Wine of the Week: Flat Rock Pinot Noir 2020

I randomly picked up the Flat Rock Pinot Noir 2020 on a weekend trip to the LCBO. I was looking for a Pinot Noir for my dinner that night and was immediately attracted to this bottle! The Flat Rock Pinot Noir comes from Flat Rock Cellars located on the Twenty Mile Bench in the Niagara Ontario region. The beautiful new labels are inspired by Flat Rock’s 80 acres of unique terroir. The designs are rock formations of limestone samples from their vineyards! The wine itself also speaks to the uniqueness of the Flat Rock soil. The Flat Rock Pinot Noir 2020 is a beautifully structured, complex and elegant red wine. It’s medium-bodied and on the bold side for a Pinot Noir with flavours of red berries and herbs. I paired this wine with a mushroom lasagna and it was perfection! It will also pair really nicely with rack of lamb, grilled salmon and roasted chicken. Perfect for all the upcoming spring holiday meals! You can find the Flat Rock Pinot Noir 2020 at the LCBO for $22.95, or through the winery’s online shop.

Cheers!

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Wine of the Week: Konzelmann Sparkling Rosé

While the fall season is my favourite, I’m not giving up on summer just yet! I think that summer 2021 deserves one last celebration. And there is no better way to celebrate than with a bottle of pink bubbly! I tried the Konzelmann Sparkling Rosé last month and it is the perfect wine to cheers farewell to summer. It’s bursting with big bubbles filled with juicy flavours of cherry, raspberry and strawberry. This wine is made using the charmed method from 100% VQA Ontario grapes from the beautiful lakefront Konzelmann vineyards. The Konzelmann Sparkling Rosé is the prettiest pink salmon colour and, trust me, is super easy drinking! Enjoy outside in the sun with friends alongside your favourite summer appetizers. You can find the Konzelmann Sparkling Rosé through the Konzelmann online store on sale right now for only $17.95. If you happen to order a few bottles, this wine can also be enjoyed well into autumn. But for now, lets pop a bottle of the Konzelmann Sparkling Rosé and toast to the summer season!

Cheers!~GDW

Wine of the Week: Malivoire Bisous Rosé

It’s officially summer time! I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with a bottle of local pink bubbles. I recently tried the Malivoire Bisous Rosé and it is so perfect for the summer season! Located on the Beamsville Bench in the Niagara Ontario Peninsula, Malivoire Vineyards is known for it’s sustainable and eco-centric approach to wine growing…as well as delicious Rosé wines. The Malivoire Bisous Rosé is a sparkling wine made in the traditional method from handpicked, estate-grown Pinot Noir grapes. It has big bright flavours of raspberry, strawberry and green apples. I enjoyed the Malivoire Bisous Rosé as an aperitif with sea salt chips and it was the perfect pairing! But it would also be really nice with fish tacos, chicken and veg skewers or creamy asparagus risotto. A very versatile wine for all your summer celebrations! You can purchase the Malivoire Bisous Rosé for $29.95 though the winery’s online shop. If you’d like to add on some additional Malivoire wines, I suggest the Vivant Rosé, Rosé Moira and Lady Bug. All the most perfectly pink wines for the summer season!

Cheers!~GDW

5 Ontario Wines Perfect for Easter Weekend

We’re all likely having smaller Easter celebrations this year, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be festive! I’m going to be enjoying fish on Friday, rack of lamb on Saturday and ham for Sunday brunch. And, of course, all will be paired with delicious Ontario VQA wines! I’ve discovered some great “Easter” themed Ontario wines, with fun bunnies and blooms on the bottles. These 5 Ontario wines are absolutely perfect for Easter weekend!

The Hare Wine Company Jack Rabbit Red

Waupoos White Rabbit VQA

Foreign Affair Sparkling Rosé 2019

Pelee Island LOLA Pinot Grigio

The Grange Gamay Pinot ‘Bunny Wine’

Cheers!~GDW

Wine of the Week: Huff 2019 Getaway Rosé

This time of year I’m usually lounging on a beach somewhere warm. But I think it’s safe to say that no one will be vacationing this winter. So lets bring the getaway to us! Throw your feet up, pump the heat, put on some relaxing music and grab a bottle of the Huff Getaway Rosé. Take a sip and be whisked away to your favourite warm getaway destination. I will personally be taking myself back to Rosé filled beach days in Jamaica! The Huff Getaway Rosé is the perfect wine to enjoy with a deep breath and relaxation. This VQA Ontario Rosé is very easy-drinking with tart flavours of strawberry, raspberry and cranberry. It’s high acidity makes it so easy to pair with all your favourite vacation foods like grilled seafood, tacos and charcuterie boards. The Huff Getaway Rosé is available through the winery’s online store or the LCBO for $20.00.

