That was the best event we can remember ever going to. My wife spent some time at LCBO today and tells me we now have a taste of Tuscany in our collection with our new knowledge from last night’s sommelier led dinner.
It’s time to Clink & Drink Pink! Summer is finally here & at Savvy Company HQ…that means relaxing on the deck or dock with a glass of Rosé wine in hand. And like everything we do at Savvy Company…we make it easy to have your fridge full of refreshing Rosé wines all summer long.
Choosing & stocking up on Rosé wines to enjoy this summer shouldn’t be a chore. So we’ve made it absolutely EASY & HASSLE free. Our Savvy Sommeliers have done the “tough work” – we have been sipping & sampling Ontario Rosé wines since the snow melted & have picked the most refreshing Rosé wines for our Deck Party Packs.
In July & August we will deliver different Deck Party Packs– either 6 bottles or a full case of 12 bottles of dry, crisp & delicious Rosé wines that will bust any heatwave & quench your thirst.
The COOLEST part… The Rosé wines we’ll send you AREN’T on the shelves at the LCBO.
Different wines each month! Our Deck Party Packschange every month giving you the best Rosé wines to enjoy all summer long. Here’s the Rosé wines we are featuring in July:
July Deck Party Pack – 6 bottles
Casa-Dea Estates Cabernet Franc Rosé … from Prince Edward County Kacaba Vineyards Rebecca Rosé … from Niagara KIN Vineyards Rosé … from Ottawa The Good Earth Rosé … from Niagara Vieni Estates Alleria Rosé … from Niagara Vieni Estates Bruce Trail Sparkling Rosé … from Niagara
Price: only $105!
July Deck Party Pack – 12 bottles
All of the Rosé wines above PLUS:
Casa-Dea Estates Sparkling Rosé … from The County Huff Estates Rosé … from The County Southbrook Seriously Cool Rosé … from Niagara-on-the-Lake Southbrook Estate Rosé … from Niagara-on-the-Lake Vieni Estates Momenti Rosé Sparkling … from Niagara Westcott Delphine Rosé … from Niagara
Stock up by ordering just July’s Deck Party Pack OR choose to auto-magically receive July AND August’s without lifting a finger. FREE shipping to addresses in major cities in Ontario.
Fine Print: if you don’t want sparkling wines in your Deck Party Pack, let us know & we will swap them out for a non-bubbly rosé wine – no problemo! Make room in your cooler! Place your order>
HOT PINK OFFER!
Order 12 & we’ll give you $50!
Order the July Deck Party Pack – 12 bottles and we’ll give you $50 off tickets to our next Taste & Buy event.
Pair like a Pro!
What summertime dishes to serve with Rosé? Our Sommeliers are posting easy-peasy recipes EVERY DAY – until the order deadline of July 16th. Each recipe is paired with an Ontario Rosé wine. Trust me…you’ll be craving for a glass of Rosé from our Deck Party Packwhen you read our tasting notes & see the pix of the dishes we paired with Rosé wines. Yum! Click to read our Rosé Report blog & check out the cool recipes >>
Corks will be popping at this all-Canadian Taste & Buy as we celebrate winemakers who have worked incredibly hard to put our country on the world wine map. Meet these Canadian wine rockstars, taste their wines that are WOWing the world…then order your favs to enjoy at home.
It’s THE event you have been waiting for…
The #1 question we get asked: Can you buy from BC, NS & Quebec wineries as well those in Ontario? YES you can! Oh Canada! Celebrate Red & White Taste & Buy event is all about ordering wines from BC, NS, Quebec and Ontario…then have them delivered directly to your home or office to enjoy all summer long.
What goes best with Canadian wines? Canadian artisan cheese of course! Cheesemakers & our Cheese Sommelier will be serving samples of award-winning cheeses that you can buy onsite too.
Create your own combo of Canadian wines to have delivered to your home after the event. You won’t find any of the featured wines at the LCBO – the wines will be delivered straight from the winery anywhere in Canada directly to you. AND…there’s FREE shippingon 6 or more bottles of your top picks.
