deVine Thoughts

Guest Blogger: Katherine Hoy

Call for Volunteers: Jingle on Indoor Santa Claus Parade

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Want to spread goodwill and cheer this holiday season? Looking for a sure-fire way onto Santa’s “Nice” list? Why not volunteer for the Downtown Business Association’s 25thth Annual Jingle On Indoor Santa Claus Parade on Sunday, December 2!

We are filling 150 volunteer positions including Marshals, Pacers, Parade Security and Banner Carriers. It’s a one-day, 6-hour commitment (plus Volunteer Orientation). All volunteers will receive a t-shirt, training and a chance to win fabulous draw prizes at Volunteer Orientation Night.

This is great opportunity for individuals, families, schools, teams and community groups to give back. Help the DBA and Santa make
thousands of children happy on Sunday, December 2!

Colourful floats, mascots, marching bands, theatre groups, dancers and others will jingle their way through Commerce Place, Manulife Place, and Edmonton City Centre Malls. The highlight is the arrival of Santa who takes a break from the North Pole for a pre-Christmas visit with all of Edmonton’s good boys and girls.

Free candy for the kids. And best of all, you don’t have to worry about the weather!

Visit edmontondowntown.com for more information on this event. To volunteer for the Jingle On Indoor Santa Claus Parade, go here..

(more…)

Author: Annabelle Evaristo

We’ve been planning for quite some time a glorious week of celebration of the wines of Portugal which begins with the Portuguese Wine Festival on Tuesday, November 13th at deVine’s from 7pm to 9:30pm!

Winemakers and/or winery representatives from several Portuguese wineries will be here to talk wine with you on a personal level. Sample over 20 different wines, beers and liqueurs which will be served by the representatives. Not very often will you have an opportunity to rub shoulders with this many winemakers. To make it even more enticing, all in-stock Portuguese wines will be discounted 10% that evening for the attendees of the festival.

Tickets are $30 each and can be order by phone – 780-421-9463 or online here..

Feature Winery – One of the feature wineries at the festival is Fita Preta Vinhos and co-founder and enologist Antonio Macanita. Producing “highly individual wines with a distinctive Portuguese character” has been the motto of Macanita and co-founder David Booth (who unfortunately passed away suddenly earlier this year).

The winery is located in the Alentejo region, a large province in the south of the country, lying between the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean and arid interior of southern Spain. The combination of poor rocky soils and the 3000 hours of sunshine per year, low summer rainfall ensure grapes mature fully producing wines that have a distinctive fruit character and represent a true expression of the terroir.

Macanita has worked with leading wineries around the world (Merryvale and Rudd in Napa, d’Arenberg in McLaren Vale, and Chateau Lynch Bages in Pauillac). Please join us next tuesday and sample several Fita Preta wines, and to say hello to Antonio, one of many winemakers at deVine’s that evening.

A Winemaker’s Dinner with matching wines will then be held at Sabor Divino on Wednesday, November 14th – book your tickets here.., followed by the very popular Annual Roy Hersh Port Tasting at the Royal Glenora Club on Friday, November 16th (already sold out). Please make every effort to join us for one or all of these events during this festive week in celebration of Portuguese wines and culture.

(more…)

Author: Chris Arnold

On Saturday November 3rd, deVine will be hosting our first ever Top Drops: Single Malt Scotch tasting. If you’re familiar with our Top Drops series you know that these events are a great opportunity to taste through several top shelf bottles you wouldn’t ordinarily get to try.

With Whiskies ranging from the classy Auchentoshan 18 year old with its layered honey, vanilla, and citrus notes to Bruichladdich’s infamous Octomore 4.2 Comus (the most heavily peated whisky in the world), we’ll explore unique whiskies from the major regions, with a slight bias towards the smoky drams of Islay. As well, we will also spend some time focusing on the under-appreciated art of food and whisky pairing.

The final menu is set and it proves to be impressive across the board. There are only a few spots remaining for this sit-down event as of this writing so sign up now to avoid disappointment. You can book your spot here.. We will also offer 5% off those drams tasted at the event that night.

deVine is pleased to welcome back our old friend Jimmy Clooney who will co-host this special event.

