Marilisa Allegrini at La Poya vineyard, Allegrini, Valpolicella, Italy

Meet Marilisa Allegrini, wine women extraordinare…The Voice of Amarone.

 For this International Women’s Day, 108th Anniversary celebration we thought we would introduce you to one remarkable woman in our field. She is Marilisa Allegrini, CEO of Allegrini, one of the most respected and highly acclaimed wineries of Italy. It is located in the storied wine growing region of Valpolicella. Allegrini is world-renowned in particular for their exceptional production of the iconic wine Amarone. She is known as the “Voice of Amarone” and been often described as a “Wine Star”. 

 Marilisa is the first Italian woman wine producer to grace the cover of one of the most respected and famous wine magazines in the world, The Wine Spectator. Since the early 1980’s Marilisa has been traveling the world sharing her passion for both the wines of Allegrini and the region of Valpolicella. 

We had the opportunity to meet with the dynamic CEO of what today is regarded as one of the leading producers not only in this region but also in Italy as a whole.

We asked Marilisa to share with us the story behind Allegrini.

We learn that the Allegrini family has been involved with grape growing and winemaking since the 1500’s handing down grape growing and winemaking traditions over six generations.

Its roots lie in a small village Fumane de Valpolicella located just north of Verona. The family played a prominent role in the local community as one of the most important landowners, involved in agricultural work and upholding local traditions. “It was’, as she goes on to explain with great admiration, ”

how the intelligence and hard work of her father Giovanni an instinctive man with respect to the land and innovative winemaking practices was integral in earning the reputation Allegrini enjoys today”.

Allegrini Logo

We’d like to feature one very special lady today on these pages. She is Marilisa Allegrini, the CEO of the family owned and operated Azienda Agricola Allegrini. Established in 1854 although Marilisa maintains it was many centuries before that her family was involved in making wine. It is considered a premier, and one of the most revered, award wining wineries in the historical and storied wine region of Valpolicella, Italy, also home of the iconic wine Amarone. 

Listen to Marilisa Allegrini at 29:40 minutes in the show

The Wine Ladies private wine tasting with Marilisa Allegrini.
 We had the opportunity to meet Marilisa on a recent visit to Toronto. She is a very special lady indeed, a woman of  passion, and dedication, of brilliance and of grace. Here she shared with us a little history of Allegrini, the past, present and future. We also  talked about Marilisa’s role as CEO, the role of women in general in this industry, the challenges and the opportunities. 
Allegrini La Poja 2011
Allegrini La Poja 2011
Palazzo della Torre 2014
Palazzo della Torre 2014
International Women's Day
International Women’s Day

Zonta Celebrates International Women’s Day…Celebrating 108 years in 2019!

Marilisa Allegrini, the first Italian woman wine producer to grace the cover of Wine Spectator

The Wine Ladies and Swiss Master Chocolatier Ingrid Laderach

Meet Swiss Master Chocolatier Ingrid Laderach a true leading lady.

Owner and Operator of Swiss-Master Chocolatier, Ingrid Laederach Steven, founded her upscale chocolate shop in Toronto in 1985. Considered a very active owner who is very much hands-on, it has been the secret to her success for all these years. For her, it’s just as much about the people as it is about the product and community to her is everything. Selling some of the finest in Swiss chocolates, she’s worked many, many years to develop a strong relationship with her suppliers in Switzerland, where she can then present the best products possible to her loyal customers.

We’d  like to welcome to the show a very special lady. Our show today is all about Valentine’s Day, about love, passion and of course chocolate. Our next guest is definitely passionate about her business, as the founder of  Swiss Master Chocolatier Boutique, now celebrating its 34th year anniversary.

Having served her delectable stunning array of Swiss chocolates to many a celebrity as well as the likes of NASA astronauts and Bill Clinton. She is Ingrid Laderach- Steven. She is here to share with us a little about her store, her story and will fill us in on, Why is Swiss Chocolate considered the best in the world? Is it actually an aphrodisiac? How heart healthy is a daily dose?

