Is that a Pinot in your stocking?

Ho, Ho, Ho!

Yes, it's that time of year. The lake light-up ceremony was last Friday, and the parade and flotilla are coming up this weekend. So, if you haven't seen your share of fire engines, marching bands or beauty queens, come on by The Grind and watch the festivities unfold.

I mean, where else can you call someone "Little Miss Flounder," and it not be an insult? Seriously.

The parade actually lines up on Atlanta, so our shop is the starting point, as the participants make their turn onto Lake Park Blvd. to head into scenic downtown Carolina Beach. But we have wine, so you can enjoy a glass or three and watch from the very beginning.

Also, don't forget we have a special tasting Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., featuring the wines of Shannon Ridge. Located north of Napa, this winery produces five nice wines, that Kevin, from Empire, will be pouring for your enjoyment. Susan and I will be offering a little gnosh to go with each selection, so it should be interesting.

Thursday, Esther, from Ararat, returns with a selection of wines spanning the globe, in a Wide World of Sports tasting. The thrill of victory...or, at least a good Montepulciano, should bring you out for this one. There will also be wines from Argentina, Germany and California (yes, California counts as its own country...where else can an Austrian meathead, married to an anorexic Kennedy, garble his way into the Governor's Mansion? He even gets to use the front gate...sheesh!). No, Arnold, it's pronounced "Cal-i-forn-ia," not "Kahl-a-fworn-ia." Let's try it again...

Sorry, lost myself for a minute, there. Anyway, there is a good chance we will have our t-shirts in this week. And what would be better to find in your stocking Christmas morning than 2 Wine Guys? Nevermind, don't answer that. The point remains, though, wine and t-shirts make excellent gifts.

We will have music after the parade, as well as music Saturday night. So, after you watch the boats float by, come in and warm up with some wine and the smooth sounds of Dave. There's also a good chance we will be tasting some beer Saturday afternoon.

So, make your plans to visit 2 Wine Guys @ The Grind, and let us pour you a glass.

Shawn