61 Comments
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Fernie's avatar

I made my own wine years ago, apple, rhubarb, dandelion, grape, some experimental blends. That was fun then but too much work for an old wino. I like your label shopping, sounds like fun and not much work. I still have some pretty bottles of wine that I bought many years ago for the label & bottle shape. Someday I will have to see how it tastes.

Susan Niemann's avatar

I cant imagine how much work! And I guess the label is no guarantee of a good wine.... but it sure is interesting! Thanks Fernie! Have a good weekend! ✌️💙

JoJene Mills's avatar

Despite being married to that sommelier, I LOVE wine labels. Frog's Leap is such a classic and is in the Smithsonian because the image is so effective on so many levels. Your photos are SO fun.

Susan Niemann's avatar

In the Smithsonian!? Thats so cool. They're marketing is excellent...I used to get a Christmas card from Frogs Leap - super clever. It endeared me to them even more!!!

Linda Fairchild's avatar

Not surprisingly, sales of wine with animals on the bottle, far out-sell those without. Really? Love the bunny rabbit. How is the nose on that one?!

Susan Niemann's avatar

Linda, sad to say I didnt grab that one. But I loved that store so much...I may have to sneak back before I head west!

Linda Fairchild's avatar

Let me know what and when you land. Missouri? I'm thinking about to whom I will give the gift of Susan Niemann 🤔 Great idea re gifting.

Susan Niemann's avatar

Yeah…. Missouri. 🙄 Making the farm my home base. Travel and adventures can happen from there. You’re so kind and encouraging, Linda. And it’s noticed and appreciated. I’ll be sure to let you know when I hit Shelby County! 😘

Pam's avatar

Successfully Susan is what I see in this very entertaining column. Successful in that you’ve hit your stride, girlfriend! Go for it and always remember the Hess Haze Days.

Susan Niemann's avatar

Shhhhhh.... PAM! Dont tell anyone about the Hess Haze, when I was paralyzed by Chardonnay! 😂😂😂 Thanks for believing in me. 😘

Nightmaher's avatar

I know nothing of wine mainly because as a teen all that was affordable was yuck. I still remember how sick we all got from the Boones Farm Strawberry Hill or maybe it was Blue Nun. I’ve stuck with Beer since only because I knew more beer drinkers. I once quit for 25 years (to help with my late husbands sobriety). He was sober 35 years. He had some PTSD that exacerbated his drinking. Now, I only drink at get togethers and I don’t consume much. Or maybe it’s because I don’t like to drink alone.

Susan Niemann's avatar

Now you're REALLY bringing back memories! Strawberry Hill! And I have thought about Blue Nun for YEARS! YUCK is right...but I didnt know any better. 😂 I really enjoyed looking at all the labels...so artistic and some fairly strange but interesting all the same!!

Nightmaher's avatar

You’re right the labels are fabulous!

Becky Litchet's avatar

I would love to go wine shopping with you, especially at Swig!

Susan Niemann's avatar

It was great fun! Let's go!! 💙✌️🍷

Paul Caloca's avatar

I enjoy creative labels too. Fun bottles seem to jump into my cart as well. Enjoy a coffee me!

Susan Niemann's avatar

PAUL! How nice of you! THANK YOU for the coffee. I thoroughly enjoyed the wine store... just fascinating! Appreciate you reading and being here!

Michael G's avatar

Eastern liquor store. Many French and New York wines. Over here on the Left Coast, the quality of our fine California wines have taken a dip as life with perpetual wildfire smoke has tainted the vineyards. I once good find wonderful Pinot Noir and Merlots from rich volcanic soils (the best for wine growing), grown on east facing slopes and cool foggy mornings followed by afternoon sun and warmth. No more. However, as taste has fallen, the art work and creative wording on the labels of wine and beer almost make up for it.