Bring a picnic basket & fill it up with artisan cheeses & gourmet treats too.
You’ll enjoy red carpet treatment with advance access from 5 to 7pm to spend more time sipping & meeting the makers. Stay as long as you like for the main event.
DATE: Thursday June 22 – next week! VENUE: Horticulture Building @ Lansdowne Complex in Ottawa
TIMES: V.I.T. Reception – 5 to 7pm ($25 upgrade pass per person is required) Main Event – 7 to 9pm
ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY: $80 + bring a friend FREE OR Group of 4 people for $150 IDEA: Take the bus. OC Transpo is FREE – simply show a printout of your ticket.
Wear Red & White…Win $50
Be a proud Canadian – come to this Taste & Buy event dressed head to toe in red & white and we’ll automatically give you $50 off your ticket to our next Savvy Event.
Unable to make it, but want to order?
Don’t sweat it! The Savvy Team will help you stock up on featured wines showcased at this event. Call 613-SAVVYCO (728-8926) or email us & we’ll send you the complete list of wines & online order form. You too can get FREE shipping – your order needs to be received by midnight on Sunday June 25.
WIN TICKETS! Go on the Savvy Scavenger Hunt…
Find this video on our Facebook or Instagram pages, then…LIKE it & POST the name of your favorite Canadian wine. On Monday, we’ll pick 2 lucky people to receive a pair of tickets & V.I.T. Passes to join us at Oh Canada! Celebrate Red & White. It’s easy to win! On your mark…Get Set…GO!!!
Psst…it’s Father’s Day weekend!
Yikes…totally forgot? Our #1 Father’s Day gift is a subscription to our Savvy Hip Hops beer-o-month club.
Click here to subscribe your Dad for 4 or 6 months & his fridge will auto-magically be filled with the best craft beers from a different Ontario brewery each month – bottles, growlers & cans not available at LCBO or The Beer Store. 100% guaranteed to make your Dad smile from beer to beer!
We’re hiring…
We have cool summer job opportunities for a high school or university students to work with the Savvy Team at Savvy HQ in Ottawa. We’re looking for creative & savvy students who are keen to learn about Canadian wine, artisan cheese, craft beer & cider.
Interested?Contact us on 613-SAVVYCO (728-8926) or send your resume to cheers@savvycompany.ca
One of the oldest and best established wineries in Prince Edward County, Huff Estates has blazed the trail for the County’s cool climate techniques. From burying vines in winter to experimenting with sparkling wines, Huff is always at the forefront.
In this month’s Savvy Selections, we’re trying a new format to discover more about what life is like for Huff Estates’ long-serving winemaker, Frédéric Picard, with his answers to our Twenty Questions.
Get ready to uncork & enjoy your Savvy Selections…
In your Savvy Selections you will find three of our favorite Huff wines that we chose for you:
2014 South Bay Vineyard Chardonnay – Rich and flavourful, with just a whisper of oak.
2013 Gamay – A savoury red that leaves a big impression.
2014 South Bay Vineyard Merlot – Replete with ripe fruit and mouthwatering acidity, this is a great food wine.
The Best of the County
Huff Estates has built its reputation on offering dependable, delicious wines that show off Prince Edward County’s unique terroir. These wines are ready to drink, though they could be cellared for a year or two. Our Savvy Sommeliers know you’ll love them as much as we do!
20 Questions with Frédéric Picard
Presented by Sommelier David Loan
We are trying something different for fun & to keep digging deeper to get some interesting ‘dirt’ (being a it cheeky here) about the dynamic people behind the wines that we feature. Not only are they great winemakers, they are people too with neat stories about how they got into the wine world.
No one likes to be in the hot seat with Twenty Questions being fired at you for quick on-the-spot answers. Here we present Frederic Picard & his backstory…(imagine said with his French accent!)
Location: Huff Estates
Current Job: Winemaker
What drink would you like right this minute? A beer. I’m a winemaker! (says with a chuckle)
When you were 10, what did you want to be when you grew up? A mechanic.
