As the holidays approach and cellars start to open up, November’s Roundup gathers the very best of what our buyers have been building toward all year. From our monthly Top Ten—sharp, high-character values across regions—to a rare profile of industry icon Ralph Sands at 70, this issue highlights the bottles and people that continue to shape K&L.
Read MoreRalph likes to say to me, when we’re running ourselves into the ground during a long day of tasting off vintages En Primeur, that the difference between K&L and so many other retailers is that we always “do the work.” While I think that’s a testament to our do-it-all work ethic, it also speaks to how Ralph carries himself. So many people get caught up in the scores and the newest trends, but for Ralph, it’s always been about the wine and the people. Because he’s always doing the work, he can focus on his genuine enthusiasm for the world of fine wine—and let that hard work speak for itself. After being around Ralph for the last decade, I can tell you: it speaks volumes.
Read MoreAs Thanksgiving approaches, our shelves are stocked with everything you need to make this year’s feast unforgettable. From the ultimate turkey pairing—rosé Champagne—to crowd-pleasing reds, elegant whites, and festive cocktails, our buyers have curated a collection to match every palate and plate. Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or simply savoring the season, this guide is your roadmap to a table filled with flavor, gratitude, and great wine.
Read MoreEight new wines are hitting the Open Cellar machines, and they couldn’t be better timed for the season. Think textural whites for crisp evenings, generous reds for hearty meals, and a few aged treasures ready to steal the show at your Thanksgiving table. Come taste them at any of our stores and find your next favorite bottle for fall.
Read MoreMany years ago, I was at a tasting with famed wine importer Kermit Lynch, and he lamented the fact that so many restaurants and retailers push rosé off wine lists and shelves shortly after Labor Day. This makes no sense at all, he said, considering that rosé is perhaps one of the most versatile wines to pair with food. Why do we reach for Chablis and Riesling all year round but consider rosé as nothing more than a warm weather sipper? The inherent qualities of rosé—fresh acidity, good palate weight, and the combination of fruit, floral and savory aroma—make it a wine that pairs with everything from oysters to roast poultry.
Read MoreI love Thanksgiving. I love it so much that we usually do it twice a year chez Westby. I love it so much that I own a turkey suit and wear it every year the day before Thanksgiving in the store. I love it so much that I have accumulated some weight from enjoying it to its fullest—mostly by stuffing myself with stuffing. Why do I love it? Because it is the best time to be thankful for all of life’s blessings, and to celebrate those blessings with food, friends, rosé Champagne and red Burgundy!
Read MoreDistilled at an undisclosed-yet-beloved Lawrenceburg distillery and bottled at 107 proof, the new Every Drop is the perfect ABV to stand up in a festive holiday cocktail. Although we can’t say where it’s made, rest assured that for $49.99, you can have two turkeys on the table this year. Whether you enjoy your drinks strong and boozy or light and refreshing, Every Drop can satiate every palate at your Thanksgiving table.
Read MoreChoosing wine for Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be stressful—it should be part of the fun. The meal is a celebration of family, gratitude, and flavors that stretch from buttery mashed potatoes to cranberry sauce and roast turkey. With so many textures and personalities at the table, the right bottle isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s about creating a sense of connection. The best wines for Thanksgiving, I’ve found, are the ones that bring people together as easily as they complement the food.
Read MoreThis year I’ve selected outstanding Italian wines that work beautifully with Thanksgiving foods. Italian may not be the traditional route, but the food-friendliness and structure of these wines will make them an absolute knockout at your table. Whether you're looking for a crisp, mineral-driven white or a show-stopping red, look no further than K&L’s Italian aisle.
Read MoreThe Rhône Valley stands among France’s most exciting and diverse regions, producing wines that balance power, elegance, and a deep sense of place. From the granite slopes of the north to the sun-soaked vineyards of the south, this month’s feature—curated by our Rhône Buyer, Keith Mabry—highlights the full spectrum of the region’s greatness: from new direct-import exclusives and exceptional Gigondas values to cellar-worthy Châteauneuf-du-Pape collectibles. Whether you’re discovering the Rhône for the first time or expanding a seasoned collection, these wines capture the essence of this legendary valley.
Read MoreYou may know Keith Mabry as our Rhône, Loire, and French Regional Buyer, but he's also responsible for Greece, Eastern Europe, and Mexico! Why would one person have such an eclectic list of categories? Because he's a hardcore enthusiast for off-the-beaten-path wines. He's also a big soil geek... ask him about his favorite dirt!
Read MoreMy recent trip through the Rhône was one of the most productive I can remember. I tasted with dozens of vintners, reconnected with many of our long-standing direct-import partners, and discovered several exciting new producers along the way. One of my favorite “finds” from this trip was the exceptional range from Laurent and Dominique Courbis.
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