This weekend in St. Petersburg, I visited the most charming wine and beer spot – Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe.

With a cute sloth as a mascot, a good sense of humor, and a great variety of booze, I knew that this place was a winner.

The first bottle we tried was a 2016 Alexander Valley Vineyards Dry Rosé of Sangiovese. The vineyard is owned and operated by the Harry Wetzel family. Founded in 1975, it is located on Cyrus Alexander’s old homestead. The estate grows fourteen grape varieties, with each grape variety being matched to a specific soil type and exposure.

It is light salmon pink in color and has hints of citrus and grass on the nose. Which translates onto the palate. You can also taste berries, peach, and minerality. It has a nice balance with a lingering acidity and dryness. I love dry rosés, so I thought this was an exceptional bottle for the price (which was $16 at the shop and $12.99 online).

I paired it with friends and fun times. I’m usually more partial to French rosés, but I thought this was really good. 4/5.