On today’s show we take you on a journey, along the Rhine River. A journey that will have you board in Basel, Switzerland, make your way down the Rhine river, exploring a variety of wineries, historical towns, works of art and the wine and food culture of the multitude of stops we make along the way. Basel, Cologne, Freiburg, rheingau, finding off in Amserdam, which happens to be the birthplace of our own father.
We are inviting you to join us this Fall, departing Nov 19th on The Wine Ladies Rhine River Luxury Wine Cruise. Our partners on this amazing adventure the award winning travel company Concierge Travel Group and Ama Waterways river cruise ships. In fact our ship the AmaKristina was just announced in the 3rd edition of Berlitz: River Cruising in Europe & the USA, as the #1 River Cruise ship!! We will be doing this trip in style.
Rhine Wine Cruise
Our first guest, Lorraine Simpson, owner and operator of the award winning Concierge Travel Group will be joining us on the show today. Lorraine will share with us a few of the details of the tour and paint a picture of all this extraordinary tour has to offer. Quite spectacular! Lorraine was recently selected as the winner of the prestigious 2017 Magellan Award.
Lorraine is calling in from yet another exotic location from around the world. Currently experiencing a Champagne dinner cruise in Bangkok, checking out her next tour! She is handling and pulling together the most amazing Luxury Rhine River Wine Cruise for The Wine Ladies. We are so excited!
Our guest was recently selected as the winner of the prestigious 2017 Magellan Award.
We would also like to invite you to a complimentary information evening we will be holding June 21st, 2018 at the Glenerin Inn & Spa in Mississauga. Lorraine and a representative of Ama Waterways will showcase this amazing trip.
Our next guest is a great ambassador of the Wines of Germany, Jurgen Hammer. Jürgen Hammer is the head of the Berlin branch of the German Wine and Sommelier School and market leader in wine education in Germany. He will share the history, the incredible landscape and unique characteristics of the wines of German wine labels. What do they mean? Plus….Contrary to what many believe Rieslings are not always sweet. A noble varietal that can ran the gamut from yes, bone dry to Berrenauslese, very sweet, but with incredible acidity.
Jürgen will be visiting Toronto at the up and coming Wines of Germany event, Riesling & Co. A night in Berlin taking place June 20th. He will be leading trade seminar about the wines of Germany in the afternoon. But you have an opportunity to meet him and taste an amazing array of fabulous German wines that evening for a consumer wine tasting Berlin style, being held at the Arcadian Loft in downtown Toronto. Your evening includes 100 German Wines to try…Delicious food pairings for German wines:, entertainment, swag bags and More.
And finally, we’ll chat with a German winemaker and owner ofWeingut Dr. Loosen. In 2005, Ernst Loosen was selected as Decanter‘s “Man of the Year. We will be tasting his Loosen Up Riesling newly available at your local LCBO. So much ahead, all coming up today on The Wine Ladies podcast!
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Rhine1.png463826Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2018-06-18 11:49:482018-06-19 08:51:27Coming up on the next audio podcast…Wines from the Rhine! Absolutely divine! Rhine Wine Cruise.
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Screen-Shot-2018-06-01-at-7.02.52-PM.png243366Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2018-06-16 19:01:562018-06-19 08:56:43Join us June 20th. Riesling & Co, A Night in Berlin.The Arcadian Loft Toronto.
National Rosé Day celebrates the delight and versatility of one of the oldest wines in the world dating back over 2600 years!
The Wine Ladies suggest you think pink for summer. Think pink indeed, and we’re not talking Giorgio Armani or Dolce & Gabbana. Although we are referring to what’s in fashion, it’s not what you’re wearing, but what’s in your wine glass. Rosés are enjoying a much deserved revival, with recent years showing the world going wild for these ever popular pink wines. Hence International Rosé Day now falls on three separate occasions, in 2018 June 9th, 22nd, and August 14th. No other wine or varietal can boast such a following! And in case you haven’t heard ladies we are not exactly cornering this market as real men drink pink too, and a lot of it! Check out the hash tag brosé sparked by men standing tall and shattering gender stereotypes by declaring that they are not afraid to drink pink. Also increasingly occupying prime real estate both on wine lists and on store shelves, retailers and restaurateurs are responding to the popular demand of these blushing “bevies”.
Why is everything coming up rosés now you may ask?
The sweeter, cloying days of former rosés are gone, stylistically now being replaced with a plethora of wonderfully, crisp, fresh and dry wines being produced in many parts of the wine-growing world. Plus improved wine making equipment and winemaking techniques have played a significant role, with the new rosés showing vibrant aromas, flavors and good structure. Pick your variety, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cinsault, Zinfandel or Cabernet just to name a few, or select your rosé according to colour, from a pale salmon hue to deep neon pink. The possibilities are endless.
