This A list celebrity/diva uses box wine poured into empty $25,000 bottles she drinks herself. She makes her guests think they are getting her special stash of wine.
Really and they can't tell the difference from box wine, please I'd like to know the name and vineyard of that wine. If it's good enough for Babara's guests it's good enough for me…
That's why whenever she has me over, I say, "Bitch, I want to see you pull the cork out of this bottle, none of this uncorking in the kitchen nonsense."
I think it pissed her off at first, but that she respects me for it now.
Most wine experts say most people couldn't tell the difference between a good bottle of wine or a bottle of the $3 swill in WalMart so they suggest when you give a dinner party w wine go cheap.
Hey, ain't nothing wrong with boxed wine. The quality has really gone up, especially now that they have those little personal cartons that hold 3.5 glasses.
But why? I mean, it's funny but it's also really gross if you think about it. She doesn't have to give them $25K wine, but FFS she doesn't have to give them El Cheapo disguised as $25K wine, either. There are choices inbetween the two that are perfectly acceptable.
I don't see it as saving money since she still buys the wine and drinks it herself. I see it as she is really trying to make people think she thinks they are special and the whole time she is thinking what idiots they are. I had a friend like that. Manipulative and sociopathic.
Like other people have commented, there is some very good boxed wine out there.
And a lot of people really can't tell the difference between a $9 bottle of wine and one that costs over $25. However, anyone call tell Manishevitz--it's thick, syrupy and sweet. Like really bad grape juice.
I could see someone doing this as a passive-aggressive way of getting back at someone(s) who has hurt her in some way in the past ... I doubt she does that routinely with good friends.
Just how alienated from reality can she be to think that she really needs a $25k bottle of wine? Of course she's free to burn her money any way she wants, but I'm really getting sick of the general diva mentality (not limited to Streisand).
Money is relative. If you only have $3000 a month, a $7 wine might be your norm. At $10k a month, $15 to $20 a bottle wine might be your average. At $30K a month you might be. $30 to $150 bottle drinker. If you're worth $100M, $25K for a bottle is like a $10K Per month person splurging on a $250 bottle. It's all relative. Babs is tight. Hell, when I have friends for dinner, they don't typically get my $100 stash either. But at least I don't try to be pretentious and pass off my $100 bottles with Gallo!
This is funny. Can't say I blame Babs, or anyone else, for doing this. But 25K for a bottle of wine? Really? That's not really the sort of wine one serves to casual guests.
Babe is an old school cunt. But, she's never going to be broke, or messed with. That, I can always appreciate in a person. I live on a Winery. I have a recurring ulcer, and haven't been able to drink wine in about 10 yrs. I just give it for gifts. It kinda sucks.
Going to have to try out the Trader Joe's wine! Thanks MISCH! I always have a hard time finding good, cheap red wine!
@ Jessie. I've had a $2500 dollar bottle of wine before and was not impressed. Like the others were saying, there are good wines out there under $10....it's just a matter of finding them :-/
Check the results lists of some of the larger US wine competitions, you'll see some boxed wines in there. I was stunned to see the boxed red blend from Target win a silver at the LA County Fair a few years ago, but I tried it and its decent stuff. Been drinking that and their pinot grigio ever since. My husband doesnt drink wine and I was tired of wasting good bottles for one glass of wine with dinner. Forget Franzia, there are some really decent $15 to $25 range boxed wines that are worth a look.
Di, I can't drink at the moment due to weight loss drug I'm on. We had lunch at the vineyards yesterday. Sigh! The one wine I would always pay top dollar for this aged Semillon from Wavweley Vineyards in the Hunter Valley. Divine. I drank the dozen bottles pretty much on my own over a big period of time. As our vineyards are only 45 minutes away from our house, the enforced sobriety has made me realise I was drinking too much, not getting drunk, but the odd glass here and there really adds up.
