By Jim Boyce | Love is in the air. And so is the newest coronavirus–at least when anyone who has it coughs or sneezes.
Many Beijing consumers are self-quarantined or extremely cautious about where they wine and dine this Valentine’s Day, thus plenty of importers and distributors–now in the midst of difficult times–have delivery deals. To give you an idea of what this year’s lovers might sip at home, here are some options popping up in my inbox and social media feeds.
Sommelier International
For sparkling wine fan, here’s your chance to stock up on labels from three continents, given options such as Parxet from Spain, Colonia Las Liebres from Argentina and Pike & Joyce from Australia. The deal for each label? Buy two bottles (one per partner), get a bottle free (nice for breakfast the next day).
All In Wine
Two packages–each with a bubbly and a red wine–are available from All In Wine, which says it has two-hour delivery in Beijing, perfect for those last-minute types. Get either Champagne and Burgundy or, especially for those with tighter budgets, Cava and Bordeaux.
Monte Vecchio
Gabriele Montevecchio started importing Italian wines and spirits last year and has a trio of bubblies at just rmb88 per bottle. He notes that St. Valentine’s Day originates in what is now Italy: so why not drink some wine from there!?
La Cava de Laoma
Here’s a deal for those who need a bit more wine to celebrate the day–or to drown their sorrows at being quarantined an separated from a lover. Six Villard wines from Casablanca Valley in Chile–maybe enjoy it with that great Humphrey Bogart-Ingrid Bergman flick? Two Chardonnay and four Syrah, just rmb468.
The Wine Republic
Also appealing to those who desire volume is this Australian- French deal by The Wine Republic. Sparkling, white and red, this package has it all, with seven bottles for rmb880. Free delivery.
Food & Wine
While meal delivery was already a huge business before the coronavirus crisis, the past few weeks saw more restaurants launch or boost services to offset temporary closings or low traffic. (See my Twitter / WeChat feeds for regular food and drink updates.) A few of the Valentine’s Day delivery options this year: Hulu (including Bouvet Brut), The Merchants (plenty of wine options), Maison Flo (Charles de Fère Jean-Louis Blanc de Blancs) and Meat by Ernest (no wine so you best find something that can handle richness!).
More
That just scratches the surface of what’s available out there. As I posted on my food and drink blog, Beijing Boyce, Bordeaux’s Ponty winery has a superb deal with a free Clairet for those spending over rmb202.02. And for those ordering a la carte from Hulu, they can get Nine Peaks Rose from Shandong for just rmb128. Plus details on Petite Garden pet-nat from Ningxia and Grace Vineyard wines from Shanxi. While being self-quarantined at home isn’t much fun, we’re certainly not spoiled for food and wine choices. Happy Valentine’s Day.
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