Thanksgiving 2024

Family, Food, and Thanksgiving Wine: Celebrating Together.

Georgia  of The Wine Ladies

Georgia

As Thanksgiving approaches, (October 14th, 2024) it’s the perfect time to reflect on the warmth of family, the joy of gathering, and of course, the food and wine that make the holiday so special. This time of year, the table is filled with rich flavors that highlight the season, and selecting the right wine can elevate your Thanksgiving feast to something truly memorable.

Georgia and Susanne
The Wine Ladies

Thanksgiving Dinner 2024

Pairing Wine with Thanksgiving Dinner
The star of the meal is often turkey, which, being a mild protein, pairs well with a variety of wines. But the real challenge comes with the diverse sides: sweet potatoes, tart cranberries, savory stuffing—each brings its own flavors. Here are some wine-pairing tips to ensure your meal is as harmonious as your family gathering:

Thanksgiving wines
  • Red Wines: Opt for lighter reds that won’t overpower the turkey or clash with the sides. Wines like Pinot NoirGrenache, or Beaujolais offer fruit-forward flavors with soft tannins, making them perfect companions to the mix of dishes on your Thanksgiving table.
  • White Wines: If white is more your style, consider something that balances the richness of the food without being too sharp or oaky. Riesling (dry or off-dry), Viognier, and Chenin Blanc all have the versatility to handle the variety of flavors that come with Thanksgiving.
  • Sparkling Wines: Don’t forget about bubbly! Sparkling wine or Champagne can bring a fresh, celebratory touch to your meal. Its acidity and bubbles make it a great pairing for everything from turkey to stuffing to cranberry sauce.

Susanne

Thanksgiving 2024
2024 Niagara Grape and Wine Festival 2024

Get ready for an unforgettable September at the Grape and Wine Festival! 🎉🍇

🎪 Back by Popular Demand: Event in the Tent – Where memories and toasts are made!
🌳 Timeless Tradition: Montebello Park – Music, food, VIP experiences and endless fun!
🎈 Parades Galore: Celebrate the season with vibrant parades!
🍷 Fan Favorite: Discovery Pass – Sip, taste, and discover the best of Niagara’s wines with our self-guided winery passport!

Mark your calendars and join us for a month full of wine, food, and festivity! 🍷🥂

AudioPodcast03122018SanitPatricksDayAD

Think Green! Ya! Saint Patrick’s Day! On this week’s audio podcast with The Wine Ladies

Whether Irish or not, Saint Patrick’s Day celebrated worldwide!

1st published March 2019

Saint Patrick’s Day is a day of people dancing and singing in Irish pubs, like the one of our favourites in our home town, O’Finn’s Irish Temper. Watching parades and drinking lots of green beer, Irish whiskey and munching on Irish stew.

Do you know which city has the largest Saint Patrick’s Day Parade?

1.New York City, 2.Dublin, 3.Sydney, 4.Boston

Saint Patrick's Day New York City Parade

Saint Patrick’s Day New York City Parade

Meanwhile in Chicago the GREEN goes to the extreme as they actually have a river dyeing ceremony. Just before their parade 45 pounds of eco-friendly vegetable dye is dumped in the Chicago River. The whole river turns a bright limes green colour.

Dyeing of the Chicago River, Saint Patrick's Day

Dyeing of the Chicago River, Saint Patrick’s Day

Starting off with our first guest, Tyler Born from O’Finn’s Irish Temper.

Owner Tyler Born, O'Finn's Irish Temper

Owner Tyler Born, O’Finn’s Irish Temper

Tyler and his brother Erin are the owners of O’Finn’s Irish Temper pub located in our home town of Oakville. They have taken the Irish pub to a new level. It’s upscale but still has the warmest hospitality, non pretentious, simply upbeat and great fun a “step up pub”. The huge focus is on fabulous fresh food and weekend entertainment.

Listen to Tyler Born at 4:47 minutes in the show.

Irish Whiskey is the focus next with Bernard Walsh of Writer’s Tears.

Bernard Walsh, founder Walsh Whiskey Distillery and producer of Writer's Tears Whiskey.

Bernard Walsh, founder Walsh Whiskey Distillery and producer of Writer’s Tears Whiskey.

What would Saint Patrick’s Day be without Irish Whiskey? We welcome back to the show Bernard Walsh,founder of Walsh Whiskey Distillery. Producer of the multi-awarded “Writer’s Tears” Irish Whiskey. We learn a little bit about this unique old Irish Whiskey with a superb flavour and history.

