Recently ( First published Nov 25th, 2014) in Toronto celebrating The 10th anniversary of The Berlin Tasting with featured guest Eduardo Chadwick the President and Owner of Vina Errazuriz and co-founder of Mondavi of Sena.
The 10th anniversary of a ground breaking tasting that sent a little bit of tremor through our world of wine… it was called The Berlin Tasting. And boy did it ever make a statement and an impact in the perception of this country’s wine
And the country, a long and skinny one with wine regions that span from the north to the south, over 4000 kilometers. Is… ready for this.. Chile. Now at this historic tasting, these wines truly came out on top! Beating out some of the worlds iconic wines including established French classics such as Chateau Lafite, Chateau Margaux and and Italian cult wines including Sassicaia and Tignanello.
Today all the way from Chile, to share with us how this tasting went down that historic January day in 2004, to the surprise of the panel of 36 international judges, no-one really expected this outcome… except possibly our guest… Eduardo Chadwick, the President and Owner of Vina Errazuriz and co-founder with Mondavi of Sena, who’s two wines won top honours! We’ll also explore with Mr. Chadwick how these wines are faring today and the long lasting impact this legendary tasting has had on the wines of Chile today.
And not only is Chile a premier wine growing region, but the country itself is also stunning with natural landscapes, dramatically varied from desert to forest, volcanoes, glaciers and beaches.. So much to do and see from the mysterious and most isolated place in the world, Easter Island to the Atacama Desert, the highest and driest desert on earth, likened in places to the surface of Mars…to fill us in on some of the bucket list places to visit in Chile, we
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/images_Eduardo.jpg7221014Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2020-10-09 09:32:282022-03-21 17:15:02The 10th anniversary of “The Berlin Tasting” The Wine Ladies interview with Eduardo Chadwick
Lobsters aren’t all red. They can be many different colors, including bright blue, white and brilliant gold tones.
They can be right-handed, left-handed, or ambidextrous.
Many species can live to be over 100 years old.
Most travel over 100 miles a year and have migratory patterns.
What type of wine goes with lobster?
The number one wine to pair with them is hands-down Chardonnay. Consider the palate profile of most international Chardonnay wines whether they are from Burgundy or California, Chile or Australia—Chardonnay often highlights its own innate citrus nuances both in the aromatic components and in flavor
What kind of red wine goes with lobster?
In general, look to lighter styles of wines, such as a crisp dry rosé wine from any variey (typically Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault in France) and the lighter styles of Pinot Noir to pair with more delicately cooked white fish, poached salmon, and seafood such as oysters, crab, lobster, and mussels.
How do you boil the perfect lobster?
Bring water to a rolling boil over high heat. Place lobsters in the pot (head first), cover tightly, return to a boil as quickly as possible and start counting the time. Steam a lobster for 7 minutes per pound, for the first pound. Add 3 minutes per pound for each additional pound thereafter.
What is lobsters favorite food?
Lobsters usually move around and hunt for food at night. It was once thought that lobsters were scavengers and ate primarily dead things. However, researchers have discovered that lobsters catch mainly fresh food (except for bait), which includes fish, crabs, mussels, sea urchins, and sometimes even other lobsters!
Celebrity Chef Ted Reader on The Wine Ladies radio show 2008, 1050 CHUM.
Find out who will be appearing on The Wine Ladies Radio Show this Saturday, August 30th, 2008 on 1050 CHUM.
1050 CHUM Call in radio show, with featured guests every week. Saturday mornings, 10:00am -11:00am. The lines are burning up with lost of “Ask The Wine Ladies” questions. Georgia has the answers to be sure!
1050 CHUM every Saturday morning at 10:00a.m., set that dial to connect with The Wine Ladies radio show.
This week we’ll explore what is quickly becoming one of the world’s newest fine wine growing regions, Prince Edward County, Ontario. Joining us Frederic Picard, Winemaker of Huff Estates Winery. With two separate vineyard plantings in Prince Edward County, Frederic will share his passion for this wine growing area, its unique wines and its very bright future.
And don’t forget to log on to the Ted Reader website to enter the Chef Ted Reader contest and have a chance to win a fabulous Wine and Cheeseburger Party, plus barbeque package valued at $1,500!
The smoker and trailer were built by Dead Serious Cookers (www.deadseriouscookers.com) in Texas. It’s a 10 foot long barrel smoker. It runs on hard wood (hickory, maple, oak, and cherry) and charcoal. Traditional smoker with three smoking doors, however another shelf has been added to it.
