Summer Parties, Vatican Wine, and More

In this week’s roundup: a look inside the Vatican’s quietly influential wine culture and a deep dive into Bulgaria’s winemaking resurgence, plus three events happening around New York. We’re also sharing a few recent restaurant standouts plus what we’ve been drinking (and re-buying).

What Does the Pope Drink? Inside the Vatican’s Quietly Influential Wine Scene

Often hidden behind high walls and guarded traditions, Vatican City’s wine culture is steeped in history and reverence. From ceremonial pours to centuries-old cellars, this article traces how wine flows through the rituals, legacy, and daily life of the world’s smallest country.

What You Need to Know About Bulgarian Wine

Once a major player in global wine production, Bulgaria is stepping back into the spotlight. With a growing number of producers championing native grapes like Mavrud, Rubin, and Dimyat—and investing in quality over quantity—the country is carving out a new identity. This piece breaks down Bulgaria’s winemaking regions, key styles, and why now is the time to pay attention to what’s coming out of the Balkans.

Summer Wine Party @ Fini Pizza

Summer’s finally here and we’re kicking it off the only way we know how: by teaming up with our dear friends SuperVinoBros and Alex Delany for a party at the beloved Fini Pizza today, Wednesday, June 25th, from 6:00pm til late. Nathan from SWURL and Ryan from SuperVinoBros will be behind the bar pouring Italian wine (all priced at $13 by-the-glass, imported by Amuninni), Alex Delany will be spinning a wide range of breezy vinyl, and Fini Pizza will be serving up our favorite pies.

• Date: Wednesday, June 25th

• Time: 6.00pm - 11.00pm

• Cost: Free entry; $13 by the glass / $55 by the bottle

• Location: Fini Pizza, 305 Bedford, Brooklyn, NY 11211

• Additional Information: here.

Super Glou Glou Gays @ Lise & Vito

Our lovely friends Paraic and Sean from Glou Glou Gays are hosting a fundraiser tonight, Wednesday, June 25th, at Lise & Vito with importer Super Glou to support Cycle for the Cause. The ride is a 3-day, 275-mile journey from Boston to NYC that raises funds for the NYC LGBT Community Center, supporting vital services in the fight to end HIV/AIDS. Festivities kick off at 7pm!

• Date: Wednesday, June 25th

• Time: 7.00pm - Late

• Location: Lise & Vito, 126A Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

• Additional Information: here.

Lucia Alimentari x Magazzino

The recently opened Lower East Side wine shop Magazzino is taking over the wine list at Lucia Alimentari for the night on Thursday, June 26th, from 6:00pm to midnight. Piedmont-based winery Borgogno Rivata is flying in with magnums of Langhe Nebbiolo and Barolo for some special pours.

• Date: Thursday, June 26th

• Time: 6.00pm - 12.00am

• Location: Lucia Alimentari, 301 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013

• Additional Information: here.

By Cerise Zelenetz

Other News & Other Stuff & Other Reads

• Two restaurants we highly recommend: Crevette & Lei. Both were absolutely incredible, and we’ll be sharing a proper write-up on each in next week’s newsletter.

• One wine we’ve been purchasing over and over again: Sylvain Pataille’s Bourgogne Aligoté. It’s certainly on the pricier side but well well worth it. It makes those 100-degree NYC days a bit more bearable.

• One amaro we can’t end the night without: Francoli Antico Amaro Noveis.

• If you find yourself in Mystic, Connecticut, Spencer & Lynn Wine & Spirits Merchants is a must visit. A beautiful store with a very big selection.

• Wine importer Soil Expedition is hiring a sales associate to join their New York team. More details in their Instagram post here.

• A wine-focused book we highly recommend: Spilled: Natural Winemakers Stories & Recipes.