(more…)

Author: Dirk Chan

This coming Saturday, October 13th is the second of two Top Drops: German Rieslings. This time, we’ll focus on the famous regions of the Mosel, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer and the Rheingau, where many famous producers reside.

Full-bodied, and perhaps less minerally than the Nahe that was previously featured in a March Top Drops, this one will showcase a totally different fruitier style of Riesling
with bolder flavors, some diesel qualities and rich ripe abundant yellow stone fruits.

Featured will be the wines from the legendary and most expensive German producer Egon Muller along with other notables including Joh J. Christoffel that many of you are familiar with and for dessert, there will be a rare Beerenauslese from Reinhard Beate Knebel. All three top drawer producers.

For those of you who have not had your German Riesling epiphany, this is your chance to acquire this feeling. We will be serving interesting food pairings to showcase the versatility of the grape. Hurry and register for this small and intimate sit-down tasting for 18 people. Book your spot here..

(more…)

Author: Dirk Chan

Thanksgiving is in a few days, so here are some Turkey friendly wines for that special dinner:

Bubbles:

1) NV Reversanti Prosecco – $16.49 – a deVine bestseller over the last year, the momentum continues unabated for this Prosecco.

2) NV Langlois-Chateau Cremant de Loire – $26.99 – from the Bollinger house (the one James Bond drinks), this Cremant is given the same careful attention as the Bolly’s, great price for the quality.

3) Raventos i Blanc Cava de Nit – $29.99 – handcrafted Rosado from one of the most prestigious Cava makers from Spain, organic and beautifully nuanced.

4) NV Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label La Fridge Brut – $71.99 – great packaging, La Fridge keeps a bottle of Veuve at serving temperature for up to two hours. The great yellow label brut that’s instantly recognizable throughout the world.

5) 2000 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne – $244.99 – a class act, made from 100% Chardonnay, superb in every sense. No need to go after the $300+ ones when you can have this one.

Whites:

1) 2009 Chai du Grand Vaudasniere Vouvray – $21.99 – an amazing Chenin Blanc that is slightly off-dry but would be amazing with the turkey and the fixings, fab orange blossom nose.

2) 2010 Belland-Chapuis Le Vallon Sancerre – $34.99 – very impressive Sauvignon Blanc for those who want a dry white, more minerally than overtly fruity, everything in its place.

3) 2009 Egon Muller Mosel Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett – $54.99 – Sweet Riesling from one of the most sought after houses in Germany. Expensive but easily worth the tariff if you want the best.

4) 2008 Ridge Monte Bello Chardonnay – $74.99 – for the Chardonnay lover who wants something top drawer. Finesse, butter, slate and apple & pineapple notes galore. Big white.

5) NV Domaine de la Vinconniere Pinot Noir Rosé – $16.99 – a great price for a fine bottle of pink that would go with turkey extremely well. Fruity, yet has some structure from the Pinot Noir grape.

Reds:

1) 2010 Domaine Bulliat Morgon Cuvee du Colombier – $21.99 – Beaujolais is always a great choice for Turkey dinner, here is a new producer that has made a Beaujolais Cru with stone fruit aromas, a lovely crimson color and tasty clean fruit. And organic too.

2) 2011 Don Rodolfo Pinot Noir – $15.49 – great varietal character in this inexpensive best seller. Strawberry & cherry fruit.

3) 2010 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir – $54.99 – from one of South Africa’s best producers, there is terroir and character to this Pinot, very French yet speaks from the South Africa language.Lovely with a gentle decant.

4) 2009 Louis Jadot Beaune Boucherottes 1er Cru – $59.99 – from the stellar 09 vintage, this is a Premiere Cru worth tasting young as it hasn’t closed down yet. Vibrant, fruity and svelt, a gentle decant would open it up marvellously.

5) 2007 Bodegas Carchelo Canalizo – $44.99 – here is something more full-bodied from Spain, with spice, earch, pepper, and cherry notes from its mix of Syrah, Monastrell and Tempranillo.

