The Wine Guide: 005 - SXSW

It’s here.

SXSW has officially landed in Austin. Love it? Hate it? Already OOO in Italy for the next two weeks? Wherever you stand, we've got you covered.

Tonight’s Pick: Legendary Natural Wine Takeover

For those looking to escape the crowds tonight (Friday, 3/7), here's our top pick: The Kermit Lynch Next Generation event at Justine's Brasserie from 6-9pm.

This is seriously special - a group of young winemakers who've inherited some of natural wine's most iconic French estates are taking over Justine's. We're talking the next generation from Domaine Ostertag, Domaine Lapierre, and Domaine des Roches Neuves, among others.

The best part? It's open to the public with no tickets needed. Just show up, taste by the glass, and take advantage of bottle specials. This is a rare chance to meet the actual people making some of the world's most sought-after natural wines.

It's part of an 8-city tour that's making Austin its only Texas stop. We believe this is the event worth heading out for tonight.

Pick #2: LoLo's No-Badge-Needed Party Series

In the "perfect timing" category: LoLo Wine's 5-year anniversary celebration collided with SXSW, creating what might be the best unofficial wine series of the festival.

From today through March 15th, they're hosting nightly DJ sets and special events at their East 6th spot (1504 E 6th St). The best part? No badge required, and they're promising "some damn good vintage in the mix."

Highlights include Jello Mom Market on Saturday afternoon (12-5pm), U.S. Girls & Hippie Scum on Monday (going late till midnight), and a special Refraction Fest takeover on 3/14 (RSVP only for that one).

In their words: "Come kick back & drink the good stuff, you never know who's gonna roll in." Given LoLo's industry connections and natural wine cred, we're inclined to believe them.

Pick #3: NYC's Pop Up Grocer in Austin

Not a wine focus, but definitely one of our favorites: Pop Up Grocer is in Austin for a month-long takeover at 513 E. 6th Street. This NYC-based specialty grocer brings a curated collection of hard-to-find food and beverage products from independent makers.

Open daily from 11am-8pm through April 6th, they're featuring over 400 products from 100+ brands - including several Austin favorites and plenty of interesting beverage options. This is worth a quick visit during SXSW.

Perfect for discovering your next favorite snack to pair with that bottle you picked up at HEB.

Pick #4: If we had to pick just one…

Honestly, we'd be lying if it weren't tempting to stay home, grab a bottle or two you love, throw on a killer playlist, sweat some garlic in good olive oil, and dance until you've got a hot bowl of pasta in front of you. If you can, do it with someone you love. Oh, and always freshly grate your parm. Have a good weekend, friends.

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