On today’s show we are celebrating with a wonderful group of guests… a charismatic winemaker from Italy, ( Gruppo Mezzacorona) a local artisan with a great Christmas gift idea for the wine and food lover in your life  (Celtic Relics) and a spirit that’s a perfect ingredient to the classic Christmas drink, Eggnog. (El Dorado Rum)

So joining us first, calling in from the historic beautiful region of Trento, Italy, Lucio Matricardi of Gruppo Mezzacorona. 

Lucio earned his Ph.D. in viticulture and enology from the University of California at Davis and has worked at wineries from around the globe. 

We recently had the honour of attending a very special luncheon here in Toronto hosted by Woodman Wines & Spirits whereby Lucio was the guest of honour. A spectacular tasting of the winery’s portfolio including the iconic Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio, one of the most popular wines enjoyed all over the world.

Listen to Lucio on this week’s audio podcast at 4:14 minutes in the show.

For highlights of the luncheon and wine tasting…

Experiencing Pinot Grigio in Historic Trento and Sicily Sizzling with Stemmari reds!

It never ceases to amaze us the power of social media and the incredible connections and discoveries that can be made. This is how we discovered our next guest. 

Josh Dalziel owner of Celtic Relics custom woodworking based out of Fergus, Ontario. Josh creates the most spectacular handmade, custom, live edge designed beauties, including charcuterie boards, tipsy timbers for shots and more. 

He has an incredible story of courage and determination! 

Listen to Josh on this week’s audio podcast at 24:18 minutes in the show.

Makes a great Christmas gift! Still time to order yours’ from Josh! Contact him on Instagram.@CelticRelics 

And to our last guest we jump right into a spirit that has over the last few years found itself becoming a serious player in the respected spirits industry.

Much like “fine spirits” such as Malt Scotch and cognac the premiumization of rum is commanding the attention of many a discerning palate. There is much more to rum than your classic rum & coke.

So to fill us in on the latest in rum, we welcome Shaun Caleb to the show. Mr. Caleb is the Master Distiller for Demerara Distillers located in Guyana. 
 
DDL is touted as one of the best rums in the world. The very smooth and uniquely complex aged El Dorado rums which represent over 300 years of Caribbean rum making. All available at your local LCBO.

Listen to Shaun on this week’s audio podcast at 35:45 minutes in the show.

We recently had the opportunity to enjoy a tasting of Mr Caleb’s rums as well as a few delicious Christmas cocktails. Enjoy!

To a Collins glass add rum, lime juice, fresh cranberries and maple syrup.  Stir well.  Clap mint in your hand and drop it in the glass.  Add crushed ice and stir up the ingredients from the bottom of the glass until mixed well.  Garnish with a generous offering of mint sprigs, a few cranberries and dust with icing sugar on the leaves.  Serve with a red and white striped paper straw.

Add rum, eggnog, extract and bitters to a shaker filled with ice.  Shake well and strain into a large rocks glass without ice.  Grate nutmeg and cinnamon over the top of the glass and serve.