6) 2006 Leonetti Merlot – $99.99 – for those who insists on something big, here is lovely, velvety Merlot in its drinking prime.

7) 2006 Rolf Binder Hanisch Shiraz – $139.99 – finesse based Shiraz from one of the great vineyards in the Barossa. Dense yet inviting.

Dessert:

1) 2011 La Spinetta Bricco Quagia Moscato d’Asti – $25.99 – slightly spritzy, perfume nose and light as a feather – pair with strawberries & cream or a fruit flan – yum!

2) 2001 Chateau de Fesles Bonnezeaux – 375mL – $54.99 – world class dessert wine with orange blossoms, stone fruits, roasted nuts, honey and beeswax and stellar balance.

3) 2001 Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey – 375mL – $94.99 – mind-blowing right now, with an smorg of stone and tropical fruits. Full-bodied, oily, spicy and extremely long. Singing at a high pitch indeed. Serve slightly cold only. Nectar for the gods.

Port:

1) 1965 Messias Colheita – $119.99 – great nutty and creme brulee notes, pair with blue-veined cheeses.

2) 1999 Sandeman Vintage Port – $34.99 – the giveaway port of the year. Earlier drinking and it is drinking splendidly. A fraction of what other VP’s costs. Highly recommended.

3) 1991 Graham’s Vintage Port – $121.99 – 21 years young and drinking well. Pair with Stilton and roasted nuts.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

(more…)

Author: Dirk Chan

deVine, International Wine Cellars and the Hardware Grill present a special Burgundy wine pairing dinner with Louis Jadot Export Manager Vianney Gravereaux on Wednesday, October 10th.

This is a not to be missed multi-course dinner designed by Chef extraordinare Larry Stewart. All wines served for dinner will be Premiere and Grand Cru’s with a highlight feature wines being comparison of the stellar 1999 and 2009 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru. We’re all looking forward to this rare opportunity to taste a wide range of fine wines from this famed negociant. Book immediately to avoid disappointment as only 17 spots available for this sit-down event at the Hardware Grill.

Location: The Hardware Grill
Date: Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Time: 6:00pm (reception), 6:30pm sharp (dinner)
Cost: $190 (gratuity & taxes included)
To Register: Call 780-421-9463 or sign-up online at http://devinewines.ca/event.html?id=633

Note: Deadline for registration is midnight Monday, October 8th. Due to the special nature of this event in collaboration with the Hardware Grill, we will require 72 hours notice of cancellation for store credit only. No store credit if cancelling inside of 72 hours or missed tastings.

Below is the food and wine menu:

Reception – Pork Rillette Crostini
– 2009 Chateau des Jacques Moulin-a-Vent (Beaujolais) – $30.99

(more…)

Author: Ed Fong

Alberta Cultures Days 2012 is kicking off this year’s celebration on 104th-Street! On Friday, September 28, 104th-St. will be shut down starting at 7:30am, between Jasper Avenue and 102 Avenue, to jump start the three-day, province wide celebration of Alberta’s culture.

deVine Wines is thrilled to be part of this celebration! Come on for our regular WTF (Wine Tasting Fridays) between 4pm and 7pm. The tasting is free of charge, but a $5 donation to our charity of choice, the Zebra Child Protection Centre, would be greatly appreciated. Representatives from the Zebra Centre will be on hand to explain the work they do to assist children in abusive situations.

Then from 7pm to 9pm, a special fundraiser will be held for the Zebra Centre. To highlight the culinary arts and the use of local, Alberta grown ingredients, Tres Carnales Taqueria will be serving up Tostadas de Pollo Asado (A lightly fried, fresh-made soft corn tortilla adorned with marinated Four Whistle Farms chicken and Sundog Farms organic greens). All of their protein, with the exception of their fresh seafood, comes from within 200km of Edmonton. To learn more about Tres Carnales, please visit their website at www.trescarnales.com

Is there better way to enjoy your Tres Carnales Mexican food experience than to sample it with some locally brewed beer? Edmonton based Alley Kat Brewing Company and Yellowhead Brewery will be on hand to offer you samples of their wonderful beers. Please check out www.alleykatbeer.com and www.yellowheadbrewery.com for more information.

