Star Trek | Wine | The 1990's

Yes, I was/am a Trekkie. I currently drink my coffee every day out of a giant Star Trek mug I received when I was probably 10 from my parents as a Christmas gift. When I was in grade 5 I did a speech on Star Trek... I think I may actually even still have it somewhere amongst my childhood memories and dreams probably stored at my moms place. Yes, I do have a massive collection of Star Trek playing cards, plates, figurines, posters, shirts and more - they are all stored in a Star Trek Box I made to hold them all... so yes I am a Trekkie.

The Next Generation was a bond between me and my dad as a kid. I remember him rushing home from work (he used to commute to Toronto - and we lived in Niagara) to get home in time just to watch Star Trek with me on our couch. It was our thing. No one else in my family appreciated Klingon's or Borgs or the Starship enterprise. I was often made fun of - and still to this day-my family makes fun of the fact that I was addicted to the show. It was a secure show for me growing up. I grew up with no cable, and barely TV. I remember fiddling with rabbit ears during the commercials to get a better picture - but I still loved it and barely missed an episode no matter what.

I admired Captain Jean-Luc Picard when I was young. He was a leader and someone who seemed to love adventure each and every day. I had a big crush on Wesley Crusher and there was something manly about Lt. William Riker. The entire cast I connected with on many different levels.

I stopped watching Star Trek when I entered into High School. It was "uncool" - and I wanted to be cool. I never was, and frankly never cared either. I was too busy trying to get good grades and working at a local pizzeria and driving my sisters around in my Mustang and Omni- which I worked very hard for. The characters from STTNG took a back seat to my real life- but they taught me so much and on one level or another I believe gave me my confidence. Besides what really is cool in Highschool?

Then I was in University during my second year, and in one of my media and pop culture classes we spent some time studying "Trekkies" the film - you know the people obsessed with the show and actually felt like they were on board the Enterprise because that is where they felt they fit in the best. It was an odd experience for me. I wondered if that was why I liked the show - was it because I didn't fit into my real life? Either way, I tried not to think too hard about it and mocked it up to a father daughter bond.

So in an Ironic twist, I turned on the TV last night and low and behold I caught an episode on air. The Episode is one of many that shows how the Captains leadership, ideologies and mandates are tested onboard the Enterprise. But more so, this episode takes place in France, at his home town, in his family Vineyard. I couldn't help but be drawn to the fact that two of my lifes most impressionable subjects were being fused into one category...It got me thinking about what life is really all about and how to make the most of it everyday. It made me think about the fact that every single one of us is tested and put to trial on even our very own ideas, missions and passions. It reminded me that life is never easy, even for the Captain of the Starship Enterprise.

To boot I enjoyed the revelation hour of Star Trek with a bottle of Creekside Pinot Noir Reserve. It was one of the best programs, hours and evenings I have had in a while. It made me look back, look forward and look inside and realize that even in 1990 - when this episode aired - at the time of another recession - there was doubt, creativity and family that supported you no matter what happened.

Gene Roddenbarry - the creator of Star Trek - has the same name as my Grampa Gene - and has the word barry in it too - wine anyone? Thank you Gene Roddenbarry and the entire cast of STTNG, thank you to my dad and my family. You guys rock. Thank you Creekside. I love your wine and what a memory it has made for me. Ironically enough the episode is called "Family" too.



Whoever thought that my childhood favourite show would have wine in it...



My Hero Jean-Luc Picard comes from a family of Winemakers in France.

Entertaining at Home -Sweethome.ca Article

Entertaining in the comfort of home is not only a great way to save money in these uncertain economic times, but also to indulge in more of what you love most: good food, friends and wine, of course. You're not limited to a restaurant menu, set-up or wine list; at home it's all about you and your style.

I love hosting. Dinners, wine tastings, brunches – any occasion will do. And being a wine enthusiast, vino is one of the most important elements of my entertaining equation. So I thought I would share a few of my secrets for being party prepared.

1. Always have a variety of wines on hand.
I like to have a few bottles of Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and something special like a Canadian Icewine or Chilean Carmenere ready to open and share.

2. Invest in a wine cooler or cellar.
Having proper wine storage allows you to always have four to eight bottles chilled and ready to serve without sacrificing valuable space in your fridge. If you don't have the space (or budget) for a cellar, you can find small wine coolers that hold as few as seven bottles. Another option is to rent cellar space with a company such as Fine Wine Reserve in Toronto.

