Winter in Boston: Life is a Cabernet, a Petrus, a Shiraz and... (VIDEO)

Photo of wine at the M-Lounge by Winchinchala

After the bright lights and excitement of the holidays and the big First Night Celebration in the streets of Boston, this old town heads inside to continues the winter festivities.

Boston in January has become the month to ward off the winter chill and doldrums by sampling  what the vineyards of the world are offering. The Boston Wine Festival and the Boston Wine Expos hold wine-tasting events. It may not be as raucous and sexy a time as was portrayed in the California wine-country blockbuster SIDEWAYS, but there will not be any broken noses either. Yankees are a little tamer.

The longest-running wine and food event is not in California long known for its wines; it is 3000 miles away on the East coast in Boston. Last night at the Boston Harbor Hotel Chef Daniel Bruce launched the 22^ndyear of his now famous event.  He pairs his sumptuous dinners with the appropriate wines which adds a truly delectable learning aspect to the tasting. It runs straight through the winter to April.
In a couple of weeks on January 22 and 23, the Boston Wine Expo will kick off their 20^thwine event which is billed as “one of the biggest in the country.”  Guest celebrity chefs are Ming Tsai, Jasper White and Todd English and accommodations are available at the Boston Seaport Hotel.

Events aside, there are many truly fine establishments with stellar wine lists which attract local oenophiles; too many to list in full here. However during a man-on-the-street survey over a period of a week, three places came out on top. First up? The Four-star rated M Bar and Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Boston with a vast and beautifully displayed wine cellar.  Manager Ari Bialikamien took time out of his busy day to explain that it features everything from wines for $9.00 per glass to Château Pétrus $9,600.00 per bottle. At the magnificently designed bar, expert advice regarding proper pairing of wine with their New England fare is available from one of the expert barkeeps such as Guillaume, from Paris France.

Second is Troquet which offers 500 wines, 47 of which are available by the glass. In addition to being well-known about town, seasoned critic Jaqueline Church writes of Chris Campbell’s spot, ““This may be the most comprehensive and welcoming introduction to wines in the city. Not only are conventional pairings suggested, but even the most knowledgeable or jaded oenophile will be enticed to try an unexpected pairing, and will be delighted.”

Third, from the man-on-the-street survey, only by reason of its size is No. 9 Park. Barbara Lynch’s flagship restaurant earns very high praise. It is known as “one of the not-so-numerous restaurants in town where the wine is as much a part of the experience as the food.” They too have selection which is overseen by wine director, Cat Silirie with bottles from $29 to a majestic 2001 Comte de Vogue Bonnes Mares ($875).

The new Chinese Château Lafite Rothschild was not listed on Cartes du Vin, but perhaps it can be found on one of Boston’s plethora of other restaurants and pubs. One thing is certain, it is a warm and mirthful place in winter.