Tickets for the Zebra Centre fundraiser are available at the door only for $5 each. Proceeds will be donated directly to an on-site Zebra representative. Only 100 tickets will be sold on the evening of Sept 28, so come early to avoid disappointment. To learn more about the Zebra Centre, please visit their website at www.zebracentre.ca.

In preparation for the celebration, 104th-St. will be closed on Friday, Sep 28 beginning at 7:30 AM. From 4:30 to 9:30 PM, 104 Street will be alive with free, family friendly activities including live music from Shout Out Out Out Out Out, Mad Bomber Society, Politic Live and DJ Beat Burglar. The main stage will be located near the intersection of 104th-St. and 102nd-Ave. Throughout the block party, visual artists will be creating and sharing their pieces, while the latest Alley of Lights will illuminate the area. Food trucks and a bannock making stand will tempt your taste buds too. The food trucks will be located on the south end of the street near Jasper Avenue. Plans are underway for some of the 104th-St. restaurants to extend their patios for the event. Please stay tuned for more information.

Alberta Culture Days started in 2008 as a one-day event to raise awareness of the importance of culture for healthy communities. The growth and popularity has seen Alberta Culture Days grow to three wildly creative days. All over the province communities host free, family friendly events and activities that showcase Alberta’s arts, heritage and culture. The 104 Street block party will kick-off Culture Days activities being held throughout the Capital City.

The 104th-Street community is thrilled to be selected as the site for this kick-off celebration!

Join us in celebration and become part of Alberta Culture Days 2012! For more information on events happening across the province from September 28 to 30, please visit www.AlbertaCultureDays.ca

(more…)

Author: Ed Fong

A big Thank You! to everyone who came out in support of the YWCA’s “Walk a Mile in her Shoes” fundraiser and wine tasting. Together, we raised and donated $1,625.00. Funds will be used for the YWCA’s Family Violence Prevention Programs.

Thank you to my fellow male teammates who were brave enough to don a pair of heels to make this event a success. From left to right are Chris Arnold in his black, patent heels, myself Ed Fong in 5 inch, pointy toed Italian Gianrico Mori stiletto pumps, Rick Langlois in mid-heeled strappy sandals (note the painted toe nails) and Dirk Chan in eye popping patent red stiletto court shoes. Not pictured is volunteer extraordinaire Bob Parsons. You guys displayed great sportsmanship and agility! Thankfully, no injuries were reported, except for the residual pain of aching calf muscles the following morning. Donalda, thanks for capturing this wonderful moment in time.

We would also like to thank our partnering wine importers who donated all the wonderful vino in support of this event. Bravo to you!

The main event for the Walk a Mile in her Shoes campaign takes place on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at Churchill Square. If you would like to participate or learn more about this event, please visit this page: http://payment.csfm.com/events/ywca_edmonton_pages/index.php

If you would like to make a donation towards my continuing fundraising efforts, please click this link: here..

With your generosity, I have now surpassed by personal goal of raising $2,000 for this very worthy cause. Thank you to all who donated their time, effort, encouragement and financial support.

All the best,

Ed (more…)

Author: Ed Fong

Each December, deVine Wines holds two sold out wine tasting events featuring some of the best value driven wines the team has recently discovered. We will be hosting a special session of Best Bang for the Buck tasting on Thursday, September 6th, in support of the YWCA’s Walk A Mile in Her Shoes Campaign. All gross proceeds will be donated to the YWCA in support of their Family Violence Prevention Programs.

In the spirit of this fundraiser, Ed Fong, Managing Partner of deVine Wines, will serve wine to you in heels that evening. Ed will be joined by his male co-workers “man enough” to walk in similarly attired footwear. As incentive, those men attending the event in women’s shoes will be offered an additional 2% discount (in addition to our regular 10% tasting discount) off the wines tasted. So please come out and show your support for a great cause.