She isn't the first billionaire to do something similar. A guest at a dinner-party given roughly 20 years ago by the father of actress Victoria Smurfit (About A Boy, The Beach and the recent ITV Dracula) noted that while he was giving them pretty good wine, but not the same as the stuff worth thousands of pounds that he was drinking himself.
Old school cunt. That's awesome! You live on a winery and can't drink wine. That is like my worst nightmare. Or, maybe being trapped in a Toys R Us on Black Friday is my worst nightmare. I don't know. It just seems unfair!
I'm kinda stunned by all the, "you go, girl" responses to this. I find it all rather sad. For one, a diva being this cheap kinda puts a knife in the illusion, doesn't it. In addition, this takes cunning. But at the same time, I feel bad for old Babs since she thinks she has to front like that with bazillion dollar bottles of wine. There are fabulous varieties that run from $10 to $100 a pop. Surely, she could afford that. I just don't get it.
With the Grey Goose switcharoo story, I wonder how many high-falutin restaurants do this. It's just interesting.
I love Trader Joe's but I live closer to Whole Foods. However, good wine at a great prices?!! Many thanks for giving me the motivation to make the trip! Lol
@Susan: Just last year there were 20 or 30 bars & restaurants in NJ busted for selling bogus booze. Filling up name brand bottles w/ discount liquor. TGIFridays got socked w/ a 1/2 million dollar fine. HuffPo article
Article says one joint was selling rubbing alcohol and caramel coloring as scotch.
@Misch and @Melpomene25 There are 2 under $10 Cabernet Savignons that I love. Velvet Moon is only at Trader Joes ($5.99?) and Red Diamond you can get anywhere but I always see it cheapest at TJ's ($6.99??)
I don't like dry wines at all so have always had a problem finding a red wine that I like. I am just starting to drinking wines as I have always been either a mixed drink or a bourbon drinker. I have had some really nice wines at dinner parties and such but have no idea what they were and I also have had some that I never want to see again. I really like the Barefoot Wine Moscato though and have a bottle of it in my fridge right now. If anyone has any other recommendations I would gladly accept them as I honestly don't know very much about wines. We don't have a Trader Joe's near here for me to go to for some of the of ones that were mentioned already.
Any of the "Moon" wines at TJ's are decent and drinkable, also, their Blue Fin wines if you want to go really cheap and juicy.
Lisa, check out the wines at Target and just take a chance, perhaps? Or even the wines at BigLots (that can be really hit or miss because I think they let their wines get hot sometimes). It takes time to figure out what you like and what you don't, and don't let anyone tell you what you should or shouldn't like, just do your thing. :)
Smart lady! She's still giving her guests nice wine, and thrilling them that is a $25,000 bottle. She saves a wad of cash. Everyone wins! Seriously, just being invited is an honor and a privaledge.
On the subject of vodka - most 'top shelf' vodkas aren't even potato vodkas, they are distilled from grain. If you want a good, reasonably priced vodka give Monopolowa a shot. It is an Austrian potato vodka. Cheaper than Absolut and far better.
@Lucas, if you haven't tried Tito's Handmade Vodka you should. Made in Austin, Tx. Guy named Tito started making it for friends and giving away as Christmas gifts. Had cult status and is now mainstream. Very reasonably priced and gluten free.
Heart. Broken. Whhhhhy Babs?!
ReplyDeleteThat's funny. I like it!
ReplyDeleteDuplicity! It's what's for dinner! I bet neither she nor her guests could tell the difference
ReplyDeleteShe doesn't have many friends as it is. I wonder if she tries to give them Manischevitz?
ReplyDeleteGood for Babs!
ReplyDeleteA good idea. I'll bet Martha does the same thing.
ReplyDeleteLove this. I'll bet Martha does it too, along with lots of others.
ReplyDeleteReally and they can't tell the difference from box wine, please I'd like to know the name and vineyard of that wine. If it's good enough for Babara's guests it's good enough for me…
ReplyDeleteLmao!