What was the very first winery that you ever visited? A winery in Meursault with my Dad. I was very young.
What wine got you hooked? Burgundy wines, especially chardonnays.
Take a few minutes and jot down the path to becoming the winemaker you are today: Adventurous, curious, enthusiast and wine lover!
My winemaking style in 3 words:
Balance, elegance and respectful.
Is there music playing in the cellar right now? No.
Favorite thing about the local wine industry: You can taste and compare with what you make.
Favorite thing about growing grapes: Making wine with them!
What part of winemaking are you always trying new things? Fermentation and barrel ageing.
What is the unglamorous thing about winemaking? Cleaning.
Industry Mentors:
All the winemakers I worked with.
Personal Mentors: My parents.
What wine region do you want to visit next? Rioja.
One surprising thing that I’m really good at: Cleaning!
When is your birthday (no year required!) May 24th.
My Birthday “Favorite Meal”: Good cheeses, fresh bread and wines that I never tasted before.
A funny moment you remember about visitors coming to the winery: A group of people came a few years ago and started to sing in the middle of the retail store! It was really nice and unexpected!
We hope you love these beautiful Huff wines every bit as much as we do!
~ SAVVY SOMMELIER TASTING NOTES ~
For your Savvy Selection this month, we’ve chosen three wines that beautifully showcase Frederic’s talent. We know that you’ll love the remarkable flavours of these unique wines, along with some delicious recipes that will perfectly match food and drink.
South Bay Vineyards Chardonnay VQA Prince Edward County 2014
$30
Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: Winner of the 2016 Intervin “Honours” medal and Wine Align 2016 Silver medal, we think you’ll find this a big winner, too! The nose offers classic Chardonnay notes: apricot, green apple, and peach with a hint of minerality. There’s some nice acid on the finish, along with more of that peach and steeliness. But it also offers coconut and nuts, showing the winemaker’s delicate touch with oak.
Suggested Food Pairings: How about a pumpkin ravioli with cream sauce for your après ski supper? This will be perfect! Recipe below.
Cellaring: Drink at 8-9ºC within two years.
Gamay VQA Creek Shores 2013, $25
Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: Gamay is a grape that does very well in Ontario’s cool climate, where it often produces lighter bodied wines.
Here’s an exception: Huff’s Gamay has big flavours of candied dark cherries, smoke, and leather in a medium bodied wine. Tannins are soft but chewy, and there’s a hint of black licorice on the lonnnggg finish.
Suggested Food Pairings: Our tasting team had lots of ideas for this one: pork tenderloin, roast chicken, chicken pot pie. But we settled on something a bit more exotic – Mongolian Hot Pot! Recipe follows
Cellaring: Ready to drink now, this could be cellared for up to three years. Serve cool but not cold: 12-14ºC.
South Bay Vineyards Merlot VQA Prince Edward County 2014 Savvy Special Price: $32 (regular $40)
Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: Pouring an opaque purple, this full-bodied Merlot was a hit with our tasters! There’s lots of dark fruit and chocolate here, with notes of coffee, plums, leather, and jam. The acidity is on the higher side, so this is VERY food-friendly. Tannins are soft and elegant.
Suggested Food Pairings: Here’s a terrific wine for your Sunday roast beef, served with a traditional Yorkshire pudding. Recipe below.
Cellaring: Drinking well now, this can cellar 3-5 years. Serve at 14-16ºC.
~ RECIPES TO ENJOY WITH YOUR SAVVY SELECTIONS ~
With Huff South Bay Vineyards Chardonnay … Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Cream Sauce
1 8- to 9-ounce package refrigerated pumpkin or squash ravioli
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup finely chopped shallots
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage or 1 1/2 teaspoons crumbled dried sage leaves
3/4 cup dry white wine
2/3 cup whipping cream
Parmesan cheese shavings
Method
Cook ravioli in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, about 8 minutes. Drain well.
Meanwhile, melt butter in heavy medium skillet over medium heat. Add pecans and stir until slightly darker and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer pecans to small bowl. Add shallots and sage to same skillet. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add wine and cream. Increase heat and boil until sauce is reduced to generous 3/4 cup, about 5 minutes.
