Warm Chorizo Cheese and Black Bean Dip A crowd pleasing dip featuring oozing melted cheese and black beans with a touch of heat from jalapeno peppers and chorizo sausage. A perfect pairing to try would be La Posta Cocina Tinto 2010, a blend of Malbec, Syrah and Bonardo from Argentina. If you are unable to find chorizo, substitute hot Italian sausage or even turkey sausage and serve the dip with tortilla chips or pita triangles. Serves a crowd (8 to 10) 1 lb. bulk chorizo sausage 1 cup onion, diced finely 2 tbsp fresh jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional) 1 […]
Jazz and Wine Matching: Ontario Wine Society Toronto March 22
Thursday, March 22, 2012 6:30pm Reception 6:30 7:15pm Jazz and Wine Matching After a year off, our unique Jazz and Wine Matching event is back by popular demand … this time at Casa Loma in partnership with the Kiwanis Club. The live jazz will be performed by Elise Legrow and friends. The wines for the event have been specially selected for this event and include many award winners. Food to match with the jazz and wine will be provided by the Castle’s caterers – Pegasus. 8 different jazz tunes will be matched with 8 different VQA wine types and 8 […]
Wine and Cheese Pairing Awaken your senses in Reif Estate’s Wine Sensory Garden at Canada Blooms
Reif Estate Winery invites you to explore their Wine Sensory Garden at Canada Blooms March 16 through 25 at the Direct Energy Centre, in Toronto. Contemplate the colours, aromas and flavours used to describe wines in a relaxed garden oasis created by Mori Gardens. It is sure to inspire! Reif Estate will share VQA wines that will pair perfectly with cheese samples presented by Dairy Farmers of Canada. Choose from a Riesling or Cabernet Merlot or try our Trend Wines by Steven and Chris. Great giveaways include garden party charms, recipe cards and special offers to visit the winery this […]
LCBO Wine Buying List with Bottle Stock Numbers in LCBO Stores Near You
How do you know which LCBO stores closest to you have the wines you want? Easy! Just takes 4 clicks… no more running from store to store to shop. 1. Join our community (you get two free months to try this premium service, basic is always free) and half way down your account page, fill in your postal code, click on the Update button. Now the 5 LCBO stores closest to you have been automatically selected for you. 2. Have fun picking the wines: just click on the Shopping Basket symbol. A green check mark appears after you do. (If […]
Yalumba Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmen Carmenere, Domaine Chanson, The Ned Pinot Gris Best Wines in the LCBO Vintages Release March 17
You don’t need the luck of the Irish to find some terrific wines this week! Here are my top picks from the March 17 Vintages Release. You can also get all 59 of my Best Value Wines and Top Rated Wines for red, white, rose, sparkling and dessert wines that encompass many price points, styles and regions. It always helps to have some back-up choices in case those below are already sold out. You can also add my Top Wine Picks to your custom shopping list by clicking on the little shopping cart icon. Stock up for the weekend, then […]
Villa Mt. Eden Zinfandel, Yalumba Shiraz Viognier, Baron De Ley Best Cellar Wines in LCBO Vintages Release March 17
By Gaby Israel United States 2007 Villa Mt. Eden Zinfandel Antique Vines Grand Reserve, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Amador County, Napa County, California -$19.95. I can’t skip any opportunity to buy a good hefty Zin. This wine is for you John M to try! Great supportive review, fair price. What’s not to like? Australia 2008 Yalumba Shiraz Viognier, Eden Valley, South Australia – $21.95. Although 2008 was far from being a stellar vintage (RP ranked it a relatively low 85 score), this wine received good reviews and I personally love this Northern Rhone blend. I’ve tried this Yalumba version a […]
California Wine Fair Tastings in Ottawa and Toronto March 30 and April 2
California Wine Fair – OTTAWA City: Ottawa Date: March 30, 2012 Time: 7:00PM – 9:30PM Place: Westin Ottawa, Confederation Ballroom, 11 Colonel By Drive How to Purchase Tickets: California Wine Institute T: 1.800.558.2675 Ticket Form: www.calwine.ca Ticket Price: $70.00/ticket OR $65.00/ticket from wine club members California Wine Fair – TORONTO City: Toronto Date: April 2, 2012 Time: 7:00PM – 9:30PM Place: Fairmont Royal York, Canadian Room, 100 Front St. W How to Purchase Tickets: California Wine Institute T: 1.800.558.2675 Ticket Form: www.calwine.ca Ticket Price: $70.00/ticket OR $65.00/ticket from wine club members
Braised Lamb Shanks Recipe with Indian Spices and Basmati Rice Pilaf Paired with Tilia Malbec, Argentina
Braised Lamb Shanks with Indian Spices and Basmati Rice Pilaf A ripe, fruit forward red with soft tannins would be the perfect match to this Indian spiced braised lamb dish. Try Tilia Malbec 2010 from Argentina’s Mendoza region. The wine displays concentrated black raspberry flavours and a touch of sweet spice. Serves 6 2 tsp cumin seeds 2 tsp coriander seeds ½ tsp turmeric 2 tbsp vegetable oil 6 lamb shanks 2 cups chopped onion 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced 1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and minced 2 cups beef stock 1 28oz. can crushed tomato, with juice 1 piece […]
Wine Buying at the LCBO Just Got a Lot Easier: Bottle Inventory Numbers at the Stores Closest to You
How do you know which LCBO stores closest to you have the wines you want? Easy! Just takes 3 clicks… 1. First, enjoy the mouth-watering anticipation of picking your wines: just click on the Shopping Basket symbol. A green check mark appears after you do. (If you’re using text-only display, click on “Add to Shopping List”) 2. Ready to shop? Click on the My Shopping List Basket icon between the Search buttons. Voila! Your own custom wine shopping list that you just created …. 3. Click “Print” in top left corner to see which stores have the wines you want […]
5 Smart Buy LCBO Wines with Limited Time Offer Lower Prices
I’m starting a regular feature to highlight five wines in the LCBO currently on special for a limited time. These are all wines I’ve recommended in the past, but they’ve lowered their prices temporarily, usually for a month at the most. Even small discounts of a dollar or two per bottle start to add up if you’re buying a case or two for your own enjoyment, or perhaps an upcoming party. Most of love a good bargain (and saving money) so I hope you find this a helpful feature. Happy shopping! Cheers, Natalie 2010 Wente Vineyards Chardonnay Morning Fog, Livermore, […]