Ingrid is originally from Switzerland, and the Swiss know their chocolate. Swiss Master Chocolatier imports high-quality Swiss truffles, pralines, and many other products directly from Switzerland almost every day. And unlike most chocolate, which is filled with preservatives to give it an unnaturally long shelf life, Swiss Masters’ chocolate is made with fresh ingredients. “Our products are made in Switzerland for the domestic market, which means our products use fresh cream and fresh butter,” says Ingrid.

“Each person who walks through our door gets a chocolate so that they feel better when they walk out,” says Ingrid. “If everybody had a piece of chocolate and thought of all the wonderful things in life, this world would be a better place.”

Ingrid has been applauded over the years with many honors including a feature on the cover of the New York based Women of Distinction Magazine. She is also this month being featured in the recently published America’s Leading Ladies Who Positively Impact our World… Stories of Courage, Challenge and Triumph.

 America's Leading Ladies Who Positively Impact our World... Stories of Courage, Challenge and Triumph.

The Wine Ladies visited Ingrid in her Swiss Master Chocolatier Boutique at 2538 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Canada for a day of chocolate and wine tasting. Our wine of choice that day the recently release the Viticcio Morellino di Scansano 2015 available at VINTAGES # 574186, 750 mL bottle, $19.95 per bottle. Our truffles as recommended by Ingrid a milk mousse truffle, vanilla cream and hazelnut.

Ingrid's sense of humour and joy for life shines through
Ingrid’s sense of humour and joy for life shines through.
“My products are always consistent when it comes to taste and quality,” Steven said, who imports high-quality Swiss truffles, pralines, and other products from the country. “But my clients are the real treat, because without them I wouldn’t still be in business today. That is why customer service is so important to me; making each of them feel comfortable when shopping in my store is a priority.”
Valentine’s Day is to express how you feel. They see written on a truffle, I love you, thank you. A little more personal they know what your thinking an extra personal touch. Happy Valentine’s Day!
On this week’s audio podcast. Chocolate and wine! The ideal couple. Start a love affair this Valentine’s Day!

The Wine Ladies visited Ingrid in her Swiss Master Chocolatier Boutique at 2538 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Canada for a day of chocolate and wine tasting.

ENTER TO WIN…Instagram Valentine’s Day Contest.The Ideal Couple! 360 Vodka and Tequila Rose for the perfect pairing.

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!We’re celebrating the day of love with a delicious perfect pairing Instagram Contest!

Cupcakes made with Tequila Rose and 360 Vodka


Enter to win this prize.

A fabulous combination prize package which includes a bottle of the 360 Eco Luxury Chocolate Vodka, LCBO # 396671, $16.90 per 375 ml bottle. A six times distilled vodka made with eco awareness and corporate responsibilty. It’s chocolate just like you want it… deep, dark and deliciously seductive. That’s the irresistible result of pairing smooth 360 Vodka with a double dose rich and creamy Chocolate.

And a daring alternative…the Tequila Rose Strawberry Cream, LCBO# 382747, $29.95 per 750 ml bottle the original strawberry cream liqueur! Combining strawberry cream with tequila…exotic, unexpected and delicious! Over twenty years later, Tequila Rose remains the world’s best-selling strawberry cream liqueur and was the inspiration that paved the way for the unique cream liqueurs that have followed.

Here is How To Enter:

1.Follow us! @#TheWineLadies on Instagram Tags: 360_Vodka   trajectorybev #360Vodka

Following

2. Like This Post  

360 Vodka and Tequila Rose Strawberry Cream Contest

3.Tag your drinking partner! (Each friend you tag = One entry) Unlimited tags and entries. We will randomly select a winner from the comments below, so stay tuned here and turn on post notifications to see our winner announcement. Contest ends – Monday, Feb 4th, 2019 at noon EST. Our winners will be contacted through Instagram DMs & announced in our Instagram Stories. The prizes will be shipped directly to you.  

TEQUILA ROSE CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRY BRANDS: Tequila Rose Strawberry Cream Liqueur. 360 Double Chocolate Vodka. 1.0 oz Tequila Rose. 0.5 oz 360 Double Chocolate Vodka. Splash of Half and HalfMix together and sever.
TEQUILA ROSE CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRY BRANDS: Tequila Rose Strawberry Cream Liqueur. 360 Double Chocolate Vodka. 1.0 oz Tequila Rose. 0.5 oz 360 Double Chocolate Vodka. Splash of Half and HalfMix together and sever.