Tip: Serve white and rose wines at 6-12 degrees Celsius; reds at 15-18. This will bring out the flavours of the wine and subdue the alcohol.

3. Make a statement with beautiful glassware.
While there is a unique glass for every unique wine, chances are you don't have room to store them all. Instead, invest in a durable and modern-classic set. Riedel has an amazing “O” line with some great options for small spaces. Bonus: They're dishwasher safe. You can also find some good quality glasses at stores like Winners, Vineyards Estate Wines, Aisle 43 and even Costco.

I hope you enjoy the winter season relaxing at home sharing a special bottle (or two) with good friends.

Cheers,
Ange

The above picture is a shot from an iYellow Wine Social at the Fine Wine Reserve to celebrate "Bottleshock" a great film that came out last year!

More articles like these can be read online at http://sweethome.ca/national/wine/page/1/

Quebec City, Wine Salon & Chateau Frontenac come to an end

Quebec City has unfortunately come to an end. After 4 nights and close to 5 days dans that ville de Francais I am home sweet home. After one of the most romantic getaways I have yet to be on, I am excited to come back to Toronto and be witness to the spring like weather we have going on here. It was my second time in Quebec City, and although I do speak un petit peu de francais, it is no where where it needed to be to get by in Quebec. The first time I was in Quebec - and don't judge I was 18 - I really can't remember much from - but I do remember enjoying myself!

Some memorable moments from my trip to Ottawa, Quebec City and of course The Chateau Frontenac are:

• Meeting Walter Gretzky at the Wayne Gretzky Charity Dinner
• Drinking wine everyday with lunch and dinner as well as for after dinner drinks
• Enjoying a glass of Inniskillin Icewine with local cheeses in the Chateau Bar
• Ordering wine on tap (french red or white - take your pick)
• Taking a bus through the Citadel
• A romantic dinner at le Feu Sacred where we were the only table
• A theatrical tour of the Chateau Frontenac and seeing the $40,000 ballroom that leaves you breathless
• Ordering a Croque Monsier and loving each and every bite for brunch
• Buffet breakfast at La cafe de la Terrase
• Ordering delivery pizza (and poutine) to our gold floor room at the Chateau
• Taking the VIA rail from Ottawa to Montreal to Quebec City - what a way to travel
• Eating poutine 3 times (at least) during the course of the trip
• Flying porter for the very first time - yes it is as good as they say it is
• Having a cheese and beef fondue
  
• Being on parliament hill and getting to see the Prime Minister during question period at the House of Commons
• Speaking about Wine Appreciation at the Canada Dance Festival's "Fine Wine Evening"
• Attending the SAQ first annual wine salon (aka wine festival)
• Buying a QUEBEC hoody
• and I am sure I am missing some because my 5 days were packed with exciting stories!
  

Overall this trip was a 12 out of 10. It was filled with wine, food, great friends, my lovely boyfriend and a beautiful scenery to stare at, what more could one ask for!

I can't wait for my next travel adventure... maybe Chile? New Zealand? Germany? France? Who knows! But what I do know is I am excited for it!

Cheers,
Ange

Le Gourmet TV - Fume Blanc - What is it? Speaking of living in the land of Francais! A great match with Quebec City!...

Quebec City & A tourist "like" Saturday

I can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday than on a tour bus… whether it is an iYellow Wine Club tour or on a guided tour of the very historical Quebec City - it is always worth it! The best part is that you don’t have to plan a thing and you get led through some of the best picture opportunities available to you in the city.

Touring around Old Quebec City reminded me of something you would see in Europe. The streets were lined with foreign speaking people, French culture, great local food, wine everywhere you look - and even on tap! And other than the presence of snow, you would never know you were even in Canada. During our bus tour we visited (and learned about) many historical spots such as: Place Royale, Hôtel de Ville (City Hall - built in 1833), and the Citadel amongst others.

To your left I have attached a few of the pictures that we took during our tour through the city. For lunch we enjoyed a local food staple the Croque Monsieur -a french delicacy. and for dinner we attending a fabulous restaurant called "Conti Cafe" where we enjoyed a great bottle of Italian Barolo, some lobster bisque, beef carpacio and much much more!! Dinner was simply delicious.

I/we finished the evening off with a glass of Inniskillin Vidal Icewine and local cheese plate at the hotel bar. The fireside couch, great company, and delicious cheese and wine, made me feel as if I had died and gone to heaven.

