Royal Wedding Cocktails to celebrate the wedding of the century!
In anticipation of the nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton, we chat with royal mixologist Angus Winchester, having served royalty and created four special cocktails in honour of the wedding with 2 billion expected to watch and enjoy! Based on old British adage, Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue, we sampled four delish drinks with one of the world’s oldest white spirit and favourite to royalty, GIN.
Check out the recipes for all four drinks here or view video of Angus creating his cocktails here:
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Casa Herradura, Mexico’s second oldest tequila distillery founded in 1870.
Casa Herradura
Tequila, the fastest growing spirit and wine have a common ground.
So we discovered on our recent visit to the city of Guadalajara. We toured Mexico’s second oldest tequila distillery founded in 1870, Casa Herradura. From the significance of terroir, to the “art” of harvesting, the relevance of natural yeast and the use of oak barrels, the parallels were great. Just as there is a ritual with wine appreciation including nosing, swirling and slurping, so too is there one with this often misunderstood spirit. We learned of other similarities including basic rules of food pairings. As well as the importance and impact of practicing organic methods and being 100% natural. Certainly a trend we are seeing today in our world of wine.
We’d like to share a few of our discoveries starting off with the appellation system or regulations pertaining to “place”.
Just as our wineries must follow the regulations of our VQA, so must tequila producers follow rules set out by their governing body the CRT or Tequila Regulatory Council. Origin of the grapes, specificity of, and minimal natural sugar levels of grapes at harvest are dictated by VQA as are the origin of the agave plant for tequila, predominantly produced in the state of Jalisco. However permissible in five regions including areas in four other states the type of agave, it must be blue and the ripeness of the plant at harvest. As with wine, the relevance of terroir is key with a variety of soils and altitudes ranging from 6600 feet above sea level producing fruity, citrusy and floral notes while lowland, closer to the sea agave offering peppery spicy notes.
Georgia harvesting Agave at Casa Herradura.
With more and more vineyards moving toward organic and biodynamic farming we are seeing the results in better fruit and ultimately better wines.
Casa Herradura also subscribes to this philosophy and practice, being the sole 100% natural distillery in Mexico. The proof was in the vat, sort of speak as we toured the facility, learning that the fermentation was spontaneous, wild yeast with no addition of specific yeast to kick-start or accelerate the process. The various open vats showed the agave juice at different levels of fermentation, with pure juice in the first, a partial transformation in the second, still sweet but with some alcohol, and the final, which we sampled, perfectly dry and still. The factory is meticulously maintained so as to allow for this natural process to take place in the vats. The process continues post fermentation, with Herradura distilling the remaining agave juice twice, cutting the heads and tails during both distillations to leave only the purest tequila for aging.
Our guide, Tequila Herradura International Brand Director Ruben Aceves, Casa Herradura
Stocked exclusively with 200 litre American white oak barrels.
The parallels between barrel use with wine and this complex spirit is once again very evident. Oak chips, larger oak barrels, as available in the wine industry are also utilized in the production of tequila, although not here at Casa Herradura. The small barrels, of varying levels of “toast” are selected to flavour and add complexity just as they are with respect to wine. The duration of oak aging is also a factor, transforming the potential and the flavour.
The highlight of the tasting we enjoyed on the beautiful grounds of the Herradura Hacienda was tequila that had been aged for forty-nine months!
It was the Seleccion Suprema, very dark copper in colour with an intense aroma of brown spice and floral notes, with a creamy and soft finish. It retails in the vicinity of $400.00 per bottle. But what the heck, we heard just recently that three bottles of Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1869 went for an unprecedented $232,692 per bottle. Breaking a new record for the world’s most expensive wine ever sold at an auction.
The Tequila tasting at Casa Herradura.
We could go on and on, as we so enjoyed our wonderful journey of discovery with this often-misunderstood spirit. We remarked over and over again, “just like with wine” and felt compelled to share. We’ve only just scratched the surface, as there are many other parallels, so please read on and enjoy.