Listen to Bernard Walsh at 15:16 minutes in the show.

Up next,Patti Jannetta Baker daughter and producer of “Memories of Louis Jannetta and the Imperial Room”.

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 Next we switch gears just a bit…

Singer, song writer, actress and daughter Patti Jannetta-Baker of the late Louis Jannetta joins us on the show next. Patti is producing an incredible evening celebrating her father Louis Jannetta. She is bringing to life her father’s book King of the Maitre’d’s, My Life Among The Stars with an amazing event taking place March 23rd., “Memories of Louis Jannetta and the Imperial Room.”

Listen to Patti Jannetta at 37:43 minutes in the show.

Sir Charles Barkley at the Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic.

Excepts from our radio interview with Louis Jannetta on AM740 back in 2005.

Listen to Louis Jannetta at 44:29 minutes in the show.

About The Wine Ladies Audio Podcast

Our radio show “Taking Life One Sip at a Time” is an radio audio podcast on which we share with the audience our passion and sense of adventure for delectable and fascinating foods, wine, spirits and lifestyle discoveries. Our motto “everything in life somehow comes back to the vine and to live life large and with integrity is intertwined with a variety of guests from around the globe… Chatting with celebrity chefs, celebrity winemakers, exotic food purveyors, artists, musicians, sports personalities, lifestyle advocates and fashion icons be sure to tune in for an hour of lively topical and educational conversation.

Listen to the Audio Podcast here

AudioPodcast03122018SanitPatricksDayAD

Tango

Grape Stomping Mad About Malbec -The Wine Ladies TV

Malbec World Day 2022

Mad About Malbec in Mendoza, The Wine Ladies TV, Fabre Montmayou Vineyard. Harvesting Seductive Sauvignon Blanc.

Ready to drink cannabis margaritas! Tinley Beverage Company makes them and much more!

The Tinley Cannabis Margarita. This is one of the better ways to spend Cinco De Mayo this year! 

Tinley Cannabis Margarita (Alcohol Free) Alcohol-free, ready to drink beverage infused with real tequila and lime extracts, as well as Pineapple Jack Sativa. Less than half the calories of ready-to-drink alcohol margaritas, with the same great taste. Four single-serve (10mg x 4) bottles.

Up next, we deviate from the vine and turn our attention to The Tinley Beverage Company, based here in Toronto producing a number of cannabis based beverages including they THC infused classic cocktails. Tinley's mission is , "to help consumers enjoy cannabis in familiar, classic beverages dosed to perfection!  The Tinley Beverage Company Inc. is publicly traded on the Canadian Securities Exchange (TNY:CSE) and on the OTC Exchange (TNYBF:OTC).
Up next, we deviate from the vine and turn our attention to The Tinley Beverage Company, based here in Toronto producing a number of cannabis based beverages including they THC infused classic cocktails. Tinley’s mission is , “to help consumers enjoy cannabis in familiar, classic beverages dosed to perfection! The Tinley Beverage Company Inc. is publicly traded on the Canadian Securities Exchange (TNY:CSE) and on the OTC Exchange (TNYBF:OTC).

Listen to Jeff at 16:23 minutes in the audio podcast.

The company is producing cannabis infused classic cocktails like the Lime Margarita and Flying Mule. LIME MARGARITA A single-serving, alcohol-free, ready-to-drink twist on the popular classic. Tinley™ Margarita is infused with real tequila and lime extracts, and Pineapple Jack Sativa. Less than half the calories of ready-to-drink alcohol margaritas (only 60 calories/serving). Drink cold and enjoy.   FLYING MULE Our classic Moscow Mule-inspired cocktail, alcohol-free, crafted with ginger beer, lime essences and pineapple jack sativa. Single-serve, ready to drink, with less than half the calories of ready-to-drink and bar-mixed alcohol Moscow Mules.  Pineapple Jack is a sativa-dominant cannabis strain bred with Pineapple family and Jack Herer genetics, designed to provide a euphoric, blissful effect.
The company is producing cannabis infused classic cocktails like the Lime Margarita and Flying Mule.
LIME MARGARITA

A single-serving, alcohol-free, ready-to-drink twist on the popular classic. Tinley™ Margarita is infused with real tequila and lime extracts, and Pineapple Jack Sativa. Less than half the calories of ready-to-drink alcohol margaritas (only 60 calories/serving). Drink cold and enjoy.