This rig holds upwards of 500 lbs of meat. It’s traditionally used for low and slow, high volume smoking. It is 100% manual. No fancy gadgets, no electronic smoker units in it. It is pure hardwood manpower. Three (3) Napoleon PT450RBI Grills have been added…..MORE
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/Screen-Shot-2018-03-28-at-9.27.40-AM.png400597Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2020-05-27 12:00:002020-05-28 07:15:33Celebrity Chef Ted Reader on The Wine Ladies radio show August 27th, 2008,1050 CHUM. Throwback Thursday, May 28,2020
REMINDER TONIGHT! WTF! It’s Wine Time Friday with The Wine Ladies!
Please join us as we raise a glass together with your favorite #wine. We’ll talk a bit about wine chit chat and just have some fun.It will all be recorded and posted on The Wine Ladies YOU TUBE Channel and social media! So be sure to put on some lipstick, comb your hair and get out of your pj’s! If you would like to share this email and invite a friend or two that’s ok too!
Pisco es Peru… as is world class gastronomy, spectacular landscape, incredible people and of course Machu Picchu! In a word, our adventure to Peru, a world of hidden treasures was magical. Our mandate as we landed on Peruvian soil, in the capital city of Lima, located in a desert, surrounded by surreal spaces of sand dunes was to discover the “Pisco Trail”. Pisco, you see is the name of Peru’s national drink, a grape spirit, a wonderful elixir that is made with grapes from vast, green vineyards that flourish in the heart of the arid deserts of Peru. Our exploration of this traditional spirit that dates back hundreds of years was a delectable journey of a drink of exquisite qualities. There is a story to Pisco, we enjoy the unraveling of its secrets and its mysteries as shared with us by the proprietors of several Bodegas. Be sure to ask for Pisco on your next evening out, as Pisco is the new rising star at the bar!
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/WTFAprll24.jpg10801080Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2020-04-24 07:11:442020-05-01 15:22:53WTF! Wine Time Friday With The Wine Ladies! Online ZOOM Wine Party April 24, 2020
Celebs Suburban Stars from Suburban Life Magazine.
Our good friend Kathryn Kates contributing writer for and The Toronto Star’s Saturday At Home With columnist asked us if we would like to showcase our homes in the magazine. We thought what a great way for people to get to know us a little bit more.
Although we are close as sisters and live close to each other,one street over and ten houses down, our decorating styles couldn’t be more different. We each have our own distinct styles.
Georgia’s style is more modern, sleek and minimalist. She likes clean lines and big sunny windows. Just like her smile and personality.
Susanne tends to be a little over dramatic from time to time maybe even a bit flamboyant. Romance is very important to me.
Although our home decorating styles are different we agree when we pick a wine for dinner. Georgia’s wine cellar at home is fully stocked with a great selection f over 5000 bottles.
For other celebrity home features you can read Kathryn’s articles and stories in The Toronto Star every Saturday as well as 6 times a year in Suburban Life.
Uncorking prize homes
Georgia Mensé-Chase and Susanne Seelig-Mensé are sisters known to lovers of the grape as the Wine Ladies. Owners of a small wine agency, the Montreal-born oenophiles have become media darlings in recent years.
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/The-Toronto-Star-The-Wine-Ladies-.png393476Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2020-04-23 12:00:002020-04-24 09:11:40At Home With The Wine Ladies featured July 2008! Celebs Suburban Stars! Throwback Thursday
Hi wine lovers, family, fans and friends! Georgia and Susanne here! It’s not an easy time right now with the Covid-19 pandemic. We want to raise your spirits so we thought we would have an on line ZOOM wine party to celebrate Malbec World Day!
It’s not an easy time right now with the Covid-19 pandemic. We want to raise your spirits so we thought we would have an on line ZOOM wine party to celebrate Malbec World Day!
We’ve decided to honour the Malbec grape once again, as well as the country that has become synonymous with Malbec, just as Shiraz is to Australia, Sauvignon Blanc to New Zealand and Carmenere to Chile, Malbec is to Argentina.
Please join us as we raise a glass of your favorite Malbec!
We’ll talk a bit about the Malbec grape, the region, taste some wine, chit chat and just have some fun! It will all be recorded and posted on The Wine Ladies YOU TUBE Channel and social media! So be sure to put on some lipstick, comb your hair and get out of your pj’s!
