How a Curated Red Wine Collection by “Scandal” Star Changed My Opinion on Wine Chris Lehoux, October 30, 2024 This article may contain affiliate links that Yahoo and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you purchase a product or service through those links. While I wouldn’t categorize myself as a budding wine sommelier, I genuinely enjoy wine and take steps to expand my knowledge about it. However, the most significant hurdle in my quest for wine knowledge was my aversion to red wine—until recently. Then, I discovered Firstleaf. For those unfamiliar, Firstleaf is a wine subscription service that sends bottles of wine directly to your home every two to 12 weeks. You have access to a vast selection of wines, and the service even allows you to take a quiz that assists you in curating a selection that suits your palate. If you’re uncertain about where to begin—even if you have a good grasp of your preferences—Firstleaf offers a series of preexisting bundles to guide your exploration. For fans of Scandal, one selection that will surely attract your attention is Tony Goldwyn’s favorites bundle. I decided to give it a shot, and I’m delighted I did because it encouraged me to try new types of wine I might typically shy away from. It seems Tony Goldwyn has impeccable taste—though that’s hardly a surprise! Firstleaf $114.95 Buy Now The great aspect of this bundle (or any Firstleaf bundle, really) is that you don’t need to subscribe to purchase it. You can simply add it to your cart and complete your order right away. For $115, you receive six wines selected by Tony Goldwyn himself. This essentially breaks down to six bottles valued at $20 each, which is a fantastic deal given the quality and flavor of every bottle. Included in the bundle are two white wines, two red wines, and a rosé. This variety ensures you have the perfect wine for any meal, whether you’re enjoying a cheese platter or savoring a steak dinner. The white wines include a zesty, full-bodied Grenache Blanc with hints of green apple and white flowers, along with a lighter, more acidic Grüner Veltliner that is pleasingly dry, complemented by notes of pineapple and candied fruit. For the reds, there’s a robust Syrah and two blended red wines. A crisp, well-balanced rosé completes the selection, ensuring that there’s something to suit every palate. Naturally, each wine comes from a unique region, allowing you to explore different flavors from around the globe when ordering from Firstleaf. I must admit that my top pick from this selection of all six is the Grüner Veltliner, which also happens to be Tony’s favorite. It pairs wonderfully with any meal, and enjoying it chilled in the evening is the ideal way to relax after a busy day. I also appreciate the rosé, although I found the Grenache Blanc a bit heavy for my taste. Surprisingly, I enjoyed all of the red wines, even though I typically lean away from reds. I have a particular fondness for the Gradino di Pietra blend, and I’ve been relishing its delightful taste for as long as I can manage before I need to place a new order. Its fruit-forward flavor is a pleasure to savor, making it enjoyable both with meals and on its own. In fact, the thought of pouring myself a glass while I settle down for a night of watching a new episode of my favorite show brings me joy. (Am I turning into Olivia Pope? At this point, it certainly feels that way.) This year, I will be hosting my family for Thanksgiving, and I am eager to order more wines from Firstleaf to wow my guests with fantastic options. While I wholeheartedly recommend Tony Goldwyn’s favorites, I’m also feeling adventurous and am ready to explore what other bottles are available from the retailer. There are numerous options priced under $30 without a subscription, along with specialty bottles ideal for special occasions. This holiday season, consider trying a bundle or gifting one to a wine lover on your shopping list. Buy: Tony Goldwyn’s Firstleaf Favorites, $114.95 We Asked 3 Chefs to Name the Best Ice Cream, and They All Said the Same Thing The One Cookware Brand That Gordon Ramsay Can’t Stop Talking About Sign up for The Kitchn’s Daily newsletter to receive our best recipes, posts, and shopping tips in your inbox. About the Author: Chris Lehoux Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored! Wine