deVine Thoughts

Author: Dirk Chan

On June 11^th, 2011 beginning at 1pm, downtown Edmonton will host the Third annual “Al Fresco 104th St. Block Party” and fundraiser for E4C’s Edmonton School Lunch Program. The event not only celebrates the start of summer, but also works to increase awareness of locally owned businesses on, and around, 104th St. by hosting a one of a kind event in benefit of a worthy cause.

The “Al Fresco 104th St. Block Party” was conceived and developed as a community event. The businesses and residents along 104th St. believe that downtown Edmonton is a vibrant and growing community and want to share their enthusiasm in the name of a worthy cause. In 2010, over $23,000 was raised by the 104th-St. community for the E4C School Lunch Program. 8,000 people turned out to support the event and celebrate in the downtown core.

This year, organizers have been working diligently since the beginning of the year, we are hopeful for a crowd of 10,000 people and raising $30,000 for the E4C School Lunch Program this time around. Please mark your calendar for a heavy date of fun, food, wine, entertainment, parade and community spirit.

In the meantime, please visit the Al Fresco On-line Auction, with over 70 items open for bidding.. check it out here..

Complete details of participants, scheduled events coming this week..

(more…)

Author: Dirk Chan

Our final paid fundraiser for Al Fresco and E4C School Lunch Program will feature a library tasting of famed Rioja producer Sierra Cantabria.

Please join Michael Fregen of Christopher Stewart Wine & Spirits as we host a tasting of this exclusive 108 hectare estate, founded by Guillermo Eguren and now run by fourth generation winemaker Marcos Eguren.

Sierra Cantabria has come to the forefront of Spanish wineries in the last 15 years. This is from the extreme care that they give to their vineyards, located in the best terrain of Rioja, the savoir-faire of Marcos and his price-conscious policies. Vineyards are located in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, one of the most famous towns in Rioja, known for the quality of its grapes. The wines are carefully hand de-stemmed and are still foot pressed. The grapes are sourced on 267 acres (108 ha), from 1,440-1,740 ft. above sea level (480-580 m), spread among the towns of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Labastida, and Laguardia.

The proportions of grapes are 91% Tempranillo, 3% Malvasia, and 6% Viura. 75% of the production comes from their own vineyards, the rest they buy from local growers. They have been doing ecologically conscious agriculture in their own vineyards for the last 12 years. Average production 0.5 t/acre (hectare is 5,000 kg). The soil is composed of Clay-lime, the best soil of Rioja. The climate is Continental, with the influence of winds from the Atlantic, but protected from more severe weather by the Sierra Cantabria Mountains.

This is a rare opportunity to try some of these world class wines some of which have never been poured in Western Canada! The feature wine is the 2004 El Pundito, Wine Enthusiast’s #1 Wine of the Year in 2007. Funds from this event will help us put on the 3rd Annual Al Fresco Block Party scheduled for Saturday, June 11th. Only 18 seats available for this high-end sit-down tasting so book soon here..

(more…)

Author: Annabelle Evaristo

Sabor Divino and deVine’s are proud to present a wine dinner this coming Tuesday, May 17th at 6:30pm at Sabor Divino with the owner of Encostas de Estremoz, Joana Castro Duarte who will be joined by her father and the honorary Portuguese counsel Aurelio Fernandes.

Located in the Alentego in Southern Portugal’s vast wine growing region, Encostas de Estremoz is famous for their wines and their olive oils. Learn how to pronounce this Portuguese tongue twister and learn how sunburn plays a role in this region while you enjoy a three course dinner, prepared by Chef Lino and paired with four wines. Price includes both taxes and gratuity. Only 24 spots available on a first come, first serve basis to attend this bargain of an event. To avoid any confusion in terms of registrations, please book only with Sabor Divino (10220 – 103 Street on the Boardwalk) online here.. or by phone at 780-757-1144

(more…)

Author: Ed Fong & Annabelle Evaristo

Just when you think you have heard it all, they come up with another wild and crazy idea! “Wine Guy” Ed Fong, “Travel Gal” Annabelle Evaristo and “Food Guy” Daniel Costa are teaming up to form a new wine and culinary travel company aptly, named Terra Globetrotters.

Ed Fong and Annabelle Evaristo are managing partners of deVine Wines & Spirits, Edmonton’s premier fine wine store. Now open for six years in downtown Edmonton, deVine Wines has earned a reputation for providing great customer service and a world class selection of fine wines and spirits. deVine Wines has just been named “Best Wine Store” by the readers of See and Vue Magazine for the third year in a row.

Daniel Costa has recently taken the restaurant scene in Edmonton by a storm with the opening of his new digs, Corso 32. Daniel’s passion for creating authentic Italian food served in a sexy, yet cozy setting, has helped ignite interest in our local dining scene. His family roots in Campania, Italy, are the source of his inspiration in the kitchen. The readers of Vue Magazine have just named Corso 32 “Best Italian Restaurant” in Edmonton.

The Fun Begins!

Ed, Annabelle and Daniel are launching their first wine and culinary tour this fall. You can join them for an exciting 14 day tour of Italy now!

We can promise you this won’t be your ordinary travel “packaged”” tour experience. Why? Well, how often do you get to explore a country and your passion for wine and food with three personal tour guides who are in “the know”? And you will travel in comfort and style! You will be staying in Three and Four Star Hotels throughout your tour and you will be transported in a private van by an experienced driver.

You can read all the details in Word doc format here

(more…)

Author: Dirk Chan

The Wine Regions series is now in full swing, and this next edition features Central Italy with its famous regions of Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Tuscany and is scheduled for next Thursday, May 12 at 7pm.

Italy is famous for its Chianti, from the much travelled Tuscany region near Florence and Pisa. Made from the fruity Sangiovese grape, we will taste various versions including Chianti and a Ruffina Riserva. Brunello di Montalcino is made from a special clone of Sangiovese and considered the creme de la creme of this grape with the earlier drinking Rosso and then the long aging Brunello and its Riservas.

Finally, we will taste the so-called Super Tuscans, though officially known as Vina da Tavola (table wine) is technically the lowlife of the region because of its non-adherence to regulations and laws, but to the wine connoisseurs of the world, these are the best of Italian wines (and priced accordingly). Some of them are 100% Sangiovese, but numerous others are blended with international varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Syrah. Central Italy has delectable food and these wines are made to showcase that and are wonderful for pairing. If we can find a good one, we’ll start off the evening with a Lambrusco red bubblie.

You can sign up for the event here..

(more…)