Seven fantastic wines will be showcased at this event: a Prosecco to attenuate your taste buds and set the mood, two whites, three reds and a Vintage Port. Tickets to this fundraiser are $25 each. If you would like to register for this event or view the full menu, please click
here..

Reservations can also be secured by calling the store at 780.421.9463.

Our goal is to sell a minimum of 60 tickets to raise $1,500 for the YWCA (over 50 tickets sold already). In 2010, Ed donned his stiletto pumps and participated in the first Walk a Mile in her Shoes event in Churchill Square. Your support and donations of $1,200 enabled Ed to become the top individual fundraiser in the walk. If you cannot attend the event but would still like to make a donation, please follow this
link..

Your pledge to me will help me reach my personal fundraising goal of $2,000.

To learn more about the Walk a Mile in her Shoes Campaign, please visit the YWCA’s
webpage..

If you want to help break the cycle of family violence and help keep women and children safe, you too can register and join the walk at Churchill Square on September 11.

Lastly, I would like to challenge the men in my industry to take a stand against family violence. If you own a wine or liquor store, a licensed establishment or you are a liquor agent, please join me in this cause. I would love to see your male competitive spirit top my own fundraising goals. To you, I throw down the gauntlet! Are you man enough to stand up to me, in heels!

(more…)

Guest Author: Noreen Hoskins of TEC

TEC Edmonton is participating for the first time in Row for Kids – Hardy staff and incubator tenants at TEC Edmonton have formed a crew of eight to challenge other corporate crews in a bid to raise funds for the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. Race day is on Saturday September 8, 2012.

Row for Kids is a joint fundraiser for the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Edmonton Rowing Club. While PCL Construction Management Inc. initially conceived the program, Golder Associates LTD is the lead for Row for Kids in 2012.

Racing! – I feel the need – the need for speed… (from Top Gun – as if you didn’t know!)
Race Day is always a blast as corporate crews battle it out for the opportunity to raise their hands in victory forever immortalized (cue We Are the Champions). Telford Lake in Leduc, Alberta is the locale for head-to-head races on a 750-metre course. Face painting, Balloon characters, jumping castles – oh my! Bring the kids along because there’s a lot to do at this family-oriented event.

Meeting the fundraising challenge: TEC Edmonton’s WINE GRAB – What would be a race without handicaps? Teams earn three seconds off their race times (up to a maximum of 30 seconds) for each $1,000 they raise. TEC Edmonton is aiming to raise enough money to cushion their efforts – not that we need to, of course. Ergo: TEC Edmonton’s First Annual Wine Grab. Philanthropic wine-lovers can enter to win up to four cases of wine. The cash proceeds of the Wine Grab go directly to the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. Here’s how it works:

1. Peeps pay a $25 entry fee to members of the TEC Edmonton Crew to participate in the Grab;

2. Participants also need to purchase a bottle of wine to donate to the Grab: Any wine donated to the growing pool of wine (the prizes for the Wine Grab draw) must be purchased from deVine Wines & Spirits.

3. With each entry participants will receive a card containing a purchase code: Participants receive a 10% discount when they purchase their “wine donation” in person (must present card) at deVine Wines & Spirits or on deVine’s website (must indicate purchase code in the ‘Customer Comments box’ to receive the discount) – devinewines.ca. Random draws will determine the winners of multiples of four cases (or partial for the last draw).

Please Note: A minimum purchase of $24.99 is required for the “wine donation”. All bottles purchased for the Wine Grab will be safely stored at Devine Wines after purchase (i.e. you purchase the wines at deVine Wines but you don’t take it with you). The more memberships you buy, the better odds of winning!

TEC Edmonton will have a table set up at deVine Wines on Saturday September 1, 2012 from 11am to 3pm. Come on down to purchase your tickets for the Wine Grab, and sample some wines in the process. Can’t make it? Contact the TEC Edmonton Crew by email at tecwinegrab@gmail.com to inquire about participating.

(more…)