Importance of stemware
Riedel, The Wine Glass Company, the founder of the “functional” wine glass. This company has an extensive array of stemware to suit every wine and innumerable specific grape varieties. A glass for all wine lovers needs, has seen fit to introduce a glass specifically designed to showcase tequila.
An elegant slender glass with a tall stem, meant to lift fine Tequila to the level it deserves, to allow it the appreciation and respect of which it is worthy.
Ritual for appreciation
As with wine, nosing, swirling and encompassing the span of the palate is key.
For maximum appreciation of tequila, place your nose in the middle of the glass, and smell. Taste and swirl the tequila to reach all corners of the palate. This allows each area to register the flavour and texture. After swallowing, allow a moment to register the finish.
Food Pairings
Just as there are basic rules for food and wine pairings, so there are for food and tequila.
We asked our Ambassador Ruben Aceves for his thoughts on this. Here is what he said, “Tequila can be paired with any food, the basic idea is just like wine”
Starters and light food with Blanco, the more basic, crisp authentic tequila with subtle cooked agave taste. As with wine, no need to over power a simple, light appetizer with too assertive a flavour and mouthfeel.Main courses with Reposado, meaning “rested” in Spanish, aged for a minimum of 2 months. Could be fish, chicken, seafood or beef. Possibly an Anejo, aged minimum one year in barrels not to exceed 600 litres.Desserts definitely paired with Alejo.
We would like to thank Ruben Aceves, International Director for Brand Development Brown Forman Tequila Herradura México. Reposado is currently available across Canada.
HERRADURA REPOSADO TEQUILA LCBO 452615 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 79.95 Spirits, Tequila 40.0% Alcohol/Vol. Made in: Mexico By: Tequila Herradura S.A. De C.V. Tasting Note Medium amber colour; very peppery nose, spice flavour, wood aged for a relatively mellow finish, interesting finish. Serving Suggestion Try neat or in favourite cocktail.
Tequila and More Show! Win tickets to the Tequila and More Show here!
1000 Islands Wine and Food Festival June 17th-18th
June 17th-18th 1000 Islands Wine and Food Festival Did you know that … …..there are over 1,800 islands in the 1000 Islands Region, shared between the United States and Canada? …..that George Boldt the proprietor of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City built a castle as a tribute to his wife, who perished at a young age before the castle was completed. Boldt, heartbroken, left the island and stopped the construction of the partly erected castle. It stands to this day unfinished.
….that Thousand Islands Salad Dressing was developed in the late 1800s by Oscar of the Waldorf while accompanying his manager, George Boldt on a fishing excursion on the St. Lawrence River. Thousand Island Dressing: 1 cup mayonnaise,1/4 cup chopped green olives,3 tablespoons chopped capers,1 small onion finely grated,1 tablespoon tomato paste,1/2 teaspoon chilli sauce 
Join us for the 1000 Island Wine and Food Festival taking place (June 17th-18th) all weekend long at the Brockville Memorial Center. Dine on delicious cuisine created by local award winning restaurants and local food purveyors from heavenly cheesecakes, to fresh roasted coffee, pancakes, artisan cheese ,olive oils and more. Taste local and international wine, spirits and beer and be entertained by some of the best jazz music in the country. The 11th annual 1000 Islands Jazz Festival, named the Canada’s “Best Small Jazz Festival in Canada” happens to be taking place at the same time, so while you enjoy the many fruits of the 1000 Islands you’ll be able to take in the tunes of popular jazz artists while sipping on your favourite vino of choice. Look for the giant jar of corks, count them at Brockville Tourism and you could win a surprise prize!
The Wine Ladies to host an evening of South African Splendour!
June 2nd -The Wine Ladies to host an evening of South African Splendour!
South African Splendour party at Touch de l’Afrique
Brought to you in conjunction with The Escoffier Society of Toronto in support of the World Chef’s Tour Against Hunger in South Africa and worldwide.
