Hello & Farewell… was a delectable and emotional luncheon held at the TOCA Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Toronto. At which we welcomed and enjoyed Inniskillin winemaker Bruce Nicholson’s  new wines.

And bid farewell to a very special lady who is affectionately known as “Miss Inniskillin 1975”. With over 30 years with Inniskillin, the one and only Debi Pratt, so loved and well respected throughout the entire wine industry was entering into her retirement… So sad are we to see her go. Debi leaves a legacy of her own, a brilliant, charismatic ambassador and educator for not only Inniskillin but the Ontario wine industry as a whole. As a testament and a tribute to Debi’s contribution she received the incredible honour of having a vineyard named after her “The Pratt” Vineyard. Congratulations Debi!

Bruce Nicholson

We enjoyed a delightful afternoon filled with nostalgia, amazing wines and food… seated across from winemaker Bruce we learned about some of his “firsts”  including a delish Sauvignon Blanc the 2013 Estate Series, super value we discover at price point $14.95!  Stay tuned for further details as this will surely be a Wine Pick in the near future.

But for now… we enjoyed a tremendous lunch that included a to die for Mushroom Risotto with parmesan foam, followed by  main course options of Duck Breast or Ravioli Capresi;  I elected to go with the Duck Breast served with seasonal vegetables and chocolate flakes. For wine pick, I often try to find something a little different, and today at this memorable luncheon I did! My go-to wine this afternoon was a blend… not a traditional blend, but one Bruce calls the 2012 Inniskillin Discovery Series P3.

Bruce Nicholson, the winemaker keeping innovation at the forefront at Inniskillin.

Available at Winery Boutique, online and at the Wine Rack

$19.95 #80003853

P3 is a unique blend of three Pinot grapes. 85%-90% of this wine is made up with Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio with the remaining being Pinot Blanc. An expression of Bruce’s artistry in the cellar. The wine is fresh and crisp with good acidity. It has enticing notes of lemon and lime with floral hints and a flavour with includes peach and touch of vanilla. Very delicious. Most suitable to enjoy on its own or with a variety of fresh summer fare including grilled chicken, fish or seafood.