So the new year is upon us and it might be a time for some us to do a little budgeting. We may have stretched ourselves a little bit. But not to worry, no need to put away the wine glass or cut back on a good glass of wine… we’ve got delish budget wines to the rescue!
So for me, we had a lot of folks over at my place during the holidays. 14 to 15 people for dinner for quite a few nights. So I found myself a great deal, that everybody loved… and when I unveiled it and told them the price… their jaws dropped!
My find from Vinas Santa Rita… the Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2011, from the Maipo Valley in Chile… $13.95. We actually stayed at this incredible property at the Casa Real hotel, hundreds of acres of stunning vegetation, hundred year old trees, just beautiful! The winery founded in 1880 produces amazing wines of terrific value!
This Cab a blend of the best Cabernet Sauvignon barrels in the vintage, aged in French and American oak… concentrated rich flavours, hints of spice, of oak and with soft tannins… big juicy berry flavor Go and get yourself a bottle, delish for $13.95 in our market.
During our trip to Chile in 2011 we stayed at the Casa Real Hotel located at Vinas Santa Rita.We enjoyed a lovely picnic one day with food and wine journalists from the country of Chile.
we explore all that is our iconic Icewine, this special wine that literally put Canada on the world-wide wine map! What makes it so special, how its made, and no we don’t put the grapes in a freezer, but some do,a commercial freezer that is…so we’ll learn all about it, the risks, the rewards, and the amazing taste profiles!
And to help us do all that and also chat about some of the other award winning still wines coming out of this region… Joining us today, 3 guests from different wineries, all located in our beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake and stops on our Shimmer of Gold Icewine Tour coming up January 25th.
WE want to share with you our Top 10 New year’s Resolutions. So today we thought we would share with you snippets of a few select interviews we’ve done over the year, a few of our faves and a few that all have one thing in common… and that is offering up specific tips we can all use this holiday season.On everything from how best to cook the big bird,to selecting great value wines, to your spirit of choice and even terrific holiday fashions.
We’re bringing back Chopped Canada winner Chef JohnRoss Woodland for his tips on holiday entertaining, world renown wine journalist Jancis Robinson from the United Kingdom,Jancis talks about wine scores, should we chase these wines, yes or no? Sam Heitner from the Champagne Bureau in Chicago on bubbly…
Bill Redelmeirer of Southbrook Vineyards here in NOTL,trending now biodynamic wineries, what does that mean?….his was the 1st to be certified in Canada, and finally, last but not least, if you have a penchant for delish premium vodka,Crystal Head, love the blues, great comedy and the movies Ghost Busters, be sure to stay tuned and be entertained once again by our very own Dan Aykroyd.
BRAND NEW SHOWS every Monday at 10:00 am and Wednesday at 2:00 pmor listen ON DEMAND on line anytime.
Darrin Robinson of Emerge Lifestyle and Fitness
Personal trainer & nutrition expert Darrin Robinson of Emerge Lifestyle and Fitness shares his
TOP 3 Tips to survive the holidays!
#1 TIP Pick and choose your food and dining battles!
#2 TIP Eat more of low impact food and only taste the richer foods!
#3 TIP Reduce your carbohydrate intake loading up to and Christmas Day!
Also on the show today, before we get to those brief interview segments…. getting through the holidays leading up to New Years Eve…will that special dress still fit! Or for the guys, will your shirt button… button? Our fitness guru, personal trainer Darrin Robinson of Emerge Lifestyle & Fitness Training will join u and shares his “3 basic tips/tricks to make sure that it does
Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions.
Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions
1) We will, no matter how painful or arduous, dedicate ourselves to
fulfilling our doctor’s orders of having one glass of red wine per day…
Got to keep the ticker healthy!
2) We promise to never drink any wine before its time!
3) Our new found love for hiking will continue with a promise to scale
another peak, another mountain. Macchu Pichu this year, Angels Landing before… whats next? Mount Everest,Mount Kilimanjaro anyone?
