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A Special Wine Tasting Event, Ridge Vineyards, and More

June 18, 2025

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In this week’s roundup: a deep dive into Ridge Vineyards, one of California’s most quietly influential producers, plus two can’t-miss events in Brooklyn. On Friday, Thirst Wine Merchants is hosting Camille Rivière and Kelli Murchison with wines from Petit Domaine de Gimios, including a rare co-fermented field blend that’s reason enough to swing by. And on Sunday, Popina’s throwing a backyard party with the Jupiter crew, live music, and more wine than you’ll know what to do with.

A Surprise From Germany: Chardonnay

Long overlooked, German Chardonnay is finally getting its due. A new wave of producers are crafting fresh, mineral wines that feel entirely their own. No flash, just balance and energy. Asimov’s deep dive explores the rise of German Chardonnay and why now’s the time to start paying attention.

8 Things You Should Know About Ridge Vineyards, the Winery Behind California’s Iconic Monte Bello Bottle

Ridge Vineyards has been quietly shaping the story of American wine for decades. From its 19th-century beginnings to the Judgement of Paris and the launch of the country’s first wine club, this piece traces how a group of unlikely founders built a legacy rooted in site expression, transparency, and staying power.

Petit Domaine de Gimios @ Thirst Wine Merchants

Camille Rivière and Kelli Murchison of Camille Rivière Selection will be at Thirst Wine Merchants this week, pouring and talking through the wines of Pierre and Anne Marie Lavaysse of Petit Domaine de Gimios. They'll have five different cuvées on hand, plus a one-of-a-kind old-vine, co-fermented field blend called Rouge de Causse. Thirst is one of our favorite shops, run by some truly great people (Nick, if you're reading this, don’t let it go to your head). It’s always a very enjoyable event at Thirst and surely not one to miss.

  • Date: Friday, June 20th

  • Time: 5.30pm - 7.30pm

  • Cost: Free

  • Location: Thirst Wine Merchants, 11 Greene Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

  • Additional Information: here.

Popina x Jupiter @ Popina

One of Brooklyn's (and our) favorites, Popina is teaming up with Jupiter this Sunday for a backyard party featuring tons of wine, live music, cocktails from Faccia Brutto, and the Jupiter crew on the grill. If you haven’t been to Popina’s backyard, it’s very very spacious and very very beautiful, and we very very much love it. And goooood heavens, the forecast says 93 and sunny with no rain in sight. Finally.

  • Date: Sunday, June 22nd

  • Time: 12.00pm - 4.00pm

  • Location: Popina, 127 Columbia Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231

  • Additional Information: here.

“She was trying to make her own cork board”

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