To purchase your tickets online Click Here or call 905-338-6797
Join us June 2nd, 2011 for a special evening of South African culture , set in the stunning interior decor store Touch De L’Afrique for an evening of exclusive, spectacular wines from South Africa, scintillating food, mesmerizing music and much more. Experience a touch of Africa with the vibrant beat of the African drums, be spellbound by indigenous dance expression and be inspired by a “medicine man” reading with your personal encrypted stone. The funds raised that evening will help send our Canadian culinary team to South Africa this summer for the 3rd “World Chefs Tour Against Hunger”. Over 200 chefs from across the globe will to participate in feeding the nation. The World Tour hopes to raise a total of R4 million to fend off hunger.
The Wine Ladies TV show “One Sip At A Time” will welcome you on the red carpet and capture the magic and special moments of this sparkling night. Our silent auction table will be abundant with an assortment of incredible prizes, featuring something for everyone including a special door prize to be announced. The South African wines will be available for purchase as well.
With Tselane Mokuena, Consul General of South Africa to Canada
Event Details
Date: June 2nd 2011
Time: 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm Red carpet: 6:30 pm- 7:00pm: Event:7:00 pm-10:00pm:
Place: Touch De L’Afrique, 229 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville, Ontario L6L 1H7
Cost: $75.00 (plus taxes)
To purchase your tickets online Click Here or call 905-338-6797
Why are we doing this?
As The Wine Ladies we are in an industry where we enjoy wonderful wine and fabulous food every day. In Canada, we are blessed from coast to coast with apple orchards, dairy farms, fisheries, wheat farming, to the wineries and much, much more. There are many people in the world that are not as fortunate as we are here, we want to help raise awareness for world hunger and help eradicate it forever! Please join us!
This evening could not have been made possible without the help of our sponsors and partners.
Watch The Wine Ladies TV! Wed April 20th at 2:30PM -3:30PM on ThatChannel.com.
Add a little sparkle to Easter with Girls Night Out wines Girls Night Out wines and chocolate. Join us as we explore the pairing of these two delectable treats. Two of life’s greatest pleasures come together in a blissful union! Perhaps not quite so mainstream as wine and cheese, but definitely as delish, or decadent if not more! Just in time for the Easter holiday! In studio to shed some light on this delectable duo, Doug Beatty Vice President Marketing of the highly successful Girls Night Out wines from Lake Erie North Shore, Ontario and Colio Estate Wines as well as Marketing Manager Alison Modesto who will reveal the woman’s point of view. Check out the Girls Night Out Face Book Fan Page too for great offers, contests and more.
New Girls’ Night Out Sparkling!
Just like you! Only $14.95 (with deposit) and available at any one of 14 Wine Region of Colio Estate Retail Boutiques or an LCBO store near you.
For all The Wine Ladies TV podcasts and archived shows visit TheWineLadies TV Show, ThatChannel.com and ThatRadio.com from anywhere and anytime
Weather Wish! Just putting it out there, we are tired of the cold, the rain and the snow. The Masters was great but now it’s time for golf season to begin! Golf and wine go hand in hand, Can’t wait to take a few lessons with eight time LPGA champion Sandra Post at one of the undiscovered gems in golf The Diamond “in the Ruff Golf Club in Muskoka, beautiful w cottages to rent too. Also check out: Who you think is the better golfer Georgia or Susanne? A little sibling rivalry going on here.
June 17th-18th 1000 Islands Wine and Food Festival
Did you know that …
…..there are over 1,800 islands in the 1000 Islands Region, shared between the United States and Canada?
…..that George Boldt the proprietor of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City built a castle as a tribute to his wife, who perished at a young age before the castle was completed. Boldt, heartbroken, left the island and stopped the construction of the partly erected castle. It stands to this day unfinished.
….that Thousand Islands Salad Dressing was developed in the late 1800s by Oscar of the Waldorf while accompanying his manager, George Boldt on a fishing excursion on the St. Lawrence River. Thousand Island Dressing: 1 cup mayonnaise,1/4 cup chopped green olives,3 tablespoons chopped capers,1 small onion finely grated,1 tablespoon tomato paste,1/2 teaspoon chilli sauce
Join us for the 1000 Island Wine and Food Festival taking place (June 17th-18th) all weekend long at the Brockville Memorial Centre. Dine on delicious cuisine created by local award winning restaurants and local food purveyors from heavenly cheesecakes, to fresh roasted coffee, pancakes, artisan cheese ,olive oils and more. Taste local and international wine, spirits and beer and be entertained by some of the best jazz music in the country. The 11th annual 1000 Islands Jazz Festival, named the Canada’s “Best Small Jazz Festival in Canada” happens to be taking place at the same time, so while you enjoy the many fruits of the 1000 Islands you’ll be able to take in the tunes of popular jazz artists while sipping on your favourite vino of choice. Look for the giant jar of corks, count them at Brockville Tourism and you could win a surprise prize!
