Author: Syrup Marketing

Stone Brewing calls the sunny hill country of Southern California its home—the perfect Spring break destination spot! That vibe carries through their edgy beer designed to elevate the beer experience away from the mainstream, industrialized brands. Founded in 1996, they’re credited with being one of the pioneers of the craft brewing culture in the U.S. Check out the lineup from the stills at Stone Brewing. 

Stone IPA 

The Stone IPA is their best-selling flagship beer that embodies all the iconic flavors of a West Coast IPA. Crack one open and pour a clear, golden sip with tropical, citrus, and pine flavors and a subtle maltiness. Experience the aroma of lemon, fruity cereal, and pine with a medium body and no sweetness. 

Stone Delicious IPA 

If you love IPA, you’ll be happy with the Delicious IPA from Stone Brewing. It’s a cut above the rest with a bright citrus, lemon candy flavor. This brew is uniquely crafted to reduce the amount of gluten in each batch. It’s made from Columbus, Calypso, El Dorado, and Lemondrop hops to heighten the bold, tart, lemony experience and is a stunning Spring sip. 

Stone Delicious Double IPA 

The Delicious Double IPA takes it just one step further. This beer is extra fruity, deeply flavorful, and explosively bright and citrusy—more of all the best in an IPA with less of the bitterness that typically defines many double IPAs. On opening, you get aromas of strawberry shortcake, sweet lemon, and honey with flavors of lemon, candied orange, caramel, red apple, and black licorice. 

Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager

This is the perfect companion for all of your Spring break adventures. The Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager is a SoCal native brew made to match the “sunny all the time” lifestyle of the region. Mad with Liberty hops, this lager unleashes an aroma of corn chips dusted with fresh-squeezed lemon and tastes of lime and sweet salt. Enjoy the sharp crispness balanced with a light tartness and dry body. 

Stone Pilsner

Pilsners aren’t native to the U.S. but our European friends shared their traditional recipes and methods. But in true American fashion, Stone Brewing made it better. Pilsners are defined by their crisp taste, golden color, and malty aroma. This Pilsner is “classic, crisp, and crushable,” or so they say. The light gold liquid smells of melon, cracker, floral, and light peach, and tastes of oranges, pears, watermelon, and fresh-baked bread. 

Be “that friend” this Spring break and pick up a 6-pack or two of your new favorite brews. 

If you’re restocking your wine cellar with a taste of spring, Vineyard Brands winery is where to start. Their varieties bring the wine France loves to the U.S. with all of the classic tasting notes and none of the pretentiousness. In operation for over 45 years, they specialize in affordable, straightforward wines that everyone can enjoy. Choose from one of our favorite varieties!

La Vieille Ferme Sparkling Blanc

The Sparkling Blanc is yellow in color with hints of green and gold and an exquisite effervescence. On the nose, you’ll get a delicate floral note followed by a gentle palate that tastes of peach and a whisper of brioche. It’s described as a “harmonious combination of freshness and balance,” and we couldn’t agree more. Grab a bottle for any occasion!

La Vieille Ferme Sparkling Rosé

With low dryness and high acidity, the La Vieille Ferme Sparkling Rosé offers a delicate peach core with delicious inklings of raspberry and the strong, delightful bubbles you look for in a sparkling rosé. Initial aromas float fresh raspberries and wild strawberries for a hint of bright spring. The pallet is high in citrus, pomelo, and white romantic flowers. Bring this one to your next brunch. 

La Vieille Ferme Rosé

This bottle is immediately appealing, even in the bottle, with the translucent pale-peach pink color that is shiny and iridescent. It starts with fresh and alluring fruity aromas with notes of red fruit, juicy summer peaches, and nectarines—all the aromas you expect from a romantic summer picnic. The pallet is well-balanced and slightly bitter with a fruity, savory finish. No picnic basket is complete without this classic rosé.

If your mouth isn’t watering yet, we recommend starting at the top and working your way back down. Easily stock up on these classics at any Alabama Crown Distributing Co. location and get a springtime taste of France. 

As we transition into the heart of winter, there’s no better time to savor exquisite wines that warm the soul and elevate every gathering. For February, we’re thrilled to highlight two exceptional brands: Mohua from New Zealand and Marqués de Cáceres from Spain. These wines, imported by the renowned Vineyard Brands, bring sophistication, quality, and history to your glass.

About Vineyard Brands

“In a world increasingly dominated by vast sums of capital and multinational firms, it is difficult for a small wine importer to survive unless that company has considerable expertise and an unwavering commitment to quality… ‘Imported by Vineyard Brands’ is as close to a guarantee of quality as the consumer can expect.”
– The Wine Advocate

The Story of Vineyard Brands

Founded in 1973 by Robert Haas, Vineyard Brands was built on a commitment to excellence, introducing family-owned wineries to the U.S. market. Starting from a remodeled barn in Vermont, the company grew into a nationally recognized importer while remaining true to its roots. In the 1980s, Haas transitioned ownership to his employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), ensuring the company’s values endured as he pursued his winery, Tablas Creek Vineyard.