Some quick historical Facts about Quebec City:

• Quebec City was founded in 1608 by the French explorer Samuel de Champlain and is situated along the banks of St. Lawrence River
• Quebec City is the Capital City of the Province of Quebec
• It was founded in 1608 and it is the oldest City in Canada
  
• It is over 400 years old
• Old Quebec City was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985
• The most photographed landmark in Quebec City is Château Frontenac
• 95% of the residents in Quebec City speak French as their mother tongue
• Quebec City the second largest town in Quebec after Montreal

Some Cool facts about the Chateau Frontenac:

Did you know The Chateau Frontenac...

• Was discovered long before the the nineteenth Century
• Was designed to have a "castle" like feel for all of its guests
  
• Has been visited and celebrated by celebrities, dignitaries and Royalty
  
• It was named after the Former French Governor Comte de Frontenac
• The original architect of the hotel was named Bruce Price
  
• The hotel was designed to imitate a French/France style Chateau in the Loire VAlley
  
• More architects were brought on board to extend and build the hotel - such as Walter S. Painter and Edward and W.S. Maxwell, Guathier & Deschamps, Dorval & Fortin, and more!
  
• Was reconstructed due to fire and water damage in 1926 causing over $760,000 dollars worth of damage
• Was remodeled in 1973 and also went through an extensive 65 Million dollar renovation and modernization process in 1989 - with the purchase of it from Canadian Pacific Hotels and Resorts.
• Currently has over 610 guest rooms and 4 luxury suites, one of which is on 2 floors
  
• Is a true Iconic hotel - that is a must visit for any Canadian, historical buff, or world traveler

Most people have impressions and associations that the French are unfriendly and unwelcoming. Throughout this trip, I have experienced the complete opposite. The majority of the people we have met have been very pleasant and willing to help.

As I write this article (on Sunday morning) the Cathedral bells are ringing outside, and there is a true hustle and bustle inside the hotel as well as outside in the cold. With Spring Break this weekend and continuing this week, it seems that the Chateau is a very popular place to visit and relax at for many people. There are conferences and families all around, but the hotel still feels elegant despite the amount of people and has a true essence of romance which can make any couple fall in love for the first time, or fall in love all over again!

So as we make our way to enjoy Sunday in Quebec City, I have to say that this has been a true Canadian cultural getaway. Not only is the location far enough away to feel like you've left the city, but this mini vacation (which is much closer than France) is a perfect way to explore what our local landscape has to offer with regards to history, culinary expertise, culture and people.

I have certainly fell in love with everything that Quebec City has had to offer. And boy do I sure feel Canadian visiting during the winter months. However, I would love to spend some time here when the sun is shining and the temperature is above zero degrees :)

Get yourself to Quebec City!
I am off to enjoy this beautiful Sunday - Stay Tuned for the next re-cap!

Cheers,
Ange

To learn more about the history of Quebec City click here

Fairmont, Fairmont & Wine Salon

Today was a day filled with the Chateau Frontenac!

It began with lunch and of course a wonderful glass of Champange. All the wine media on the trip today had a fantastic lunch at the restaurant here at the chateau restaurant called La Cafe De La Terrasse with the General Manager of the hotel. The sun was shining, the snow was glistening and it was a great way to start off a Friday in Quebec.With a great Quebec chicken burger - layered with Oka Cheese in my stomach, we were off to attend the Quebec City Salon Wine Festival. (Above is a wonderful picture of the Chateau Frontenac)

This is the first year of the festival and it was a great size. The event was sponsored by the SAQ - which is the LCBO equivalent here in Ontario. It as simliar to a Wine & Cheese Show or the Gourmet Food and Wine Show but on a much smaller scale. Tony and I hung out at the Wayne Gretzky booth with Craig and other WG peeps. But we also tried a lot of wine. We were able to try some Amarone, Arrogant Frog, some delicious Champagne, great Bordeaux's and much much more! The show was great and we will be returning on another day this weekend to take some great pictures!

To the left is a picture of me standing right beside the Chateau looking down at the beautiful landscape - there are two landscape photos below

Today was a fairly relaxing day, with lunch and the some time spent at the Wine Salon, and for dinner we ordered a fantastic pizza delivery to our wicked suite at the chateau and watched a movie - it was a great friday night spent staying in!

Saturday is going to be a great day of touring around Old Quebec as we are on a city tour so stay tuned for some great pics of the city tomorrow!