Add ravioli to sauce; toss. Season with salt and pepper. Divide between bowls. Sprinkle with pecans and Parmesan.
Don’t get put off by the number of ingredients here. You can as many or as few condiments as you wish, and the list of dipping items is entirely optional to your tastes.
Ingredients
For the soup base:
2 tablespoons oil
6 slices ginger
3-5 bay leaves
10 cloves garlic, peeled
1 cinnamon stick
5 star anise
10 cloves
1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
12 whole dried red chilies
1 package spicy hot pot soup base
12-15 cups chicken stock
Optional condiment:
Soy sauce
Sacha sauce
Chili oil or paste
Chinese black vinegar or rice vinegar
Sesame paste or peanut butter
Sesame oil
Sesame seeds
Chopped peanuts
Chopped cilantro
Chopped scallions
Chopped garlic
Suggested items for cooking:
Thinly shaved beef or lamb
Sliced chicken
Assorted fish balls (you can buy these pre-made at Asian grocery stores)
Thinly sliced fish fillets (tender white fish like tilapia or sea bass work well for this)
Slices of firm tofu
Soy puffs (fried tofu puffs)
Straw, Shiitake or Wood Ear mushrooms
Fresh noodles
Glass noodles (mung bean vermicelli)
Prepared frozen dumplings or wontons
Chinese rice cakes (like these)
Choy sum or bok choy
Green leaf lettuce
Napa cabbage
Method
For the soup base:
In a wok over medium heat, add the oil and the ginger. Cook the ginger for about a minute until caramelized, making sure it doesn’t burn. Add the bay leaves, whole garlic cloves, cinnamon stick, star anise, and cloves. Cook for another 2 minutes, until very fragrant.
Add the Sichuan peppercorns, dried chilies (whole), and the spicy hot pot soup base. Cook for another 2 minutes, and then add the chicken stock. Bring to a boil and transfer to the pot you’ll be using for your hot pot meal. You want the pot to be relatively wide and at least 6 inches deep.
To make the dipping sauce, simply combine whatever mix of ingredients you like.
To assemble the hotpot, simply plug in your hot plate, place the prepared pot of broth on top, and bring to a low boil or simmer. Place all your prepared ingredients around it, have everyone mix up their own dipping sauces, and dive in.
Each person just takes whatever they want, adds it to the pot, waits for it to cook, and then dips it into their sauce. As the water evaporates as you’re cooking, add boiling water to the pot as needed. You can also serve rice with hot pot (we do), but it’s not mandatory.
With Huff South Bay Vineyards Merlot… Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding
Fore rib beef (about 4 kg), French trimmed, on the bone, chined
Olive oil
Salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
For the Yorkshire pudding:
3 eggs
115g/4oz flour
275ml/½ pint milk
Beef dripping
Salt
Method
Preheat the oven to its highest setting.
Rub the beef with the olive oil, salt and pepper all over.
Put a heavy-based roasting tray on the hob and when hot, add the beef. Sear the beef quickly on all sides to colour and crisp the outside.
Transfer the beef immediately to the oven and leave the oven on its highest setting (about 460F) for 20 minutes.
Reduce the heat to 375F and roast for half an hour per kilo for rare, adding another ten minutes per kilo for medium rare, 20 minutes per kilo for medium, and 30 minutes per kilo for well done. Remove the beef from the oven, transfer it to a carving board and cover with foil. Allow it to rest in a warm place for 30 minutes.
For the Yorkshire pudding, mix together the eggs, flour and a pinch of salt. Add the milk, stirring constantly, until you have a runny batter. Leave this to rest, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours.
Place ½ inch of beef dripping in the bottom of each pudding mould, or if you are using a rectangular roasting tray, place ½ inch of beef dripping across the bottom. Heat the dripping in the oven (at 460F) for about ten minutes, until it is piping hot.
Remove the roasting tray from the oven, pour in the batter, and immediately return to the oven. Bake for 25 minutes, until golden brown and crispy, making sure not to open the oven door for the first 20 minutes.
