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

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Weekend Itinerary for the Best Girl’s Summer Getaway in Prince Edward County

I used to make a trip to Prince Edward County every summer with my girlfriends and it was so much fun! Now, I love hosting my friends for girl’s weekends at our lake house in the County. We always make time for wineries, restaurants, the beach and a little shopping! There’s so much to do in the County, so it can sometimes be difficult to create a weekend itinerary. It was tough, but I’ve narrowed down what I think are the best spots for you to enjoy with your girlfriends this summer! Read on for my weekend itinerary for the best girl’s summer getaway in Prince Edward County.

Friday

On your way into the County, your first stop has to be The County Emporium! They carry everything to make your girls weekend the best. Pick-up matching rompers, local goodies and a few bottles of wine. Maybe even stay for one of their delicious wine slushes to get your weekend started!

If you have time before your accommodation check-in, head down the road to Redtail Vineyards for your first wine tasting of the weekend. Redtail has some of my favourite wines in the County! Definitely make sure to try their Rosé, Field Hand Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. They also make some really fun Piquette’s that are perfect to pick-up for the weekend.

I realize it’s difficult to get accommodation anywhere in the County this summer, but if you can book a room at The June Motel I think it’s the absolute best place to stay for a girls getaway! Friday night dinner will be at the popular Drake Devonshire in Wellington. It’s one of the only places to stay open kind of late in the County, so also stay for some drinks! You can now make reservations for indoor dining, or take your chances for patio seating. Either way it’s a fun vibe, great food and yummy drinks!

Saturday

Spend your Saturday morning in Picton. There are lots of great spots to get good coffee. You can choose from Beacon Bike & Brew, The Bean Counter, Miss Lily’s Cafe, or the Agrarian Market. If you go to the Agrarian Market, make sure to pick up one (or two!) of the almond croissants – they are the best! Enjoy your coffee and treat while browsing the stores on Picton Main Street. Some of my favourites include Books & Company, The Ye11ow Studio, PEC T-Shirt Company, Gilbert & Lighthall, Kelly’s, and City Revival.

Then it’s off for an afternoon of wine tasting! Start at Closson Chase for a wine tasting in the beautiful garden. Make sure to get a group pic with the fun purple barn! Enjoy a delicious lunch at their new restaurant Au Verre by The Marans (on of my favourite restaurants in the County!). Their menu has lots of vegetarian options and many Closson Chase wines to choose from. Just down the road, you’re onto the Grange of Prince Edward Winery next. They are not doing tastings this summer, but you can get a glass of Grange wine or a cocktail from the Old Salt Cocktails pop-up. Enjoy your drink overlooking the beautiful vineyards and property. A very instagrammable location for those wine country pics! Your last stop of the day will be at Hinterland Winery. Toast to your day with a flight or glass of sparkling wine!

Saturday night dinner is at The Lakeside Motel. And with the views and vibe you’re definitely going to want to stay for drinks! The Lakeside Motel is in Wellington and has a gorgeous patio with the best views of Lake Ontario. As the sun sets, the string lights come on and the DJ starts her set. A great place to spend a Saturday night in the County!

Sunday

Start off your leisure Sunday at Cape Vineyards with a picnic brunch. Their Sunday brunch picnic special comes with two sandwiches and a salad. Best part is the bottle of Gypsy Lola Sparkling Red or Cressy Sparkling Cider that’s included! Make sure not to miss their cute animals at the winery farm.

Spend the rest of your Sunday at the beautiful The Beach Club at Wander Resort. The Beach Club is located just outside of Wellington on a pristine 2 acre waterfront white sand beach. Purchase your lounge package ahead of time which includes access to daybeds, loungers and umbrellas. You’ll also have access to towel service, onsite snack purchase and kayak/paddle board rentals. And there is live music daily from 4-7pm. The beach is unlicensed but you can BYOB – the perfect opportunity to taste some of that wine you’ve purchased. I cannot think of a better way to end your Girl’s Summer Getaway Weekend in Prince Edward County!

Cheers!~GDW

How to Spend a Covid Safe Weekend in the Prince Edward County This Summer

Your accommodation is booked and face mask ready for a weekend in Prince Edward County this summer! There are so many things to do and see (and taste!) in the County, but which are going to be the most fun and most safe? The County is welcoming tourists with all the covid precautions in place, so be at ease that you’re in safe hands whatever you choose to do. There are, though, particular wineries that have extra large spaced out tasting areas; restaurants that are taking patio reservations; and outdoor activities that are less busy. With these kind of places in mind, I’ve put together an itinerary for how to spend a covid safe weekend in the Prince Edward County this summer.