Rosés are the perfect wine for summer, easily approachable and lighter bodied, served chilled they make a delectable accompaniment to a variety of warm weather fare. They’re like chameleons, able to adapt to partnering well with almost any kind of dish, from light snacks to more serious fare rosés can do it all. Fire up the barbeque and grill away, whether it be a choice cut steak, seafood or grilled veggies, grab a pink drink.
Of course many a celebrity have jumped on the rosé bandwagon too, most recently son of rock star Bon Jovi with his Diving into Hampton Water, Barrymore of Drew Barrymore and of course Brad Pitt and Angelina’s Miraval, although now divested. All this plus the aggressive marketing of these wines abroad, primarily by France, it’s no wonder rosé rules.
We’d like to share with you a sampling of a few rosé we’ve recently enjoyed two of which are made in France, the birthplace of rosé some 2600 years ago and a third coming from a local winery situated in one of Ontario’s newest emerging wine regions.
Grape Escape Wine Tours with Remy Pannier Rose and Rosé Day
Our first rose, produced by Remy Pannier hails from the Loire Valley, France.
We recently had the opportunity to speak with the Export Director Julien Cothenet, of this historical house founded back in 1855. Remy Pannier we learn was founded by Francois Remy and has been identified with premium quality Loire Valley wines for over 150 years.
As the most recognized name in the Loire Valley, Remy Pannier over the years has established close and lasting relationships with over 800 growers, providing direction and knowledge on the latest viticultural practices ensuring the finest quality grapes for their wines. When asked how Julien would specifically characterise the rosés of the Loire Valley and specifically the Remy Pannier Rosé d’anjou this is what he had to say “The Loire Valley is the second largest region for the production of rosé wines, just after the Cotes de Provence, however our Loire Valley Rosé d’anjou Appellation is among the fruitiest rosé you can find in France, with a lovely hint of softness which makes it so easy to drink” To his pairings of delight, grilled shrimps, spicy pork sandwich or vegetable quiche. Delish!
Remy Pannier Rosé d’anjou 2016 Loire, France
Enjoy a glass of Rose d’anjou, definitely a crowd pleaser as one of the best-selling rosés in Ontario. This rosé is light bodied, crisp and fresh, light coral in colour, with an enticing aroma of strawberry, red cherries and citrus. It is off dry, elegant and will match well with a variety of salads, appetizers and grilled seafood! Made with Cabernet Franc.
For our second perspective on rosés made in France we turn our attention to the Rhone Valley and more specifically the appellation of Ventoux. Ventoux vineyards actually developed and expanded during the Avignon papacy which was 1309 -1376 and over the centuries were drunk at the table of the kings of France. Our producer Ogier founded in 1859 is situated in the southern Rhone in the famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape, which literally translates to “new castle of the Pope”. Ventoux is enjoying a positive affect of climate change and now due to the warmer climes are producing wines of deeper colour and body. Ogier’s Ventoux rosé comes from the best vineyards of the appellation in the South East of the Mont Ventoux mountains.
In a recent interview with Associate Winemaker and Brand Ambassador Raphael Pommier we learned that the beautiful acidity his Ventoux wines enjoy along with the full body is due to the positioning of the vineyards. When asked what might be Raphael’s desired culinary partner to enjoy with his Ventoux, grilled veggies doused with olive oil, zucchini, tomatoes and lamb with a healthy rub of fresh Provencal herbs was among his top picks, and ours!
Fresh and crisp, this rosé is full bodied, with aromas of fresh berries, hints of pink grapefruit and slight nuances of violet, dry on the palate with red berry flavours and smooth finish.Made with a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault
Onto our final leg celebrating Raphael Pommier, or should we say “Rosé days… ahh, the power of pink, our local representative is Adamo Estate Winery.
If one is familiar with the remarkable Hockley Valley Resort, just forty-five minutes north of Toronto located in the stunning rolling hills of Hockley Valley, you may know of the Adamo Estate Winery, founded and owned by the same remarkable person Mario Adamo and family.
Mario Adamo
Founded just seven years ago, Adamo Estate Winery was a dream come true for founders Mario Adamo, originally from Calabria Italy and his wife Nancy.
What started on a lot with a few vines planted and a dilapidated barn, we fast-forward to a stunning destination, a state of the art winery, glorious grounds and vineyards, a restaurant and more. A beautiful bonus, as an art lover was the multitude of incredible paintings permeating the space, all created by Mario himself, the founder who happens to be a breath taking painter!