County in the Capitalis happening again on Thursday April 20, 2017. It is another sellout event. This year there is even MOREneat bevvies to try…and buy. 150+ wines, craft beers, ciders & spirits too. And of course there will be artisan cheese & treats too!
Below is the list of bevvies that will be available for you to sip & sample. These gems are not at the LCBO, so this evening is designed to try as many as you like…then order those you want to enjoy at home. Just like ordering from Amazon or your favorite online shop, you can have bottles delivered to your home or office.
County in the Capital is so popular that every year we host the event in a bigger space…yet we always sell out! It’s a special occasion to have all of Prince Edward County under 1 roof AND to have them all in Ottawa.
Look what bevvies will be available to Taste & Buy:
To top it all off, these cool creations will also be featured:
Cheesemakers…
5th Town Artisan Cheese
La Fromagerie Folie Bergeres
Gourmet Artisans…
Abeego
County Posters
Emerson Pringle Carpentry
Prince Edward County Hot Sauce Company
Travel & Tourism…
Prince Edward County Tourism
Mark our words, County in the Capitalis ALWAYSa fun night out…and you will get lots of tips on places to visit when you head down to The County. Here’s our top 101 to do in PEC tips to get you started!
They’re ba-a-a-a-a-ck! On Thursday April 20th, the 6th annual County in the Capital will be THE event in Ottawa to meet the makers of wines, spirits, craft beers & ciders all made in Prince Edward County. And there will be artisan cheese as well as gourmet artisan goodies.
Oh…so many bevvies to Try & Buy
There will be something for everyone – sparkling, white, rose, red & dessert wines along with refreshing craft ciders, beers & artisan spirits too. All of the bevvies at this event are ones that you probably haven’t tried before. You definitely won’t find them at your local LCBO, grocery stores or The Beer Store. This is one of the neat things about our Taste & Buy events…you get to sample the newest bevvies & meet the cool people who make them.
Mark my word, there will be over 100 different drinks to try and buy. To help you prep your power shopping, we will email you the entire list of featured products AND at the event, our team of Savvy Sommeliers will be on hand to give you tips & help you find new County favorites.
Shopping never tasted this good!
This night is all about stocking up on your new found favorites. When you order ANY combination of 6, 12 or more bottles from ANY of the showcased wineries, breweries, cideries or distilleries, shipping is absolutely FREE. Your parcel will be hand delivered by courier to your home or office soon after the event. It is that easy to always have The County at your fingertips.
The Savvy Team is ready to help you stock up on your County favorites. Simply call 613-SAVVYCO (728-8926) to place your order. FREE shipping applies to orders received by April 23rd.
Prince Edward County…if you haven’t been…Start the car! Make a point to book a family vacation, play hooky and spend a long weekend or make a day of it. The County awaits! To compile the 100+ things to do, I asked the locals and tourist for their tips. I was overwhelmed by the response….and as I write this article, more recommendations are flooding my inbox…and I will add updates to keep this list up to date.
101 Things (or more) to do in Prince Edward County
I have to admit that I haven’t done ALL the things on this list, but certainly plan to jump in my car soon! For starters… I always recommend getting off Highway 401 and taking the Glenora Ferry. This free ferry ride is less than 10 minutes (check the departure schedule). Mark my words, this ride will reset your pace to ‘County time’. Breathe in the fresh air, enjoy being surrounded by water and get the welcoming 2 fingered wave from the ferry driver as you arrive.
Water all around
Be baffled by the geography of Lake on the Mountain. This unique body of water is one of Ontario’s natural wonders defying geographical and geological theories. Ponder its mystery over a drink at the Miller House Café and Brasserie…you can stay overnight here too!
Visit Angeline’s Inn in Bloomfield & pick up some of their neat postcards with historical photos of The County in years gone by. While you are there, book your reservation for lunch or dinner at The Hubb Eatery & Lounge. You will definitely make delicious memories here!
Craving a pizza? There are several wineries that have a wood oven pizza place including Norman Hardie Winery – the perfect place for pizza and a Pinot Noir (try saying that fast!)
