This month’s theme:  "From Water to Wine"

Fana's journey to becoming a wine expert is a total inspiration. She started out thinking she'd be a lawyer, but her love for good food and bringing people together led her to the world of wine. She's worked at some amazing NYC restaurants, taught online classes, and even started her own wine education platform.

As the New York Brand Activation Manager for S.Pellegrino, Acqua Panna, and Perrier, Fana's all about the power of connection and the magic that happens around a table. She's passionate about sharing her knowledge and helping you discover new wines you'll love.

Mae Son, Frizzante Red | Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy; red, pavana, rosara, negrara, turca: "Ever since I popped the cork on my wine career, Alto Adige has been a top contender for my heart. Talk about the magic of water shaping the terroir — it's like a romantic tale in a vineyard. But first, let’s chat about the wine. The nose is a bundle of twisted bramble with zesty red cherry and wild strawberries being the star. There were also herbal notes that soothe you like a fresh pot of tea. Fun fact: Alto Adige may only contribute 1% to Italy’s wine production, but it’s packed with ancient grape goodness. Lake Garda is like nature’s little treasure chests, helping surrounding vineyards grow on rich murrain or marl soil, soaking up the sun just right. With refreshing lake breezes cooling things down, this enchanting spot lets the wines strut their aromatic stuff — complex and oh-so-detailed. It’s the ideal playground for crafting sparkling wines from bold red grapes. This wine is already popping with electric fruitiness and to keep that same energy, I would pair it with with pizza [or pork chops with a plum sauce when you’re feeling fancy], and Acaua Panna to help elongate its fruity characters." — Fana Monché

Frug, Gruner, Vetliner | Burgenland, Austria; white, gruner veltliner: "Remember those movie scenes when parents venture out for a romantic evening, entrusting the kids to an adventurous babysitter? That's Frug gruner Veltliner for you — a delightful twist of carefree charm and playful whimsy. Picture pineapple rinds frolicking with ripe apricots, thyme leaves playing tag, and white peaches sunbathing lazily. The palate is a lively dance floor where freshly poured Sprite waltzes with pineapple juice that's been allowed to sit and dream for two days, all the while, peach fuzz spectators cheer them on. Born by the magical Lake Neusiedl, this wine is a sparkling gem, weaving a rich story of minerality and exuberant tropical fruit notes. The lake, acting as a considerate neighbor, moderates the climate. It's this lake that warms the autumn air and weaves the mystical mists, nurturing the famous botrytis or noble rot, which crafts the regal sweet wines that this region is renowned for. Oh, and did we mention it comes in a 1L bottle? What more could you ask for? Best enjoyed with a sunny disposition and a lazy Sunday morning omelet, this wine is all about cherishing the good times. Try it with sparkling water too to help savor the continuous tingling sensation that each sip provides." — Fana Monché

Clos Siguier, Les Camilles |  Occitania, France; red, malbec: "When you think of malbec, does your mind wander to Argentina? Well, I invite you to journey with me to Cahors, France, a place that may just become your new malbec haven. Now, Cahors, with its rugged highlands, reminds me so vividly of the Led Zeppelin classic, ‘Whole Lotta Love.’ It's a place of dramatic peaks and wild beauty. At the heart of this region, the Lot River dances from east to west, shaping the vineyards of Cahors and adding to the rich tapestry of terroir and microclimates — much like the myriad emotions stirred by a Zeppelin tune. It's here that the cool kiss of Atlantic breezes meets the warm embrace of Mediterranean sun, creating an idyllic cradle for malbec grapes. This unique interplay of climate elements adds to the depth and intricacy of the local wines.  One sip of Les Camilles, and you'll see what I mean, it's a wonderful introduction to French malbecs. Picture the richness of Kashmir (another Zeppelin masterpiece), the wine's luscious fruitiness is just as sensual and captivating. But once it hits your palate, those sweet plum and blackberry notes take center stage, bursting into a symphony of flavors reminiscent of Earl Grey tea, with plush tannins that aren't too drying. This wine pairs beautifully with grilled lamb chops, roasted fall veggies, or a decadent triple chocolate cake. But truth be told, this wine stands proudly on its own, much like watching an episode of The Bear." — Fana Monché

