We have always been a sucker for organizations that do good in the community and are perceived to be fiscally responsible. The wine's importer, W.J. Deutsch & Sons Ltd. made a seven thousand donation to the SF Food Bank, which we believe is critical help during the holiday season. Since W.J. Deutsch's global sales reportedly top 30 million bottles a year (at almost $10 per bottle), they've totally got the dough.

The arrival of this wine is cause for mixed reactions: celebration, hype, and disdain each year. Some oenophiles blast the wine for being swill. We have heard that word used by one noted wine director, in person. However, Beaujolais Nouveau is not meant to be the best wine you've ever tasted, but instead something fruity, celebratory, and accessible, meaning it's easy to buy and drink. Our fellow food blogger Cooking with Amy, told us she agreed that it is a fun, drinkable wine as we debated the wine's merits.

Foodwise, we liked eating and looking at the farmers market crudite platter, created by Ben Baily and Erin Shaw of Belle Catering. Other menu items of note included: California and French cheeses, spiced winter squash bisque with roasted pears (served and sip-able in a cute little demitasse cup), and beet rosti with local goat cheese and caramelized pecans. Media and VIP types in attendance included: Mr. Vivacious/GorgeousJoel Riddell of KGO; Mary Orlin of NBC 11's In Wine Country program; Shana Dilworth of Campton Place; as well as Emily Luchetti, chef, dessert expert & author from Farallon Restaurant.

SFist Mary Ladd/Jalapeno Girl contributing