International Women's Day 2023

Wishing A Happy International Women’s Day From The Wine Ladies

Today, March 8th we are celebrating International Women’s Day 2023. International Women’s Day was officially launched in 1911. As a result, 112 years later IWD is celebrated around the world. And therefore,1000’s events take place honoring women everywhere for their various achievements.

We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of extraordinary women from all walks of life, whether from the wine and food industry to the world of music, fashion, sports, politics, business, and more.

Here are a few of the extraordinary women we have been blessed to meet. Enjoy!

Grand Marnier, French wine royalty Alexandra Lapostolle 

Interview with Shirley Douglas Actress, Activist and Canadian icon.The Wine Ladies.

Anne Murray, Jann Arden, Tom Cochrane, and company join The Wine Ladies TV in support of Colon Cancer
The unstoppable Sara Waxman, Publisher Dine Magazine
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Think Green! Ya! Saint Patrick’s Day! On this week’s audio podcast with The Wine Ladies

Whether Irish or not, Saint Patrick’s Day celebrated worldwide!

1st published March 2019

Saint Patrick’s Day is a day of people dancing and singing in Irish pubs, like the one of our favourites in our home town, O’Finn’s Irish Temper. Watching parades and drinking lots of green beer, Irish whiskey and munching on Irish stew.

Do you know which city has the largest Saint Patrick’s Day Parade?

1.New York City, 2.Dublin, 3.Sydney, 4.Boston

Saint Patrick's Day New York City Parade

Saint Patrick’s Day New York City Parade

Meanwhile in Chicago the GREEN goes to the extreme as they actually have a river dyeing ceremony. Just before their parade 45 pounds of eco-friendly vegetable dye is dumped in the Chicago River. The whole river turns a bright limes green colour.

Dyeing of the Chicago River, Saint Patrick's Day

Dyeing of the Chicago River, Saint Patrick’s Day

Starting off with our first guest, Tyler Born from O’Finn’s Irish Temper.

Owner Tyler Born, O'Finn's Irish Temper

Owner Tyler Born, O’Finn’s Irish Temper

Tyler and his brother Erin are the owners of O’Finn’s Irish Temper pub located in our home town of Oakville. They have taken the Irish pub to a new level. It’s upscale but still has the warmest hospitality, non pretentious, simply upbeat and great fun a “step up pub”. The huge focus is on fabulous fresh food and weekend entertainment.

Listen to Tyler Born at 4:47 minutes in the show.

Irish Whiskey is the focus next with Bernard Walsh of Writer’s Tears.

Bernard Walsh, founder Walsh Whiskey Distillery and producer of Writer's Tears Whiskey.

Bernard Walsh, founder Walsh Whiskey Distillery and producer of Writer’s Tears Whiskey.

What would Saint Patrick’s Day be without Irish Whiskey? We welcome back to the show Bernard Walsh,founder of Walsh Whiskey Distillery. Producer of the multi-awarded “Writer’s Tears” Irish Whiskey. We learn a little bit about this unique old Irish Whiskey with a superb flavour and history.

Listen to Bernard Walsh at 15:16 minutes in the show.

Up next,Patti Jannetta Baker daughter and producer of “Memories of Louis Jannetta and the Imperial Room”.

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 Next we switch gears just a bit…

Singer, song writer, actress and daughter Patti Jannetta-Baker of the late Louis Jannetta joins us on the show next. Patti is producing an incredible evening celebrating her father Louis Jannetta. She is bringing to life her father’s book King of the Maitre’d’s, My Life Among The Stars with an amazing event taking place March 23rd., “Memories of Louis Jannetta and the Imperial Room.”

Listen to Patti Jannetta at 37:43 minutes in the show.

Sir Charles Barkley at the Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic.

Excepts from our radio interview with Louis Jannetta on AM740 back in 2005.

Listen to Louis Jannetta at 44:29 minutes in the show.