FLYING MULE
Our classic Moscow Mule-inspired cocktail, alcohol-free, crafted with ginger beer, lime essences and pineapple jack sativa. Single-serve, ready to drink, with less than half the calories of ready-to-drink and bar-mixed alcohol Moscow Mules. Pineapple Jack is a sativa-dominant cannabis strain bred with Pineapple family and Jack Herer genetics, designed to provide a euphoric, blissful effect.
Cannabis Audio Podcast April 2019

Cannabis, The Next Disrupter! Growing And Going Green Has Arrived. Exploring Cannabis Wine, Cocktails, Edibles and More!

Weed Wine has arrived! Rebel Coast Winery and Cannabis Infused Sauvignon Blanc.

Introducing Canada’s Very own Beer Knight In Shining Armor, Sir Guy McClelland.

Introducing Canada’s Very own Beer Knight In Shining Armor, Sir Guy McClelland

Move over vino, there’s another big gig in town! Ultra-premium craft beers coming out of Europe are as unique and as flavourful as any Chardonnay or Cabernet, and they too embrace the role of partner when it comes to the pairing of food and drink. Not just any old beer will do, like a lager to white wine and an ale to red. And not only that…. says Beer Knight Guy McClelland, but each premium craft beer also has a story, a history, some dating back over ten thousand years!

THIS WEEK ON THE WINE LADIES TV WE WELCOME GUY McCLELLAND, PRESIDENT OF MPI.

Sir Guy is one of only four Canadians to be enthroned into the knighthood by the Confederation of Belgium Brewers, thus bearing the title of the Beer Knight. Guy will introduce us to an array of eight wonderful and unique European beers. We’ll learn the differences between lagers and ales, the importance of the right glass and why it is key to always use a glass… how to avoid that “bloated” feeling, why these pure natural beers are healthy, and much more will also bust some myths, that we know you are going to want to hear and be glad you did… when you do!

A LITTLE HISTORY THROUGH THE WORDS AND PASSION OF THE BEER KNIGHT.

Did you know historically ALL beer was ale? Lager was not invented until 1842. Do you know what key invention that year made lager possible? Hint: think refrigeration.

On what… never mind who has the “best life” ever “they have a lot of sex and they make beer” was the best quote of the show. Guy is referring to the life of the yeast. By the way, the red wine yeast is a little more vigorous, find out why. It gets awfully hot in that vat!

To pour ahead or not to pour ahead, that is the $64,000 question! Yes, says Guy, in a certain way to a specific height. Discover the power of the beer’s antioxidants and how NOT to miss out on them!

If you are okay with a bloated feeling after enjoying your favorite beer, continue drinking straight from the bottle, if not pour into a glass, some of which is most appropriate depending on the beer. According to Guy, the naturally fermented beer, on average contains 2.5 volumes of carbon dioxide…imagine that in your stomach which would be equivalent to 2/1/2 bottles of gas! Yikes. Thank you Beer Knight aka scientist.

JUST LIKE WINE, CERTAIN EUROPEAN BEERS HAVE TO COME FROM A SPECIFIC REGION AND ADHERE TO A SPECIFIC METHODOLOGY.

Just like wine, certain European beers have to come from a specific region and adhere to a specific methodology to bare the name on the bottle, similar to Champagne having to be made exclusively in Champagne. The same holds true for “lambic beers” which is one of the few technical legally protected terms for beer and refers to the indigenous yeast that only comes from the Zennevallei in Brussels. Special to be sure, Guy explains.

Visit The Wine Ladies Shop – Craft Beer Tasting Flight

Lucio Matricardi

Say 100% Absolutely Yes to Pinot Grigio, aka Pinot Gris or Grauburgunder.

Say Yes to Pinot Grigio, aka Pinot Gris or Grauburgunder this slightly grayish-blue tinged grape varietal, hence the name is one of the most popular wines being enjoyed across America!  Everyone enjoys a glass of Pinot Grigio! And at a very special luncheon we recently had the honour to attend, we were introduced to Pinot Grigio 2.0 if you will from the historic wine region of Trento, Italy.

The luncheon was hosted by Rachel Woodman, of Woodman Wines and Spirits, who recently took on the exciting portfolio of Gruppo Mezzacorona with a history dating back over 110 years. Gathered at the delectable Italian eatery, Little Anthony’s in Toronto, we were a diverse group of bloggers, sommeliers and media all eager to get this anticipated afternoon underway. 

