DRINK

10/12/2026

At DRINK, It's Always About the Experience.

October is shaping up to be one of our favorite months at DRINK, and not simply because of what's in the glass.

We've always believed that the best experiences are the ones that bring people together. Sometimes that means introducing you to a w**e you never knew you loved. Sometimes it's an evening around the table with great food, a little friendly competition, and conversation that continues long after the last glass.

And if there's one thing you should know about us, it's that we love sharing what excites us. Sandy has a serious love affair with sake, and Cam has never met a glass of Ch*****ne he didn't want to explore. Between the two of them, there's always something new finding its way onto our shelves or into your glass.

This month, we're leaning into those passions with an evening dedicated to the surprising world of sake, a little Halloween mischief with a spirited competition between sommeliers, and a sold-out Opus One release party that proves word of mouth is alive and well.

But DRINK has always been about more than what we're pouring. It's also about the people around the table and the community beyond our doors. From supporting mental health awareness to celebrating the incredible generosity of Raleigh's culinary community, we're reminded that sometimes the best reason to gather is something much bigger than ourselves.

Great w**e, good food, lively conversation, and a community that shows up for one another. That's what DRINK is all about.

And this October, we're doing a little of everything.

Think You Know Sake? Think Again.

If you've spent any time talking with The Mom about sake, you know one thing: she absolutely loves it.

Not just drinking it, but exploring its history, understanding the craftsmanship, discovering the incredible range of styles, and, perhaps most of all, introducing people to just how extraordinary it can be.

And if you think sake is simply something served warm alongside sushi, Sandy would very much like a word.

We're taking that passion to Vidrio for a special evening of exploration, education, and unexpected pairings.

This omakase-inspired experience will feature five sakes paired with five creative small bites, each designed to challenge your palate and show just how versatile sake can be.

Guiding us through the evening will be Justin Marchetti, Sake Expert with JFC International, who will share his knowledge of sake's traditions, production, and remarkable range of styles.

For Sandy, this is more than a tasting. It's an opportunity to share something she genuinely loves and perhaps convert a few skeptics along the way.

Come curious. Leave with a whole new appreciation for sake.

Thursday, October 22 | Vidrio | $90 per person

Seating is limited, keeping with DRINK's love of intimate, engaging experiences.

All Hallows' Eve: Somm vs. Somm
Wednesday, October 28 | $85++ per person

A little mystery. A little mischief. And a delicious battle of the bottles.

We're teaming up with Maximillians Grill & W**e Bar for an evening of culinary creativity and spirited w**e competition.

Two sommeliers. Eight w**es. Four courses. One very entertaining evening.

Michael Tinsley and Annabelle Butler will once again go head-to-head, pairing their selections against each other as you experience how different w**es can transform the same dish.

Expect a few surprises, some lively debate, and plenty of reasons to question your loyalties.

After all, Halloween should have a little intrigue.

Reservations are limited. Call (919)465-2455 to make yours.

The Opus One Secret Is Out. Sort Of.

Apparently, word of mouth still works.

Our private Opus One Release party on October 15 is officially SOLD OUT, and we couldn't be more delighted.

This intimate evening will feature a side-by-side exploration of the 2023 and 2022 vintages, complemented by sliders from The Oak Bourbon Bar.

There wasn't a big public announcement or an elaborate campaign. Just conversations among people who love exceptional w**e and appreciate the opportunity to experience it together.

And that's exactly how we like it.

At DRINK, we've always favored intimate experiences over large crowds, creating opportunities to slow down, connect, learn, and enjoy something exceptional.

If you missed this year's Opus One tasting, let us know if you'd like to be on the invitation list for next year's release. We would love to include you.

It's Bubble Season. Although, Isn't It Always?

If you know Cam, you know there's never a bad time for bubbles.

Ch*****ne, grower Ch*****ne, Crémant, sparkling discoveries from unexpected corners of the world. We love them all, and we're constantly finding new bottles that deserve a place in your glass.

As we move into the season of celebrations, gatherings, and holiday tables, our selection is continuing to grow.

Of course, you don't need a special occasion to open something sparkling. Sometimes making it through a Tuesday is reason enough.

