IS WINE POPCORN THE NEXT BIG THING?

POPCORN HAS COME A LONG WAY INDEED. From cheap movie snack to gourmet treat, the evolution has been an interesting one. Now, there’s a new concept on the market: wine-infused popcorn. Populence, a gourmet popcorn bar located in New York City, teamed up with New Zealand winery Kim Crawford to create two wine-soaked popcorn flavors: Pinot Noir Chocolate Drizzle and Sauvignon Blanc Kettle. According to company founder Maggie Paulus, people often shop for their popcorn to bring to wine pairing parties so the collaboration was a logical one. The Sauvignon Blanc has a zesty, lemony taste, while the Pinot Noir Chocolate Drizzle is sweet and richer. Both are meant to be paired with their respective wines. Although you won’t get an actual buzz off this spiked snack, there are distinct wines notes in the new flavors. But be prepared to drop some cash: a one-gallon tin costs $28 in the store and $35 at populencenyc.com.