For an entire range of awesome cocktail recipes. Cocktail Recipes Inspired with 360 Chocolate Vodka and Tequila Rose Strawberry Cream

Happy Valentine’s Day & Good Luck to all!

Disclaimer:  This giveaway is in no way endorsed sponsored or administered by Instagram or Facebook. By entering, entrants confirm they are 19+ of age and release of all responsibility and are adhering to Instagram and Facebook Terms of Use.

Want to know more about these great prizes?

Tune into our audio podcast below  Wednesday, February 6th, 2019

Twenty Valley Winter WineFest

Twenty Valley Winter WineFest a spectacular time!

A wonderful time at Twenty Valley Winter WineFest!

Check out highlights from the weekend here.

Niagara Icewine Festival audiopodcast Jan 2019 Facebook
Niagara Icewine Festival audiopodcast Jan 2019 Facebook

Leonard Pennachetti, President and CoFounder Cave Spring Cellars.

Cave Spring Cellars, The House That Riesling Built! Up Close And Personal With Len Pennachetti

Up next on this week’s audio podcast we welcome just awarded the 2017 Niagara Lifetime Achievement Award, President and Co-Founder Cave Spring Cellars, Len Pennachetti. Although much too young for this honour it however shows what he has accomplished and given to the area.

Listen to Len at 13:49 minutes in the audio podcast.

Niagara Icewine Festival audiopodcast Jan 2019 Facebook
Niagara Icewine Festival audiopodcast Jan 2019 Facebook
Cave Spring Cellars located in Jordan Village, Niagara.

Cave Spring Cellars goes back multiple generations starting with Len’s grand-dad Giuseppe Pennachetti. He came to Canada from Fermo, Italy. At that time he followed his love of wine and in time planted the native Labrusca grape. He however knew much more was possible!

Cave Spring is a hidden historical treasure that lies within the heart of #JordanVillage. Long before Cave Spring put down roots in the village, Jordan Wines occupied the historic building. Established in the early 1920s, they produced wines made from native grape varieties. Not quite the world renowned wines Ontario has now gained a reputation for.⁣
Cave Spring is a hidden historical treasure that lies within the heart of #JordanVillage. Long before Cave Spring put down roots in the village, Jordan Wines occupied the historic building. Established in the early 1920s, they produced wines made from native grape varieties. Not quite the world renowned wines Ontario has now gained a reputation for.⁣

Cave Spring Cellars is known for being among the first to plant the vitas vinifera grapes Riesling and Chardonnay. The vineyards are situated on one of the finest slopes of the Beamsville Bench. Len and his father founded Cave Spring Cellars in 1974 and planted these noble grapes in 1978.

Cave Spring Cellars 2016 Chardonnay Estate paired with @delaterrebakery Butternut Squash Galette.
Cave Spring Cellars 2016 Chardonnay Estate paired with @delaterrebakery Butternut Squash Galette.

Believing in the marriage of wine, food and hospitality, Len together with his wife Helen Young expanded the company to include On The Twenty Restaurant in 1993. In 1996 they and later added accommodations to the equation with building of Inn On The Twenty.

Inn On The Twenty located in the heart of Jordan Village.
Inn On The Twenty located in the heart of Jordan Village.
According to Len, "Riesling icewine is icewine off steroids!"
According to Len, “Riesling Icewine is Icewine on steroids!
Cave Spring Cellars recently chosen by the prestigious Wine and Spirits Magazine as one of the Top 100 Wineries of 2018. The only Canadian winery to have this honour.
Cave Spring Cellars recently chosen by the prestigious Wine and Spirits Magazine as one of the Top 100 Wineries of 2018 in the entire world. The only Canadian winery to have this honour.

On This Weeks The Wine Ladies Audio Podcast…The Niagara Icewine Festival 2019

Twenty Valley Winter WineFest, Jordan Village Street Party.

On This Weeks The Wine Ladies Audio Podcast…The Niagara Icewine Festival 2019

Malfy Gin

On this week’s audio podcast…When life gives you lemons…make Limoncello and Malfy Gin!

