Ever wonder why most beer and wine selections at bars or restaurants really suck?  There are many answers to that, but there is one specific reason that you may not know if you've never worked in the food and beverage business.  It's rigged...it's crooked....it's a sham...you're getting hoodwinked...beguiled...ripped off... schnookered....bamboozled... hopplecapped....ok, I made up that last one.

     Here's the thing, there are a few (but primarily one) big alcohol distribution companies that handle most of the wine/beer/liquor in any given state or territory.  A typical visit from one of these companies to your bar might go like this:

BAR: Hi, I've just spent my life savings and worked my ass off to open this bar.... I'd like to taste some wine and beer with you, choose what I like the best, then bestow on you the honor of featuring the best of the best in my bar

THEM:  Shutup.  The only way we'll sell you these three liquors that you have to have in any bar to survive, is when you devote 4 of your 6 taps to our beers (no matter how mediocre) and all of your wine lineup.

     Nice, huh?  The only other version is when they punch you in the face and steal your wallet when you're done with that conversation.  Seriously, there's no other possible variation to that exchange.

     This is why you see the same wines over and over and over again as 'glass pours' in these establishments.  It's easier...it's cheaper...it's less stressful really if your pride hasn't been destroyed.  So, let me issue a call to arms for all you barflies and foodies...cheer on those establishments that buck this trend!  They work hard to keep in the obscure stuff, the stuff from the little guy that eventually expands your palate and brings you back to that stool.  Especially in an economy like this when the big players are offering deals that are structured to drown the little guy out of business, it's more important than ever to save money, but also to spend those precious few bucks wisely. 

Debatable

Well, the first presidential debate is airing this Friday evening and it is probably going to be the most watched debate in political history.  Now, we hate to dissuade anyone from coming to our Friday tasting so use your tivos wisely and join us for some pre-debate political pontification.  But when you do sit down to watch the debate, let us offer some drinking....ahh...tasting advice.   

Are you a McCain fan?  Well you may want to go with our Orcella Orsus Garnacha 2001 or Copertino Riserva 2001, both those wines have quite a bit of age on them.  They've been around the block...straight shooters...and unlike McCain, have not spent any time in the direct sun.

Now for the Obama-Rama crowd, based on the reports we've seen, it seems you'll need something that pairs with arugula.  Perhaps our Auratus Portuguese white, a crisp, dry wine that would work with any rightwing-perceived-sissy-greens.  Or if CHANGE is what you desire, go for something different...maybe our Bordelet Dry Apple Cider from France or the Black Chook Sparkling Shiraz from Australia.  Speaking of change...

Should you need more incentive to watch the debates (though that is bordering on a crime)...here's an idea to keep your head in the game....

drink/sip everytime McCain smiles innapropriately

drink/sip everytime Obama says "silly season"

drink/sip everytime McCain says "my friends"

drink/sip everytime anyone says CHANGE (even Jim Lehrer)

Comment below if you feel you have genius Presidential pairings inside of you, just dying to spring forth...