Winemaker Shauna White
We had the opportunity to chat with winemaker Shauna White.
Beautiful and so talented who has worked her magic in many wine growing regions around the world. Shauna was drawn to Adamo, being small, affording her the opportunity to work the full gamut, from the vineyards to the winemaking with a passion to commit to sustainability. With many Adamo wines gaining world wide recognition, and winning a good number of the most prestigious awards, Shauna is in a good place, and so evidently are the vineyards.
In a moment of serenity we take in the beautiful scenery, the vineyards and the backdrop of the Hawkley Valley Hills, Shauna and ourselves. We chat and sample Adamo’s Gamay Rose 2017 Kirby Vineyard. Shauna tells us the wine was made in the saignee method, the crushed grapes skin soak for 6 hours, the juice then cool settles in tank and fermentation begins.
Adamo Gamay Rose 2017 Kirby Vineyard $18.05
The wine is light salmon in color, because of brief skin soak, it is dry, crisp and clean with “lots of grapefruit this year” Shauna tells us and “is drinking more like a white wine”. Hints of aged oak can be detected, aromatic and with a refreshing finish.
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/20180613_123504_001-scaled.jpg19202560Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2018-06-08 13:01:012019-06-05 14:20:25National Rosé Day celebrates the delight and versatility of one of the oldest wines in the world dating back over 2600 years!
Please join us Thursday, June 21st for some wine and food as we learn about The Wine Ladies Luxury Rhine River Wine Cruise taking place this November 2018.
A represenative from Concierge Travel Group and Amawater Ways will be present to showcase the highlights of this amazing wine and culinary adventure while enjoying some wines of Germany.
Join these two charismatic and entertaining Wine Ladies as they sail along the beautiful Rhine River from Basel in Switzerland to Amsterdam in The Netherlands. Along the way join them on private excursions and special tastings. Compare old and new world wines a chocolate hunt in Switzerland of course. There will be plenty of shopping too along the way. We visit stunning towns with excellent ships and markets just perfect for holiday gift shopping!
Castles from ancient empires and steep vineyards sprout up from every angle, which makes cruising on the Rhine River feel like entering a scene out of a storybook. Wind through Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands, diving deep into the history and wine regions of this vital waterway.
From left to right; Liz Palmer, award-winning author and wine journalist, Marc Trouyet,The Consul General of France in Toronto, Georgia and Susanne, The Wine Ladies and guest, Boris Zayachkowski.
International Rosé Day June 22nd, 2018
Its definitely rosé season when one receives a delightful invitation to The Consul General of France’s home in Toronto for a Rosé Tasting Reception. We gladly accepted Mr. Marc Trouyet’s invitation as rosé is enjoying a worldwide revolution and International Rosé Day is just around the corner, June 22nd. It was a lovely opportunity to taste some renowned French wines that are typically not available here in our market. The good news is that these wines are coming here soon!
Consul General Marc Trouyet and Liz Palmer welcome guests as the rose tasting is about to begin.
Award-winning author and Wine Journalist, Liz Palmer was present to present the rose story and to guide us through a tasting of five different rosé wines. The wines were accompanied by an assortment of delicious freshly-made handcrafted hors d’oeuvres prepared by Chef Francoise Briet.
This blend of Grenache and Cinsault is beloved for its zippy personality, ripe red berry, raspberry and Provençal tones. It pairs beautifully with smoked salmon.
Always great running into fellow wine and foodie friends! Adam and Sara Waxman founders and publishers of DINE and Destinations Magazine.
Chateau Jouclary, Languedoc.Delicate, airy aromas of white and violet flowers, mixed with notes of currant and exotic fruits.
Villa Riviera, Cotes de Provence, Floral and fine bouquet that evolves into fruity aromas of raspberry. Fullness and harmony on the palate.
Domaine Pieracci,Gourmet rosé with light and orange color. Fine and long wine in the mouth, with citrus flavors.
Celebrating International #RoséAllDay June 22nd, 2018
Join the Rosé revolution!
Episode 70
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IMG_8076_preview.jpeg9601280Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2018-06-05 13:14:152018-06-06 23:05:31Delightful night of French Rosé in Toronto with The Consul General of France.
Irene Hogan, The Menopause Expert. Author Hot Chixs Hot Sex.
Are you tired, fatigued, stressed, not sleeping, no sex drive, gaining weight, moody, irritable, suffering from hot flashes? Then let me help you go from Hormone Hell to Hormone Heaven!