Out and about this week!
CRUSH fashion wine event an outstanding success!
Awesome Sunday afternoon was had by all at the 1st annual CRUSH event put on by our favourite ladies fashion store Silkeborg and Inniskillin Wines in support of the Red Roof Retreat. Incredible fashions featuring flirty little dresses, slinky pant suits, pastels, florals and more. Delish Chardonnay & Cabernet Franc from Inniskillin while munching on yummy munchies, & cupcakes! All for the great cause Red Roof Retreat, a charity based in NOTL helping kids/young adults with special needs. Thanks to SNO of Sweden jewellery for prize, thanks everyone for coming, we loved being your hosts today! Despite the chilly temperatures $2000 raised for Red Roof Retreat!
About The Wine Ladies
The Wine Ladies, Georgia and Susanne founded by entrepreneur sister team in 2003, take life one sip at a time as they share the splendour of food and wine for all and the wonderful lifestyle it entails.
Regular national TV personalities, columnists and hosts of their own weekly TV and radio show about wine, food and lifestyle these ladies share their passion and live life to the fullest and without hesitation. Their motto “everything in life somehow comes back to the vine” keeps their audiences entertained and informed. Contact them at info@thewineladies.com or Facebook Fanpage .
For all The Wine Ladies TV podcasts and archived shows visit TheWineLadies TV Show, ThatChannel.com and ThatRadio.com from anywhere and anytime.
The Wine Ladies to host an evening of South African Splendour June 2 for world hunger
The Wine Ladies to host an evening of South African Splendour June 2 for world hunger
Purchase your tickets here before Sunday May 8th, 2011 and be entered into the draw to win a $300.00 gift from the stunning store Touch De L’Afrique featuring the treasures of Africa. Winner be notified by email Monday, May 9th, 2011
From Pemmican To Poutine: A Journey Through Canada’s Culinary History – The Wine Ladies TV
From Pemmican To Poutine
“From Pemmican To Poutine”: A Journey Through Canada’s Culinary History”.
Award winning chef and author Suman Roy.
Watch The Wine Ladies TV! Wed March 30th at 2:30PM -3:30PM on ThatChannel.com
Chef Suman Roy award winning author, a Good-Food Activist, and a Philanthropist ChefsUMan takes us on a beautiful journey from the Atlantic to the Pacific exploring Canadian exceptional food culture with ingredients that are indigenous to Canada. Canadian cuisine and culture are mosaic of creatively designed dishes that are delightful to the taste buds and celebration to the eyes of Chef Suman Roy. Including of course a journey of wine from Canadian coast to coast as well.
His book “From Pemmican To Poutine: A Journey Through Canada’s Culinary History” recently won the prestigious award for “Best Culinary History Book in Canada at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in Paris and is creating history globally.
Through recipes, history, and stories this book shines a much-needed spotlight on the uniqueness and deliciousness of Canadian cuisine. Chef Suman will be accepting his award for the Le Cordon D’or Gold Ribbon Awards in Florida on Sunday 15 May, 2011.
Pemmican to Poutine
Please join us as we welcome him to The Wine Ladies TV this Wednesday, March 30th, 2011.
For all The Wine Ladies TV podcasts and archived shows visit The Wine Ladies TV Show and ThatChannel.com and on ThatRadio.com from anywhere and anytime.
Happy Easter every bunny! Wine and chocolate an interesting and delightful idea! Win chocolate from The Wine Ladies for Easter.