Cuddle baby lambs & explore forest trails to walk off the amazing meal of farm to table cuisine enjoyed at Windhover County – a 140 year old Victorian Farm that has been transformed into a boutique inn.
Take a break from gourmet meals and make your way to the Lighthouse Restaurant at the Picton Harbour Inn – a popular local hot spot for breakfast – best sausages ‘n eggs, mile high pancakes &french toast in town.
Hands down the best old fashioned doughnuts are at Schroedter’s Farm Market Bakery & Cafe. If you don’t have a sweet tooth, a bowl of homemade soup&sandwiches will hit the spot. There are great gluten free goodies too.
Take a break from visiting wineries and stop in to visit the Pyramid Ferments Gut Hut. A wide variety of artisan made Sauerkrauts, Kimchis and Kombuchas – all using seasonal ingredients – are made in small batches.
Think there’s no nightlife in The County? Ha! You haven’t been to the movies at Mustang Drive-In on County Road 1.
Picton’s Main street has got it all. At The Regent Theatre, check out the list of movies, live musical performances & special talks as well as the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival. While you are there, snap a selfie with Sir John A Macdonald. His statue is located in front of the Armory.
Best view in town
The locals share this secret: enjoy the view of Picton from the Millenium Lookout – access it from County Road 22
Chat with Bryan at Keint-He Winery. He’ll help you pronounce that!
An open invitation to everyone! Brett French – the brewer at Barley Days Brewery – gives anyone reading this an invitation to drop by to sample his beers…ask for him and he will give you the skinny on how he makes each. And County Road Beer Co. just opened, so be sure to stop in here too!
Prince Edward County is known as a wine region, yet there is a distillery – 66 Gilead – that is neat place to visit & try their Canadian Pine Vodka, Loyalist Gin, rums & whiskies too.
Want some exercise?
A local favorite bike ride is along Big Island Road following the beach on the northeast shore of Prince Edward County as well as along the Loyalist Parkway (Highway 33).
Drive or bike along the Barn Quilt Trail. There are over 100 barnswith painted quilts – neat!
See a sea of purple at the Prince Edward County Lavender Farm. Tip: plan to visit the Lavender Festival or stop in when the plants are in bloom in mid to late June. Take photos in the gardens, learn how lavender is harvested & the oil is made. If you are lucky – stay at the B&B there too.
The locals raved about –Birdhouse City with over 100 birdhouses of reproductions of historic buildings, whimsical designs & other recognizable structures.
Lose yourself flipping through neat books at Books & Company or the cool consignment shop – City Revival – on Main Street in Picton.
Too many galleries to visit in one weekend! Some to make sure to visit: Oeno Gallery(photo at right courtesy of Oeno Gallery)Huff Estates Winery, Love Nest Studios. Follow the Arts Trail to discover incredible local artists along the way.
Crazy about airplanes? Lock-Sloy (aka Camp Picton) is one of Canada’s last intact 1940 British Commonwealth Air Training sites. Driving through here, it is easy to imagine what this place was like in the hay day.
If lighthouses are your ‘thing’, then make sure to visit Point Petre and South Bay Lighthouse – bring some local wine & cheese to have a picnic.
If vintage cars are your ‘thing’, then plan your trip to Prince Edward County to take in the Street Meet in early August. It is a blast reliving the past at this annual car show with over 200 classic cars come from all corners of Ontario and Quebec.
Visit North America’s largest dry stone bridge (in photo at right) at Karlo Estates – made by the winery owner & friends. A great place for a family photo or a picnic.
Sit on the porch at a B&B or your weekend cottage and read Geoff Heinrick’s book A Fool & Forty Acres all about the hard work of getting a vineyard planted in The County.
Take a cooking class at From the Farm. Tell Cynthia that we say hi!
Festivals galore
Festivals that will give you a taste of The County: Maple in the County in March, then in May – Terroir where winemakers and artisan food producers are all under one roof. The Great Canadian Cheese Festival in June is a weekend of 100% Canadian artisan cheese (and wine and beer too).