4) YES!!! Yet another reason to continue to enjoy our red wine! Keep the
Pinot Noir coming, one of the top grapes for “resveratrol” composition!
A glass of red will give you about 640 mg of resveratrol. Resveratrol is a
naturally occurring antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes. Research
has shown that resveratrol can reduce or slow down certain signs of aging.
Let’s pull a Jack Benny, 39 AGAIN! Fill her up… Actually not quite, leave
enough room to swirl, about 1/6 to 1/4 the volume of the glass, depending on
the size of the glass.Swirl,sniff and savour!
5) Discover a new wine, a new grape or a new region at least once a week and
tweet to our friends.
6) Write a book…
7) Continue to explore organic and biodynamic local wines to help reduce our carbon
footprint.
8) We love connecting with fellow wine lovers, enthusiasts and wine novices
around the world, our goal is to try to bring the world of wine together,
one person at a time, one tweet at a time, one sip at a time!
9) This year be a part of the annual Beaujolais Race! We’re working on it…
10) And finally for the Top Ten’s #1 New Year’s Resolution….we promise to
continue to spread our playful approach and wine tasting philosophy to the
most unsuspecting wine aficionado!
Every day presents a new opportunity to be the best we can be, enjoy,
embrace and be challenged. As Oprah says “Cheers to a new year and another
chance for us to get it right”. We’re with you Oprah, live, learn and live
what you learn!
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/images_HappyNewYear.jpg481521Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2014-12-21 19:54:232018-05-18 08:16:43TOP 3 Tips to survive the holidays! The Wine Ladies Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions and the year in review!
A few weeks ago we were invited to an exclusive reception at the beautiful home of the German Consul, Mr.Walter Stechel. Mr Stechel along with Wines of Germany, Lufthansa and the German Tourist Board wanted to thank everyone for their support. They also shared with everyone some of the beautiful Christmas traditions of Germany as well as a few of their wines of course.
Susanne’s Wine Pick
It was a great evening. Mr Stechel shared a few of the traditions with his welcome, including some that are quite different than some of ours here. The tree goes up Christmas Eve. The gifts only show up on the morning, even the colours and styles for decorating are different. I believe that sometimes requires a little negotiation in some families!
Heinrich Vollmer ALTUM Pinot Noir 2008
That evening we had the opportunity to try some very special wines, but my favourite was the Heinrich Vollmer ALTUM Pinot Noir 2008 from the Pfalz region. The grapes for this wine come from the top of the Vollmer Estate, from the Ellerstadler Kirchenstuck vineyard. Enticing aroma of cherries and hint of licorice, is medium-to full bodied, it was aged in oak for 12 months, has nice complexity, is well balanced, delicious and great for my big bird coming soon! I truly enjoyed and will be bringing to our Christmas dinner.
First of all Riesling is synonymous with Germany, the noble grape varietal that can be made in such a variety of styles from bone dry to beerenhauslese levels where the sweetness is only matched by the beautiful acidity which also lends itself to terrific aging as well.
This Riesling is medium-dry, very light in alcohol, only 7.5% but big big on flavor and finesse! On the nose a seductive aroma of apple and peach, with that hint of petrol that I love in Rieslings with a floral note, beautiful and on the palate rich ripe fruit with racy acidity, love it.
Produced by Weinguter Wegeler making wines since 1882 now in its 4th generation.
Wegeler Berg Schlossberg Riesling Kabinett 2012
VINTAGES 378083: $25.95
I recently attended a delightful reception at the beautiful home of the German Consul, Mr. Walter Stechel. Here we share an authentic homemade German cookie he made himself.
So we are getting into the “spirit “ of the holidays in a variety of ways here today.
We are so excited about our first guest who has graciously agreed to take a little time out of his busy acting, writing, comedic, music and “spirited” schedule to join us.
