P.F. Chang's China Bistro launches its new Vineyard 518 line

 Today is May 18 – 5/18 – in shorthand. And today is the day P.F. Chang's China Bistro launches its new Vineyard 518 line, wines available only at its various restaurants. Free samples will be poured for guests today at 5:18 p.m. at most P.F. Chang's, including the one at 530 N. Wabash Ave.

A white and a red are being introduced: a sauvignon blanc, which a company press release is describing as having orange and lemon flavors "with crispy grassy notes"; and a syrah blend offering "rich dark fruit with hints of black pepper and spice." Some cabernet sauvignon and zinfandel have been added to hike the "overall complexity."

The grapes come from the Yorkville Highlands wine region, which is located in Mendocino County in California. The wines are being produced by Wattle Creek Winery.

I haven't had a chance to taste the wines yet so I can't comment there. But I was struck by P.F. Chang's heavy emphasis on the wine's green credentials. The grapes are "sustainably grown and harvested." The wines are stored in a 10-liter recyclable container – think box wine on a giant scale. This is important because a full box weighs half that of a case of wine, reducing the wine's "carbon footprint" during shipping.

Mary Melton, P.F. Chang's beverage director, is quoted in the press release as saying the number 518 means "I will prosper" in Chinese numerology.

"We want to share that good fortune with our guests and offer them high-quality, eco-friendly wine at a great value," she said.

Vineyard 518 wines will be sold in various pours, including a 1/2 glass ($4.50), glass ($7.50) and 1/2 carafe ($15.50). Do realize price may vary by location.