Visa Infinite Master Sommelier Challenge

On February 28th
The Wine Establishment was proud to be a sponsor of the Master Sommelier Challenge. The three Master Sommeliers were John Szabo, Jennifer Huether and Bruce Wallner. We wined and dined at Aria Ristorante with savoury and sweet delights from chef Eron Novalski. The 5 courses were paired with wine by each Master Sommelier. We sipped and tasted and then voted on each course. Each Master Sommelier told us why they their wine choices paired with each course. It was a mouth watering experience and a pleasure to participate.
The grand prize went to Jennifer Huether. A Code 38 Stealth corkscrew. The two runner up Master Sommeliers received Dual Code 38 corkscrews donated by The Wine Establishment.

My Oscar Pics

There is nothing better than sipping on champagne with oysters while watching a great sporting event like the Oscars.

Champagne contains high levels of acidity and not a lot of sugar. The two extremes compliment elements in almost any food. Try it with spicy Thai food. There's Nothing like Krug with popcorn!

And I love these oils on canvas featuring Champagnes by Canadian artist Kate Kilty titled
"Thinking of you and me"

Or if you prefer a steak then try the undisputed King of Super Tuscans,
Sassicaia. Sounds like a red carpet evening!

Sassicaia, Ornellaia and Solaia are in the "Dreaming of you" series.
Paintings available at The Wine Establishment. You may bring your own Krug.

Year of the Dragon

Happy 2012
The year of the Dragon.

The symbol of success and happiness.

Maximilian Riedel introduces the Dragon decanter. Elegantly designed and crafted to charge the wine with oxygen and a great addition to the Eve and Mamba decanters. The Eve Magnum Decanter pictured here in green and yellow for those times when a 750ml. is just not enough.

Riedel Mamba and the Sunset

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of joining Georg and Maximilian Riedel at a special conference at the beautiful Ritz- Carlton in Marina del Rey in California. This year I most enjoyed the colorful new Riedel Mamba decanters. Having grown up in California, I always enjoy going home and taking in the beautiful sunsets on the beach. Both sunsets and the Mamba warm the heart and together they pair nicely with wine.

House and Home Wine Cellars

We are happy to be in the October issue of House and Home Magazine in the Princess Margaret Welcome Home Sweepstakes show home.

In keeping with the concept of Lynda's vision the cabinets were left unfinished but they are also available in many different finishes. Click on the picture to get a virtual tour of the show home. We are shown just after the 4 minute mark showcasing five built-in Cavavin Majestika Wine Cellars.

Look for us October 29th on Style Saturdays with House and Home. Food and Entertaining with Lynda Reeves & Amy Rosen. Tour the amazing dream kitchen and get easy recipes and entertaining tips with Lynda and food editor Amy - just in time for the holidays!

Jeffrey Fisher Kitchen Reno in Canadian Living

The Wine Establishment is proud to be part of the Jeffrey Fisher Kitchen home reno featured in Canadian Living. Jeffrey choose this fabulous Cavavin Urbania built - in wine cellar that really makes the kitchen look amazing – it’s the perfect addition to Jeffrey’s lifestyle of cooking and entertaining in style! (www.canadianliving.com) (www.jeffreyfisherhome.com)

How do you say Sustainable?
I am Hooked!

It is so difficult to keep up with what you can and can't eat as far as fish and seafood goes.
You can follow the various sites such as Seafood Watch which is one of my faves. however it is difficult to pull out your guide or your Blackberry to look up a fish when you are at the market. So hard to know exactly how your fish was caught and where or if the mercury levels are too high.
I usually stick to what I know like arctic char and rainbow trout or if I am cottaging the Milford Bay Trout Farm is great! Just bring your rod or you can buy trout freshly caught. Restaurants such as Vertical 100 King Street West are listing the fish that are sustainable on their menu which is very helpful and is a no-brainer for those of us that don't want to sound pretentious by asking.