A respected and renowned professional in her field Irene has been helping women through menopause through her consulting, drug reviews, weight management and more. From Hormone Hell to Hormone Heaven! Irene is launching her newbook at a fundraiser on June 20th and will be held at the Shawn and Ed Brewing Company in Dundas. Irene to talk about surviving menopause, not only surviving but embracing. We can’t wait to hear what Irene has to share.
Hot Chixs Hot Sex
Hot Chixs Hot Sex: How to Survive Menopause
Takes a candid look at the reality of becoming empowered and dispelling the myths and negativityabout menopause and aging and gives advice on how women can continue to grow personally andprofessionally while enjoying life and bring out positivity and living well without chronic disease andexpecting or being told it’s normal for our bodies to fall apart as we go through menopause and beyond.
We invite you to join us June 20th, 2018 for the official Book Launch Gala & Fundraiser.
Date: Jan 20th, 2018
Time: 7;00pm -9:00pm
Location: Shawn and Ed Brewing Co. 65 Hatt Street, Dundas, Ontario L9H 0C1
Amazing structured tasting and luncheon at George Restaurant, Toronto. The Women in Wine. Left to right: Megan Schofield, Robert Mondavi Winery, Vitalie Taittinger, Champagne Taittinger, Georgia, Jennifer Huether, Master Sommelier, Susanne, Louise Engel, Featherstone Estate Winery and Susana Balbo, Susana Balbo Wines.
Happy Mother’s Day
We spent a beautiful Saturday afternoon in May just before Mother’s Day at George Restaurant in Toronto. What an amazing treat!
A pre Mother’s Day event celebrating mothers and some super wines made and marketed by some very accomplished Women in Wine from around the world. The afternoon consisted of a formal structured tasting moderated by Jennifer Huether, Canada’s first Master Sommelier who did an outstanding job! Followed by a 4 course luncheon created by Executive Chef Lorenzo Loseto, GEORGE Restaurant
Just coming off of Malbec World Day, April 17th, we were delighted to see another beautiful Malbec to enjoy. This one did not disappoint. The Susana Balbo Signature La Delfina Altamira 2013 VINTAGES#: 127514 $75.00 per bottle. Exploding aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and violets framed by hints of oak. This is a rich and ripe style of wine, reigning in the fruit and focusing it into a long finish. Salud!
Structured Tasting included: Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2006, Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2017, Susana Balbo Signature La Delfina Altamira 2013 and Robert Mondavi Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Jennifer Huether Canada’s first Master Sommelier moderates the structure tasting with the Women In Wine. Jennifer represents California’s Jackson Family Wines in Canada.
Reception after the structured tasting featured the Featherstone Rose 2017
Louise Engel
Co-owner, Featherstone Estate Winery
Before entering the wine game in 1999, Louise and her partner, David Johnson, ran a gourmet specialty shop in Guelph. Louise and David have consistently taken an eco-friendly approach to farming. In 2003, Louise became a licensed falconer, working with birds of prey to deter nuisance birds in the vineyard. In 2007, Louise and David pioneered the use of lambs in vineyards in Canada; their top -selling signature wine, Black Sheep Riesling, is named for this natural vineyard practise.
Reception after the structured tasting featured the Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne
Vitalie Taittinger
Communication and Marketing Director, Champagne Taittinger
Vitalie graduated from the Emile Cohl School of Art, in Lyon, in 2001. In 2004, with Gilles Bernard, she published a monograph on the surrealist painter Alfred Courmes. Since 2015, she has been working as the head of Taittinger communication and marketing department and is responsible for ensuring that the Taittinger name remains front and centre, the world over, in any discussion of Champagne. As though life were not busy enough, Vitalie is also the mother of four children.
1st Course: AHI TUNA with curry and zucchini. Prepared by Executive Chef Lorenzo Loseto, Executive Chef, GEORGE Restaurant. The dish was paid with the Taittinger Prestige Brut Rose Champagne.
Susane Balbo
Owner and Chief Winemaker, Susana Balbo Wines
The first female winemaker in Argentina, Susana graduated cum laude with a degree in oenology in 198. In 2012, she was the only Argentinian named among the “50 Most Powerful Women in the Wine World” by the British magazine The Drinks Business. In 2015, she was awarded Women the Year 2015 by the same magazine. Susana is also a national congresswoman and in 2017 was elected by the president of Argentina to be part of the W20.
2nd Course: Salmon with avocado cream and cucumber.Prepared by Executive Chef Lorenzo Loseto, Executive Chef, GEORGE Restaurant. The food was paired with 2 choices… Robert Mondavi Winery Reserve Fume Blanc 2014 and the Susana Balbo Signature Rose 2017.