Friday

After you’ve arrived in the County and checked into your accommodation, head into Wellington to pick up take-out from La Condesa. They make delicious Mexican food – order to tuna tostada, you will not regret it! You can also pick up wine, beer and pre-made cocktails at the restaurant to enjoy alongside your tacos. And if your up for it, tequila freezies are available for dessert! Whatever you choose, make sure to call ahead to order and set-up a pick-up time. Then bring your La Condesa takeout to the Wellington Rotary Beach for a beautiful sunset dinner. The beach is free entry on weekdays.

Saturday

On Saturday morning, head back into Wellington. The earlier you go, the less busy it will be! Pick-up breakfast from Piccoilna Mercato or Hello Bonjour Cafe. Piccolina’s has all the Italian baked goods, but if you’re looking for something healthier choose from the many vegan and gluten free options at Hello Bonjour. Both have coffee! Bring your breakfast to the Wellington Park to eat overlooking Lake Ontario. The park has an amazing playground if you have kids, lots of picnic tables and access down to the water. Next to the park is the Wellington Farmers Market, which takes place every Saturday from 9am – 1pm. There are lots of local vendors to check out and lots of goodies to pick-up to enjoy later or take home.

Hopefully you’ve worked up an appetite, because it’s off to J.K. Fries for lunch. Jamie Kennedy and his team make the best fries! Everything is ordered outside the barn with lots of open space to enjoy your lunch in the most idyllic county setting. If you like poutine, trust me and order it – it’s unlike any poutine you’ve had before!

Now it’s time for some wine tasting! Start at Rosehall Run, who have a big outdoor tasting area overlooking the vineyard. You have to make a reservation for a tasting ahead of time, which means it won’t be too busy. Rosehall Run is known for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, so definitely make sure to taste those. And I absolutely love their Pixie Sparkling Rosé! Next up is the fun Sugarbush Vineyards, where you’ll find an expansive outdoor tasting area with lots of well spaced out tables. This was the first winery I ventured out to after the lockdown last year! Sugarbush has a large wine menu that will satisfy both the red and white wine lovers. Whichever tasting you choose, make sure to try my favourite, the Almost Red. And last but not least is a brewery! Finish off your tasting adventure at Slake Brewing. Slake Brewing is a new brewery to the County that offers some of the best tasting (and best looking!) summer beers. Their large outdoor drinking area also offers some of the best views in the County!

After a busy day I’m sure you will be ready for a nice dinner at Sand & Pearl. Sand & Pearl serves up delicious seafood, local fish dishes and a daily selection of oysters. Sand & Pearl is open til 8pm and reservations have to be made ahead. Enjoy your dinner at one of the picnic tables in their large outdoor dining area at the back of the restaurant. They’ll likely have a large bonfire going around dinner time!

Sunday

On Sunday, head into Consecon for breakfast at the Honey House Cafe. Get the breakfast sandwich, you will not regret it! Just up the street from Honey House Cafe is North Beach Provincial Park where you can spend the day relaxing at the beach. North Beach has everything you love about Sandbanks, but is typically way less busy. The park offers a sandy beach with beautiful turquoise water set in a sheltered cove from Lake Ontario. On it’s other side is a sand beach on North Bay, with lots of shallow water great for kids. To guarantee your spot into the beach, book your day-use permit up to 5 days in advance of your visit using the new provincial parks reservation system. On your way out of the County, Tabersnack is a great place to fuel up before your drive home. There are lots of food options at Tabersnack, but their traditional poutine is my favourite!

Cheers!~GDW

Wine of the Week: Foreign Affair Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2020

The Foreign Affair Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2020 is the perfect summer food wine. It pairs so well with a wide variety of foods from your lighter summer fare to your big barbeque dinners. Forget red wine with your steak this summer, it’s all about the big bold Rosé! The Foreign Affair Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé is a full-bodied dry wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with a small amount (12%) of Appassimento Sauvignon Blanc grapes blended in. The result is a big juicy Rosé with bright flavours of strawberries, raspberries, cranberries and cherries. Enjoy the Foreign Affair Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé with your favourite barbequed meats like steak, brisket and burgers. It will also pair well with lighter foods like seafood, salads and cheese and charcuterie. The Foreign Affair Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé is exclusively available online through the winery for $21.95. If you’re interested in this delicious Rosé make sure to purchase your bottles now, because there are only 154 cases available of this small lot wine!