We do love the idea of pairing wine with chocolate, and with Easter Day around the corner the timing couldn’t be any better! It’s easy to win. What’s your favourite wine and chocolate pairing? Perhaps strawberries and Champagne or a Barola with extra dark chocolate?
Simply tell us your favourite pairing. Enter at info@thewineladies.com (Easter Chocolate Contest) or visit The Wine Ladies Facebook Page and LIKE US. Winner will be drawn at random and announced on The Wine Ladies Facebook page The Wine Ladies Friday April 3rd ,2011 at noon. Good luck everyone. For interesting chocolate and wine pairing ideas Win one of 4 prizes BRIX Extra Dark Chocolate (70% cacao) (Value:$20.00 each including shipping ) plus one grand prize of all 3 bars Milk Chocolate, Medium Dark Chocolate and Extra Dark Chocolate ( Value: $60.00 including shipping)
Each of the three blends, of varying cocoa content come with suggested wine selections for optimal enjoyment. We were so impressed with BRIX that we now offer it in our store on our website. Separate BRIX Chocolate or 3 BRIX Chocolate Bar Gift Set with Cutting Board
Le Donne del Vino, 800 “Women in Wine”, That Channel TV with The Wine Ladies.
Throwing a party? How much wine do I need?Ask The Wine Ladies March 2011
Dear Wine Ladies,
We’re throwing a party over the holiday weekend to celebrate the move into our new home, which we have finally taken possession of. It’s been a long while since we’ve entertained and are unsure as to how much wine to buy. Is there some kind of formula to figure out how much we will need?
Mary, Chicago,Illinois
UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre enjoys a glass of red wine. Pinot Noir anyone?
Georges St-Pierre
Having discovered that MMA Welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre loves red wine we knew that we just had to meet with him.
Our opportunity arose when we were invited to meet GSP recently at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts for the Canadian premiere of “The Striking Truth:” This documentary is based on the juxtaposing careers of charismatic and humble current Welterweight Campion of the UFC, Georges St-Pierre and the dynamic MMA fighter David “The Crow” Loiseau.
This red-carpet evening also included a live and interactive one on one question and answer period with Rogers Sportsnet Joe “Showdown” Ferraro host of MMA Connected and main cast members of the film, Welterweight Champion of UFC Georges St-Pierre: David Loiseau MMA Fighter: and director/producer of the documentary Steven J.Wong: from Steven J. Wong Films.
We also had a chance to chat with “Kenny Cabernet”, world renowned enologist and international wine consultant who explained the health benefits of red wine, and why Pinot Noir is one of the healthiest grapes packing the biggest antioxidant punch, which by the way is GSP’s favourite wine! The Wine Ladies TV, “One Sip At A Time” was there to capture it all.
Georges St-Pierre meets The Wine ladies at the premiere in Toronto of The Striking Truth.
MMA fighter David “The Crow” Loiseau.
When we discovered that UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre is a wine lover, we knew we had to meet him. The opportunity arose recently when we were invited to attend the world premiere of “The Striking Truth” an exclusive documentary for charismatic Ultimate Fighting Champion Georges St-Pierre and dynamic MMA fighter David “The Crow” Loiseau.
The movie follows the two fighters over the past four years, starting with UFC 58 USA vs. Canada where Loiseau was fighting for the championship against Rich Franklin and St-Pierre was the co-main event against BJ Penn. The film juxtaposes their two careers with St-Pierre’s meteoric rise to UFC champion and Loiseau facing personal challenges, charting their respective ups and downs as they follow their paths.
The Striking Truth Steven J Wong Joe “Showdown” Ferraro
The Striking Truth includes exclusive, never-before-seen footage of all that took place behind the scenes. The Project is directed by Steven J. Wong and is executive produced by James Hergott with action directing by Bobby Razak. What an amazing night!
Join us this Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011 on ThatChannel.com from 2:30-3:30 p.m. for exclusive interviews. We wish GSP the best at UFC 129: St-Pierre vs. Shields to be held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario. A votre santé GSP!
For all The Wine Ladies TV podcasts and archived shows visit The Wine Ladies TV Show, ThatChannel.com and ThatRadio.com from anywhere and anytime.