About The Wine Ladies Audio Podcast

Our radio show “Taking Life One Sip at a Time” is an radio audio podcast on which we share with the audience our passion and sense of adventure for delectable and fascinating foods, wine, spirits and lifestyle discoveries. Our motto “everything in life somehow comes back to the vine and to live life large and with integrity is intertwined with a variety of guests from around the globe… Chatting with celebrity chefs, celebrity winemakers, exotic food purveyors, artists, musicians, sports personalities, lifestyle advocates and fashion icons be sure to tune in for an hour of lively topical and educational conversation.

Listen to the Audio Podcast here

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Susanne interviews Kevin Costner @the RBC Canadian Open.

CaptivatingKevin Costner flirts and plays golf with The Wine Ladies

KEVIN COSTNER FLIRTS AND PLAYS GOLF WITH THE WINE LADIES

FUNNY FRIDAY! BLAST FROM THE PAST FIRST PUBLISHED JULY 20, 2009

As part of the 100th playing of the RBC Canadian Open, a new chapter in the events history was written as we welcomed the inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic to the lineup of tournament week activities. 

This pro-am will feature marquee celebrities from the music, sports and entertainment industries, as well at top stars on the PGA TOUR. Mike Weir has reached out to some very notable personalities and we are thrilled the following individuals have committed their time to us on July 20, 2009.

Susanne big fan of Kevin Costner had the opportunity to say hello diectly to the award wining actor. Much to her surprise and thrill, he is a bit of a flirt! Made her day to be sure.

Ann Murray Charity Golf Classic with The Wine Ladies

Anne Murray, Jann Arden, Tom Cochrane and The Wine Ladies TV! Colon Cancer Canada

 First published June 14th, 2010

Watch The Wine Ladies TV TODAY out on location at the Angus Glen Golf Club for the Anne Murray Charity Golf Classic held in May 2010 in support of Colon Cancer Canada.

Canadian icon, singer-songwriter Anne Murray also known as the #1 female celebrity golfer in the world joins us for a glass of wine and discussion on her career in music and the cause dear to her heart, Colon Cancer and much, much more. Anne Murray’s life has been personally touched by this illness and she has made it her goal to get the message out to as many people as possible goal that Colon Cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable! Colon Cancer is 90% preventable if detected early. In 2009 an estimated 22,000 new cases were diagnosed in Canada. Close to 9100 Canadians lost their lives that same year. Speak to your doctor and get the test, Colon Cancer Canada

Also joining Anne on the golf tee and on the show are multiple Juno award winners the very funny Jann Arden  and humanitarian Tom Cochrane, hockey legend Darryl Sittler and CTV Sportscaster Brian Williams  All for a great cause, raising over $165,000 in support of Colon Cancer Canada. To our health and yours! Cheers!

(more…)
Press luncheon Walsh Whsikey Distillery, Toronto Feb 2019

Meet the Unstoppable “Hot Irishman” and maker of Writers’ Tears Irish Whiskey, Bernard Walsh. Just in time for Saint Patrick’s Day!

Bernard Walsh at a recent visit to Oakville Ontario showcases his whiskies at the 1st ever Irish Whiskey Distillery Feature. Feb 2019
Bernard Walsh at a recent visit to Oakville Ontario showcases his whiskies at the 1st ever Irish Whiskey Distillery Feature. Feb 2019

In 1999 Bernard Walsh and his wife Rosemary founded The Hot Irishman Company an innovative Irish Coffee. 

The company named changed in 2007 to Walsh Distillery and The Irishman Whiskey was introduced followed by Writers’ Tears in 2009. Working with a small team Bernard has brought his whiskies to 40 nations worldwide, including Canada.Today he has created one of Ireland’s largest independent distilleries. The distillery is unique for being manually operated and for distilling all three styles of Irish Whiskey – pot still, malt and grain- in the same house.

