Bridget's Blog

The Wine Bin  Ellicott City, Maryland - Wine for a Cause

I am training for the Iron Girl Triathlon with Team in Training. The event is in less than 2 weeks and I am getting both excited and nervous.  2500 women of all shapes and sizes swimming, biking and running, it will be an emotional and inspirational day.  Through TNT, not only am I better prepared for the Tri than I thought possible, I have raised quite a bit of money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and met some amazing women in the process.   There is still time to donate, any amount helps! Please visit my donation page here.  Better yet, pick an event and start training and raise money yourself!  The training is hard, but well worth it, and you will be encouraged all the way through to Race Day.  I was in awe at how quickly friends, family and business associates stepped up in support of this great cause.

One of the cool parts about being part of the Team is that I have been to some wonderful spots around Maryland for training (more on those to follow) and I been able to support some of my other teammates at their fundraisers.  I love how creative my girls are in finding ways to raise money. I love how supportive the business community has been, donating a portion of the event profits to LLS!  You can read about my main fundraiser here.  100% of all donations beyond the required minimum (which I met a while back) goes directly to patients, families, education and research.

Last night I attended a fundraiser for the Team In Training at The Wine Bin in Ellicott City, MD hosted by three of the amazing women I met through TNT.  Anne, Andrea and Joanie held a fabulous event with  a lovely wine tasting, tasty snacks, great conversation and door prizes.  We even won 4 seats to Saturday's Oriole game!

I am not a wine snob by any stretch of  the imagination, but I do enjoy a good glass (the bottle is made of glass, right?)  I had never been to The Wine Bin in Ellicott City, MD before, but after last nights event, I am sure I will be back. The Wine Bin is billed as a boutique wine store located in Historic Ellicott City. They have wines in a wide range of prices, as well as a variety wine related items and cigars. According to their website, they stock over 500 wines with at least 200 under $20.  Looks like I can stay under $20 and try a new wine a week for years to come!

I prefer red and asked for some recommendations for wines that I could enjoy at the end of a day, not necessarily to pair with food. I got an education with my recommendations, Allen Cox (husband of co-owner Giuli Cox) talked about grape varieties and combinations, about regions, and flavors.  I never felt intimidated or "less than" as when someone who was just trying to impress you with their knowledge, most probably gained from the 5 minutes with a sales rep.  Allen was different, I could feel the love, appreciation and pure enjoyment of wine that he was eager to share.  In speaking to Dave Carney (co-owner) and Sean Russell ("helper"), Allen is not alone in this.  These folks really know what they are talking about and are happy to share. 

I purchased one of the red's from the tasting, a light and smooth red, 2010 Vin De Pays Du Vaucluse.  As for my other purchases (a portion went to LLS, I was just trying to do my part!)  even though they have wines from all over the world, it seems that I traveled only to France in my purchases.  The first recommendation, one of Allen's favorite's was about $15, was Chateau de Vaugelas Corbieres, 2009.  His description made me purchase 3 bottles!  Can't wait to try it.  The other bottles I chose were of the Cotes du Rhone variety, a region of France with 6 grape varieties (if I remember correctly).  I decided on a few different price points. I am going to have to start a wine journal so I can remember which I liked the best.  

The Wine Bin hosts movie nights, Yappy Hours (bring your well-behaved pups), and charity events. You can read all about it on their web site here.  Be sure to purchase a 6-pack wine bag for your purchases.  The proceeds from the purchase are donated to "Voices for Children".  As a bonus, you'll get 5% off both your initial purchase and subsequent 6-pack purchases when you bring in the bag. 

I am proud to be part of Team in Training and I am thrilled to learn about great, local businesses that support such wonderful causes. 

The Wine Bin  Ellicott City, Maryland - Wine for a Cause