ReplyDeleteThat's why whenever she has me over, I say, "Bitch, I want to see you pull the cork out of this bottle, none of this uncorking in the kitchen nonsense."
ReplyDeleteI think it pissed her off at first, but that she respects me for it now.
Most wine experts say most people couldn't tell the difference between a good bottle of wine or a bottle of the $3 swill in WalMart so they suggest when you give a dinner party w wine go cheap.
ReplyDeleteSince I'm sure she's never told a soul about this, I'm curious how Enty knows..
ReplyDeleteHahaha I love this!
ReplyDeleteHey, ain't nothing wrong with boxed wine. The quality has really gone up, especially now that they have those little personal cartons that hold 3.5 glasses.
Haha! I love it! Babs keeps her cheap reputation.
ReplyDeletestraight from the tap
ReplyDeleteFranzia, is the bomb!
DeleteI wonder if she tried to pass off Thunderbird?
ReplyDeleteJeez
ReplyDeleteU cà nt take the.money with u when u die, FFS...
JSierra has put in her order at the corner store for the boxed wines she needs for next Sunday nights drinking game
ReplyDeleteBut why? I mean, it's funny but it's also really gross if you think about it. She doesn't have to give them $25K wine, but FFS she doesn't have to give them El Cheapo disguised as $25K wine, either. There are choices inbetween the two that are perfectly acceptable.
ReplyDelete@Amy, super insecurity is the only reason I can think of. She grew up poor, fatherless, and an ugly duckling in her mind.
ReplyDeleteSaving money, good for her.
ReplyDeleteI don't see it as saving money since she still buys the wine and drinks it herself. I see it as she is really trying to make people think she thinks they are special and the whole time she is thinking what idiots they are. I had a friend like that. Manipulative and sociopathic.
DeleteLike other people have commented, there is some very good boxed wine out there.
ReplyDeleteAnd a lot of people really can't tell the difference between a $9 bottle of wine and one that costs over $25.
However, anyone call tell Manishevitz--it's thick, syrupy and sweet. Like really bad grape juice.
I could see someone doing this as a passive-aggressive way of getting back at someone(s) who has hurt her in some way in the past ... I doubt she does that routinely with good friends.
ReplyDeleteI guess Mecha streisand's guests don't nose out the cheat.
ReplyDeleteI dont even see why she cares what people think. Oh yeah, she tried this shit on me too, i set her ass straight. Lol
ReplyDeletedidnt most guess Fishsticks Paltrw for this ?
ReplyDeleteKlassy.
ReplyDelete@JSierra, I'd share a box o' wine you any day. I'll bring Laura Jean Poon!
Just how alienated from reality can she be to think that she really needs a $25k bottle of wine? Of course she's free to burn her money any way she wants, but I'm really getting sick of the general diva mentality (not limited to Streisand).
ReplyDeleteMoney is relative. If you only have $3000 a month, a $7 wine might be your norm. At $10k a month, $15 to $20 a bottle wine might be your average. At $30K a month you might be. $30 to $150 bottle drinker. If you're worth $100M, $25K for a bottle is like a $10K Per month person splurging on a $250 bottle. It's all relative. Babs is tight. Hell, when I have friends for dinner, they don't typically get my $100 stash either. But at least I don't try to be pretentious and pass off my $100 bottles with Gallo!
DeleteYou can take the girl out of Brooklyn but you can't take the Brooklyn out of Brooklyn. Says everyone who grew up in Brooklyn like me
ReplyDeleteAlex, Aunt Licky good for you keeping Babs straight. LOL!
ReplyDeleteSeriously if you're hanging out with friends who are impressed by a $25K bottle of wine then you need new friends IMHO.
This is funny. Can't say I blame Babs, or anyone else, for doing this. But 25K for a bottle of wine? Really? That's not really the sort of wine one serves to casual guests.
ReplyDeleteAin't that the truff @Ms.Girl!
