Beat the Heat Bevvies

 What drinks make you think of summer? Refreshing Rosé Mouth-watering Cider Cold Radler Beer Big bold Cabernetf Fruity Sangria All of the above Finally, a multiple choice quiz with no wrong answer. With more sun-filled days, long weekends and lazy afternoons, summer brings time to relax and unwind with a

Dashing through the LCBO….

 It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. Champagne, stunning gift boxes, ice wine, suggestions for “Holiday Gatherings” is what the final Vintages release of the year is all about. There are so many awesome products in this release that I have to remind myself of my meager budget of

The Ultimate Winter Indulgence: Red Wine Hot Chocolate

 If you enjoy pairing your favourite Cab Sauv with a square of dark chocolate, you’ll love this trendy, seasonal drink. First popularized last year, red wine hot chocolate continues to make its rounds on various food blogs, news articles, and Pinterest boards. And it’s no wonder why -- it’s comforting,

If I only had $100, I would buy at Vintages…

 South Central Italy & Flagship In Store Discoveries (LCBO speak: ISD) as well as California are a prominent features in this LCBO Vintages release.  Where to start? Frankly, the ISD’s are a little rich for my $100 budget for this blog, yet there are some pretty enticing looking wines.  Worth

Buyers Picks at Vintages

 ‘Buyer’s Picks’ are the prominent feature of this weekend’s LCBO Vintages release, not to mention New Zealand and Sake wines. I’m always curious about what ‘Buyers Picks’ really means: more Airmiles offered? Reduced prices on the bottle? or truly great products?  In any case, these are My Picks for you to decide if

If I only had $100, I would buy….wines from Argentina!

 This time last year, my husband and I spent a month in Buenos Aires, so when I saw that this release focused on Argentina, I was VERY excited to see what new wines would come into LCBO’s Vintages. Here are 3 wines from Mendoza (Argentina’s largest wine region) since it is the leader

TOP PICKS: 7 wines for under $15

 This Vintages release is guaranteed to  be pick-up for anyone with holiday hangovers & January blahs. The LCBO often kicks off the new year with a “Smart Buys 2017” edition with a fabulous assortment of tried and true wines for every palate and budget with great tastes around the $15 price point. I vowed

If I only had $100…I would buy at LCBO Vintages

 Canada Day is just around the corner and what better excuse to stock up. I just returned from working abroad and when I went to my local LCBO to indulge in a few delights, I was astounded at the selection and choices: from reds to whites to fruity spirits and

Your LCBO Shopping List for Easter Wines

 Easter is on its way! For me that marks that spring is around the corner. It is interesting to see some of the wines shifting in style while the seasons begin the change. I had the opportunity to sample a number of the wines in this spring-will-soon-be-here release of Vintages

Making Valentine’s Day Wine Shopping Easy

 The LCBO Vintages release of February 6 is celebrating Valentine’s, southern France and South Africa; talk about something for everyone. February has long been celebrated as a month of romance and there are all kinds of legends about who St. Valentine’s was and what he did but suffice to say

If I had $100…I would buy at LCBO Vintages

 Did you get a chance to catch the LCBO Vintages release for July 11? Savvy Company highlights some favourites from last weekend's selection! The LCBO Vintages release for July 11 focuses on Cool Climate Chardonnay’s, wines from Spain and more Flagship In Store Discoveries (ISD). It’s so easy to find new discoveries with every LCBO release especially

Stocking up on wines for Canada Day!

 This LCBO Vintages release for Saturday June 27 focuses on Flagship ISD (in store discoveries), Canada Day, and the Pan Am Toronto Games games. I was wondering what the term “flagship” meant and still do not have a definitive answer. However, having just returned from working in the UAE, I think of “flagship” similarly

If I had $100…I would buy these wines at LCBO Vintage

 The merry month of May, didn’t someone write a song about that? Regardless, the features this month are bound to make anyone merry…talk about something to look forward to! Australia, fresh whites and sake line this release and I can hardly wait. Not to mention, we’re finally getting some patio

Meet the Winemakers of Pondview & Sue-Ann Staff wines

 From fruit trees to vineyards  – over generations, their family farms have become wineries. Meet two families who have been fruit farmers in Niagara for many generations & now their land produces internationally award-winning wines. They’ve grown up on the farm & certainly know what it’s like to get their

If I had $100…I would buy these wines at vintages

 By Julie Stock Heritage Canada recently put out a pamphlet called “This is why I love Winter”, but they failed to mention the new wines in Vintages. For folks like myself this was a miss since indoor activities can offer up wonderful new tantalizing adventures. The LCBO Vintages release for

If I only had $100, I would buy these wines at Vintages…

 I can hardly believe that I am writing 2015! And what better way to start the new year but with “The Smart Buys Issue” from Vintages.  This makes my homework really easy when there are so many tried & true great value wines. I am also happy to report that

How to Create a Festive Artisan Cheese Board

 Our Cheese Sommelier Vanessa Simmons offers her tips on how to add a delicious artisan cheese board as a final course with dinner or have a cheese platter ready when friends drop in over the holiday season. Whichever way you enjoy cheese, here are Vanessa’s quick tips & how tos. 

Have You Had a Glass of this Year’s Beaujolais Nouveau?

 The third Thursday of November is a milestone date in the wine world – wine stores have a special delivery of Beaujolais Nouveau wine. What is all the fuss about? Beaujolais Nouveau or ‘first wine’ is wine made from grapes that were picked in the most recent harvest.  By the

Wining and Dining at the Ottawa Wine & Food Festival

 I have lived in Ottawa for a mere two months, but the city has already given me so many unforgettable experiences. Entering my third month of life in the capital, I made a conscious decision to make the most of my time here and find new ways to embrace the

If I Had $100…I Would Buy These Wines At Vintages

 This week is all about the TURKEY! So pull out your pen & paper (or your phone) and get ready to make your shopping list of wines to serve with your turkey feast this weekend. We’re covering a lot of geography in this time around - from Sonoma, California to Piedmont,

Burger of the Week: Feta-Stuffed Burgers with Romesco Sauce

 A Spanish twist on a BBQ staple. Burgers don't only have to be beef! Switch it up with these delicious lamb burgers topped with a beautiful Romesco sauce. Ay caramba, are these ever good! Ingredients: SAUCE 1 head garlic Extra-virgin olive oil 1 large red bell pepper 1 large plum

A Simple Pleasure: Portuguese Red

 Portugal is one of those region in the world that is the most misunderstood ... quite simply it's because the average consumer does not recognize the grape varieties on the label, that is if there is a grape variety listed on the label at all.  Portugal is known more for

Fall Back on an Old Favourite or Find a New One…

 As we head into fall, we swap those light and fruity whites for the heavier, warming appeal of reds. I like to give you the latest releases available, but it’s always good to step back a few weeks to see if certain faves are still kicking around the LCBO. We’re