Stop in and see what's new. Cam is always happy to talk bubbles, and we might just introduce you to your next favorite bottle.

More Than What's in the Glass

Keeping the Conversation Going: Men's Mental Health
Will's Birthday W**e Dinner | November 10 | Maximillians Grill & W**e Bar

Some conversations are too important to have just once.

We're delighted to welcome back Tony Lombardi of Lombardi W**es and Mike Kobler, Jr. of Kobler Estate W**ery for Will's Birthday W**e Dinner, an evening of exceptional food, wonderful w**es, and a shared commitment to supporting Hilinski's Hope and its mission to promote student athlete's mental health awareness while continuing to reduce stigma.

Men's and Student Athlete's mental health is a conversation we care deeply about, and we're grateful to Tony, Mike, and our friends at Maximillians for once again coming together to make a difference.

Because sometimes the most important thing we bring to the table isn't the w**e. It's each other.

Call Maximillians (919.465.2455) for reservations.

Stand Together | Beyond the Horizon Gala - 11.1.26

When the Culinary Community Comes Together

Every so often, an event comes along that reminds us just how generous and connected Raleigh's culinary community really is.

NextStep Raleigh's Stand Together: Beyond the Horizon Gala on Sunday, November 1, at Boatman Spirit Co. is shaping up to be one of those evenings.

An extraordinary group of chefs, including Patricio Cuneo, Lindsey Darkes, Ian McKenney, Dave Mitchell, Jake Wolf, Kyle Teears, and Mera Brothers Oysters, is coming together to create a culinary experience with a purpose.

Add in imaginative cocktails, wonderful community partners, music, and a beautiful venue, and you have the makings of a remarkable evening.

But what makes it special is why everyone is gathering.

NextStep Raleigh provides specialized activity-based recovery services for individuals living with paralysis and other neurological conditions. These services aren't covered by traditional insurance, making community support essential to helping individuals continue pursuing their recovery goals.

The gala offers several ways to participate, from the early Wayfarer Experience to the main evening celebration and After Dark.

For those who love great food, creative cocktails, and seeing Raleigh's hospitality community at its best, this is an evening worth experiencing.

Explore the event and purchase tickets below.

Here's to What Brings Us Together

Great w**e has a way of bringing people to the table. But it's the people, the conversations, the friendships, and the causes we care about that give those gatherings their real value.

Thank you for continuing to be part of the DRINK community, for supporting our small and intimate events, for sharing your curiosity, and for showing up for one another.

October is full of possibilities, and there is plenty more to celebrate as we head toward the holidays.

We'll keep finding wonderful things to pour. You keep bringing the good company.

Cheers,
The Mom & The Somm

Click here for an update from DRINK!

09/22/2026

09/17/2026

A little bit of Bordeaux came to Raleigh.

DRINK was lucky to be included in an extraordinary Graves & Pessac-Léognan master class led by nine visiting w**emakers and family producers from the region.

We tasted through the terroir, history, and distinct styles of Graves and Pessac-Léognan, including w**es from classified growths and several labels not yet available in our market. Even better, we heard the stories directly from the families and w**emakers behind the bottles.

And because w**e is always about place, the conversation traveled beyond the vineyards. Just southwest of Bordeaux sits Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe, rising above the Atlantic and the forests of the Gironde.

From gravel soils to grand châteaux, family histories to Atlantic sand dunes, it was an afternoon that reminded us just how much there is to discover in a glass.

Sebastien Oliver told us that an interesting pairing for young Sauternes is raw oysters. We can't wait to try it.

Thank you to W**eKey for including DRINK, and to the visiting producers for sharing their w**es, their region, and their stories with us

09/14/2026

SEPTEMBER AT DRINK

Stories in a Bottle. People. W**e. Purpose.

September always feels like the unofficial beginning of fall. School is back, calendars are filling up, and suddenly there are a lot more reasons to gather around a table and open a bottle of w**e.

Around DRINK, we have a little bit of everything this month: California w**e, grower Ch*****ne, charcuterie, chef-curated bites, evenings with friends, and opportunities to support organizations doing important work in our community.
And because we apparently have no intention of slowing down, we’re already looking ahead to October and November.