But if you want to cook at home then go to a place where all the thinking is done for you. Check out Hooked! Hooked is a new sustainable fish market that is fantastic! Located at 888 Queen Street East. I was there yesterday and I have to tell you I am hooked! Opened by Dan and Kristin Donovan and all sustainable. What a treat to walk into their quaint little store and hear the delightful stories about how and where each and every fish was caught and how to cook them as well. I bought some locally caught Mackerel. Dan suggested that I put some olive oil and salt and pepper on it and grill skin side down for 6 minutes then turn over for another minute. He also recommended a rose to compliment the fish. I also got some fresh garlic shoots which I cooked the same way and served them with peas and fresh thyme. I have to tell you the meal was absolutely DEEEEElicious! It was so refreshing to have an intelligent conversation with someone who is passionate and knowledgeable about what they do. Ever since reading the book Bottomfeeder I changed the way I eat fish and seafood. Dan told me the book is the reason he opened the store.
I will definitely go back for great fish and I look forward to more stories and the answers to all my questions.
I can suggest a wine glass to compliment your wine experience and recommend wine storage solutions for your collection. But when it comes to fish I will go to the experts!

How do you say "I Love You Dad?"

Let me count the bottles!

Cavavin Wine Cellar Sale

until the end of June

Save 10 % on all Majestika models

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The Wine Establishment is pleased to sponsor

these great events

May 27th: Jamii Presents

Fostering Social connectivity on the Esplanade

Free outdoor Events

May 28th: Terroir Wine Festival, Prince Edward County’s annual wine festival. 20 plus wineries will be showcasing their new releases accompanied by market fresh offerings from County restaurants as well as local college culinary programs. Click here for tickets and details

June 10th: Second Annual Spring for Wildlife

Fundraising dinner at Diedier Restaurant

http://springforwildlife.com/

Join us this Sunday

Join hundreds of wine enthusiasts in Toronto, New York City and London in celebrating Argentina's Malbec World Day on April 17 at Vintage One Wines.

Experience a traditional grape crush, a live show by Tango Soul and new electro tango beats along with traditional Argentine empanadas and asado (BBQ), as we toast to one of the world's greatest wine varietals - MALBEC!

Hosted by Vintage One Wines in collaboration with Wines of Argentina and Trapiche Winery. Malbec vodka bar sponsored by TAG Vodka.

Vintage One Wines

4896 Dundas St. West,Toronto

416 231 6994
1 - 7pm

$30 per person

Sip and Savour

You are invited to an informal, drop-in Wine Tasting and Sale!
Saturday February 12th
12:00am. to 4:00pm.
The Wine Establishment
250 The Esplanade

Cindy will be cooking...

Cindy's Cinful California Chili and Cornbread
in Le Creuset


Mark will be pouring...

Tin Roof 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma, $15.95

Rays Station 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
North Coast, California $21.95

Snapshot 2006 Red (Bordeaux Blend)
Napa, $19.95

Murphy-Goode 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley, Napa $23.95

Available for delivery to your home or office

call: Mark Bolduc 416-562-1419 for more information

Take the Taste Challenge

Do you enjoy Pinot Noir? Maybe you would if it was in the right glass.














I am here to complicate your life. In a good way I hope! I would like to help you see how different wine glass shapes determine your perception, and can alter your enjoyment of the wines you drink. Lets take Pinot Noir in the correct glass. This grape is mostly misunderstood because it is tasted in the wrong glass. Pour your Pinot Noir into the Riedel glass on the left. Swirl and nose the wine in the glass and notice you get some nice fresh berry and fruit on the nose. The shape of the glass has really concentrated the aromas. Next we taste. The lip directs the Pinot to the front part of your palate and you taste the layering of fruit, the sweetness of the fragile variety and finish with the acidity. The Pinot is delivered to the palate for the best possible experience.

Now pour the Pinot Noir into the Cabernet glass above on the right. Nose the wine and notice the fruit is gone and you get a bit more of the sharpness of the acid. Now taste the wine. The sweet fruit is gone as the wine is directed to the middle of your tongue and directly back giving you a harsher acid taste. This is why many people shy away from Pinot Noir as tasted in the wrong glass it can be too acidic and tightly closed. Precisely why this glass is made for Cabernet. Stay tuned for more tasting challenges. Get the best out of your wine in the best glass!

Decadent wine and cheese tastings in our Design Center

The Wine Establishment hosted some wonderful tastings over the Holiday season. One in particular that received a great deal of attention was the Terroir Wine & Spirits tasting featuring B.C. wines and spirits. The ambiance of our elegant design cellar made the event even more enjoyable. Alex and Jamie couldn't be warmer in their passion for B.C wine. It was special to have the winemaker here from the new Serendipity Estate Winery in the Okanagan. For more details check out The National Post. We paired the wines with a selection of lovely Saltspring goat cheese from B.C. purchased from Provenance. A delectable day!