Summer in the Hamptons is down to its last shaky week, and everyone’s sprinting to the finish: another espresso martini, another chilled shot, another magnum for “the table,” another glass of Sancerre so cold it might be a public health risk. Back in the city, September’s creeping in with its annual pile-up of trade tastings, retail temptations, and events that blur the line between work and “just stopping by.” Here’s what’s making the calendar (and my inbox) this week.
You’ve landed on The Agenda — the Wednesday dispatch from Thirst Behavior. It’s our weekly cheat sheet of things worth your time: what to drink, where to be, what to read, and the occasional “how is this even happening?” cultural oddity. It’s also the first paid feature for subscribers who want a little extra in their glass. This week’s is free so you can taste before you commit — if you like the it, upgrade to paid and keep it coming.
The Killer B’s of Italy at Skurnik HQ — September 16, West 25th Street, 10–3 — and a lineup that reads like the Italophile starter pack: Cavallotto, Paolo Scavino, Ciacci Piccolomini, ARPEPE. It’s the kind of tasting where you say you’re only here for the 2021 Barolos but somehow leave with tasting notes on the entire 2020 Brunello vintage and a strong opinion about which Barbaresco producer nailed 2022. Luckily, plenty of palate-reset bubbles on hand before you have to talk to someone important.
Responsible Hedonist in NYC — Sept 8–11 — Diana Hawkins and Frank Lepera are in from Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, with Pop a Wheelie White 2024 (early-picked Chardonnay from coastal alluvial soils) and Rush the Stage Red 2023 (Syrah treated like Pinot — mostly neutral barrel, all charm). They’ve built their network the old-fashioned way: harvest parties, wine fairs, and a few well-placed mentors. They’ll be doing trade tastings throughout New York with Selection Massale.
Sip of Italy — Sept 11, City Winery — Wine Enthusiast is going for scale: 300+ bottles from over 90 Italian producers, plus a panel with Chris Leon, Kenneth Crum, and Mark Fornatale. Imagine the entire peninsula poured into a single afternoon, from Alto Adige to Etna. The risk: trying to taste everything. The reward: finding that one Sardinian white you’ll spend the next six months trying to track down.
Stelle Wine Co. Portfolio Tasting — Trade-only, low-intervention heavy, and inevitably a reunion of people you haven’t seen since that one ill-advised industry trip. I’ll be there, and I’ll report back.
Cueva in No Man’s Land — My pick for best menswear boutique in NYC, confirmed by a recent nod in No Man’s Land. It’s the rare shop that can convince you to buy something you didn’t know existed but now can’t imagine not owning.
Saturdays NYC Archive Sale — Still on, still dangerous. Minimalist surf-adjacent staples for under $100, which is both a gift or a trap. I’ve already given in. I got a cool cropped gingham camp shirt thingy and some new carpenter chinos.
The Wine List Is Back in Style — Victoria James is calling it: after years of QR codes and one-page minimalism, the leather-bound wine list is creeping back into dining rooms. It’s part performance, part hospitality flex, and for guests, an invitation to linger. I sure hope she’s right about this one.
The European Vacation Is Work Now — Chris Black argues that the aspirational summer holiday — linen suits, coastal train rides, wine at lunch — has become just another form of labor. The currency isn’t relaxation, it’s content, with leisure repackaged as proof-of-life for your personal brand.
Il Buco Pig Roast — September 21 — Whole roast pig, family-style sides, and the chance to toast the start of fall before we all get swallowed by “the season” again.
“aspirational summer holiday…has become just another form of labor. The currency isn’t relaxation, it’s content, with leisure repackage”
In pain, this hit me straight to the heart. Thanks for recommending.