Cheers,
Ange

This is a great shot of across from the Chateau at all the great homes directly beside the St. Lawrence River

This is the view from the outside of the Chateau on the Pier by the St. Lawrence
This is a picture of one of the coolest inventions ever. The EnoRound. This wine despenser can keep wine for 20-50 days and you can have access to about 20 different wines whenever you want a glass of each. It retails for about 25G's, but man, it will certainly be on my wish list!
Reds Wine Bar in Toronto has a similar one to this, but I believe it fits about 8 bottles and has some great vintage wine available by the once to taste!
The Chateau from afar...

The Chateau Frontenac & The Wayne Gretzky Charity Dinner

Ok so after being completely wow'd by the Chateau Frontenac and the VIA Rail train ride down to Quebec City, I am unsure as to where to start. But I guess it is fair to start at the beginning.

Today we left Ottawa to get on a 9:33am VIA 1 Train to Quebec City. Today we were truly what I have coined "VIA VIP". Tony and I rode first class from Ottawa to Montreal and then Montreal to Quebec City. As a VIP on VIA you get to relax in the Panarama Lounge (at each of the stations) which had comfy couches and all the coffee and juice you could drink... This was a sign of what was to come on the train... On board the VIA to Montreal we had awesome scrambled eggs for breakfast, and on board the VIA to Quebec City we had for lunch mushroom stuffed chicken and veggies for dinner. To boot we were able to have all the wine we wanted - and it was VQA from Pelee Island so I was down with enjoying my fair share! What a day on the train. We were able to see beautiful scenery and lots of snow and I can honestly say that I truly love taking the train, it was so relaxing, the people were super friendly and a pretty cool experience. To the left are some of the picture from the day including the Panarama lounge, the sun rise at the train station - with our box of wine from the auction from the night before, and our view from the train as we enter into Quebec and more!!

When we arrived in Montreal we had a good hour or so to enjoy the city, so we took that chance to take in the local flare. We went to a small pub and ordered some poutine and of course I enjoyed some wine. When I asked the server to see the wine list, she showed me that the only wine they offered by the glass was wine that was "on Tap". Wine in Montreal, at least at this pub, was served like beer. I did find out that the wine was French -which was fitting for where we were, so appropriately I ordered a glass of the red and fully enjoyed it with my poutine. OMG. So good. I didn't have time to grab my camera when I saw her filling up a 1/2 litre bottle of wine at the bar - so I grabbed a shot with my blackberry - if you can make it out. But what a cool idea...what do you think about wine on tap?

We arrived in Quebec City around 4:30pm and wow, it was cold. Both Tony and I commented that we should have brought our Canadian Goose Jackets with us. I was hoping for more spring like weather and brought my spring jacket... not quite the weather that we were expeirencing that was for sure. However, the city was beautiful. but freezing cold with high winds none the less. The last time I was in Quebec City - or Old Quebec was when I was 18 or 19 with Breakaway tours (please don't judge me on the Breakaway tour part) and to be honest, I remember seeing a few things on the trip, but don't fully have memories of the whole trip... I remember seeing Mt. St. Anne, an awing cathedral, and the gorgeous brick buildings and walls that are all around the city, but that is about it!

The Chateau Frontenac literally took my breath away. Wow, was all that could come out of my mouth. And I was staying 4 nights in this hotel... what am I doing right? I was even more excited when we got to our room. It was beautiful. To be honest, I have never stayed at any of the Fairmont hotels anywhere in the world, so this experience is truly a first. The room's reminded me something from the Tudors and the time of King Henry the VIII, and it was really like I had entered into a brand new world. I loved it. I actually felt like I was somewhere in Europe (even though I have never been there). The room and the chateau filled me with a lot of excitement. I was like a kid on Christmas eve. To your left you'll see a picture of our room. I am going to take some outside shots of the chateau today, so stay tuned for tomorrow's post.

We quickly got ready for the Wayne Gretzky Charity Dinner which was taking place at the Chateau with a 6pm reception as well as a 4 course dinner at 7. Unfortunately Wayne could'nt make it to the dinner, but I/we were fortunate enough to meet and have dinner with his Dad, Walter Gretzky - who is such an amazing story teller. He had some very moving stories about Wayne and the Family, and I truly felt honoured to be at the intimate dinner with him and some great wine friends.

The dinner was outstanding and we had everything from Foie Gras to local cheese, and not to mention some great Gretzky wine alongside each and every dish. Even though I am a BIG fan of the Wayne Gretzky wine lineup, I never say no to a chance to drink his wines - so I enjoyed them all! We had the Unoaked Chard and the Meritage with the reception and then enjoyed the Estates Bottled Riesling (one of my favourites and this months iYellow Wine Store pick), the Sauvignon Blanc (which has about 30% oak in it-and is soo good), the Cab Shiraz which was completely balanced between fruit and black pepper spice and the Shiraz Icewine - which is also Paxton's pick for the iYellow Wine Store this month!