His recent visit to Toronto captivated us with his Irish charm and delightful range of Irish Whiskies available at the LCBO just in time for Saint Patrick’s Day. 

If you are lucky you can get them while they are still all available.

The complete range of Writers' Tears currently available at the LCBO.  Writers' Tears Copper Pot Irish Whiskey $46.95  Writers' Tears Red Head Single Malt Irish Whiskey $64.95  Writers' Tears Copper Pot Cognac Finish $99.95 (while quantities last)  Writers' Tears Limited Cask Strength Irish Whiskey $178.60 (while quantities last)
The complete range of Writers’ Tears currently available at the LCBO.Writers’ Tears Copper Pot Irish Whiskey $46.95Writers’ Tears Red Head Single Malt Irish Whiskey $64.95Writers’ Tears Copper Pot Cognac Finish $99.95 (while quantities last)Writers’ Tears Limited Cask Strength Irish Whiskey $178.60 (while quantities last)
The complete range of Writers’ Tears currently available at the LCBO. Click to order,
Press luncheon Walsh Whsikey Distillery, Toronto Feb 2019
Press luncheon Walsh Whsikey Distillery, Toronto Feb 2019

Press Luncheon with Bernard Walsh, at the Royal Canadian Military Institute on University Avenue, Toronto.Walsh is the exclusive supplier showcased in an initiative at the LCBO known as the ‘Distillery Feature’ which launched at participating Whisky Shops on February 7, 2019. As support, Walsh has distilled 7 different expressions that were introduced together and available for a limited time

Bernard Walsh, Walsh Distillery, Makers of Writers' Tears.
Bernard Walsh of Walsh Distillery and the makers of Writers’ Tears Irish Whiskey visits Oakville, Ontario. Feb 2019.

Click here to listen to the audio podcast

On this week’s audio podcast. Chocolate and wine! The ideal couple. Start a love affair this Valentine’s Day!

We have a terrific  show lined up for you today. It may be a little chilly out there but guess what? We’re going to heat things up a little here today and warm our hearts talking about  passion, and romance and wine and chocolate! Why? Because Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Today we pay homage to February 14th, the most romantic day of the year. 

We have all the bases covered with our esteemed guests, from a special bottle of wine, to delectable truffles, a unique and delicious chocolate “spirit” and to love and loving relationships.

Listen to EPISODE 79 here.

And that is where we’re going to start, with amour, with our first guest. 
She is an international speaker, television personality, an educator and entertainer and she has a PHD in Sexual Health Education. Plus she is a relationship expert, she is Jessica O’Reilly, Dr. Jess, The Sex Doctor. Dr. Jess is here to fill us in on some do’s and don’ts for your Valentine. Some tips on keeping your relationship real and connected!

Oh and if you don’t have a Valentine this year, tips on enjoying this special day anyways! Love Dr. Jess’s approach. We watched a few of her videos. Definitely some awesome advice, for the new relationships yes, but also for the ones that have stood the test of time! 

Listen to Dr. Jess on the audio podcast here. (5:26 minutes in the show)

Research shows the top 5 craved things across the board is…

CHOCOALATE!!!
Proprietor Ingrid Laderach Steven joins us from Swiss-Master Chocolatier

Our second guest will know that better than anyone. She is Ingrid Laderach Steven, Swiss Master Chocolatier extraordinaire. Ingrid founded her store the Swiss Master Chocolate Boutique, 33 years ago and has been pleasing chocolate lovers with her stunning authentic Swiss chocolates ever since.

Fans include the likes of NASA astronauts and President Clinton! Ingrid to fill us in the different kinds of chocolate. Why is Swiss chocolate considered the best? Is it really an aphrodisiac? 

 That is the the $64,000 dollar question! 

