Every once in a long while, things line up perfectly and you get an opportunity you couldn’t have planned. That’s what happened, in a nutshell, in the story behind Haskell’s #1 wine — and we’re so excited to share it with you now!
Our #1 wine this year is a 2009 Nicolas Rolin Hospice de Beaune, an incredible wine from the world-renowned Burgundy region of France.
How did this wine become Haskell’s #1 this year? Jump back in time with us to the beginning of this saga...
No doubt, it’s fun to go big and buy special bottles of wine for those special occasions. But what about everyday wine that deserves no specific party, holiday, or any reason in particular?
At Haskell’s, we’ve built a relationship with customers like you for decades, and we know everyday value like no one else. We know the importance of those special celebrations, but we also know the day-to-day grind of work and rest and time with family and close friends.
Today, I’m pleased to introduce you to a few members of the Farrell family and our favorite wines right now. We’re honored to connect with so many great customers at Haskell’s, who we like to think of as some of our most valuable relationships — so here’s our personal family list of Farrell favorite wines of the moment.
After a busy summer of bright cocktails, crisp beers, and refreshing wines, it’s time to turn our attention to the fall.
Have you heard what's happening at Haskell's? We have three months of exciting events coming up and want to see you there. Here's the 411 on our upcoming events.
Don’t sleep on our regular, week after week free tasting events in a few of our stores. That’s right — free is a price we know you love! Some tastings will be specific wines, organized by region, or you might even get to sample some beers or spirits. Check the events page regularly and find a tasting at the Haskell’s location closest to you. (My favorite tastings are Friday afternoons, the perfect way to kick off the weekend.)
Haskell’s just named 2019 Retailer of the Year by Market Watch Leaders!
That means a lot to us here at Haskell’s, but let's give credit where credit is due. It's because we have the best customers that we’re able to do what we love: offer you the right wine, beer, and spirits for just the right occasion.
Benny and Fritzi Haskell started their eponymous company in 1934 — not even a year after Prohibition — as a French wine importing business. Jack Farrell (my dad) bought it in 1970. With his commitment to customer service, quality, and serious wine bona fides, the company has expanded from its flagship location in downtown Minneapolis to 11 stores serving the Twin Cities metro. Currently, the Farrell family has owned the company almost 50 years, about 14 years longer than the Haskell's; but, rest assured, the name on the outside will never change because, honestly, without the Haskell's, there would be no Haskell's.
Jack currently serves as CEO and chairman, running the company with his four sons: Ted (president), Brian (chief operating officer), John (vice president of sales), and Beau (vice president of e-commerce—that's me!).
It’s no longer news to say that Minnesota has risen to the ranks of serious wine and craft beer contenders. The people who work in the tasty beverages industry serve up so many great drinks with expansive knowledge that it can feel overwhelming to choose where to go and what drink to try.
Take the guesswork out of your beverage adventures by going to events that feature variety and offer some of the best things to fill your glass.
What’s happening around the Twin Cities while the weather is oh-so Minnesota nice? Mark your calendars with your favorites from these fine options for events big and small this summer and fall.
All aboard! Imagine a leisurely cruise along the stunning St. Croix River on a beautiful charter boat while sipping from an array of specially curated wines and beers. You can do this, by attending one of Haskell's Summer Boat Cruises!
The results are in—it's a good time to buy liquor in Minnesota. Thanks to Total Wine's entrance into the Minnesota liquor market, the effect has caused a price war among Twin Cities liquor vendors.
So what does this mean for Haskell's shoppers? Cheap booze, of course.
Everyone is a wee bit Irish this time of year. That’s a good thing, because when it comes to Irish drink, one libation stands tall: Irish whiskey. It once held court as the most popular spirit in the world. Even the word itself, whiskey, is rooted in Gaelic – uisge beatha, meaning water of life. But the beverage we think about most around St. Patrick’s Day has a strong Minnesota connection.
A well-known, local businessman and restaurateur has helped rebrand Irish whiskey for a whole new generation: Kieran Folliard. Actually, Folliard’s Celtic roots extend throughout the Twin Cities (recognize any of the restaurants he founded: Kieran’s, The Local, The Liffey, for instance). But it’s the drink we are interested in -- the wildly popular 2 Gingers Irish Whiskey – once sold exclusively here in Minnesota – has now gained a national audience (and he sold the company to Beam).
The celebration of Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday is steeped with tradition. Known as Carnival in other parts of the world, its roots are entwined in the Catholic calendar, with the party signifying the “last hurrah” before Lent
begins. That’s why revelry in New Orleans reaches a fever pitch before the army of street sweepers makes their way through the city at the stroke of midnight. Party now and prepare to fast come Ash Wednesday.
You don’t have to travel to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras style. You just need a few good recipes, some choice ingredients, and some friends to share in the fun. Here are our suggestions:
It’s a New Year and time for a new adventure. Doesn’t a little California dreaming sound good right around this time (and temperature)? So, sit back and take an armchair tour of the birthplace of the California wine industry - Sonoma County - and perhaps you’ll consider joining us on a Sonoma Wine Country Getaway in April. After all, by then you’ll want to escape those April showers and come back to May flowers.
Sonoma County is just north of San Francisco, stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Mayacamas Mountains and is home to more than 400 wineries and 16 distinct appellations with more than 50 grape varieties grown. You’ll find exemplary Chardonnay and Pinot grapes, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot throughout the region – just to name a few.
Let’s look at some of the wineries on the April tour and what you can expect to sip, savor and experience.
As one of the finest wine shops in all of North America, the Haskell's team loves to talk about wine, beer, and spirits almost as much as we enjoy drinking it. Join us for stirring conversations about the good life with Jack Farrell and the Haskell's team.
Cheers!
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