Columnist Muriel Stevens: Sinatra Meritage a fine wine

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003 | 8:13 a.m.

Just in time for holiday giving comes Sinatra Meritage Blend, a limited-edition wine "Dedicated to the memory of Old Blue Eyes." The Sinatra family and winemaker Andrew Kahn, a founder and owner of Kahn Winery in Santa Barbara, Calif., joined forces to create this special libation.

"Our goal was to create a limited quantity of the best possible wine in honor of Sinatra," Kahn said. The Sinatra family has not only given the project its blessing, it has given it access to the Sinatra archives, allowing the winery to use photos and paintings by the talented entertainer/artist.

The Sinatra Meritage Blend will retail for under $20 per bottle. A very limited Cabernet-Franc, or Cab-Frank as they call it, is $60. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Frank Sinatra Foundation, established by Sinatra before his death in 1998. Sinatra wines are expected to go on sale Nov. 2. Ask your favorite wine shop to keep you posted.

It's a kids' thing at Galleria: "It's A Kids' Thing" kids' club meets from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. every first and third Tuesday of the month in the Galleria at Sunset food court, and it's free. During October, club members have enjoyed a day of magic and a fall arts and crafts event, and there's more to come. Kids who join the club receive exclusive membership discounts (Mom loves discounts), news about upcoming events and birthday discounts. For more info about "It's A Kids' Thing" or any Galleria at Sunset event, call 434-0202.

Galleria at Sunset has more than 140 specialty retail shops, including Abercrombie & Fitch, Victoria's Secret, Limited Too, Electronics Boutique, Hot Topic, American Eagle Outfitters, Fashion Q, Petite Sophisticate and many, many more.

Extended hours at Las Vegas Outlet stores: The Las Vegas Outlet Stores (formerly Belz) on Las Vegas Boulevard South at Warm Springs Road will soon be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. As soon the new signage goes up, the hours will change.

I'm the kind of shopper who likes to beat the crowds. Being able to shop before 10 a.m. when most stores open is so cool. Expect some updating of various stores, but no major changes. Stores such as Saks Off-5th with upscale merchandise are using more showcases to display pricey items, such as jewelry and Judith Lieber handbags. Sticky-fingered shoppers are the reason, so don't get antsy if it takes a few minutes to find a salesperson who can open the showcase.

The skinny on Skin Nouveau: Skin Nouveau, an anti-aging salon, will open in November at the Meadows mall. SN specializes in anti-aging procedures using FDA-approved advanced laser techniques. Skin Nouveau is located on the upper level nearby JC Penney.

Hollister Co., opening Nov. 13, will showcase clothing and accessories for trendy teens who want to look like West Coast cats. Hollister Co. can be found on the lower level near Dillard's.

Boris Karloff and Ethel M: Sound too strange to be true? Not at Ethel M. Chill out on Halloween with a box of chocolates ($28) that includes such dreamy confections as Satin Cremes and crunchy Almond Butter Krisps in an exclusive gift box topped with a repro of the famed RKO movie poster for "The Body Snatcher." Perfect for any boy or ghoulfriend.