Listen to Ingrid Laderach on the audio podcast here. (18.55 minutes in the show)

Georgia's Wine Pick. Viticcio Morellino di Scansano 2015
Georgia’s Wine Pick. Viticcio Morellino di Scansano 2015

We’d now like to welcome from the glorious romantic region of Tuscany,  Senore Duccio Dogi, Senore Duccio is the Sales manager for the producer Fattorio Viticcio. They have been producing wine for over 45 years among the rolling green hills of Tuscan wine country in Greve in Chianti between the historic and enchanting cities of Florence and Siena

Duccio Dogi
Senore Duccio Dogi, Export Manager Fattorio Viticcio.

Today Fattorio Viticcioboasts 120 hectares of estate owned vineyards among the hills in Chianti Classico and Maremma. Senore Duccio is here to tell us more about this stunning region, and the beautiful wines Viticcio produces  including a very special release for Valentines Day!

Listen to Duccio Dogi on the audio podcast here. (38.00 minted in the show)

Just released in Vintages Feb 2, 2018. $19.95 per bottle.
Just released in Vintages Feb 2, 2018. $19.95 per bottle.

New Vintages Release… Feb 2, 2019…Viticcio Morellino di Scansano – Georgia’s Wine Pick

Patrick Fee, Vice President Marketing, McCormick Distilling.

And in our final segment we’ll turn our attention to still on a chocolate note, but in an absolutely decadent spirit. It is the 360 Double Chocolate Vodka!!!  And it is so delish. It is produced by McCormick Distilling, which is the planets first eco-friendly vodka.

To tell us all about it we’ll chat with Vice President of Marketing McCormick Distilling Patrick Fee.  

Listen to Patrick Fee here on the audio podcast here. (54.55 minutes in the show)

Cocktail Recipes Inspired with 360 Chocolate Vodka and Tequila Rose Strawberry Cream 

TEQUILA ROSE CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRY
Click here to listen to the audio podcast.
Click here to listen to the audio podcast.

Cocktail Recipes Inspired with 360 Chocolate Vodka and Tequila Rose Strawberry Cream

New Vintages Release… Feb 2, 2019…Viticcio Morellino di Scansano – Georgia’s Wine Pick

Meet Swiss Master Chocolatier Ingrid Laderach a true leading lady.

Marvelous Mother’s Day Contest! WIN Over $600 In Prizes!

The Chronos Observatory. What is often mistaken for a silo on the side of the renovated barn, is in fact the Chronos Observatory. Inside the observatory is a deep space telescope capable of viewing interstellar bodies in significant detail.
The Wine Ladies dressed in Joan Kelley Walker fashions and about to enjoy some Calamus Ball Falls Red and White wine.

Make your Mother’s Day a marvelous one with Calamus Estate Wines and fashions by Joan Kelley Walker!

Enter to win this prize.

Love wine and fashion? Well one lucky mother and guest will join The Wine Ladies May 19th at Calamus Estate Winery and receive an unbelievable experience plus fashions from Real Housewives of Toronto star Joan Kelley Walker’s new fashion collection!

YOUR winery experience will begin in the 100 year old barn tasting room with a sampling of three (3) Calamus Estate Winery’s most popular award winning vintages. After that then join us on the stunning brand new patio restaurant for farm fresh salad, an our arrow head wooden charcuterie board and choice of fresh stone oven pizza. Plus a special service from a Dutch wooden shoe….. 

Grand Opening Weekend Party May 18th and 19th, 2019

You will also walk away with a collection of Joan Kelly Walker Fashions to complete your Mother’s Day experience.

Please make sure that you are available to attend and claim your prize on Sunday, May 19th, 2019. 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.

Calamus Estate Winery is located ate 3100 Glen Road Jordan, ON L0R 1S0 Phone: 905-562-9303

President and owner Peter Van-Helsdingen of Calamus Estate Winery leads a wine tasting in the 100 year old barrel room.


A selection from the Joan Kelley Fashions available at Walmart.ca Proceeds from the sales donated by Joan to the Breakfast Club of Canada.

