your Bluetooth speaker on full blast, the WWE x Seagram’s Spiked Series is your new go-to.

It’s bold. It’s loud. It’s Philly.

And it just tagged in.

Taraji P. Henson’s Seven Daughters Moscato Sets Sail with Princess Cruises — and Philly’s Invited to the Party

Taraji P. Henson’s Seven Daughters Moscato Sets Sail with Princess Cruises — and Philly’s Invited to the Party

Taraji P. Henson is serving up more than fierce roles and red-carpet moments—now she’s pouring the perfect glass of Moscato, and she wants Philly to come sip it at sea.

That’s right, the award-winning actress, entrepreneur, and all-around queen just teamed up with Princess Cruises to bring her Seven Daughters Moscato to their Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection. And while she may be Hollywood royalty, Taraji’s wine is all heart—sweet, vibrant, and a whole lot of fun. Sound familiar, Philly?

“Seven Daughters is more than just a bottle of wine; it’s a celebration in a glass,” said Henson. “Our Moscato is inviting, refreshing, and perfect for moments of connection which is what makes this partnership with Princess Cruises so amazing. Now we can experience this feeling with people from around the world, whether they’re toasting under the stars or relaxing on the open sea.”

Let’s be real—after dodging potholes on Broad Street, waiting too long for your Wawa order, and sitting through another frustrating season of Philly sports (we still love you, Birds), you deserve a drink. And not just any drink—a crisp, lightly sweet Moscato with notes of tropical fruit and honeysuckle, made to help you unwind like you actually took a vacation day.

Princess Cruises knows a good thing when they taste it. “Princess Cruises is committed to curating distinctive, high-quality experiences for our guests, and Seven Daughters aligns seamlessly with that vision,” said Sami Kohen, VP of Food and Beverage. “Taraji’s Moscato reflects a bold yet approachable style that we know our guests will love.”

Translation? This wine’s got the same attitude as a Philly native in line at Reading Terminal: real, bold, and a little bit sweet when it counts.

And don’t worry, Taraji isn’t rolling solo in this celebrity liquor squad. Her Seven Daughters joins a star-studded bar cart featuring Jason Momoa (yes, Aquaman) and Blaine Halvorson’s Meili Vodka, Camila and Matthew McConaughey’s Pantalones Organic Tequila, Blake Lively’s Betty Booze and Buzz, Liev Schreiber’s Sláinte Irish Whiskey, Jason Aldean’s Melarosa wines, Romero Britto’s Love Prosecco, and Kylie Minogue’s No Alcohol Sparkling Rosé.

Still, let’s keep it 100—none of them bring the same heat as Taraji. She’s got grit, glamour, and a wine that says, “let’s dance on the deck and then eat something greasy at midnight.”

And Philly folks? You don’t have to fly across the country to get in on the action. Princess Cruises offers sailings from nearby ports like Brooklyn and Baltimore, so you can trade I-95 traffic for ocean views real quick. Book a weekend cruise and suddenly, you’re sipping Seven Daughters while someone else does the cooking. Imagine that.

So whether you’re a Center City cocktail snob, a Fishtown foodie, or just someone who appreciates a damn good glass of wine, Taraji’s got you. This isn’t just a celebrity brand slapped on a bottle. It’s a whole vibe. A celebration. And a reminder that every Philly girl (and guy) deserves to be treated like royalty—preferably with a Moscato in hand, looking out over the ocean.

Catch you on the ship. And don’t forget to raise a glass to Taraji when you do.

For more on the Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection, head to www.princess.com.

About the Author
Joe Wehinger (nicknamed Joe Winger) has written for over 20 years about the business of lifestyle and entertainment. Joe is an entertainment producer, media entrepreneur, public speaker, and C-level consultant who owns businesses in entertainment, lifestyle, tourism and publishing. He is an award-winning filmmaker, published author, member of the Directors Guild of America, International Food Travel Wine Authors Association, WSET Level 2 Wine student, WSET Level 2 Cocktail student, member of the LA Wine Writers. Email to: Joe@FlavRReport.com

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