GAS Gallery And Studio: Big Mack Attacks CoolVines Westfield

André Hueston Mack (andremack.com) of Mouton Noir Wines (moutonnoirwines.com) and Get Fraîche Cru (getfraichecru.com) made it back to CoolVines (Westfield) (www.coolvines.com) on Saturday March 2nd for another wonderful night of wine and design. Mr. Mack is nothing if not passionate and approachable, and always seems to revel in the opportunity to engage others in his interests.

This time around he brought with him MN's selections Knock On Wood (knock-on-wood), Love Drunk (love-drunk-rose), O.P.P. (Other People's Pinot) and Oregogne (oregogne). Not to be left out of the festivities, signature designs by GFC were also present, most notably Barolo King, Beaune Thugs, Farmer Fizz, Grunerade and Licensed by Nebbiolo (moutonnoirwines.com/schwag/).

Aside from being a dynamo of a Sommelier, Winemaker and Designer, André is affable, genial, and anything but "old guard". His mission is quite simple, to demystify the exclusionary and snobbish airs of the wine world elite while empowering everyone with the confidence and interest to pursue their respective palates, and to make no apologies for doing so. Needless to say, Mr. Mack has made many friends along the way, and his fan base keeps growing.

André himself has stated, "Wine is not a beverage reserved for the elite, but can and should be enjoyed by everyone. A wine's place is on the table right next to the salt and pepper, as a compliment - even a condiment to the food. It is not meant only to be collected, but to enhance your meal and your way of life." Amen!

If you have a curious palate for alcohol but just don't know where to begin, CoolVines (www.coolvines.com) is a great place to get your mouth whet. The staff at CoolVines Westfield (coolvines.com/our-stores), notably Damon O'Gara and Lauren Ramos, are very knowledgeable and disarmingly friendly, and they are always ready to share their experience and opinion on wine, spirits and beer with anyone who is looking to learn and broaden his/her liquid horizons.

The philosophy at CoolVines is also one of inclusion and palate empowerment, and they achieve this both in their stores and on the web by employing three simple and very powerful ideals, "Only The Best", "Arranged By Taste" and "A Website Driven By Your Preferences". Simply put, the pursuit at CoolVines is to "hand-select wines and present only those which represent the best of their breed and true value, guide customers in the choice of wine to suit one's preference and fit the occasion, and to provide tools to customers for learning about one's personal palate 'signature'."

In addition to all this goodness, CoolVines offers custom wine services (coolvines.com/custom-wine-services) such as private wine tastings and classes, wine dinners and wine-pairing, or if you're in a hurry or just too busy to bother, they'll even make recommendations and selections for you (coolvines.com/the-coolvines-difference). With this level of attention and enthusiasm, why would you consider going anywhere else? If you happen to stop in or visit them online, be sure to tell them GAS Gallery And Studio sent you, and raise a glass (or two) for us.

Cheers !!