Cheers!~GDW

Wine of the Week: XOXO Light Pinot Grigio

Love wine but want to lower your alcohol intake a bit this year? Yep, me too! Lower alcohol wine, like the XOXO Light Pinot Grigio, is an easy and enjoyable way to accomplish this goal. The XOXO Light Pinot Grigio is only 8% alcohol, but still has all the delicious flavours! This medium-bodied dry wine has ripe flavours of peach, apple and banana with a hint of honey glazed nuts. Because of the slight touch of sweetness in the XOXO Light Pinot Grigio, it will pair really well with any of your favourite spicy dishes like red curry chicken, Cajun shrimp pasta or jackfruit jerk tacos. I will also be enjoying the XOXO Light Pinot Grigio as a wine spritzer with some sparkling water and sliced citrus. The XOXO Light Pinot Grigio is currently on sale at the LCBO for $10.95 (until January 31st), and also available at The Wine Shop for $12.09. Enjoy drinking less this year with the XOXO Light Pinot Grigio! They also have a Rosé I cannot wait to try!

Cheers!~GDW

Wine of the Week: Redtail County Crush

Let’s start 2021 off with the fun new wine from Redtail Vineyards, the County Crush! Made with a blend of Hubbs Creek field fruit, this wine is made naturally with nothing added or taken away. The County Crush may be tiny but it packs a big punch of juicy flavours like raspberry, strawberry and cherry. And don’t let that candied pink colour fool you, the County Crush is extra dry with a crisp light fizziness. It comes in a totally crushable (and fun!) tiny bottle that I recommend enjoying on a winter walk, around the campfire or in the hot tub. The County Crush is already 50% sold out, so get your hands on some bottles soon! You can purchase for $8 a bottle, or $96 for a 12-pack, through the Redtail bottle shop or online store. It’s also available at several restaurant bottle shops in PEC, Ottawa and Toronto. Here’s a full list of retailers where you can find the County Crush!

Prince Edward County – Bermuda, The Brake Room, The County Emporium, The Lark, and Stella’s Eatery.

Toronto – Boxcar Social, Happy Coffee and Wine, and GDL Brasserie.

Ottawa – Cantina GIA, Corner Peach, Dominion City, Gitanes Burger, North Market Almonte, and Red Apron.

Collingwood – Low Down Bar.

Cheers!~GDW

Wine of the Week: Lacey Inox Unoaked Chardonnay

Make your dreams of a white Christmas come true with the Lacey Estates Winery Inox Chardonnay. This unoaked Chardonnay is the perfect winter white to have around for the holiday season. The Inox Chardonnay comes from Lacey Estates, a family run winery in Prince Edward County. They produce small batch high quality hand-crafted wines with character, like the Inox Chardonnay. This wine is extra dry and crisp with flavours of citrus, apricot and vanilla bean. It will pair really nicely with holiday favourites like seafood or fish dishes; chicken pot pie or turkey tourtiere; and linguini or risotto. Shop the Inox Chardonnay through the Lacey online store for $22.00. Cheers to a white wine Christmas!

Cheers!~GDW

The Best Local Wine Gift Boxes

While we sadly can’t host any holiday wine parties this year, we can still send our friends wine! Instead of serving a friend that local bottle of pinot noir you tried this summer, you can have it delivered to them instead. Or send your family a wine and dinner package that they can enjoy at home. There are also lovely tasting kits available to host a virtual wine tasting. By purchasing a wine gift box through an Ontario winery, you’re not only gifting amazing local wine but supporting small family run businesses. Ontario wineries have really stepped up their holiday wine gift boxes this year and there are so many great packages to choose from. I’ve rounded up what I think are the best local wine gift boxes that will suit everyone’s taste and budget.

LOLA Holiday Gift Pack

The perfect gift for all the Lola fans out there! This stunning gift box comes with the Lola Blush Sparkling Rosé, Lola Secco Sparkling and Lola Nero Red Sparkling for the special price of $49.95. Now those are some girls I want to party with this holiday season! Take advantage of this limited gift pack while they last!

Harvest to Bottle County Wine Packs

PEC wine enthusiasts, Harvest to Bottle, paired up with their friends from Nuit Social in Toronto to bring you a taste of the County. Choose from the ‘feels like home” or “like a local” 3-pack of wine plus $25 gift card to Nuit Social for $135.00. You have until December 12 to order!

Grange Winery Tasting Kit

Gather your girlfriends for a virtual holiday wine tasting party with the Grange Tasting Kit! For just $21.00 you get four 1 oz wine samples, a monogrammed tasting glass and tasting notes from the winemakers. This tasting kit would also be a great stocking stuffer.

EPIC Holiday Gift Pack

EPIC wineries if offering a Making Spirits Bright Gift Pack, containing 14 different local wines for $275.00. There are a variety of reds, whites,  rosés and sparkling wines – a great gift for a special family or for yourself to enjoy all holiday season long! Plus, $25.00 of each purchase goes to the Children’s Aid Society’s holiday program. Order before December 18 for shipping across Canada.