At the end of the evening Tony and I had a very magical moment. Walter Gretzky signed both of our menus fron the evening - check out the picture I took. It was such a memory.

The evening was filled with Great food, Great wine, Great people, in the comfort of a beautiful Chateau. A great way to spend a Thursday - at least in my books!

Tomorrow is onto the Quebec City Wine Festival and much more I am sure - so stay tuned!

To visit the Chateau Frontenac online click here
To learn more about VIA Rail click here
To learn about the Wayne Gretzky wine Lineup click here
To learn more about the iYellow Wine Store click here

Cheers,
Ange

Otttawa - Parliament Buildings & Fine Wine Evening

So today (well Yesterday actually) I flew into Ottawa to attend The Canada Dance Festival "Fine Wine Evening" at the Hampton Inn. We flew into Ottawa via Porter and wow what an experience. I am sure many of you have flown using Porter, but if you haven't it is a must! The service was so much better than the Toronto Airport and it was so much closer andconvienient to get to, especially to be on an 8:30am flight out of the city! Not to mention the food was palatable and organic! And to boot the flight was super cheap! $69 bucks one way... who would want to fly any other way. I am now a total Porter Girl.

After arriving into a very windy city - with a full stomach at 10am thanks to Porter Airlines- We met our driver (yes I had a driver - it was pretty cool and he even met me with a sign that said "Aiello") and checked into the hotel. After finally putting the finishing touches on my speech (which I had been writing for the last 3 days). We took off to enjoy the City like true tourists!

We stopped at Rideau Mall and did a bit of shopping and had a great handmade lunch at RichTree (aka Marche), and a great 1/2 litre of chilean cab sauv to match with our pizza and pasta cuisine. Then we were able to walk and visit Parliament Hill. The wind was so crazy and it was pretty chilly - actually quite cold, but the city was still bustling with people. We went up the Peace Tower and got a panoramic view of Ottawa and then went to visit the Memorial Room and learned about how each of the books in the Memorial Room received a daily page flip to showcase and remember every single one of the fallen Canadian soldiers. I even got to see the Prime Minister debate and battle the liberals over the recent budget and job creation promises in the House of Commons in the Public Gallery during the question period. We then headed back to the hotel to prep for the evening festivities.

The reason I was brought to Ottawa was to speak at the 2nd annual "The Fine Wine Evening" put on by the Canada Dance Festival. The night included a silent followed by a live auction, with real auctioneers, to auction off many worthy wines that were donated for the cause. Most of the wines (in both the live and silent auction) were from France (Bordeaux seemed to be the most popular), however, there were some great German Rieslings, Italian Amorone, and a bit of Canadian wine in the selection as well (Henry of Pelham, Pilliterri, and Niagara College Teaching Winery). We fell in love with Lot A in the silent auction which included some true vintage Amarone (1975), 2 Brunellos and a Cab Sauv. We bid on the lot (a few times), and went through a bit of competitive bidding in the end, but thankfully we ended up winning the auction! woohooo! So now have some great Italian wine to bust out on a great occasion! All the silent auction wines as well as the live auction wines were donated by wine collectors to support the event, which was a fundraiser for the Canada Dance Festival.

I was the guest speaker of the evening and spoke right before the live auction about "Wine Appreciation" and after my speech they started the live auction. They auctioned off over 170 lots of wine and watching a live auction was great the experience. There were some people who were gobbling up the wine and spending a lot of money - wine collection is quite an expensive hobby! There was one bottle that was valued at over 20 thousand dollars and sold for around $2500! It was great listening to the auctioneers and bidding on a few things, but we walked out with our Italian wine and left the live auction to the pros!

The evening and the event was a great success- congratulations to the Canada Dance Festival and to Mikhela for putting on such a well planned event! Being in Ottawa (or Otown - as some call it) was also a wonderful experience and I can't wait to come back again soon!

And now onto the next part of the trip - Quebec City. The sun is shining this morning and there is an ideal amount of snow on the ground - perfect for some awesome pictures! I am being whisked down to Quebec City on the VIA (first class) to experience the Quebec City Wine Festival and spend some time at the Chateau Frontenac - which I am very excited to be staying at! I also have a Wayne Gretzky Charity Dinner tonight to attend - So stay tuned for more postings on my VIA Experience and The Quebec City Wine Festival!