The Wine Ladies meet Lucio Matricardi at a wine tasting event in Toronto.
The Wine Ladies meet Lucio Matricardi at a wine tasting event in Toronto.

To lead us through the tasting and fill us in on Mezzacorona, dating back to 1904, the wines and a little history was the very charismatic  visiting winemaker Lucio Matricardi. Matricardi trained in winemaking and viticulture at the University of Bologna, earned his Ph.D. in viticulture and enology from the University of California at Davis, and has worked at wineries around the globe. We had heard great things about this celebrated winemaker including his approach to his craft and his persona. We were not disappointed!

Under the Gruppo Mezzacorona are three wineries, Rotari located in Trento, being their crown jewel for sparkling wines made in the traditional champagne method, Mezzacorona in Trentino and Stemmari in Sicily.

Woodman Wine & Spirits
The afternoon wine and food pairing.

The luncheon began with an inviting and beautiful glass of the Rotari Brut 2014, delectably rich and full on the palate with notes of green apple, white flowers and a delicate hint of yeast. As it became time to be seated, Rachel made the formal introduction and Lucio Matricardi was at the helm.

We listened intently as Lucio filled us in on Mezzacorona. We learned that Mezzacororna  is a wine producing  cooperative, located in the north eastern part of Italy in the cool mountainous region of Trentino-Alto Adige. This region produces close to 70% of all the Pinot Grigio made in Italy.  Mezzacorona was formed by the joining of two cooperatives in the region, Cantina Siciale started in 1904 and Lena far Viticoltori founded in 1911.  Today Mezzacorona is one of the most important and respected cooperatives in all of Italy, with a commitment to the highest quality, respect for the environment and sustainability.

Lucio went on to explain how generations of families have devoted themselves to the cultivation of the grapes, with few having left the region. This, he tells us despite the great challenges grape growing presented at the time.

“The Trentino has always been a very difficult region to live in because it is overshadowed by the mountains (the Dolomites) by about 80% so the cultivable lands were very small and so unprofitable.” “After the war,” Lucio explained “the support of the local government, adopting policies to promote the economic development of the region at least allowed for the families to remain and continue to work their farms.” We learn that the challenge though remained for each individual farmer to commercialize their products abroad. The fragmentation of vineyards and grape production made it impossible. “So the joining together to form a cooperative was the only solution to be able to be stronger and have money to invest in a winery and in a brand. Hence in 1904 the Mezzacorona Company was born and today includes 1600 grape producers and guarantees economic stability generation after generation to the farmers.”

In present day, particularly key to the cooperatives’ success is how a passionate team of 5 agronomists and several oenologists work on a daily basis in close contact with the grape growers for the entire life cycle of  the wine, in the vineyards, during harvest and up to the bottling.

Lucio emphasizes that in Trentino Pinot Grigio has been the variety best adapted to the soil of the Adige Valley, that is rich in silt, skeleton and medium level of clay. He also credits the cool climate coming from glaciers surrounding the Adige Valley and the warm temperatures of the day, to allowing for the grapes to produce a superior quality wine in aroma, body and structure.

We enjoyed three Pinot Grigios, one of which is a staple in our market the Mezzacorona 2018 Trentino DOC, a terrific buy! The grapes are hand picked and estate bottled. It is crisp and dry with notes of green apple, peach and white flowers.

Up next was the Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio Riserva 2017. We truly enjoyed this Pinot Grigio, with 40% of the wine fermented in stainless steel and 60% in small oak barrels. After 6-8 months of the wine aging in the barrels, that which was fermented in stainless steel is blended with the oak aged and the result is a harmonious and delectable wine with a nose of ripe stone fruit notes and hints of vanilla.  A beautiful pairing with two prime course options:  a delicious Heirloom Tomato Caprese, made with pickled shallot, Fior di Latte, aged balsamic and fresh basil, and the big hit Shrimp Scampi!

Heirloom Tomato Caprese
Heirloom Tomato Caprese

Our final wine selection was the Mezzacorona Castel Firmian Pinot Grigio 2018, Trentino DOC.  Also an Award-Winner of a Bronze Medal at the 2014 International Wine & Spirit Competition.

From Trento in the north we headed south and enjoyed a trio of red wines from another Italian region, arguably one of the most exciting wine regions today, Sicily!

