Welcome to Meeples & Wine, the podcast of board game reviews for couples, with a drink in hand! I’m Michael and I’m joined by Suzy. Today we are balancing our pallets and our game boards with a “harmonious” pairing.

We aren’t overthinking it today! Our pick is the Bread & Butter California Red Blend, a classic everyday red that’s all about relaxed vibes.

• The Vibe: An affordable crowd-pleaser, usually found for $14–$17 per bottle.
• Style: A plush, velvety, medium-to-full-bodied blend often heavy on Cab and Petite Sirah.
• Tasting Notes: We’re getting juicy black plum, dark cherry, and blackberry with smooth layers of chocolate, vanilla, and caramel.
• Stats: It holds a steady 3.9/5 on Vivino as of 2026.
• Pairing Tip: Perfect for burgers, pizza, or a cozy movie night.
• Check it out here: Bread & Butter Wines

This week we’re hitting the fields with Beer & Bread, a multi-use card game designed for exactly two players.

You represent rival villages sharing a monastery’s fruitful lands. Over six years (alternating between “fruitful” and “dry”), you’ll harvest resources, brew beer, bake bread, and upgrade your facilities.

Balance is key! At the end of the sixth year, you only score the coins from the category (beer or bread) where you earned the least. If you go all-in on beer and ignore your bread, you’re going to have a bad time.

• Designer: Scott Almes (The Tiny Epic guy!)
• Artist: Michael Menzel (Catan, Dominion)
• Publisher: Deep Print Games
• Complexity: 2.36/5 on BGG
• Links: BGG Game Page | Our Tiny Epic Dungeons Episode

• Michael’s Fun Score: 8/10 22
• Suzy’s Fun Score: 9.5/10 23
• Couch Score: 2/5 (Won’t wreck your relationship!)

• Kickstarter Spotlight: We’re keeping an eye on Grassfed: A Farm to Tabletop Game from the Ascension team. Check it out on Gamefound.
• MGC 2026: We will be at the Midwest Gaming Classic again this year (April 25–27)!

What everyday reds are you reaching for this winter? We’d love to hear from you! 27

• Email: meeplesandwine@gmail.com
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See you next time on Meeples and Wine! Buh-Bye!