Here is How To Enter:

1.Follow us on INSTAGRAM! @ TheWineLadies @CalamusWinery   @JoanKelleyWalkerCollection

#Calamusestatewinerywedding #Calamusestatewinerypatio #Twentyvalleywinery #Niagarawinery #wine #contest #thewineladies

2. Like This Post  

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 – Sunday, May 12th, 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.  

On this week’s audio podcast… Calamus Estate Winery and fashions by Joan Kelley Walker

On this week’s audio podcast… Calamus Estate Winery and fashions by Joan Kelley Walker

Guests: Joan Kelley Walker and Peter Van- Helsdingen

Coming up on today’s show, we salute all the moms, grand-moms and mothers to be, with their very special day just around the corner Mother’s Day of course, a tradition by the way that started 105 years ago in 1914! The creator of the holiday was social activist Anna Jarvis, from Virginia, who after her mom passed away worked tirelessly to establish a special day for her and other mothers of course. And it was actually Woodrow Wilson who finally took notice, clever man  and he’s the guy who  declared every second Sunday in May a national holiday aptly named Mothers Day! 

President Woodrow Wilson and first lady Edith Bolling Wilson are seen in Washington on May 15, 1918. Wilson proclaims Mother’s Day, May 9, 1914
President Woodrow Wilson and first lady Edith Bolling Wilson are seen in Washington on May 15, 1918. Wilson proclaims Mother’s Day, May 9, 1914

We are going to share with you a few ideas on how to help make your mom’s day a little extra special, with our two very fabulous guests today as always.Plus for one lucky Mom, we will be giving away a Marvelous Mother’s Day Gift including wine, a wine experience  and  fashion ! Valued at $600!!

Click here to enter!

And speaking of fashion and mom’s our first guest, many of you already know her  from the hit TV Show The Real Housewives of Toronto. She is a celebrity, an entrepreneur, journalist, philanthropist, and a fashionista. This lovely lady recently launched her own fashion line the Joan Kelley Walker Collection which combines her passion for philanthropy and her long time love of fashion. Proceeds from sales of the Joan Kelley Walker Collection towards feeding Canada’s children through the Breakfast Club of Canada.

Joan will fill us in on how she juggles motherhood and the various roles she has taken on, we’ll learn more about how she got started, her new collection, her life as a TV star and more!

Listen to Joan at 3:54 minutes in the audio podcast.

Joan Kelley Walker Collection available at Walmart.ca

Next, we welcome Peter Van-Helsdingen of  Calamus Estate Winery to the show. Peter and his wife Rosalee realized their life long dream of owning a winery with their recent purchase of Calamus Estate Winery, located in Niagara, producing award winning wines. They are so thrilled and passionate about the winery, some of the beautiful additions that they have made including a 3 tier deck over looking Balls Falls. Peter and Rosalee have been very generous in their contribution to our Marvelous Mothers Day prizes. We are going to chat with Peter about that, about his wines and the super cool Observatory they have there right at the winery!

Easy sipping table wines. The Balls Falls White, notes of green apple, and apricot.Balls Falls Red, medium bodied blend of mostly Cab Franc and Cab Sauvignon.

Listen to Peter at 14:40 minutes in the audio podcast.

Rebel Coast Winery Cannabis Weed Wine

Weed Wine has arrived! Rebel Coast Winery and Cannabis Infused Sauvignon Blanc.

Listen to CEO and winemaker Chip Forsythe, Rebel Coast Winery.

There is nothing non disruptive about this company and CEO winemaker! The name says it all! Rebel Coast Winery. It’s all about Weed Wine. How is it made, taste’s and what’s the high?

Listen to Chip at 3:53 minutes in the audio podcast.