Don’t forget to bring your favorite bottle of Malbec to share on line with all of us! Let’s see if we can have friends from all over the world join us! We will all be safe from the Covid-19.
Here are the details to join the ZOOM call.
The Wine Ladies are inviting you to a scheduled Zoom on line party. Topic: Celebrate Malbec World Day with The Wine Ladies on line with our own ZOOM wine party.
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Malbec-Wine-Party-Instagram.jpg10801080Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2020-04-11 08:27:012020-04-16 15:45:13Celebrate Malbec World Day with The Wine Ladies on line with our own ZOOM wine party. Covid-19
Join us March 5th for a totally fabulous event at Spa in the Village
You’re invited to celebrate the launch of our new laser spa treatment, Sharplight! The latest technology in hair removal, skin resurfacing, body conturing and more!!
Complimentary wine tasting, food, prizes, spa treatments, specials and more.
Pampering with a conscience. Our spa is eco-friendly and uses cruelty free products.
We love our planet. 85 to 95% of our waste is diverted from landfills.
Tiffany Bourque Co-Founder with her sister Amber Gille and owners of the Spa in the Village, a luxurious upscale Spa founded in 1987. Recognized as an industry leader in cutting edge solutions in beauty and relaxation, the sisters have introduced a new treatment protocol that we experienced first hand! You won’t want to miss out on hearing more! And be sure to join us March 5th for a fabulous wine and food event featuring a very special new spa treatment, SharpLight! The latest technology in hair removal, skin resurfacing and body conturing.
At Spa in the Village we care about each other and we care about our clients. We do facials, massage, IPL hair removal, skin tightening, electrolysis, waxing, sugaring, threading, body scrubs, manicures, pedicures and so much more….
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Spa-in-the-Village-SharpLight.jpg800800Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2020-02-07 10:03:592020-02-09 12:24:07Join us March 5th for a totally fabulous event at Spa in the Village
We have a terrific show lined up for you today. It may be a little chilly out there but guess what? We’re going to heat things up a little here today and warm our hearts talking about passion, and romance and wine and chocolate! Why? Because Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Today we pay homage to February 14th, the most romantic day of the year.
We have all the bases covered with our esteemed guests, from a special bottle of wine, to delectable truffles, a unique and delicious chocolate “spirit” and to love and loving relationships.
And that is where we’re going to start, with amour, with our first guest. She is an international speaker, television personality, an educator and entertainer and she has a PHD in Sexual Health Education. Plus she is a relationship expert, she is Jessica O’Reilly, Dr. Jess, The Sex Doctor. Dr. Jess is here to fill us in on some do’s and don’ts for your Valentine. Some tips on keeping your relationship real and connected!
Oh and if you don’t have a Valentine this year, tips on enjoying this special day anyways! Love Dr. Jess’s approach. We watched a few of her videos. Definitely some awesome advice, for the new relationships yes, but also for the ones that have stood the test of time!
Listen to Dr. Jess on the audio podcast here. (5:26 minutes in the show)
Research shows the top 5 craved things across the board is…
CHOCOALATE!!! Proprietor Ingrid Laderach Steven joins us from Swiss-Master Chocolatier
Our second guest will know that better than anyone. She is Ingrid Laderach Steven, Swiss Master Chocolatier extraordinaire. Ingrid founded her store the Swiss Master Chocolate Boutique, 33 years ago and has been pleasing chocolate lovers with her stunning authentic Swiss chocolates ever since.
Fans include the likes of NASA astronauts and President Clinton! Ingrid to fill us in the different kinds of chocolate. Why is Swiss chocolate considered the best? Is it really an aphrodisiac?
Georgia’s Wine Pick. Viticcio Morellino di Scansano 2015
We’d now like to welcome from the glorious romantic region of Tuscany, Senore Duccio Dogi, Senore Duccio is the Sales manager for the producer Fattorio Viticcio. They have been producing wine for over 45 years among the rolling green hills of Tuscan wine country in Greve in Chianti between the historic and enchanting cities of Florence and Siena
Today Fattorio Viticcioboasts 120 hectares of estate owned vineyards among the hills in Chianti Classico and Maremma. Senore Duccio is here to tell us more about this stunning region, and the beautiful wines Viticcio produces including a very special release for Valentines Day!
Patrick Fee, Vice President Marketing, McCormick Distilling.
And in our final segment we’ll turn our attention to still on a chocolate note, but in an absolutely decadent spirit. It is the 360 Double Chocolate Vodka!!! And it is so delish. It is produced by McCormick Distilling, which is the planets first eco-friendly vodka.