Abbia Nova, Senza Vandalismi Passerina |  Lazio, Italy; white, passerina: Those days chasing fireflies and building forts – it's like stepping back in time. This is a bottle of those carefree moments. Imagine a vineyard soaking up the rain, just like you used to splash in puddles. This wine is a celebration of that transformation, of how nature's magic turns water into something truly special. The passerina grapes, grown in the sunny Lazio region, have absorbed the freshness and minerality of the water, creating a wine that's like a glass of sunshine. It's golden in color and has a sweet smell of fruits. You'll taste its freshness and liveliness. The finish is long and refreshing, leaving you feeling happy and content.

La Grange Tiphaine, Ad Libitum |  Abruzzo, Italy; red, cot, gamay, cabernet franc: The vineyards battling the elements is just like our own struggles in life. La Grange Tiphaine's vines endure drought, wind, and storms, yet they thrive, their roots digging deep for life-giving water. That resilience is mirrored in their wine, a testament to the enduring spirit of the land. This wine is a golden hue, like the sun-kissed vineyards themselves. Its aroma is a mix of citrus, flowers, and a touch of earthiness. The taste is balanced and refreshing with complex yet harmonious flavors just like life itself. Pair it with seafood, salads, or light appetizers. It's a taste of resilience, a reminder that even in the face of challenges, beauty and joy can endure.

Matthieu Savatier, Teres Antique | Provence, France; white, cinsault, grenache, tibouren: Think of a sun-drenched vineyard where grapes soak up the earth, much like a sponge absorbing water. This wine dances on the palate like a sparkling stream, reflecting the transformative power of water. Its pale golden hue invites you to take a sip. Delicate notes of citrus, floral blossoms, and a hint of saline minerality transport you to the Mediterranean coast, where the sea's influence is evident in the wine's refreshing character. The palate is a burst of citrusy flavors, balanced by a subtle sweetness, reminiscent of a refreshing sea breeze. This versatile wine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, including seafood, salads with citrusy dressings, and light appetizers.

Poggiosecco, Chianti |  Tuscany, Italy; red, sangiovese, malvasia nera: "Sipping on Chianti, I'm taken back to the enduring love my grandparents share, over four decades and counting. Chianti, to me, is a tribute to their love. It clings to your heart with the same tenacity as its tannins. It's as comforting and timeless as your nonna's sun-drenched tomato sauce, intertwined with herbaceous notes and sweet cherry whispers. It's a love story, like The Notebook — minus the heartache. Now let's journey to Tuscany, a region that owes its charm to the Arno River. The Arno, it's not just a river, it's the lifeblood of the vineyards, creating a microclimate that's a vintner's dream. The winters are kind, the humidity just right, and the vineyards bask in the perfect exposure. It's a place where vines don't just grow, they thrive. And this Chianti? It's your companion for those Friday family Bolognese nights, or the centerpiece of rooftop dates. It's not just a wine, it's an experience, a memory, a love story in a bottle." — Fana Monché

Turay, Generosa Pét-Nat |  Neszmély, Hungary; sparkling white, generosa: Remember those lazy days, sipping lemonade under a tree? Well, this pet-nat from Turay, Generosa is like a grown-up version of that. It’s a sparkling wine that’s as refreshing as a cool breeze on a hot day. It's got this pale straw color and playful bubbles that'll make you smile. The smell is a citrusy dream, with hints of green apple and floral sweetness. The zesty flavors explode on your tongue. It's sweet, but not too sweet, and the bubbles add a fun, bubbly touch. It's the perfect companion for light, fresh dishes, from seafood to salads.