Pride Without Prejudice
While fears of COVID shifted many parties and parades online, the essence of Pride is as big and beautiful as ever, its message feeling more important than ever these days. A future full of inclusivity, that celebrates diversity without discrimination? Sign us up! Here are some ideas for celebrating the rainbow with wine and plenty of spirit!
WINE: Tenute di Ceppaiano Toscana Rosso 'K. Haring' 2015
This unique cuvee is a beautiful blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from Tuscany, specially developed to celebrate the work of gay artist and activist Keith Haring, as well as his unique friendship with winemaker Piergiorgio Castellani. It's the kind of story that can only take place in New York City during the early 1980s. At the time, Castellani was just a student, passionate about art, and he met up-and-coming artist Keith Haring in the East Village. The two hit it off, and in no time started working on an idea that would become the famed "Tuttomondo" mural in Pisa. Haring gifted to his friend a wine label of his own design to commemorate their work together. Years later, the Castellani family developed this gorgeous wine. Filled with notes of wild rose, dark cherry, mint, cassis, and licorice, and backed by warm notes of vanilla, cedar and spice, a percentage of sales proceeds are donated to support the work of the Keith Haring Foundation. Try it with spicy Mediterranean fare, pepper-crusted pork loin, or pasta.
SPIRIT: Pride Vodka from Cardinal Spirits
First distilled in Bloomington, Indiana, on Friday, June 26, 2015 -- the date the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states -- this vodka is made exclusively from grapes. It's smooth, rich, and full-bodied, with notes of white flowers. Each year, Cardinal Spirits donates a portion of sales of Pride Vodka to local LGBTQIA+ youth groups, such as The Center in the West Village which provides health and career services, as well as access to its massive archive of the modern gay rights movement.
Click here for a great recipe using Pride Vodka and to read more about our first ever cocktail contest in honor of a Pride Pioneer!