Malfy Gin Lemons

Today we take a temporary departure from the vine and focus instead on not a grape, but a different fruit, one of our favorites for so many reasons, and that is the all mighty lemon!

What do they say, when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade?

Not today, We say limoncello! The iconic Italian liqueur which dates back to the Middle Ages. And not only Limoncello but we say Gin! Why gin you ask? Not only is Italy the birthplace of Gin, but this particular gin we’ll be talking about today is infused also with lemon, our featured fruit, not just any lemon, but with the famous  Femminello St. Teresa lemon. This lemon is also known as Sorrento from Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, where this specific lemon reigns supreme!

Georgia having returned from this part of Italy, the Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, absolutely stunning, and overwhelming how this limone takes centre stage in such a big way! They are everywhere! Washes of brilliant yellow lemon groves abound. In every restaurant one can enjoy the fruits of the lemon.  As an aperitif as a cocktail, or digestive, in deserts, in every shop featured in artwork, on pottery, aprons, anything you can imagine.The lemon is king and deservedly so.

Georgia having returned from this part of Italy, the Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, absolutely stunning, and overwhelming how this limone takes centre stage in such a big way! They are everywhere! Washes of brilliant yellow lemon groves abound. In every restaurant one can enjoy the fruits of the lemon.  As an aperitif as a cocktail, or digestive, in deserts, in every shop featured in artwork, on pottery, aprons, anything you can imagine.The lemon is king and deservedly so.

Malfy Gin

Malfy Gin

Our first guest will be Elwyn Gladstone. Elwyn is the Founder and Proprietor of his New Jersey-based spirits company Biggar and Leith. He launched the Malfy Gin brand now the #1 selling premium flavoured gin in Ontario.

Elwyn Gladstone

Malfy is family owned by the Vergnanos who have made distilling spirits a family tradition for over 100 years… Elwyn will fill us in on his company, the award winning Malfy Gin and a little about the almighty ingredient the Amalfi coast lemon!

Listen to Elwyn at 6:33 minutes in the audio podcast.

AVAILABLE AT THE LCBO $34.95 

Nicola Dal Toso

Next we welcome Nicola Dal Toso the producers of the Rossi D’Asiago Limoncello. Once again the #1 selling Limoncello in Canada. The Dal Toso family has been using the same recipe generation after generation.  Producing the all natural Limoncello at their family owned distillery using our star fruit of discussion today the limone from south western Italy!

When life gives you lemons…drink  Limoncello from Rossi D’Asiago

Listen to Nicola at 15:05 minutes in the audio podcast.

Limoncello with lemons

AVAILABLE AT THE LCBO $23.40 

Two Hands Sexy Beast 2017 Georgia's Wine Pick

Two Hands Sexy Beast 2017 Georgia’s Wine Pick

J.Lohr Los Osos merlot Susanne Wine Pick

The Wine Ladies meet Celebrity Chef Clodagh McKenna at Dish Cooking School

On this week’s audio podcast…Holiday Entertaining with Celebrity Chef Clodagh McKenna, Guinness, Chase Vodka and Writers’ Tears Irish Whiskey

Coming up on today’s show, we are talking about glorious food and drink from “across the  pond” as they say. We’ll  be covering  from Ireland a feisty celebrity chef and an award winning whiskey. And from the UK a taste of England in a spirit you will covet. We promise!

EPISODE 76

Holiday Entertaining Audio Podcast Clodagh McKenna

We’ll start off with an Irish segment and an internationally known Celebrity Chef, visiting here in Toronto. She is Clodagh McKenna. You may have seen her on Rachel Ray ,on The Today Show or maybe even Marilyn Dennis. She is a TV Host, Cookbook author and restauranteur. How does she do it all?

She is absolutely divine and you are going to love her!!

Listen to Chef Clodagh McKenna at 3:39 minutes into the audio podcast.

Chef Clodagh McKenna make a turkey with Guinness

Roast Pancetta Wrapped Turkey with Guinness and chestnut gravy

So with the holiday season fast approaching  Clodagh was recently here in Toronto to host an intimate and interactive holiday entertaining event.
The Wine Ladies were guests at the event and witnessed her Irish charm and fabulous cooking talents first hand! Clodagh shared not only her entertaining tips but also a few Guinness based holiday season recipes.CLICK HERE for recipes.