A QUICK SHOP NOTE
CLOSED SEPTEMBER 17
DRINK will be closed on Thursday, September 17, as we step away from the shop for the evening to support our friends at the Foundation of Hope at their Night of Inspiration.

We believe being part of a community means showing up for it, and we are proud to support the Foundation of Hope and its work advancing research and understanding of mental illness.

We’ll be back at DRINK the next day, pouring w**e and solving the world’s problems one bottle at a time.

SEPTEMBER 22 | CALIFORNIA & CHARCUTERIE
A Bricoleur Vineyards Takeover Benefiting the Foundation of Hope

Join us at DRINK on Tuesday, September 22 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM for California & Charcuterie, a Bricoleur Vineyards takeover benefiting the Foundation of Hope.
Bricoleur owner Mark Hanson will be behind the bar pouring w**es from the Russian River Valley and Fountaingrove District, sharing the stories behind the bottles, the vineyard, and the family that built Bricoleur.

September gives us an important reason to gather. As conversations around mental health and su***de prevention take center stage this month, we are raising a glass in support of the Foundation of Hope and its work advancing research for mental illness.

Tickets are $20 and include a curated charcuterie spread.
Good w**e. Great stories.

A little California in Raleigh. And a reason bigger than what is in the glass.

Stories in a Bottle. People. W**e. Purpose.

SEPTEMBER 25 | CH*****NE JEAN JOSSELIN AT BOATMAN SPIRITS
Grower Ch*****ne + Chef-Curated Bites

On Friday, September 25, DRINK and Boatman Spirits Co. invite you to a special evening with Ch*****ne Jean Josselin, a family-owned grower-producer from Gyé-sur-Seine in the southern reaches of Ch*****ne.

As an independent w**egrower, the Josselin family makes Ch*****ne from fruit grown in its own vineyards, overseeing the process from vine to cellar to bottle.
It is a more personal expression of Ch*****ne, shaped by an intimate knowledge of the soil, exposure, vines, and traditions of the estate.

Each vineyard parcel is vinified separately before blending, preserving the character of the individual sites. The w**es undergo their second fermentation in bottle and rest for a minimum of 24 months before release.

The result is Ch*****ne with a distinct identity and a direct connection to the family and place behind the bottle.

The Josselin family describes it simply as “A Ch*****ne you can shake by the hand.”

Join us for an intimate tasting of Ch*****ne Jean Josselin, accompanied by chef-curated bites from Chef Ian McKenney, at Boatman Spirits. Buy your tickets here (https://resy.com/cities/raleigh-nc/venues/boatman-spirits-company/events/champagne-jean-josselin-tasting-2026-09-25-7?date=2026-09-11&seats=2)

LOOKING AHEAD

Our fall calendar is just getting started.

OCTOBER 22 | SAKE VS. B**R WITH CHEF JAKE WOLF
Two ancient brewing traditions. One table.

On Thursday, October 22, Chef Jake Wolf takes us beyond the usual w**e dinner with an evening devoted to sake and b**r, tasted, compared, and paired side by side.

Sake is often misunderstood as a single style, but its range can move from light, floral, and delicate to savory, earthy, rich, and deeply umami-driven. B**r brings an equally broad spectrum of malt, hops, fermentation, texture, and flavor.

Jake will use each course to explore where these two worlds intersect and where they take very different paths.

How does sake respond to spice compared with b**r? Which works better with richness? What happens when umami enters the equation? And which pairing ultimately wins the table?

Two fermentations. Two completely different traditions. One dinner designed to make you rethink both.

Whether you are already a sake fan, firmly on Team B**r, or simply curious, come prepared to taste, compare, and probably be surprised.

More details coming soon.

OCTOBER 28 | SOMM VS. SOMM: HALLOWEEN EDITION
The 2nd Annual All Hallows Eve W**e Battle is back.

Our friends at Maximillians are once again putting Sommelier Michael Tinsley and Sommelier Annabelle Butler to the test in Somm vs. Somm: Halloween Edition. Four courses. Eight w**es. Two somms battling over who found the better pairing.