To tell us all about it we’ll chat with Vice President of Marketing McCormick Distilling Patrick Fee.
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Episode79FacebookCover.jpg463828Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2020-01-03 17:09:002020-01-23 09:56:10On this week’s audio podcast. Chocolate and wine! The ideal couple. Start a love affair this Valentine’s Day!
On today’s show we are celebrating with a wonderful group of guests… a charismatic winemaker from Italy, ( Gruppo Mezzacorona) a local artisan with a great Christmas gift idea for the wine and food lover in your life (Celtic Relics) and a spirit that’s a perfect ingredient to the classic Christmas drink, Eggnog. (El Dorado Rum)
So joining us first, calling in from the historic beautiful region of Trento, Italy, Lucio Matricardi of Gruppo Mezzacorona.
Lucio earned his Ph.D. in viticulture and enology from the University of California at Davis and has worked at wineries from around the globe.
We recently had the honour of attending a very special luncheon here in Toronto hosted by Woodman Wines & Spirits whereby Lucio was the guest of honour. A spectacular tasting of the winery’s portfolio including the iconic Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio, one of the most popular wines enjoyed all over the world.
It never ceases to amaze us the power of social media and the incredible connections and discoveries that can be made. This is how we discovered our next guest.
Josh Dalziel owner ofCeltic Relics custom woodworking based out of Fergus, Ontario. Josh creates the most spectacular handmade, custom, live edge designed beauties, including charcuterie boards, tipsy timbers for shots and more.
He has an incredible story of courage and determination!
Makes a great Christmas gift! Still time to order yours’ from Josh! Contact him on Instagram.@CelticRelics
CONGRATULATIONS @maureengrahamrealtor our lucky winner of the Celtic Relics Tipsy Timber 10 Shot Board. Valued at $140.00.
And to our last guest we jump right into a spirit that has over the last few years found itself becoming a serious player in the respected spirits industry.
Much like “fine spirits” such as Malt Scotch and cognac the premiumization of rum is commanding the attention of many a discerning palate. There is much more to rum than your classic rum & coke.
So to fill us in on the latest in rum, we welcome Shaun Caleb to the show. Mr. Caleb is the Master Distiller for Demerara Distillers located in Guyana.
DDL is touted as one of the best rums in the world. The very smooth and uniquely complex aged El Dorado rums which represent over 300 years of Caribbean rum making. All available at your local LCBO.
We recently had the opportunity to enjoy a tasting of Mr Caleb’s rums as well as a few delicious Christmas cocktails. Enjoy!
To a Collins glass add rum, lime juice, fresh cranberries and maple syrup. Stir well. Clap mint in your hand and drop it in the glass. Add crushed ice and stir up the ingredients from the bottom of the glass until mixed well. Garnish with a generous offering of mint sprigs, a few cranberries and dust with icing sugar on the leaves. Serve with a red and white striped paper straw.
Add rum, eggnog, extract and bitters to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a large rocks glass without ice. Grate nutmeg and cinnamon over the top of the glass and serve.
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Mezzacorona.png789914Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2019-12-17 09:05:312019-12-17 13:40:09Epic Christmas wines, spirits and gift ideas for the holiday season.
A day in the county – a promised land for elegant, seductive wines tinged with limestone and an undeniable minerality, “It’s due to the dirt” the locals say. Prince Edward County, located just east of Toronto remains Ontario’s newest wine appellation and quite possibly the fastest growing wine region in the world!
This glorious county has been touted as one of Canada’s top tourist destinations as well, promising the visitor a relaxing and casual vibe in which to enjoy a multitude of amazing local foods, wine, art and activities. Of course there is also the lake, offering up fine sandy beaches, one of Canada’s best, and 800 km of shoreline. Unbeknownst to many Prince Edward County is technically considered an island, man made located in Lake Ontario. The lake not only most welcoming to the 650,000 annual visitors to the county but also most welcoming to the approximate 600 acres of vineyards planted here.
Situated at the eastern end on the north shore of Lake Ontario it is this large body of water that plays an integral role in allowing the grapes of PEC to ripen slowly, and fully. But it starts from the ground up and we go back to the dirt. The limestone bedrock and stoney soils of the county allow for excellent drainage in the spring warming, forcing vines to grow deeper during hot summer months. This is all good, building character with albeit small yields but concentrated flavours and complexity in PEC wines!
Caroline Granger, Founder and CEO The Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards and Estate Winery.