Chase Vodka

And then to our second segment  we turn our focus to England and to the recently crowned “World’s Best Vodka” Chase Vodka, awarded in San Francisco. Chase Vodka is the first and sole British potato vodka on the market. Unique to Chase, it is truly a field to bottle spirit, with the full pedigree potatoes, grown, mashed, fermented and distilled on the Chase family farm deep in middle England.

We welcome head ambassador James Chase to the show. We learn a little about the company, what makes Chase so special, so smooth and so delicious! Perfect for the holidays too with beautiful packaging.

Listen to James Chase at 15:28 minutes in the show. 

Copper-Pot-Moodshot-Landscape

And to close off the show we are back to the Irish. Here’s one of the favorites of the boys in Susanne’s household, and that is Walsh’s Writers’ Tears Irish whiskey!

Our final guest today is the founder of Walsh Whiskey Distillery, Bernard Walsh. Joining us to share the story of Irish whiskey, from its earliest days, to now, how its made, how best to enjoy and what makes Writers’ Tears so unique and special. Bernard Walsh.

Listen to Bernard Walsh Chase at 27:35 minutes in the show. 

Writer’s Tears Copper Pot Irish Gift Pk with 2 Glasses. Available at the LCBO for $49.95

Enjoying our first Christmas Dinner of the Season with Celebrity Chef Clodagh McKenna and Guinness!

Award winning Chase Vodka the first and sole British potato vodka on the market.

Spirited Holiday Giveaway from The Wine Ladies – Chase Vodka, Writers’ Tears Irish Whiskey

Tom Jones appearance wowed the crowd!

Ladies and Gentlemen…Live and in Person…This is Tom Jones! The Wine Ladies Holiday Party!

Tom Jones arrived and entertained us all!

Tom Jones will be in the house!! Meet Dave LaFame, author, entertainer and tribute artist. Our incredible entertainment for the event! You are going to love this guy!!

Don’t forget, The Wine Ladies Holiday Party For The United Way, Halton & Hamilton will be here soon!
Why wait? it’s less than 2 weeks away!

Buy Tickets Now

Event Details

Date: November 8th,2018

Time: 7:00 pm -10:00 pm: 7:00 pm-7:30 pm red carpet/photo opportunities
7:30 pm-10:00 pm: Event program (red carpet, wine sampling, cocktail style appetizers, live auction, raffle, speakers, entertainment, fashion show, cash bar and taping of The Wine Ladies TV show.
Place: Noble Hall, 2273 Royal Windsor Drive, Oakville, Ontario L6J 7X8

Cost: $60.00 per ticket (includes wine sampling, cocktail style appetizers, fashion show, entertainment/speakers plus 1 ticket for a door prize of a sleigh filled with wine valued at approx $1500.00). Over $10,000 in prizes to be won!
Dress: Dressy /Tres chic

Holiday Party Audio podcast

On this week’s Audio Podcast…

Coming up on today’s show, the holidays will be sneaking up on us before you know it, and our thoughts will start to turn to the many up coming festivities, lots of family and friends, great food, wine, perhaps a little gift giving and of course parties!!!

 It is an exciting time of the year where we get to let loose a little and have some serious fun!  There are however many folks, individuals and families that aren’t quite so fortunate. So we are throwing a BIG, massive, fun filled holiday party in support of the United Way Halton and Hamilton.

And you are all invited!

Red carpet, amazing food, wine, a His n Her fashion show. What’s hot, what’s not! And not only in what to wear but how to dress your holiday table too! We’ll have a sleigh filled to the brim with wine, valued at $1500.00 as our door prize and tons of other raffle prizes too!
Reserve the date November 8th! Happening at Noble Hall, formerly Otello’s in Oakville. Let’s raise some serious cash and help as many as we can!

EPISODE 75

We'd like to share with you a little taste of what you can expect to enjoy at the upcoming event, Nov 8th. We welcome one of our wine sponsors to the audio podcast, Tom Noitsis, founder of Eurovintages Wines & Spirits. A premier wine and spirits importer, bringing in fine products from around the world. We'll chat with Tom about the wines his company will be pouring on that evening and donating to our Grand Door Prize, the Wine Sleigh, valued at $1500.00.