Chip Forsythe, Rebel Coast Winery
Chip Forsythe, Rebel Coast Winery
Rebel Coast Cannabis 2016 Sauvignon Blanc.
When cannabis became legal in California they knew if anyone was going to make weed wine it would be them.But the problem was cannabis and alcohol cannot be sold under the same roof, or even in the same bottle. So, they came up with a simple solution.They make their wines in Sonoma, remove just the alcohol and replace it with fast-acting THC. Each glass has 10mg of THC, meaning you can enjoy it at a dinner party and still be able to talk to everyone. Removing just the alcohol had a great consequence too. Traditional wines have ~150 calories per glass, and our cannabis wine (without the alcohol) has only 49.

Smells and tastes like wine. Alcohol replaced with THC. No HANGOVER. Fast acting Sativa. Only 49 calories per glass. Turns out removing the alcohol also removes the calories! Yeah!

Click here to purchase Rebel Coast 2016 Cannabis Infused Sauvignon Blanc.

On This Week’s Audio Podcast

Cannabis, The Next Distrupter! Growing And Going Green Has Arrived. Exploring Cannabis Wine, Cocktails, Edibles and More! 
We are delving into uncharted territory today with a focus on what is trending big time these days in Canada and the US. It is being touted by many as the biggest disrupter since the end of prohibition! That can only be the legalization of cannabis.
On today’s podcast we get the goods on the beverage buzz.

Non alcoholic beverages infused with THC! 

How is this all going to work? What is and will be their availability? What does it mean to the wine and beverage industry with respect to wine and weed and wine and cocktails? Are they complimentary or competitors? (cannabis wine and drinks)
Also on the show todaya med-tech company which has developed a unique and enhanced platformon which consumers can enjoy cannabis.

Click here to listen to this episode. (81)

Cannabis, The Next Distrupter! Growing And Going Green Has Arrived. Exploring Cannabis Wine, Cocktails, Edibles and More!

Honouring International Women’s Day with Wine, and Women of the vine!

Zonta Celebrates International Women's Say 2019
The ladies of Zonta Club of Oakville.

International Women’s Day, or IWD is an annual celebration of women’s achievements,

On March 5th we were honoured to be the emcees for an IWD event, Zonta Celebrates in support of the Oakville Hospital Foundation with funds specifically directed to the issues of women’s health.

A global celebration that is marked around the world with festivals, conferences, fundraisers and fun runs. This March 8thmarked the 108th anniversary of IWD. With the first gathering happening in 1911 in the city of New York supported by over a million people from Switzerland, Denmark, Austria and Germany. 

The mandate of IWD is to rally for gender equality and to honour and celebrate the achievements of women across the globe.  Gender equality in the wine business we thought. Hmm… how are we doing ladies, in this traditionally dominated male industry? We recently had the opportunity to explore that very question. 

Zonta Celebrates International Women's Say 2019
100 years

Zonta International is a global organization of more than 29,000 members in close to 1,200 Zonta clubs in 63 countries. Since 1919 these ladies, advocates for women’s rights, have been working together to improve the lives of girls and women, for 100 years!

Zonta Celebrates International Women's Say 2019

The Zonta Club of Oakville, one of these esteemed clubs hosted this spectacular celebration and fundraiser. It was an extraordinary evening, of passion and compassion with close to 600 guests in attendance. 

Catriona Le May Doan

The highlight of the evening was when keynote speaker two-time Olympic Gold Medal Winner, the fastest women on ice Catriona Le May Doan approached the podium.

She spoke of her victories and her challenges both on the ice and off, in her past and in the present. As a woman in sport, was it a level playing field? Here’s what Catriona had to say “It was for me in my sport but in the last seventeen years, the inclusion of women in other sports and teams has made an improvement but still has a way to go”.  And for us in the world of wine, is there equal opportunity? We personally have seen a greater presence of women in our field. Back in 2002 when we started there were far fewer ladies. Fast forward many more female wine makers, viticulturists, sommeliers, marketing executives and writers are populating the business.  Plus…. do women have better palates? Ah, the $64,000 question!  We learn from Catriona that she too has a great love and appreciation for a fine glass of red wine! Besties forever!