Their Mission and Reach

“Imported by Vineyard Brands” stands as a mark of quality, offering wines of exceptional value from premier regions worldwide. Today, Vineyard Brands operates out of Birmingham, Alabama, and New York City, with distribution in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Their experienced sales team tailors service to local markets, maintaining a personal touch that defines our approach.

VB’s Portfolio

Representing over 80 family-owned wineries, Vineyard Brands offers a diverse selection of wines from regions such as France, Spain, New Zealand, and beyond. With standout selections like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Rhône Valley, their portfolio caters to every palate while preserving the heritage of each producer.

Built on Partnership

Vineyard Brand’s work hand-in-hand with wineries and distributors to honor their goals, ensuring sustainable growth and long-term success. With a focus on quality over quantity, they continue to elevate the wine-importing experience for producers and wine lovers alike.

Mohua Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Named after one of New Zealand’s rarest birds, Mohua Wines embodies sustainability and excellence. Their Sauvignon Blanc hails from the breathtaking Marlborough region, known for producing some of the world’s finest white wines.

• Tasting Notes: Bright and refreshing, this wine reveals layers of snow pea, passionfruit, and sweet lime. The palate is alive with citrus sherbet and a zesty lemon twist, balanced by a gentle acidity.
• Pairing Suggestions: Perfect with fresh seafood, zesty salads, or simply chilled on its own.
• Sustainability Spotlight: Mohua Wines is committed to improving the land that nurtures their vines while supporting the conservation of its namesake bird.

Marqués de Cáceres

For generations, Marqués de Cáceres has been synonymous with Rioja excellence. This February, we spotlight two standout selections:

Verdejo 2023 (Rueda, Spain)

• Tasting Notes: Bursting with grapefruit and green apple, this wine’s floral undertones and vibrant finish make it a delightfully fresh choice.
• Pairing Suggestions: Ideal with grilled fish, light pastas, or tapas.

Crianza 2020 (Rioja, Spain)

• Tasting Notes: This ruby red wine balances black fruits, balsamic notes, and a touch of fine leather. Its velvety tannins and harmonious structure make it a showstopper.
• Pairing Suggestions: A versatile companion to roasted meats, hearty stews, and aged cheeses.

Crafted with meticulous care, both wines represent the pinnacle of Spanish winemaking tradition.

Why These Wines for February?

February is a month to celebrate love, warmth, and the pleasures of life—whether it’s a romantic dinner, a cozy gathering with friends, or simply savoring the small moments. Mohua and Marqués de Cáceres offer the perfect accompaniments to these occasions, infusing every sip with passion and craftsmanship.

The holidays are over, and January can feel a bit…well, light. But that doesn’t mean your drinks have to be! We’ve got a selection of delicious options that are perfect for those seeking lighter libations to brighten your month.

ButterLight Chardonnay: California Sunshine in a Glass

Looking for a lighter take on your favorite Chardonnay? Look no further than ButterLight Chardonnay. Made with California grapes, this delightful wine boasts 40% less alcohol and nearly a third fewer calories than its traditional counterpart. ButterLight offers a bright and creamy taste with a refreshing zing of tangy lemon mousse balanced by buttery, vanilla shortbread crumbles. It’s the perfect easy-drinking Chardonnay to enjoy any day of the week.

Clean Crafted Cocktails: The Alcohol-Free Revolution

Clean & Co. is at the forefront of the alcohol-free beverage movement, offering a range of spirits designed to be mixed just like their classic counterparts.

• Clean G: Enjoy the refreshing taste of a Gin & Tonic with all the botanical notes you love – juniper, lemon, orange, grapefruit – without the alcohol. Clean G is crafted with high-quality ingredients for a delicious and guilt-free experience.
• Clean W: Craving a smooth Old Fashioned but want to skip the hangover? Clean W delivers the rich flavors of oak, vanilla, spice, fresh apple, and fig, providing the perfect base for an alcohol-free twist on this classic cocktail.
• Clean T: Transport yourself to paradise with a Clean T Margarita. This spirit boasts notes of green agave, olive, sweet melon, black pepper, and cedarwood, replicating the refreshing taste of a traditional margarita, minus the alcohol. 

 

Bravazzi Sparkling Sodas: A Taste of Italy in Every Sip

For those seeking a bubbly and slightly boozy option, Bravazzi is a great choice. Inspired by Italian sodas, Bravazzi boasts crisp bubbles, full flavors, and all-natural ingredients. Available in four flavors:

• Peach: A delightful blend of juicy peach and a touch of lemon for a perfectly balanced sweetness.
• Blood Orange: A burst of citrus with a bold and delightful character.
• Limonata: The clean, crisp taste of lemon with a touch of natural sweetness for a refreshing experience.
• Mango: Escape to a tropical paradise with every sip of this refreshing mango drink with a hint of lime.

So ditch the January blues and lighten up your month with these delicious and refreshing options!