Rosé Champagne Is the Versatile Pairing for Turkey and All the Sides
I 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!
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Thanksgiving Wines: Pairing for the People
Choosing 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.
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A Guide to the Rhône Valley
The 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.
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Get to Know Our Rhône Buyer Keith Mabry
You 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!
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Domaine Courbis Brings Classic St-Joseph and Cornas to Our Shelves
My 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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Domaine of the Green Oak Tree from Crozes-Hermitage
On my last trip to the Rhône, the north yielded particularly fruitful new relationships. One of my favorite new additions to our Direct Import portfolio is Domaine du Chêne Vert. I first met co-owner Jordan Colin at a walkaround tasting just outside Tain-l’Hermitage, where the wines immediately caught my attention. Later that day, I visited the property and discovered that their production facility sits right next door to one of Crozes-Hermitage’s great icons—Alain Graillot.
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Bordeaux's Influence in South America Yields Top Collectibles
The top Bordeaux blends from Chile and Argentina often rival their European and North American counterparts in quality but remain undiscovered by many. With exceptional quality that seems to improve every vintage, however, these wines can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Bordeaux, Napa, or even Barolo — and at a very attractive price point.
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Post-Tent-Event Bliss and Other Champagne News
Another Champagne Tent Event is in the books, and we’re still riding the wave of excitement that follows an afternoon spent with so many remarkable producers. This month’s Champagne Newsletter celebrates that same spirit—spotlighting the unforgettable wines of Launois, sharing stories from Champagne Buyer Gary Westby, and inviting you to keep exploring through our Champagne Club and exclusive grower selections. As the holidays approach, we’ve also gathered a lineup of exceptional Champagne values to have on hand for every toast, dinner, and celebration to come. Raise a glass with us to another season of discovery, connection, and great bubbles.
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Get to Know Champagne Buyer Gary Westby
On the occasion of Gary Westby’s 20th anniversary with K&L, we sat down and asked him all the questions that inquiring minds want to know. Find out more about the man behind our world-class Champagne program!
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What I'm Excited About This Week: Absolutely Beautiful Burgundy
We just had another fantastic tasting from Alex Pross, and I really loved the heck out of it. It was all reds from Burgundy, which typically means all Pinot Noir, and this was no exception. I have written before about how much I enjoy tasting a lot of something all at once, and this lineup showcased to me the beauty of this format. We tasted 22 wines, and all of them were unique with their own personalities. Sure, they were all Pinot Noir, but like all truly elegant and luxurious things it's the nuance that makes all the difference. The regional similarities were ultimately trumped by each wine’s more individual qualities.
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Burgundy Buying Guide: Top Collectibles, 1er Cru Values, Auction Highlights
Burgundy is a region of rich tradition and exciting innovation. This guide highlights the best of the 2022 and 2023 vintages—from accessible Bourgogne Rouge to prestigious Premier and Grand Crus. Whether you’re exploring top villages, discovering rising domaines, hunting rare finds at auction, or starting to plan your holiday party, this guide will help you navigate Burgundy’s complex world with confidence and enjoyment.
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Agnès Gleizes Gives Us a Grand Tour of Premier Cru Chablis Terroir
Agnès Gleizes and her partner Cyril Gautheron lead a family-run estate in Chablis that stretches back seven generations. Based in the village of Fleys, just a few kilometers from the town of Chablis, they manage about 30 hectares of vines spanning Petit Chablis, Chablis, Premier Cru, and even Grand Cru appellations.
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