Oh yes, And who could this be? Well you may know him from Saturday Night Live, or perhaps the Blues Brothers or maybe even Ghostbusters? Of course this could only be the one and only, our very own Dan Aykroyd! And Dan will be joining us shortly to talk about his “spirit” his premium Crystal Head Vodka and the legend of the 13 heads behind the unique bottle.
We’ll also chat about what Dan’s up to these days, a Ghostbusters sequel is in the making, plus we’ll also explore another “spiritual” side to Dan, what was his inspiration for Ghostbusters and Dan’s experiences and beliefs in the outer world, including séances and UFO’s!
On our journey to locate Crystal Head Vodka with Dan Aykroyd!
Our guest Sherrie Lynne worked on the original Ghostbusters doing some of the New York casting.
She is a psychic, a tarot card reader and a fortune teller. We’ll chat with Sherrie about the fascination people have with the spiritual world, learn a little about it and maybe get a few 2015 predictions!
Lots of fun ahead, and why not in the spirit of giving this holiday season, here’s a great and unique gift… hire Sherrie Lynne to do a reading…. She can do them on the phone!
Listen to Sherrie Lynne at 44.42 minutes into the show.
Continuing along “what’s special to put in your glass this holiday season”, why not think and drink Port? This delectable, world famous fortified wine from the Douro region of Portugal was officially created in 1675 and enjoys quite a history. We’ll learn all about that and one particular 9th generation Port producer Senhora do Convento when we welcome Victoria Gilbert, Marketing Director of Artemis Productions and for Senhora do Convento.
Listen to Victoria Gilbert at 25.25 minutes into the show.
Are you a RUBY?
Sexy, Outgoing, Passionate, Risk Taker
OR
Are you a TAWNY?
Mysterious, Bold, Adventurous, Confident
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/images_CrystalHeadVodkawithDan.jpg5551052Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2014-12-11 12:12:152018-04-28 12:22:55Getting into the spirit of the holidays! Dan Aykroyd, Crystal Head Vodka and Senhora do Convento Port
Well okay since we are talking “make a statement” vino. Mine is a real Titan! It’s actually called the Alpha Crucis Titan Shiraz 2010 from McLaren Vale, Australia.This is a great name for a great wine! First of all “Alpha Crucis” is the brightest star in the Southern Cross constellation. The Alpha Crucis TITAN wines are so named to create the finest wines from the best areas of their vineyards which were established in 1897.
Susanne’s Wine Pick
So this full bodied wine had nuances of beautiful complexity, with ripe cherries and bright raspberry combined with savory, toast and gamey elements, with a bright acidity and softer tannins. The finish doesn’t finish for a while….Thumbs up for my wine, in vintages for $24.95
I had the opportunity recently to enjoy Persuasion but alert to fellow Ontarions, it is only available at select restaurants for now…
For more info on where to find Persuasion or if you are a licensee and would like to offer this wine on your list contact Bill at Noteworthy Wines
$38 suggested retail
So we are talking major celebrity guests on this week’s radio show. Dan Aykroyd joining us on the show this week. So continuing along the vein of celebrity, my wine pick is actually a celebrity wine.This celebrity is also a Canadian. An entrepreneur, a business maven, marketing genius, and known for handing out money. Well if the pitch is right that is! The celebrity I am talking about is Arlene Dickinson of Dragon’s Den. Her wine is called Persuasion Dragon Blend 2010. A red of course. It is a blend of Russian River Valley AVA Cabernet Sauvignon and Chalk Hill AVA Merlot. It is made at the family owned winery Thomas-George Estates of California. Persuasion is deep purple in colour, is full bodied, has soft tannins and is mouth filling rich in ripe fruit flavours, spice and notes of oak. Be sure to decant as the wine is unfiltered and could throw a little sediment.
Simply TWEET to win a $100.00 gift certificate to Tu Casa Fine Dining.
Tweet and re-tweet as often as you like! One winner will be picked at random.