We flash back to 2010 when we first met Caroline, hair tied back, casual in faded blue jeans, with precious county dirt on her hands as she lovingly inspected the grapes in her vineyard. Later we ventured into the Grange barrel cellar, where we laughed, and tasted some wines, as Caroline told us that this, the barrel cellar was the most important room above all. “Where the wines have a chance to develop and become all that they can be,” she explained.
We were so taken with Caroline those years ago with her drive, her commitment and courage to follow her passion. You see Caroline Granger was the first female in the county, to open her own winery, a bold move considering at the time there were just three winery licences granted in the whole region. The growth of PEC that earned its VQA status in 2007 now boasts close to 45 wineries of varying styles, with something for everyone, from small and quaint to modern and sophisticated.
We asked Caroline to tell us a little about her and how The Grange of Prince Edward came to be!
We learned that farming and agriculture came naturally to Caroline as she grew up on a small farm her parents purchased back in 1974. Those roots in family farming gave Caroline an appreciation for the land, of hard work and ignited in her a sense of independence. After some time away she found herself back on the farm with three small kids in tow looking to rejuvenate her life. Parents Robert and Diana were finding the daily working of the farm challenging so Caroline stepped up.
In the year 2001, Caroline lead her family into a new form of agriculture replacing the mixed feed crops and sweet peas with vineyard plantings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay! In just a few years, in 2004 she opened the doors to the Grange of Prince Edward County Vineyards and Estate Winery. True to her roots or in the genes, Caroline’s daughter Maggie returned to the farm embracing her love of wine and of the land in 2010. Today this mother-daughter duo is at the helm of one of the most respected and highly regarded wineries in PEC.
The winery, the vineyards and the wines….
The winery situated in a rustic farmland setting is housed in an historic barn built in 1826. Converted into a tasting room, with an art gallery loft and room rentals for events, the space is inviting, casual and inspiring.
It is situated among the 60 acres of vineyards the Grangers have planted, which produce strictly 100 percent estate-grown and made wines. This we learn separates the Grange from many of the other wineries in the county. It allows them to make wines that truly reflect their own distinct style and that of the region. This is not to say that this model doesn’t have its challenges.
Mother Caroline and daughter Maggie, The Granger Girls.
As Maggie explains “It’s challenging to rely only on yourself and your vineyard, and so to be able to produce these wines and have them shine is fulfilling and, ultimately, a really unique experience for consumers.” The wines of the Granger gals have been rewarded with Caroline’s and Maggie’s commitment to the winery being self sufficient and producing wines with little intervention. As Caroline enthuses “it is incredibly important to me that I know without a doubt what has gone into the grapes and in turn the wines, and to be able to stand behind them completely”.
The roster of Grange wines is inspiring, from the vineyard plantings of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon. We most recently enjoyed the County Cremant Quartz 2011 and the Estate Almanac White.
Here are our thoughts on these wines and their delectable pairings with a local county cheese!
County Cremant Quartz 2011 $35.00
The County Cremant sparkling wines are a series of bubbly that is meant to vary depending on the nuances of each individual vintage. Cremant are sparkling wines that are produced using the same method as Champagne, costly and labour intensive with secondary bottle fermentation.
Delish! A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay 50/50 this bubbly delivers a beautiful toastiness, with flavours of citrus and notes of honey and brioche with great balance, crisp, good acidity and an elegant mineral finish. After 60 months on the lees, it was worth the wait! Suggested cheese pairing, at the winery the winning partner is the local Buffalina. Delectable!
Availability: Winery Direct
Estate Almanac White VQA PEC $16.95
The Almanac Series represents a snapshot of a vintage on a vineyard just as the Farmers Almanac is a snapshot of a growing season.
Availability LCBO
This is a blend of three varietals, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling, 100 % estate grown. Light to medium bodied at 12%, aromatic, crisp with notes of lemon, hints of apricot and pineapple, beautiful balance. Recommended with local Fiftowns Cape Vessy cheese.
If you find yourself sometime soon in the county be sure to drop in and say hello to Caroline and Maggie from us! As a reminder a memorable experience awaits you at the Grange. Experience the beautiful grounds with a local charcuterie filled picnic basket, take a tour or enjoy some beautiful wines at the tasting bar.
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Grange-of-Prince-Edward-Barn.jpg7661153Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2019-06-20 14:18:342019-06-20 14:19:58A day in the county with The Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards and Estate Winery.