Will Mike take the title again?

Expect spectacular fall food, plenty of friendly competition, and just enough Halloween mischief to make costumes highly encouraged.

6:30 PM | Maximillians
4 Courses | 8 W**es | $85++
Costumes encouraged
Reservations: 919-465-2455

NOVEMBER 10 | WILL'S BIRTHDAY W**E DINNER
W**e, Friendship + Men's Mental Health

Some dinners are about the w**e.
This one is about something bigger.

On Tuesday, November 10, we’ll once again join our friends at Maximillians, along with Tony Lombardi of Lombardi W**es and Mike Kobler of Kobler Estate W**ery, for Will Hennessee's Birthday W**e Dinner benefiting Hilinski's Hope Foundation.

Tony and Mike started as people we knew through w**e and became family. Bringing everyone together for a night that supports men's mental health makes this one of the evenings we look forward to most.

Hilinski's Hope works to raise mental health awareness, destigmatize mental illness, and provide quality mental health resources to student-athletes nationwide.
A portion of dinner sales will be donated to Hilinski's Hope, and all raffle proceeds will benefit the organization.

Take a chance on some incredible raffle prizes, including a four-night stay at Kobler Estate and large-format w**es from Lombardi W**es.

6:30 PM | Maximillians
6 Courses with W**e Pairings | $150++
Reservations: 919-465-2455
Limited seating.

COMMUNITY CORNER

SEPTEMBER GIVES US MORE THAN ONE REASON TO PAY ATTENTION
September is Su***de Prevention Month and Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, two causes that are very close to our world.

SU***DE PREVENTION MONTH
Mental health touches every family, every workplace, and every community.

This month, you’ll see that commitment reflected in where we spend our time and who we choose to support.

On September 17, DRINK will close for the evening so we can attend the Foundation of Hope's Night of Inspiration. A few days later, our California & Charcuterie event with Bricoleur Vineyards will also benefit the Foundation and its work advancing research into mental illness.

And in November, we’ll continue the conversation through Will's Birthday W**e Dinner benefiting Hilinski's Hope and its work supporting the mental health of student-athletes.

W**e brings people together, but community is about much more than what is in the glass.

It is checking on people.

Making room for difficult conversations.

Listening.

And reminding people that asking for help is a sign of strength.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

SPINAL CORD INJURY AWARENESS MONTH
September is also Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, which gives us an opportunity to introduce some of you to another organization very close to home: NextStep Raleigh.

NextStep Raleigh is a community-based paralysis recovery center serving people living with Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological conditions.

Its specialized Activity-Based Training programs are built around repeated opportunities for movement, activation, strength, and neurological recovery. The goal is not simply to adapt to what has been lost, but to continue exploring what may still be possible.

For many of the people NextStep serves, recovery does not end when insurance does.

Programs like these are generally not covered by insurance, which means community support plays a direct role in keeping specialized recovery accessible to the people who need it.

Spinal cord injury can change a life in an instant.

Recovery, however, happens over months and years, through repetition, persistence, skilled training, family support, and a community willing to keep showing up.

That is why awareness matters. For more information, check out their website at www.nextstepraleigh.org

And it is another reminder of something we believe strongly at DRINK:
Community is not simply where you live. It is where you choose to show up.

AND THAT'S FALL AT DRINK...
A little California. A little Ch*****ne. Sake. B**r. W**e battles. A few nights out with some of our favorite people. And several opportunities to gather for something bigger than what we are pouring.

Because DRINK has never really been just about selling w**e.

It's about the stories behind the bottles.

The people sitting across the table.

And the community we get to be part of.

We'll see you at the shop, around town, or with a glass in hand somewhere in between.
Sandy & Cameron Bridger
The Mom & The Somm

Check out some of our current favorites below

Click here for an update from DRINK!

09/13/2026

Happy Birthday to Cam. 🥂

08/27/2026

Some tastings are informative.

Some tastings are so much fun the video ends up under lock and key.

That’s pretty much what happened when Trevor Hogue stopped by DRINK with Annabel Butler.

We tasted through Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dave Phinney’s Santa Barbara County project, and got into one of the things Phinney is especially known for: blending.