Megan Schofield
Winemaker, Robert Mondavi Winery
Megan grew up in St. Catherines, Ontario surrounded by grapes, but paid little not. She enrolled in Brock University in Ontario as a biotechnology student but was soon intrigued by the excitement around a new program being offered in oenology and viticulture. Her interest piqued, she applied, and was one of only 10 students accepted into the program. Before becoming a winemaker at Robert Mondavi Winery in 2015, Megan worked for Beringer and Buena Vista.
3rd Course: Cornish Hen with sweet potato and aged cheddar. Prepared by Executive Chef Lorenzo Loseto, Executive Chef, GEORGE Restaurant. We had two wines with this course. The Featherstone Cabernet Franc 2016 and the Susana Balbo Signature Malbec 2015.
Heartbroken! We missed dessert! It was a Lemon Tart with Italian meringue and pine nuts paired with the Robert Mondavi Winery
Moscato D’Oro 2015.
Darn it!
Selfie time with Megan Schofield, winemaker Robert Mondavi Winery! We had a blast! Adieu until we meet again!
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WomeninWineVintagesMay5th4wineladies-scaled.jpg19202560Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2018-05-13 05:48:222019-01-22 14:06:03Women in Wine…Megan Schofield, Vitalie Taittinger, Louise Engel and Susana Balbo all connected by the vine.
CONGRATULATIONS TO CATHY WHITE! YOU ARE THE WINNER! THE CORRECT ANSWER IS TEXAS
American Viticultural Area, Texas
Win a Corksicle. Value: $30.00
Simply post your answer on the bottom of this article in the comment area. The comment with the correct answer will be randomly be selected on Wednesday, May 16th, 2018 at noon. We will contact you and ship you the prize.
For wine lovers, wine fanatics, wine novices and oenophiles, you too can learn quirky, shareable facts about reds, whites, and more. Simply select your answer. Test your wine knowledge!
Wine Trivia Game from The Wine Ladies – May 2018
Corksicle
I am the fifth largest wine producing state in the U.S., the first vineyard established in North America by the Fransciscan priests in 1662 was in my state and I have 8 AVA’s (American Viticultural Areas). What state am I?
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Screen-Shot-2018-05-06-at-1.34.35-PM.png350532Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2018-05-10 08:30:402018-05-17 10:30:32Wine Trivia Contest from The Wine Ladies. I am the fifth largest wine producing state in the U.S. What state am I?
Simply post your answer on the bottom of this article in the comment area. The comment with the correct answer will be randomly be selected on Wednesday, May 9th, 2018 at noon. We will contact you and ship you the prize.
For wine lovers, wine fanatics, wine novices and oenophiles, you too can learn quirky, shareable facts about reds, whites, and more. Simply select your answer. Test your wine knowledge!
Wine Trivia Game from The Wine Ladies – May 2018
CONGRATULATIONS TO MATT PRIOR! This week’s winner!
SOUTH AFRICA is the correct response
South Africa
Guess Perfume
Bubbly and more bubbly.Champagne must come from Champagne. In Spain they call it Cava. Where do they call it Methode Cap Classique, a term coined in 1992?
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/marilynmonroe.jpg794724Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2018-05-05 12:55:252018-05-10 10:49:36Wine Trivia Game from The Wine Ladies. Bubbly and more bubbly. Champagne must come from Champagne. In Spain they call it Cava. Where do they call it Methode Cap Classique, a term coined in 1992?
ENJOY A 7-NIGHT RIVER CRUISE FROM BASEL TO AMSTERDAM
Dive deep into the history and wine regions of the Rhine River. Explore charming villages like Riquewihr and Breisach as you sale along towards Strasbourg. Visit the historic university town of Heidelberg and continue to Rudesheim. Enjoy an evening walk in Koblenz and cruise to Cologne where you’ll admire its imposing cathedral. Conclude your cruise in the vibrant city of Amsterdam.
Join these two charismatic and entertaining Wine Ladies as they sail along the beautiful Rhine River from Basel in Switzerland to Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Along the way join them on private excursions, special tastings to compare old and new world wines, a chocolate hunt in Switzerland of course. There will be plenty of shopping too along the way as we visit stunning towns with excellent shops and markets just perfect for holiday gift shopping! Castles from ancient empires and steep vineyards sprout up from every angle, which makes cruising on the Rhine River feel like entering a scene out of a storybook. Wind through Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands, diving deep into the history and wine regions of this vital waterway.
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Screen-Shot-2018-04-28-at-10.09.28-AM.png4351339Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2018-04-28 09:26:062018-06-06 09:56:22Join The Wine Ladies this Nov 2018 for a Rhine River Cruise For Wine Lovers.