deVine Thoughts

Author: Ed Fong

Last week, a customer asked me “How did you come up with the idea for the November 3, 2018 Great Whiskies of the World Fundraiser and Art Show?” Great question, long story, but I’ll keep it short.

Over the past few years, many people have asked me and the Team at deVine Wines “Why don’t you host a super-premium whiskey tasting that is out of this world?” Great idea! So I set out to assemble a collection of whiskies from around the world that would grab any whiskey lover’s attention.

In the late summer of 2017, I met a gentleman named Travis Watt. Travis worked for a spirits importer named Rare Drams, a company that we have worked with for a few years now. Travis is also the President of the Edmonton Scotch Club, and conducted numerous fundraisers in the past for Edmonton’s Food Bank. Travis and I shared a love for fine whiskey and a real desire to help those in need to obtain one of life’s greatest necessities, food. I asked Travis if he would consider hosting a high end whiskey tasting for us in support of the Food Bank and Neon Sign Museum, and he agreed. I would donate the whiskey, Travis would donate his time and expertise, and deVine Wines would donate the venue, resources and staff to run the event. Game on!

Shortly after I met Travis, I was approached by a local artist and customer named Nosheen Pervez to host a wine tasting and art show. Nosheen is a visual artist and some of her work can be found here on her website: http://www.nosheenp.com/

Then it hit me with crystal clear clarity. We should do the art show in conjunction with the Mother of all Whiskey Tastings! It made perfect sense! Guests attending the Mondo whiskey tasting will have an opportunity to support a local artist, have a great time and raise some money for two very worthy charities.

So that is how our Great Whiskies of the World Fundraiser and Art Show came to be. For more information on our two charities of choice, please visit the links below:

Edmonton Food Bank: https://www.edmontonsfoodbank.com/

Neon Sign Museum: https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/edmonton_archives/neon-sign-museum.aspx

More info and to register for this special event, click here

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Author: Dirk Chan

Founded in 1877, four generations of the R López de Heredia family have devoted themselves to producing exceptional and unique wines in Haro, home to the Tempranillo based Rioja wines. We will be closing the store early for a rare Friday night tasting. On Friday, April 20 at 8pm, we welcome Heredia’s World Export Manager, Maria Vicente to lead us through six marvelous wines from this world renown and historic estate in the famous Railway Station District.

If you ever visit, you’ll be stepping back in time, the barrels have been well patched and in use for over a hundred years, the cellars are lined with cobwebs – all part of the ecosystem. We’ll be tasting a lineup full of gems – including the Gravonia and Tondonia Reserva Blancos, Cubillo Crianza, Tondonia and Bosconia Reservas, and then a rare treat, the 1995 Tondonia Gran Reserva. Book early to avoid disappointment for this special sit-down event.

Pictured – the stepping back in time traditionally styled cob-webbed laidened cellars at Heredia. Inset – the modern entrance at Heredia (in the shape of a decanter) designed by the late famous Iraqi-British architect Dame Zaha Hadid.

Don’t miss this tasting, it will be a treat, well priced to bring maximum attendance. More info and to register here

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Author: Dirk Chan

Veuve Clicquot and The Hardware Grill are pleased to welcome Bertrand Varquier, Winemaker from Veuve Clicquot! for an amazing 4-course Dinner – $150.00 per person on Wednesday, March 21st. Reception is 6:30pm, Dinner at 7pm.

The event features 5 Veuve Champagnes, including the launch of the brand new “Extra Brut Extra Old” Champagne (pictured).

Available seats are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. You will be able to order the Champagnes tasted at the event through deVines, which includes the Yellow Label Brut, the new Extra Brut Extra Old, NV Rose, 2008 Vintage Rose, and finally for dessert, the Demi-Sec.

Register for the event here…

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Author: Dirk Chan

For 15 years now, many of downtown Edmonton’s best eateries have joined together for ten days every March for the Downtown Dining Week.

With two course lunches for $18, three course dinners for $30, and an Executive Dinner for $45, we are treated to all kinds of culinary choices from many many ethnic backgrounds.

At this writing, 37 restaurants have signed up for this popular event. This is an amazing opportunity to experience fine dining with exclusive menus designed specifically for this event which runs from March 9-18. Bring along all your friends and family and taste the best of Downtown Edmonton. Reservations highly recommended.

Check out the participating restaurants and their menu’s here…

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