It’s easy as 1-2-3
1.Make sure that you follow both of us on Twitter @TheWineLadies @TuCasaDining
2. From Friday, December 5th ,2014 11:00am EST until Friday, December 12th, 2014 NOON EST tweet and re-tweet and follow @TheWineLadies. Below is an example that you can use and modify as you see fit.
Example Tweet:
@TheWineLadies Enter me win!$100.00 gift cert @TuCasaDining #FabulousFindsForFoodies over 100 single malt scotch
3.Each time you tweet (or re-tweet our Tweets) using the hash tag #FabulousFindsForFoodies your name will be entered into our draw for a chance to win the prize. Keep entering as often as you like. Be sure to add @TheWineLadies at the end of your Tweet as well to help track it.
The winner will be randomly selected at 6:00pm on Friday, December 12th, 2014 at 6:00pm and will be notified via TWITTER and FACEBOOK.
Good Luck everyone!
And what about the food!!! Our go-to Chef for tips on entertaining this holiday season and for unique and delish dishes.. the winner of CHOPPED Canada on Food Network Canada JohnRoss Woodland, will be joining us, and Chef JohnRoss is the chef at Tu Casa Fine Dining Restaurant in Lorne Park, one of our Fabulous Finds For Foodies” best places to dine!
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/images_TuCasaFineDiningFFFF.jpg7751081Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2014-12-05 14:45:592018-05-09 04:41:09Tweet to Win…$100.00 gift certificate to Tu Casa Fine Dining.
Executive and Celebrity Chef JohnRoss Woodland explains the delicious appetizers we are about to try.
Wine list boasting over 340 labels
White table cloths,fine dining and a superb wine list is the name of the game here at Tu Casa Fine Dining. Tu Casa means “home” and that is how you feel when you arrive here with the friendly, professional welcome you get at Tu Casa. Although definitely fine dining, its more about a relaxed dining experience with a worldly menu and an award winning wine list boasting over 340 labels, this charming neighborhood restaurant offers a friendly, intimate, superb culinary experience.
The kitchen is headed up by a young chef who’s passion for food is infectious.
Chef JohnRoss Woodland ,although just only 24 years of age has a command of the culinary arts way beyond his years. So much so that he recently took home the top prize on Food Network’s hit show Chopped Canada. Scanning the menu you will see that this chef has an imagination and whimsy that will make your dining experience super special from the “singing oysters from the sea” to the Carrot Cake served in a clay pot. Chef JohnRoss says he wants his patrons “to capture a glimpse into my life with every plate. Whether it be the salt cod fritters from my stay in New England, my take on s’mores from my childhood, or my baked potato risotto from my current adventures. I want them to experience the passion of our kitchen in every bite.”
Executive and Celebrity Chef JohnRoss Woodland
Chef JohnRoss was nominated for the James Beard Rising Star Award and as one of 30 top Canadian chefs under 30.
Besides the extraordinary array of options on the regular menu including the delightful appetizers we enjoyed like the succulent Scallop and Pork Belly consumed by Georgia or the dramatically presented Tuna Two Ways served up to Susanne you can also opt for the special Chef’s Tasting Menu.
With a 24 hour notice for a reservation why not try the Chef’s Tasting Menu, “La Vie” where the chef will create a 7 course mini tasting menu especially for you. He’ll shop local ingredients at the local Farmers Market and create something unique just for you. And why not, top that off with a wine pairing with each course?
Tu Casa Fine Dining features a list of over 100 single malt scotchs, with regular Scotch and food pairing evenings!
And if you love wine, you are going to love this.Tu Casa has won the The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence the past 2 years running with over 340 wine labels offered. And Dale, who runs the front of house philosophy is to offer these wines at a very reasonable price. So that you may explore a wine journey to match your dining experience. And for those of you that love something other than wine, unbelievable as that may be. Tu Casa Fine Dining features a list of over 100 single malt scotchs, with regular Scotch and food pairing evenings!