Foreign Affair Dream Dinner Gift Set

Give the gift of a delicious dinner in with the Foreign Affair Dream Dinner Gift Set. The lucky recipient will enjoy a bottle of bold red wine, the Dream 2017, paired with a luxurious Truffle Risotto kit and premium Italian olive oil. Arrives wrapped and ready to make for $55.00!

Trail Estate Funky Pack

For your wino friends that are obsessed with natural wines, the Trail Estate Funky Pack is the perfect gift. Trail Estates provides some of their star wines in this pack – Skins N’ Roses, Supersonic and Oh Julius. This limited gift pack is only available for order until December 6th! Get three bottles for $109.00 or six for $199.00.

The Roost Hollies and Follies Tasting Pack

Share the Roost love this holiday season with the Roost Hollies and Follies Tasting Pack. The gift pack comes with four of the Roost’s new wine releases for $125.00 – the 2019 Chardonnay, Foch, Marquette and Ruby. It will be hard not to gift these elegant wines to myself!

Rosehall Run Chardonnay ‘Yay’ Bundle

The $150.00 Chardonnay ‘Yay’ Bundle from Rosehall Run Vineyards, is the perfect gift for that person who loves Chardonnay. Included in the gift pack is five different bottles of Rosehall Run’s renowned 100% County Chardonnays, plus a bottle of Cressy Chardonnay Mustard.

Lily Holiday Gift Pack

The Lily Holiday Gift Pack from Colio Estate Wines is a budget friendly option that will please everyone on your list. For $24.95 you can give a bottle of the delicious Lily Sparkling Wine and two sparkling wine flutes all wrapped up in a beautiful gift box. A great way for friends, family and yourself to ring in the new year at home!

Lacey Estates Gift Wine Boxes

If you’ve visited PEC, you’ve likely biked down Closson Road and paid a visit to the lovely Lacey Estates Winery. And now you can gift Lacey wines with their four specially curated wine gift boxes. Ranging in price from $77.00 to $124.00, each box includes a variety of their best wines plus local goodies like ancient popping corn and chocolate.

Featherstone Foodie Holiday Pack

Give your friends and family an at home holiday party with the Featherstone Foodie Holiday Pack! For $95.00 the holiday pack includes a bottle of Canadian Oaked Chardonnay, Red Tail Merlot, cheddar shortbread, dried cranberries, merlot preserves, mustard and fruit sauce. Use the special recipe card and add cheese to create a festive wine and food spread!

Traynor Vermouth Mix Pack

For your friends who think they’ve tried it all, I guarantee they’ve not tried anything like the Traynor Vermouths! This $95.00 gift pack includes a bottle of red and white Vermouth which are each made with over 20 different herbs and flowers grown on the Traynor farm in PEC. They also make excellent cocktails!

13th Street Gamayzing Wine Kit

As a Gamay lover myself, I know I would love to receive the 13th Street Gamayzing Wine Kit! 13th Street Winery is known for their Gamay and this kit includes three different bottles to enjoy for $115.00.You also get a local cherry hibiscus syrup to make a festive Gamay cocktail.

Redtail Holiday Gift Pack

Local wine and coffee…sold! This $39.00 gift pack from Redtail Vineyards includes a bottle or two of one of their popular wines, locally roasted coffee from The Bean Counter and a jar of Pinot Noir compote from The Lark. An am/pm taste of the County for anyone on your list!

Malivoire Bubbles Collection Pack

For that bubbly person in your life who loves all that sparkles! The Malivoire Bubbles Collection gift box includes six premium sparkling wines, with a combination of traditional, prosecco and charmat style bubblies. Available for $149.95, this gift collection is sure to bring a sparkling new years eve!

Loch Mor Cider Holiday Pack

Not wine, but I had to include because Loch Mor cider is by far my favourite cider from Ontario! And perfect if you happen to have anyone on your list who doesn’t like wine. Loch Mor Cider is offering a few holiday gift sets ranging in price from $25.00 to $77.00. My favourite is the Cider and Cups set which includes a bottle of Loyalist Spy cider and two locally made cider cups.

Cheers!~GDW

Wine of the Week: Konzelmann Pinot Noir

The Konzelmann Pinot Noir is one of those wines that checks all the boxes for me. Local, well priced and pairs with a wide variety of foods – check, check, check! And of course, tastes amazing! Konzelmann Estate Winery is located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, along a gorgeous stretch of Lake Ontario. The Konzelmann family has been making wine in Ontario since the 1980’s and their experience shows! The Konzelmann Pinot Noir is a light-bodied dry red wine with flavours of cherry, earth, pepper and a hint of smokiness. Pair this wine with a wide variety foods like mushroom wellington, chicken alfredo or cheese and charcuterie. You can find the Konzelmann Pinot Noir for the great value price of $14.95 at most LCBO locations or the winery’s online store. Supporting local, well priced, pairs with lots of different foods and tastes great – the Konzelmann Pinot Noir is the perfect red wine to have on hand for the holiday season, no matter how you are celebrating!

Cheers!~GDW