ReplyDeleteDon't let GOOP find out...
ReplyDeleteI haven't yet made the leap to boxed yet. Soon though, I'm sure very soon
ReplyDelete@canadachick GOOP probably couldn't resist bragging about it.
ReplyDeleteIt kind of makes me like her more.
ReplyDeleteSandy that is really creepy because I actually did put in a request at my corner store.
ReplyDeleteSeven sounds good! Do you prefer red or white or blush? Fuck it, let's get all three! Wine for everyone!
In what world is Barbra Fucking Streisand only A list? She is permanent A+++++.
ReplyDeleteBabe is an old school cunt. But, she's never going to be broke, or messed with. That, I can always appreciate in a person.
ReplyDeleteI live on a Winery. I have a recurring ulcer, and haven't been able to drink wine in about 10 yrs. I just give it for gifts. It kinda sucks.
Di, isn't that the seventh circle of hell?
ReplyDeleteYay next Sunday night lotsa drunk postings! !!!
ReplyDeleteI do wonder what 25k wine tastes like.
ReplyDeleteLike $16 wine Jessie. Only the cast of characters changes.
ReplyDeleteTrader Joe's has a very nice boxed red ….but that's for cookouts
ReplyDeleteWow did not see that coming!
ReplyDeleteGoing to have to try out the Trader Joe's wine! Thanks MISCH! I always have a hard time finding good, cheap red wine!
ReplyDelete@ Jessie. I've had a $2500 dollar bottle of wine before and was not impressed. Like the others were saying, there are good wines out there under $10....it's just a matter of finding them :-/
Check the results lists of some of the larger US wine competitions, you'll see some boxed wines in there. I was stunned to see the boxed red blend from Target win a silver at the LA County Fair a few years ago, but I tried it and its decent stuff. Been drinking that and their pinot grigio ever since. My husband doesnt drink wine and I was tired of wasting good bottles for one glass of wine with dinner. Forget Franzia, there are some really decent $15 to $25 range boxed wines that are worth a look.
ReplyDeleteDi, I can't drink at the moment due to weight loss drug I'm on. We had lunch at the vineyards yesterday. Sigh! The one wine I would always pay top dollar for this aged Semillon from Wavweley Vineyards in the Hunter Valley. Divine. I drank the dozen bottles pretty much on my own over a big period of time. As our vineyards are only 45 minutes away from our house, the enforced sobriety has made me realise I was drinking too much, not getting drunk, but the odd glass here and there really adds up.
ReplyDeleteLol this stuff was old hat. We used to do this with vodka during rush in college.
ReplyDeleteHave empty bottle of nice stuff like Grey Goose, etc. ($50 per handle) replace with McCormicks Vodka ($10 bucks a handle)
Worst part is that Grey Goose is soo overrated that there really is not than noticeable difference in quality.
Thanks FS!!
ReplyDeleteBabs is 'frugal'?
ReplyDeleteShocking
She isn't the first billionaire to do something similar. A guest at a dinner-party given roughly 20 years ago by the father of actress Victoria Smurfit (About A Boy, The Beach and the recent ITV Dracula) noted that while he was giving them pretty good wine, but not the same as the stuff worth thousands of pounds that he was drinking himself.
ReplyDeleteBut which is the shocking part?? That she has purchased wine for $25K? or that people would be willing to share a meal with her?
ReplyDeleteOld school cunt. That's awesome! You live on a winery and can't drink wine. That is like my worst nightmare. Or, maybe being trapped in a Toys R Us on Black Friday is my worst nightmare. I don't know. It just seems unfair!
ReplyDeleteI'm kinda stunned by all the, "you go, girl" responses to this. I find it all rather sad. For one, a diva being this cheap kinda puts a knife in the illusion, doesn't it. In addition, this takes cunning. But at the same time, I feel bad for old Babs since she thinks she has to front like that with bazillion dollar bottles of wine. There are fabulous varieties that run from $10 to $100 a pop. Surely, she could afford that. I just don't get it.