We’d like to share with you a little taste of what you can expect to enjoy at the upcoming event, Nov 8th. We welcome one of our wine sponsors to the audio podcast, Tom Noitsis, founder of Eurovintage Wines & Spirits. A premier wine and spirits importer, bringing in fine products from around the world. We’ll chat with Tom about the wines his company will be pouring on that evening and donating to our Grand Door Prize, the Wine Sleigh, valued at $1500.00.

Listen to Tom Noitsis’s interview at 3:55  minutes in the audio podcast.

Remy Pannier Sauvignon Blanc Val De Loire

Remy Pannier Sauvignon Blanc Val De Loire

Chateau D'Aiguille Cote De Rhone Villages

Chateau D’Aigueville Cote De Rhone Villages

We did mention Holiday Décor? We’d like to welcome now Elizabeth Law to the audio podcast, our GOLD sponsor for the Holiday Party. Elizabeth is the founder of Elizabeth Interiors, located in Burlington,Ontario. With a design team of 10 and a fine furniture showroom for the discriminating buyer with an eye for value. The company focuses on enhancing your space and making your home a home!

We did mention Holiday Décor? We’d like to welcome now Elizabeth Law to the audio podcast, our GOLD sponsor for the Holiday Party. Elizabeth is the founder of Elizabeth Interiors, located in Burlington,Ontario. With a design team of 10 and a fine furniture showroom for the discriminating buyer with an eye for value. The company focuses on enhancing your space and making your home a home!
We look forward to showcasing some of Elizabeth’s beautiful work first hand on November 8th. At the holiday party Elizabeth and her team will have created 2 beautifully decorated table settings each with a unique style. We can’t wait to see them!

Listen to Elizabeth Law’s interview at 14:28 minutes in the audio podcast.

The Wine Ladies Holiday Party in support of the United Way. November 8th, 2018

Dan Aykroyd, Crystal Head Vodka

On this week’s Audio Podcast…Lights, Camera, Action its TIFF time in Toronto!

TIFF 2018 The Wine Ladies Audio Podcast

TIFF2018

Lights, Camera, Action its TIFF2018 time in Toronto!

Its just a few more days ( September 6th-16th) before movie madness will strike our fair city! Yes, thousands of actors, film fanatics, directors, writers and red carpet celebrities will descend upon us for the 43rd annual Toronto International Film Festival… a.k.a. TIFF2018.

 

TIFF2018

On this audio podcast we welcome Peter Howell, THE Movie Critic for the Toronto Star for over 20 years! Peter to guide us on the most anticipated films for TIFF 2018, fill us in on his personal picks and offer some clues on how to get the most out of your TIFF experience.

On this audio podcast we welcome Peter Howell, THE Movie Critic for the Toronto Star for over 20 years! Peter to guide us on the most anticipated films for TIFF 2018, fill us in on his personal picks and offer some clues on how to get the most out of your TIFF experience.

Listen to Peter Howell’s interview at 3:10 minutes in the show.

Toronto Star

Up next Tricia Black starring in the smash hit She The People, Second City's, Toronto amazing new show. With an all female cast, this smash hit sketch show will have you laughing the whole night through. Its a definite must see.

Up next Tricia Black starring in the smash hit She The People, Second City’s, Toronto amazing new show. With an all female cast, this smash hit sketch show will have you laughing the whole night through. Its a definite must see.

Listen to Tricia Black’s in interview at 19:37 minutes in the show

She The People

The future is here and it’s female! Second City presents She The People – a sketch show entirely created, designed, and performed by the fearlessly funny women of The Second City!

Tickets on Sale now! https://bddy.me/2LsQfuL

And finally, Dan Aykroyd, alumni of Second City, Canadian international super star, member of SNL's original cast,

And finally, Dan Aykroyd, alumni of Second City, Canadian international super star, member of SNL’s original cast.

Listen to Dan Aykroyd’s  interview at 28:21 minutes in the show

Dan Aykroyd Wines

Dan Aykroyd Wines

Getting into the spirit of the holidays! Dan Aykroyd, Crystal Head Vodka and Senhora do Convento Port