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

Wine of the Week: Alvento 2019 South Wind Rosé

I abruptly stopped in my tracks at the LCBO when I first laid eyes on this beautiful wine bottle. How gorgeous is this fantasy goddess label?! The Alvento 2019 South Wind Rosé is one of four wines part of the Ontario winery’s WIND series. Each wine in the WIND series features a Wind Goddess to represent the cardinal directions and natural expressions of the wines. The South Wind Rosé is a medium-bodied dry wine with lots of juicy flavours. This Rosé is bursting with ripe flavours of strawberry, raspberry and cherry. Enjoy the South Wind Rosé chilled with summer salads, barbeque chicken or pork tenderloin. You can find the Alvento 2019 South Wind Rosé at the LCBO for $19.95. Or visit the Alvento Winery online shop to purchase all four of the WIND series wines. I will be running with the wind to get more of the delicious South Wind Rosé!

Cheers!~GDW

Wine of the Week: Redtail 2020 Gamay Rosé

I am so excited for the Redtail 2020 Gamay Rosé! The 2019 Rosé was my favourite pink drink last year. As was it many others, because it sold out in record speed! The Redtail 2020 Gamay Rosé is just as delicious as last years vintage. This Ontario Rosé has big juicy flavours of strawberry, watermelon and maraschino cherry. Pair the Redtail 2020 Gamay Rosé with chicken tacos, shrimp vermicelli and spicy curry dishes. Or, as the winery suggests, enjoy this wine chilled at your favourite beach! Order the Gamay Rosé through the Redtail online wine shop for $17. And order now before it sells out again!

Cheers!~GDW

Wine of the Week: Stanners 2017 Reserve Chardonnay

Fall for me always begins the Tuesday after labour day. So I’m drinking up this last weekend of summer! And I’m doing that with the Stanners 2017 Reserve Chardonnay. Stanners Vineyard in Prince Edward County is a family winery that really knows how to do Chardonnay! The 2017 Reserve Chardonnay has big bright flavours of pear, citrus and orange blossom. The lovely acidity and minerality make it a perfect wine for pairing with your favourite summer dishes. Try the Stanners Reserve Chardonnay with some local pickerel, barbeque chicken or seafood pasta. You can purchase this Chardonnay through the Stanners online wine shop for $35. Cheers to the end of summer!

Cheers!~GDW

 

 

Wine of the Week: Wayne Gretzky Estates Rosé 2019

The Wayne Gretzky Estates Rosé is the perfect bottle of wine to end the summer with. It’s seriously like an Ontario August summer day in a glass! Lets start with the beautiful light coral colour that reminds me of those pink summer sunsets. On the nose you’ll smell everything that’s wonderful about Ontario in August – sweet peach, yellow apple and wild flowers. And then you’ll taste it with beautiful flavours of fresh raspberries, nectarine, field strawberries and currant. Could you bottle August in Ontario more perfectly?! Made from Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio and Gamay from Niagara Ontario, the Wayne Gretzky Estates Rosé is a dry, light-bodied and fruity wine. Purchase at the Wayne Gretzky Winery or online through The Wine Shop for $16.95. Drink in those last days of summer!

Cheers!~GDW

Wine of the Week: Harwood North Beach Seahorse Rosé

North Beach Prince Edward County is truly a magical place! Turquoise waters, white sands and rolling green hills really make you feel like you’re on the ocean. It’s no wonder Harwood Estate Vineyards named their trio of Rosés after this beautiful beach. Their North Beach Seahorse Rosé is the wine of the week – a delightful Rosé made for summer days by the water! The Seahorse Rosé is fruity with a touch of sweetness, and balanced nicely with crisp acidity. You’ll taste juicy flavours of strawberry, peach and citrus. Enjoy the Seahorse Rosé with spicy dishes, barbequed meats or chilled all on it’s own. Harwood Estates Vineyard is actually located quite close to North Beach provincial park. If you’re in the County you can pick up a bottle at the winery for $17.95 and then head over to the North Beach to enjoy! The Harwood North Beach Seahorse Rosé can also be purchased through their online store. Cheers to magical summer days by the water!

~ GDW