At OLG, the Pinot Noir vineyard is divided into 56 individual blocks, allowing the team to work with different clones, rootstocks and growing conditions, barrel them independently, and ultimately choose the best pieces for the final w**e.

Fifty-six blocks. One final blend. Very Dave Phinney.

Different blocks. Different barrels. Lots of tasting. Lots of tweaking. Which, as it turns out, is also a pretty good description of our afternoon with Trevor.

The w**es? Excellent.
The conversation? Even better.
The video? Classified.

Some tastings are just more fun than others.

A few of these w**es may even be joining their sibling on the shelves at DRINK. Stay tuned

08/26/2026

W**e dinner season is officially open.

And Second Empire said, “Why start small?”

Four courses. Five w**es. Swordfish, lamb, tiramisu, and absolutely no reason to cook dinner at home.

Thursday, August 27 at 6 PM
$165 per person, plus tax and gratuity

Call Second Empire to get your seat at the table before someone with equally good taste beats you to it.

Cheers to w**e dinner season.

07/18/2026

Dear Friends,

The French have a wonderful word: ennui.

It describes that peculiar feeling that arrives in the middle of summer when the days are hot, time slows down, and even deciding what to drink feels like too much work.

We get it.

Between Raleigh's July heat & humidity and a shop full of incredible new arrivals, we've found ourselves with plenty of wonderful w**es... and very little desire to write eloquent tasting notes about every one of them.

Instead, we'd like to offer a simple invitation.

Come see what's new for yourself.

Our shelves have been filling with bottles we're genuinely excited about. Bright whites that belong on the porch. Rosés that refuse to admit summer is ending. Chillable reds that love the grill. A few bubbles for celebrations both planned and spontaneous. And, as always, a handful of hidden gems waiting to become your next favorite bottle.

Sometimes the best w**e isn't the one someone recommends.

It's the one you discover.

A Little Summer Break

The Mom & The Somm will be taking a much-needed family vacation July 24 through August 3.

Before we head out, we'll be doing what we love most: delivering w**e, curating mixed cases, and helping you find the perfect bottles for beach trips, mountain weekends, backyard dinners, and everything in between.

If you've been thinking about stocking up, now is a great time to stop by or give us a call. We'll make sure you're ready for whatever summer has planned.

Our Biggest Summer Sale
August 4-15

It's back.

And just like every year, the rule is wonderfully simple.

The More You Buy, The More You Save.
1-5 Bottles 10% OFF
6-12 Bottles 15% OFF
13-23 Bottle 20% OFF
24-47 Bottles 25% OFF
48+ Bottles. 25% OFF

Whether you're replenishing the cellar, planning for football Saturdays, thinking ahead to the holidays, or simply taking advantage of your favorite w**es at their best prices of the season, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up.

Need help building a case?
That's one of our favorite things to do.

What's New on the Shelves?

We've been busy tasting so you don't have to.

You'll find:
• Bright, refreshing whites perfect for summer evenings.
• Rosés that disappear far too quickly.
• Light-bodied reds that are just as happy with a slight chill.
• New producers we're thrilled to introduce.
• Staff favorites that have earned permanent spots in our own w**e racks.

No list can do them justice.

You'll just have to come in and taste the story for yourself.

Looking Ahead

Summer may still be in full swing, but we're already looking ahead to a fall filled with unforgettable evenings.

Sake vs. B**r: An Oktoberfest Showdown
Thursday, October 22

Join us and Chef Jake Wolf for an unforgettable evening exploring one delicious question:
Which pairs better with Oktoberfest-inspired cuisine... sake or b**r?

Expect incredible food, thoughtful pairings, lively conversation, and a few surprises along the way.

Ticket information coming soon.

Summer has a funny way of reminding us to slow down.

To linger a little longer over dinner.

To open the bottle we've been saving.

To invite friends over for no particular reason.

We hope you'll stop by before we head out, browse the new arrivals, let us build you a mixed case, or simply spend a few minutes talking w**e.

That's still our favorite part of what we do.

We'll see you soon.

Cheers,
The Mom & The Somm
DRINK Raleigh

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