Stop in for a beverage after work. Tu Casa also offers 1/2 price martinis and $10.00 appetizers week days, 3:00pm-6:00pm or Saturday’s 5:00pm-6:00pm.
We’ll be ringing in 2015 at Tu Casa this year. For just $125.00 per person with a limo ride included you can ‘t go wrong! We love this spot and it truly is a FABULOUS FIND FOR FOODIES!!
R.S.V.P 905-271-9898
Our Dining Experience!
Georgia’s Appetizer: Scallop and Pork Belly
Carrot and Honey Puree, Citrus segments, Almonds, Endives,and Coriander
Susanne’s Appetizer: Tuna Two Ways
Gently Seared with Pickled Ginger, Wasabi and Tartare, with Sesame Aioli
Shared Entrees: Ontario Lamb Two Ways
Herb Crusted Saddle and Roasted Leg with Eggplant Puree Ratatouille Terrine , Green Beans, Pine Nuts, Micro Basil, and Balsamic Scented Jus
Dessert: Carrot Cake (our way)
Cream cheese icing, candied baby carrot, carrot liquid,edible flowers, and carrot cake “soil”, served in a clay pot.
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/images_TuCasaFineDiningFFFF.jpg7751081Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2014-12-03 19:10:162018-05-09 04:39:46Tu Casa…fine dining, award winning wine list, fabulous food, our neighborhood discovery. Fabulous Finds For Foodies
We have a super show lined up for you today, with a roster of celebrity guests all here to help us prep and primp for the up-coming holidays… from what to wear, to what to eat.. and what to drink…And not only that…also the best way to get where you are going, travel in style, with bubbly, with music, laughter this holiday season…arrive safe, sound and ready to par-tee!! . All that coming up!
Starting with our first guest, she is an icon in the world of fashion, recognized around the world, she has covered all the major runways from Paris to Milan to New York, hobnobbing with major designers like Karl Lagerfeld, Yves St Laurent, Valentino. She is the former style correspondent for ETalk and Canada AM, she is the style columnist for The globe and Mail, and has her own clothing and accessory line on the Shopping channel, the one and only, the host for 27 years of FT or Fashion Television, Jeanne Beker
Wow, and during our chat with Jeanne we’ll be getting the scoop on what to wear, and how to look our best this holiday season, and after that we’ll move on to what to drink? What’s hot, what’s not in the way of cocktails?
BRAND NEW SHOWS every Monday at 10:00 am and Wednesday at 2:00 pm
or listen ON DEMAND on line anytime.
No-one better than our next guest to fill us is on that, we’ll be welcoming Jeremy Parsons to the show, he is a Celebrity mixologist, with a flair for unique, exciting and delectable cocktails, he travels all over the country. He is celebrating this month the 16th year anniversary of his company Cocktails The Fluid Experience.. Jeremy on drinks!
And what about the food!!! Our go-to Chef for tips on entertaining this holiday season and for unique and delish dishes.. the winner of CHOPPED Canada on Food Network Canada JohnRoss Woodland, will be joining us, and Chef JohnRoss is the chef at Tu Casa Fine Dining Restaurant in Lorne Park, one of our Fabulous Finds For Foodies” best places to dine!
Whether a white stretch limo, or a party bus for 20, it’s fun, its safe, worry free and affordable! Andrew Davids will join us of “Just for U Limo Bus Transportation”to tell us all about that…PLUS… what makes a super DJ? Make or break a party or a ride? This guest has it all covered….
Andrew Davids proprietor Just For U Limo Bus Transportation and Just For U Entertainment.
Andrew Davids proprietor Just For U Limo Bus Transportation and Just For U Entertainment.
https://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Screen-Shot-2018-05-11-at-7.05.03-PM.png346526Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2014-12-03 18:28:092018-05-11 19:07:10Prepping for the holidays with celebrity fashion icon Jeanne Beker…On this week’s audio podcast.
