Be honest. Does the word “riesling” make you think of potpourri, Golden Girls marathons, and those frilly doily things? Well, I have news for you. There is a fleet of sophisticated, dry rieslings out there that have less to do with grandma and way more to do with seriously crisp flavor. Next time you’re at Luis Wine Bar in SLO, try this golden white sourced from Niven Rock Vineyard in Edna Valley. You will be amazed and delighted by the floral acidity and luxurious mouthfeel! No lace included.
• Union Sacre’s 2015 Niven Rock Vineyard Riesling—$9 a glass; Luis Wine Bar; 1021 Higuera St., SLO; or $24 a bottle, unionsacre.com.
The election is dead and gone, but I’m still enthralled with Bernie Sanders (read: Sanders’ giant, poster sized print-outs of Trump tweets). Everyone in the world may have moved on, but I’m still sitting here enjoying my ice cold Fernie Sanders, a mix of James E. Pepper 1776 Rye, Cherry Heering, Fernet Conttrato, and fresh orange and lemon juice. Of course, this bold drink is garnished with a burnt lemon peel (because one of the best parts of feeling the Bern includes lighting stuff on fire).
• Sidecar’s Fernie Sanders—$10; Sidecar, 1127 Broad St., SLO.
Hayley Thomas Cain is still feeling the Bern. She can be reached at hthomas@newtimesslo.com.
This article appears in Jan 26 – Feb 2, 2017.