Cheers,
Ange

Le Gourmet TV - Icewine With Taylor Thompson

Cuvee Gala - The "Oscars" of the Ontario Wine Industry

So today is Monday and although I should be starting a new week, I still need a break from the wine filled weekend of Cuvee and the Experts Tasting, but wow what a weekend I had! It began with an evening at Cuvee 2009. Cuvee is an annual awards and gala celebration that is also known as "The Oscars of the Ontario Wine Industry". Friday night was the Gala at the Fallsview Casino Resort and Hotel. This year was the 21st Annual celebration presented by the Niagara Community Foundation. Cuvee is also celebrated at the wineries and by visitors during the weekend with Cuvee en Route, where you can visit all the winning and participating wineries and try some great VQA wines.

Cuvee is a very special event and competition in Ontario. Many other competitions are based around wine judges/writers/sommeliers grading the wines blind and then the awards being distributed based on the results of the judges. What makes Cuvee so unique is the fact that the panel of judges for the awards are the winemakers themselves. So as you can imagine, all the winemakers were present at the Cuvee Gala that evening.

I, myself don't attend too many Gala's and in fact don't really have too many occasions to get all dressed up, so when the Wine Council of Ontario Invited Pax and I, we were excited to be part of the evening and I was excited to find something to wear (special thanks goes to good friends, who lend out their fabulous dresses!). I love being able to try many different wines and mix and mingle with my favourite winemakers and other local wine supporters. I showed up around 5:30 for the VIP tasting before the Awards Ceremony taste some of my favourite VQA Wines from Ontario (and we all know that I love Ontario!). At 6:30 the awards Ceremony started and Pax and I sat second row, (I like to call us wine keeners, who like to sit front row). There were many awards given out, with some of my favourites taking home Golds including (but not limited to):

Tawse 2006 Meritage - Meritage Winner
Deans List 2007 Pinot Noir - Pinot Noir Winner
Creekside 2006 Broken Press Shiraz - Syrah/Shiraz Winner
Peninsula Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 2007 wismer vineyards - Sauvignon Blanc Winner
Wayne Gretzky 2006 Shiraz/Cabernet - Red Assemblage
Peller Estates Signature Series 2007 Sur Lie Chardonnay - Chardonnay Winner
Trius 2007 White - White Assemblage

Although I have to admit, there were many great 2nd place winners and lots of great wine that was entered into the competition, I can imagine how hard the judging for this event would be.

So after the awards ceremony everyone went back to tasting all the winners and enjoying a fabulous Friday evening at Casino Niagara tasting more wines and socializing with everyone else you bump into.

Speaking of bumping into people and Oscars, I have a true one of a kind story to tell about the evening! Last week I received an email from a Rick Schofield from New York who mentioned to me that he appreciated what iYellow was doing here in Ontario and was hoping I would be at Cuvee (which I was). When I met Rick on Friday evening he had brought me quite the gift. Rick awarded me with an "Oscar" for the Best Canadian Wine Personality. I was in shock and awe, and was very surprised. Above is a picture with both Rick and I. I can only hope I have the ability and support of the industry to earn this great title.

Rick also gave to Pax a bottle of 1993 Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley (ironically one of the wineries we visited while in California - Pax and I both got to sit right next to Dennis Cakebread at our VIP Dinner too!)

The evening was absolutely outstanding and very memorable. I can't wait for the 2009 Ontario Wine Awards to see everyone and give my congratulations to all the great people who have dedicated their time, energy and lives to making Ontario a world class wine region once again.

Saturday morning I woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed after going out for a girlfriends birthday after Cuvee, and attended the Experts Tasting at Brock University. I tried 5 flights of sparkling wines all blind, with a big challenge at the end of the tasting. It was very cool to be able to try 25 sparkling wines totally blind and try to figure out which wines they were, and where they were from. I sat at a table with a Sommelier from St.Catharines as well as some of the folks from VQAONTARIO.ca and I think that overall I definitely pulled my weight in the wine challenge! The 4 of us at our table all made a great team (even though our score didn't quite show it!).

Below is a video from the Cuvee evening that Pax taped when Rick gave me the "Oscar". Sorry it may be a bit hard to see, it was fairly dark in the reception room - but it definitely has the "off the cuff" and in the moment type of feel to it!

Cheers to Cuvee, Wine and a great weekend!
Ange

Le Gourmet. TV- Interview with Charles Baker from Stratus Vineyards