With the Grey Goose switcharoo story, I wonder how many high-falutin restaurants do this. It's just interesting.
Tgif. Got busted months ago for switching out well with top shelf.
DeleteDitto, Susan
Delete@Melopene25
ReplyDeleteTrader Joe's has an italian blended red for under $5 that is just terrific , and for $10 well thats primo.
The selection is fantastic.
I love Trader Joe's but I live closer to Whole Foods. However, good wine at a great prices?!! Many thanks for giving me the motivation to make the trip! Lol
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete@Susan: Just last year there were 20 or 30 bars & restaurants in NJ busted for selling bogus booze. Filling up name brand bottles w/ discount liquor. TGIFridays got socked w/ a 1/2 million dollar fine. HuffPo article
ReplyDeleteArticle says one joint was selling rubbing alcohol and caramel coloring as scotch.
Boxed wine? Is the most gossipy thing you could muster on Babs? Seriously?
ReplyDeleteYes - I read that article! I remember. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLouis jadot. Beaujolais $9. Cvs the bomb.com
ReplyDelete@Misch and @Melpomene25
ReplyDeleteThere are 2 under $10 Cabernet Savignons that I love. Velvet Moon is only at Trader Joes ($5.99?) and Red Diamond you can get anywhere but I always see it cheapest at TJ's ($6.99??)
@sandy manischevitz ?!!?? you are killing me with that one LOL
ReplyDeleteTwo buck Chuck at Trader's Joes is da bomb. I wouldn't recognize a $25000 bottle of wine unless someone told me it was a $25000 bottle of wine.
ReplyDeleteGot a box of Franzia Sunset Blush in my fridge right now. A gal's gotta keep the budget in check don't ya know?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI don't like dry wines at all so have always had a problem finding a red wine that I like.
ReplyDeleteI am just starting to drinking wines as I have always been either a mixed drink or a bourbon drinker.
I have had some really nice wines at dinner parties and such but have no idea what they were and I also have had some that I never want to see again.
I really like the Barefoot Wine Moscato though and have a bottle of it in my fridge right now. If anyone has any other recommendations I would gladly accept them as I honestly don't know very much about wines.
We don't have a Trader Joe's near here for me to go to for some of the of ones that were mentioned already.
@Lisa
ReplyDeleteberingers red moscato is far superior to barefoot IMO
Any of the "Moon" wines at TJ's are decent and drinkable, also, their Blue Fin wines if you want to go really cheap and juicy.
ReplyDeleteLisa, check out the wines at Target and just take a chance, perhaps? Or even the wines at BigLots (that can be really hit or miss because I think they let their wines get hot sometimes). It takes time to figure out what you like and what you don't, and don't let anyone tell you what you should or shouldn't like, just do your thing. :)
Smart lady! She's still giving her guests nice wine, and thrilling them that is a $25,000 bottle. She saves a wad of cash. Everyone wins! Seriously, just being invited is an honor and a privaledge.
ReplyDeleteOn the subject of vodka - most 'top shelf' vodkas aren't even potato vodkas, they are distilled from grain. If you want a good, reasonably priced vodka give Monopolowa a shot. It is an Austrian potato vodka. Cheaper than Absolut and far better.
ReplyDelete@Lucas, if you haven't tried Tito's Handmade Vodka you should. Made in Austin, Tx. Guy named Tito started making it for friends and giving away as Christmas gifts. Had cult status and is now mainstream. Very reasonably priced and gluten free.
Delete@iknowpeople - Tito's is okay. We have a distillery here called Dry Fly that makes a good vodka as well. But Monopolowa is still my favorite.
DeleteThat is brilliant! Go Babs!
ReplyDeleteI love this. My dad used to do this with a bottle of port from 1946. Everyone thought they were being very spoiled.
ReplyDelete