Our Spanish and Portuguese Expert’s Wine Roundup

One of my favorite things about the Iberian Peninsula is that there is always something new to be discovered. I have been on my wine journey for a long time, and I am still always finding new things on this peninsula—and it is my job to know these things! Sometimes it is a region: a place where grapes have been grown for centuries but maybe is too isolated or too small to have rated as an appellation—that is until the world finds out the exceptional wine that is being made there. Sometimes it is the reimagining of variety or a style. And I always love discovering new grape varieties. There are so many great wines out there it is all too easy to overlook the off the beaten path wines. But I’m here today to bring you a few to discover on your own wine journey.

Spanish Sparkling Wine Picks by Our SF Bubbly Expert

There are several great things about the sparkling wines of Spain. My very favorite is the ratio of quality to value. You can get some excellent wines of superior quality for under $40. I had the opportunity, care of K&L Spanish & Portuguese Wine Buyer Kirk Walker, to taste quite a few of these on Valentine’s Day eve. I am familiar with some of them while others are brand new to me.

Look to Spain's Galicia Region for Exciting White Wines

The most important wine region in Spain’s Galicia area is Rias Baixas. What is interesting is that it is better known for Albariño than even by its own name. I am as guilty as the next person for this, as I rarely ask someone if they like the wines from Rias Baixas; rather I ask if they like Albariño. I think that Albariño is one of the most exciting white grape varieties in the world. Here is a selection of some delicious Albariños currently on our shelves, all comfortably under $30. These are definitely worth checking out for any white wine drinker!

Hermanos Hernáiz: “Charming and Serious” Rioja from a Special Vineyard

Last year we started our relationship with the Hernaiz brothers. I am enamored with their wines. They do two of the most important things a wine can do: The first and foremost, their wines are delicious. It is a treat to drink their wines. Secondly, their wines tell a story. That is something that not all wines need to do, but for me these wines perfectly capture Rioja, the deep history of the region, and how it is trying to move forward.

Valentine’s Day Is for Wine Lovers

The history of Valentine’s Day is as long as it is ambiguous. Whether you believe it’s rooted in the ancient Roman fertility festival called Lupercalia; the Christian Saint Valentine who performed marriages in secret; or Cupid, the Greek god of love, the idea is the same: it’s a holiday where we get to celebrate our loved ones. And in our book, that means to wine and dine them—whether its your gal pals for Galentine’s Day or your sweetheart.

In-Stock Champagne Highlights

As a long-time lover of this historic wine, I’m excited to share with you some of the finest and most unique Champagnes we’ve discovered recently as well as sharing a few highlights as I reminisce on 2024. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of Champagne, I’ve handpicked some exceptional bottles and offers that I think you'll absolutely love. Cheers to great bubbles and even better moments ahead!

My New Favorite Collectible: K&L Keywords

Every single day, we’re on an endless treasure hunt at K&L, scouring for the next jaw-dropping collectible to share with you. The thrill of discovery never gets old, and luckily for you, we’ve got one of the most customized e-mail platforms around to keep you in the loop. Seriously, it’s like your own personal shopper on autopilot. All you have to do is log in to your account, select your interests, decide how many emails you want to receive per month (a little or a lot, totally your call), and voilà—you’re set.

Bullish on the World of Fine Wine and Spirits

While the fine wine and spirits industry is experiencing some turbulent times, I find myself still enamored with the products, culture, and people who make this one of the most exiting businesses in the world. The joy I get from pulling corks is not going away, and, while everybody is fretting over trying to mobilize the next generation of collectors, I firmly believe that there’s a significant and not-to-be-missed trend towards better and more accessible products that will be the great leveler.

Holiday Buying Guide: Our Top Picks for the Season

The K&L Holiday Wine Buying Guide is your ultimate resource for selecting the perfect wines to elevate your holiday celebrations. Whether you're searching for the ideal bottle to pair with festive meals, a special gift for a wine lover, or simply a standout wine to enjoy with loved ones, our curated guide offers expert recommendations across all price points and styles. From rich reds and elegant whites to sparkling wines and rare finds, our team of experienced sommeliers and wine buyers has handpicked a selection that embodies the spirit of the season, ensuring your holiday table is stocked with exceptional wines. Let us help you make this holiday season even more memorable with the perfect bottle for every occasion!

A Few of Our Favorite Things from the Domestic Wine Aisle

For the Holiday Buying Guide this year I decided to take a leaf out of Oprah’s book and present a few of my favorite things! As the Domestic Wine Buyer for K&L, I taste many thousands of wines a year: from high-end luxury cult Cabs to delicious everyday drinkers at $9.95; from solid, dependable, consistent old favorites, to the newest, most esoteric, experimental wines from folks trying something creative to get a start. My role as the buyer here is often not just to assess the quality and value presented by a certain wine, but to match it with a specific customer demand. The idea of this list is to be a little self indulgent (hey, it is the holiday season) and focus on wines that I personally enjoy to drink, share, and gift to others. Wines I believe have a broad appeal and will bring a smile to most people who taste them.

Spanish Syrah for the Hard-to-Shop-For

What do you get for the Syrah lover in your life this holiday season? Syrah of course. But it is always fun to surprise them with something that they haven’t had before. Now, unless you have access to their tasting notes you might not know what they have or haven’t tasted—but I’d wager there is an extremely low chance that they have tried the 2020 El Escoces Volante "Dos Dedos De Frente" Syrah Aragon $29.99 95WA from El Escoces Volante.

Give the Gift That Gives All Year Long: Wine Clubs

The holiday season is a time for giving, and if you're looking for a gift that combines thoughtfulness, variety, and sophistication, K&L has you covered. We offer a variety of Wine Club subscriptions at different price points that will keep your loved ones in the holiday spirit all year long.

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