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Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/567665
www.cheersonline.com 7 September 2015 • DRINK CULTURE Another Real Housewife is trying her hand at winemaking. Brandi Glanville, from the reality show Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, recently unveiled Unfi ltered Blonde chardonnay. Produced in partnership with The Rippey Wine Co., Unfi ltered Blonde's inaugural 2013 chardonnay is a mix of grapes from Sonoma County (70%) and the Yountville appellation of Napa Valley (30%). The suggested retail price is $15. Glanville joins fellow Real Housewives Bethenny Frankel (Skinnygirl) and Ramona Singer (Ramona pinot grigio), among others, in launching a wine brand. What inspired her to do it? "My favorite wines at tastings were always the most expensive ones," Glanville explains. "That got me thinking: Could I take my favorite fl avors and make them less expensive?" What's more, "anyone who knows anything about me knows that I've always loved wine," Glanville says. "I knew that this wouldn't be 'out there' in terms of my brand." In addition to Real Housewives, Glanville hosts her own podcast, and made it to the fi nal four in Season 7 of the show Celebrity Apprentice. Her success in the entertainment industry is partly fueled by her outspoken style, hence the name "Unfi ltered Blonde." For its part, The Rippey Wine Co. "wanted to work with a celebrity who made sense," says president Tyson Rippey. "Our company makes wines for other people," he notes. "We get approached by a lot of celebrities who just want to put their name on a product. With Brandi, that's not the case." Not only is Glanville a part owner of this brand, Rippey says, "she's been there from the get-go, and in every step along the way of the winemaking." Glanville admittedly had a lot to learn: "I didn't realize how much time and effort went into winemaking," she says. "There's a lot that goes into picking the perfect grapes," not to mention the aging process. "This has also taught me to look at the quality of the bottle and the label," she adds. "I have a different eye now for those things." Unfi ltered Blonde is aged in stainless steel tanks, which impart no fl avor and help attain a balance among fruit, oak, and buttery fl avors, Rippey says. "It's a $15 wine that tastes like a $30 bottle," boasts Glanville. Fans of Glanville already have a thirst for the new wine brand, according to the Real Housewife. "My fans are the best," Glanville notes. "Before they could even taste this chardon- nay, they were ordering it online."—Kyle Swartz SEEKING THE BEST-DRESSED SOMMS Calling all sharp-dressed sommeliers: GQ magazine and Australian winemaker Penfolds will partner to host their second annual "Best Dressed Somm" contest. "Somm style is not just about clothes—it's about exploring and knowing how to choose," says the pro- motional copy for the contest. "Whether it's expert craftsmanship, impeccable tailoring, or a fi ne vintage, somms know the good stuff when they see it. The search for the Best Dressed Somm is a recognition that the worlds of wine and fashion are rapidly colliding." From Sept. 1 through Sept. 30, sommeliers across North America can submit their most dapper photo and application for a chance to win the title and bragging rights of being Penfolds' and GQ's Best Dressed Somm. At the end of the submission period, Penfolds, and GQ will select and invite the top fi ve fi nalists to an exclusive event at the Penfolds House on Oct. 21 in New York. There the fi nal fi ve will go head-to-head in front of a panel of judges from the fashion and culinary worlds. In addition to notoriety as "The Penfolds and GQ Best Dressed Somm 2015," the winner will receive offi cial national and local exposure via Penfolds and GQ, not to mention a private styling session with GQ's executive stylist, Brett Fahlgren. Visit Penfolds.com/ GQBestDressedSomm to learn more and register to win. The 2014 Best Dressed Somm A.J. Ojeda Pons, left, from The Lambs Club in New York, and DLynn Proctor, Penfolds' U.S. Winemaking Ambassador. REAL HOUSEWIFE BRANDI GLANVILLE LAUNCHES CHARDONNAY Brandi Glanville (center) with Jenni and Tyson Rippey of The Rippey Wine Co.