We must move on as the Stemmari Nero D’Avola and the Hedonis Riserva beckons!  We are in Sicily now, where as Lucio tells us  Sicilia gives us the “art of Living with the generosity of the sun, of the soil and of the water”. As the Winemaker Lucio is passionate about the wines of Stemmari, exclaiming how Stemmari brings to you a modern wine that can be paired with modern, Mediterranean and continental dishes. “Nero D’Avola is the most historical and noble grape planted here, it is a rich grape, in the glass we find an aroma of raspberry, of strawberry and currant, the palate is multi fragrant and elegant.” Nods all around, yes, this wine does deliver all that! 

To our final vino today Stemmari Hedonis Riserva 2015 Sicilia DOC is poured in our glass. The bouquet is seductive, complex with a cornucopia of aromas reminiscent of dried fruits, spices, notes of vanilla and tobacco! On the palate, smooth, soft like velvet with good structure and sublime tannins. Award-Winning 91 Points 2018 Ultimate Wine Challenge, please visit the website for details on vinifcation and oak aging, an amazing wine!

We are served the second course, Tagliatelle alla Bolognese. We await upon the verdict from Lucio who after all did train at the University of Bologna. “Fantastico, perfectly al dente!,” Lucio exclaims.  We all concur. With Hedonis in our glasses, we continue to enjoy the beautiful wine, our perfecto pasta and spirited conversation into the late afternoon.  We thank Rachel for a delightful afternoon, it was truly a great pleasure to meet Lucio, and become more acquainted with Mezzacorona!

Tagliatelle alla Bolognese
Tagliatelle alla Bolognese

If you could like more information on any of the wines please contact Rachel Woodman at www.woodmanwinesandspirits.com 

Press luncheon Walsh Whsikey Distillery, Toronto Feb 2019

Meet the Unstoppable “Hot Irishman” and maker of Writers’ Tears Irish Whiskey, Bernard Walsh. Just in time for Saint Patrick’s Day!

Bernard Walsh at a recent visit to Oakville Ontario showcases his whiskies at the 1st ever Irish Whiskey Distillery Feature. Feb 2019
Bernard Walsh at a recent visit to Oakville Ontario showcases his whiskies at the 1st ever Irish Whiskey Distillery Feature. Feb 2019

In 1999 Bernard Walsh and his wife Rosemary founded The Hot Irishman Company an innovative Irish Coffee. 

The company named changed in 2007 to Walsh Distillery and The Irishman Whiskey was introduced followed by Writers’ Tears in 2009. Working with a small team Bernard has brought his whiskies to 40 nations worldwide, including Canada.Today he has created one of Ireland’s largest independent distilleries. The distillery is unique for being manually operated and for distilling all three styles of Irish Whiskey – pot still, malt and grain- in the same house.

His recent visit to Toronto captivated us with his Irish charm and delightful range of Irish Whiskies available at the LCBO just in time for Saint Patrick’s Day. 

If you are lucky you can get them while they are still all available.

The complete range of Writers' Tears currently available at the LCBO.  Writers' Tears Copper Pot Irish Whiskey $46.95  Writers' Tears Red Head Single Malt Irish Whiskey $64.95  Writers' Tears Copper Pot Cognac Finish $99.95 (while quantities last)  Writers' Tears Limited Cask Strength Irish Whiskey $178.60 (while quantities last)
The complete range of Writers’ Tears currently available at the LCBO.Writers’ Tears Copper Pot Irish Whiskey $46.95Writers’ Tears Red Head Single Malt Irish Whiskey $64.95Writers’ Tears Copper Pot Cognac Finish $99.95 (while quantities last)Writers’ Tears Limited Cask Strength Irish Whiskey $178.60 (while quantities last)
The complete range of Writers’ Tears currently available at the LCBO. Click to order,
Press luncheon Walsh Whsikey Distillery, Toronto Feb 2019
Press luncheon Walsh Whsikey Distillery, Toronto Feb 2019

Press Luncheon with Bernard Walsh, at the Royal Canadian Military Institute on University Avenue, Toronto.Walsh is the exclusive supplier showcased in an initiative at the LCBO known as the ‘Distillery Feature’ which launched at participating Whisky Shops on February 7, 2019. As support, Walsh has distilled 7 different expressions that were introduced together and available for a limited time

Bernard Walsh, Walsh Distillery, Makers of Writers' Tears.
Bernard Walsh of Walsh Distillery and the makers of Writers’ Tears Irish Whiskey visits Oakville, Ontario. Feb 2019.