"Anna Blooms" in Houston

I had a fantastic time speaking at the "Anna Blooms" Houston event last week where I played host to local lifestyle writers who came to Ousie's Table for some how-to tips on entertaining this spring. 

Attendees tasted both the Anna de Codorniu Brut and Rosé Cava with an array of menu items showcasing the pairing potential of these two wines. Passed hors d'oeuvre ranged from fried oysters and asparagus to crab cakes to lamb in puff pastry and beyond. Guests loved the clean citrus and pineapple character of the Brut and the distinctly different fresh berry component of the Rosé along with the refreshing finish of both wines with the varied menu items.

In addition to holding its own at more formal cocktail or dinner parties, guests were surprised to learn that the low price point made it an anytime wine to make any occasion a bit more special, including enjoying it with popcorn on movie night at home or out on the back patio with the neighbors paired with any salty snack.

Some of the style writers commented on the beautiful new packaging and its potential for everything from "It's a girl" to "Pamper yourself" gift baskets. The look adds a bit of feminine elegance to girl's nights, bachlorette parties, Mother's Day brunch and to bridal and baby showers. 

Although these are stand-alone sparkling wines, guests liked the easy cocktail alternative of adding juice to the wine; from the classic orange and grapefruit for brunch to pineapple juice for Hawaiian mimosas at backyard luaus to cranberry for a pre-Thanksgiving aperitif. The availability of having both at Spec's and the Brut also at HEB makes it an easy go-to choice for year round entertaining.

The ability to elegantly entertain with ease this spring was taken a step further with a floral demonstration and workshop with Sue from Lexis Florist. Guests made their own arrangement of beautiful pastel colored flowers to take home for the holiday weekend. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my day as an “Anna ambassador”. I enjoyed sharing the story of the woman for whom the wine is named while tasting both namesakes with so many great Houston writers and wine professionals.

Ask yourself what you are celebrating this spring, then add Anna to the occasion; she not only makes it more elegant, she also makes it more fun!