Susan Niemann's avatar

The "Left" Coast. HAHA! It is horrible, the wildfires and the affect not only on peoples lives but on the soil ... Have you ever had Frogs Leap? I have a friend who works the crush every year at that winery.

Michael G's avatar

Heard and seen the label, but have never had anything from Frogs Leap (unless it was an ordered glass at a restaurant?)

Susan Niemann's avatar

It's pretty yummy! 🍷

Michael G's avatar

As a lover of a good quote and a Ben Franklin fan, I instantly did a web search of “In wine, there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.” Attributed to Benjamin Franklin. But I also spelled a few things amiss.

Not mentioned was the preferred low alcohol beverage of the day, strong apple cider. But it’s the bacteria part that raised my suspicions. Bacteria was discovered as small things in water in 1676 by Antoni van Leeuwenhoek a Dutch scientist known as the "Father of Microbiology". At the time the term bacteria didn’t exist and Antoni had no idea what the implications were of his sighting. But it wasn’t until 1861 with Louis Pasteur’s publishing of his germ theory was it known bacteria caused disease or were in any way harmful.

Full disclosure, I’m the physical science person of the family, but my daughter is a microbiologist and wife a doctor. They both know what Antoni van Leeuwenhoek is known for.

Susan Niemann's avatar

😂😂 So noted, Michael! The saying was hanging on a shelf in the store....next time I go back, I'll tell them! ✌️

Bronxville39!'s avatar

Always found the artwork and designs on liquor, wine and beer bottles fascinating. But at the age of 85, and sober now for 25 years, seeing your collection was fun, just like it used to be!

Susan Niemann's avatar

Thanks Albert! And thanks for reading. The Octopus under the umbrella made me laugh out loud! It was really interesting to discover. 💙

Monica P.'s avatar

Well, all I have to say is cheers and keep the bottle close so you can look at it. I have a bottle from when we went to Italy fifteen years ago with a photograph of Pablo Picasso on it. Empty, of course

Susan Niemann's avatar

ooohhh... thats very cool. I have kept bottles that were cool and meant something. I keep corks now, and write the date and event on them to remember the occasion!

Karen Hall's avatar

I do the same!

Susan Niemann's avatar

My friend and I saved a bunch of corks so she made a wreath out of them...it was pretty cool. 😂😂

Karen Hall's avatar

Hahaha! I have one too! 🩷🥂

Diane BF78's avatar

Susan! 🍷🍷🍷Choices, choices! I’m going uh uh 3 with cute animals 💕

Sharon C Storm's avatar

I’m not a connoisseur, but I know what I like. I prefer a soft red, like a Pinot noir, or a white like Pinot Grigio. I’m not fond of Chardonnay, it’s too oakie for me. I enjoy wine with a meal, but I don’t drink it too often.

Susan Niemann's avatar

I'm no expert, but Pinot Noir and white Sauvignon Blanc agrees with me...Chards give me a headache! But those looking at all those cool labels was an enjoyable way to spend a little time!

Sharon C Storm's avatar

I used to work in a liquor store. I enjoyed looking at all of the labels too. Some are quite a lot of fun.

Susan Niemann's avatar

I would think that might be a cool job!!

Sharon C Storm's avatar

I actually worked in the office, counting money and preparing deposits. I checked out the labels in my free time.

Don A in Pennsultucky's avatar

Too far from the border although when my Mom lived in Delaware, there was a reason to visit.

Susan Niemann's avatar

Makes sense....but you understand what I'm talking about!! ✌️

Gloria Horton-Young's avatar

Crystal who does not drink spirits and I who does drink copious quantities of said spirits spent hours in a wine emporium in Maryland.

This post is a heartwarming, tingly, good damn time!

Thank you, Sweetie, for the smiles and memories you brought back to life.

Paolo Peralta's avatar

Used to be a big wine guy and oh yeah, labels? They talk to me.

Susan Niemann's avatar

HAHA Me, too! I wish I could afford the really awesome ones!