The Wine Wall

Speaking of wine, over to the Wine Wall, what a fabulous collection of wines, wine baskets, and wine related accessories all auctioned off to the highest bid in our silent auction. A big thanks to the many sponsors and private individuals for their generous donations!

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

         For this International Women’s Day, 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 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 has 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 Marilisa and asked if she would tell us a little more about the company and her role.

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 in north-eastern Italy. 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.  

The company took a proverbial giant step in growth with the 5thgeneration Allegrini at the helm Marilisa’s father Giovanni.

 ‘It was” Marilisa goes on to explain with great admiration “the intelligence and hard work of her father. An instinctive man with respect to the land and innovative winemaking practices. That was integral in leading the way to modern winemaking and earning the reputation Allegrini enjoys today. Allegrini and Amarone della Valpolicella! 

Just one example of many, he was one of the first producers to change the style and the methodology of making Amarone. Once little known, with a profile reminiscent of a port, to the prestigious and delicious wine it is today produced with dried grapes. 

            Today we discover that Allegrini’s Amarone, with son Franco as the winemaker since 1983 is considered the benchmark and the style new winemakers look to emulate. 

 Allegrini was also one of the first to develop several cru vineyards including La Poja, reviewed here below.  

As we continue to chat Marilisa emphasizes how it is all about the land. How connected she and her family are to both the history and present of Valpolicella. The company’s holdings are impressive. They include several of the villages in the original (classico) region of Valpolicella.  The company’s philosophy  is to produce single vineyard wines made with local grape varieties. 

            The tireless Marilisa, a world-traveling ambassador for Allegrini and Valpolicella. She has been credited with taking an already famous company to new heights. And as a bold and brave CEO, along with brother and winemaker Franco, they’ve taken on new challenges and exciting acquisitions! To Tuscany, first in Bolgheri and then Montalcino.  

We had the opportunity to enjoy two Allegrini wines at a recent get together.

The first one of particular pride and joy to Marilisa, with a special connection to her late father, the wine La Poja. 

La Poja is a single vineyard spectacular wine, which comes from a specific parcel of land, the prestigious La Grola vineyard in the Valpolicella Classico area. Marilisa tells us that not long before her fathers passing Giovanni acquired this parcel. A piece at the top of the famous hill of the La Grola vineyard, 2.65 hectares  “at great financial effort”. He believed so strongly in this location and the characteristics of the soil. 78% chalk and with great mineral content in its ability to produce exceptional wines with great structure and aging potential. Today La Poja is the crown jewel of “Grand Cru expression” of Allegrini. It rounds out their stupendous line up of wines including their Valpolicella, Palazzo della Torre and their iconic Amarone to name a few.

LA POJA  $110.00  VINTAGES 

La Poja, single vineyard, single varietal made with 100% Corvina. 

Elegant, rich and full bodied, seductive on the nose with intense aromas of black currant, juicy cherries, hints of spice, velvety on the palate with blackberry, cherry and hint of liquorice flavours ending with a luscious lingering finish.

PALAZZO DELLA TORRE $24.95

We so enjoyed this full bodied, delectable wine! With a seductive nose of blackberries, spice, hints of vanilla and milk chocolate, a rich intense mouth filling red wine, lots of black fruit, with hints of smoke and a chocolate-mocha flavour on the palate. We loved it!

We hope you all have the opportunity someday to enjoy the wines of Allegrini and the fruits of this amazing historic winemaking family! Hats off to Marilisa, and to all the ladies out there forging their way in this 108thanniversary year of International Women’s Day!

For more information on Allegrini wines and their availability please visit www.woodmanwinesandspirits.com

A glittering, golden evening celebrating International Women’s Day with Zonta Celebrates and Olympic Gold Medalist, Catriona Le May Doan.

International Women's Day
International Women’s Day