05/02/2026
"The month of May is the gateway to summer."
- Jean Hersey
May arrives the way it always does. Full.
Calendars crowd quickly. Mother’s Day, graduations, long dinners that stretch a little later than planned. It’s a season of showing up for the people who matter, of marking moments both big and small.
Busy, yes. But meaningful.
And if April reminded us of anything, it’s that even in the middle of it all, there is value in slowing down long enough to connect.
Through evenings with the winemakers from Lombardi Wines, Kobler Estate Winery, and Innumero Wine, you helped us create space for meaningful conversations around mental health while supporting Hilinski’s Hope and the Foundation of Hope. As proud sponsors, we were honored to further that commitment with contributions to both organizations and to participate events like the 13th Annual Sigma Phi Break the Silence Run. With May comes Mental Health Awareness Month, a reminder to stay connected and keep the conversation going.
Moments that have impact long after the last glass is finished.
Thank you for being part of that. You can see more from these evenings and their impact on our Instagram
Winemar Dinner with Erik Miller
Kokomo Winery & Breaking Bread Wines
Join us for a special evening where exceptional wine and thoughtful cuisine come together in an intimate, welcoming setting.
DRINK and Maximillians Grill & Wine Bar invite you to a curated wine dinner featuring Erik Miller of Kokomo Winery and Breaking Bread Wines.
On May 12, 2026 at 6:30 pm, guests will gather for a multi-course dinner paired with six distinctive wines, each selected to highlight the character and craftsmanship behind Erik’s portfolio. Known for expressive, terroir-driven wines across Sonoma County’s Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valleys, Erik will guide the evening, sharing the stories behind each bottle and the philosophy that has shaped Kokomo since 2004.
Alongside Kokomo, Erik’s Breaking Bread Wines reflect a more intimate, collaborative side of his work. Thoughtfully produced in small quantities, these wines are rooted in the idea of bringing people together. They are approachable yet nuanced, designed not just to be tasted, but to be shared across a table.
Perched on the east side of Dry Creek Valley, Kokomo Winery sits among the 120-acre Timber Crest Farms, where Erik partners with grower Randy Peters to produce a range of varietals and single-vineyard designates.
More than accolades, Kokomo is rooted in a sense of place and family. Named for Erik’s hometown of Kokomo, Indiana, and symbolized by the coastal cypress tree that reflects his move west, the winery carries a spirit that is both grounded and welcoming.
The evening will be hosted at Maximillians, where Chef Margie Hennessee brings her signature approach. Seasonal, thoughtful cuisine designed to let both food and wine speak clearly.
The night begins with a reception before guests are seated, followed by an evening shaped by great wine, thoughtful cuisine, and conversation that lingers.
Tickets are $125 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity.
New Wines For the Moments Worth Marking
This is the time of year when the right bottle matters. Not just for what’s in the glass, but for what it brings to the table.
🌸 Champagne Bernard Gaucher Rosé (only 500 cases produced)
Fine bubbles with red currant, rose petal, and a clean mineral edge. Elegant, precise, and quietly celebratory.
🌸 Domaine Jocelyn Raoux Tavel
Ripe raspberry, subtle spice, and a savory backbone. A rosé with depth, equally at home at the table or on its own.
🌸 Illahe Vineyards “Cap Fizz”
Sparkling. Bright, lively, and easy. Orchard fruit and citrus with a clean finish that keeps things moving.
🌸 Jolie-Laide Rosé “The Lovers”
Wild strawberry, citrus peel, and a soft, unfolding texture. Thoughtful, balanced, and built for lingering conversations.
🌸 Moreau-Naudet Chablis 1er Cru “Vaillons”
From 1.7 hectares across Roncière, Séchet, and Epinottes, anchored by beautiful old vines. Native yeast, time on the lees, and stainless that allows clarity and detail to shine. A bottle that pulls people closer, slows the table down, and reminds us why we gather in the first place.
🌸 Elio Perrone “Tasmorcan” Barbera d’Asti
Dark cherry and plum with lifted acidity. Generous, energetic, and made for sharing.
Community Corner
Even in a full season, there are opportunities to show up in a different way.
This month also brings a few personal moments worth sharing.
We are excited to introduce the newest member of the DRINK family, Remi, our wine dog in training. We’ll let the photo speak for itself.
And closer to home, we could not be more proud to share that Rory and Broughton Vocal Music swept the awards at competition last weekend in NYC. A reminder of what happens when passion, discipline, and community come together.
Thank you, as always, for your support and for understanding that as a small business, we sometimes have to go where the family is but we always come back to help you find your new favorite.
May moves quickly. But somewhere in the middle of it, there is still time to pause. To gather. To open something worth sharing.
We hope to see you soon.
Cameron & Sandy Bridger
The Somm & The Mom
DRINK Raleigh
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