TASTE – Community Grown in September (in photo at left) celebrates the harvest with local wines, ciders and farm fresh goodies. Join the fun at Wassail – a pre-Christmas festival where you sing for your drink. Check www.visitthecounty.ca for a comprehensive calendar.
Dining delight – Countylicious – twice a year, 8 restos offer a prix fixe culinary celebration for $30 or $35 plus grats & tax.
Red White & Blues festival at Rosehall Run features music in the vineyard.
Cool Collectibles
Collect a couple or all 8 of the cool County Posters with neat illustrations of all corners of Prince Edward County to remind you of the fun discoveries you had on your County getaway (photo attached –credit illustration by Marc Keelan-Bishop).
Sisters Jane Rutter & Susan Felton have brought pieces of history & heritage memorabilia back to life at the cool shop called Cannery Row.
Stop in at Highline to grab a box of their gourmet mushrooms.
Only have time for a quick visit?
Go to the brand new The Local Store where all kinds of County treasures, artists & food stuffs are under one roof…in a heritage Loyalist barn.
Send us your tips on PEC!
As you can see, there are oodles of things to do in The County. While only 2 hours from Toronto or 3 hours from Ottawa, it is a place where you can really switch off! In fact, there are over 1000 places where you will probably lose cell phone reception.
Have fun as you discover Prince Edward County & email us with your favorite spots!
–Debbie
Can’t get away? Don’t worry….The County is coming to Ottawa!
Prep for your road trip by attending County in the Capital. Meet the makers from 20+ wineries, cideries, breweries &artisan food producers – all from The County. This is a unique opportunity to Taste & Buy your new favorites
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday April 20th Time: 7 to 9pm
Place: Ottawa City Hall
Entry: Advance Tickets only: $55 (bring a friend for $5) www.countycomes2ottawa.eventbrite.ca
This article was written by Savvy Sommelier Debbie Trenholm & will be featured in Ottawa Life Magazine on May 22.
Summer is here and Canada Day is just around the corner! The great weather and the onset of outdoor festivals truly mean that it’s blue-sky & rosé-wine time. Our One Dozen Rosés is back by popular demand and you can read all about the aromas & tastes of each bottle you will receive in your assorted case of Rosé wine.
Each month, our Rosé Reportwill take the guess work out of what taste awaits in many bottles of rosés. Watch this space for the full report throughout the summer at www.savvycompany.ca/rose-report. Each week we will highlight a couple of must try Ontario Rosés that are enjoyed when you open a bottle of our One Dozen Rosés.
Come summer, it’s so easy to be a big fan of rosé. Chilled and off-dry, it pairs beautiful with whatever you bring home from the farmer’s market. That’s why we’re all so excited about our latest venture. No more waiting in hot, sticky lines at the LCBO!
Huff’s winemaker Frederic Picard is true to his French roots when making wines at Huff Estates. Raised amongst the vineyards and wineries in Burgundy France, this man has wine running through his veins. Both of the selected wines from Huff are great examples of how Frederic lends his winemaking talent (nurtured in France, South Africa & other parts of the world) to craft elegant wines in Prince Edward County. Get your wine glasses ready!
Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: Everything about this wine exudes fun – the colour, the refreshing dry tastes and all of the possibilities for food pairings. Made with 100% Pinot Noir grapes, the wine is made using the classic French Méthode Champagnoise that is aptly named for the winemaking technique for Champagne. The second fermentation (that creates the bubbles) happens in each individual bottle.
A vibrant cranberry coloured bubbly with a lovely nose of red fruit, a touch of mineral and a hint of sweet citrus (pink grapefruit or blood orange). Very dry and medium bodied, it’s juicy and refreshing with tastes of red cherries, berries and tangy cranberries that play through garnished by a lively touch of white pepper on the finish.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Put in your fridge for any occasion (we do!) – a beautiful sunset, friends dropping by or why not begin a long weekend with the popping of its cork! Below we share with you a stunning looking (and delicious) Gorgonzola and Strawberry Canapé that is easy to make. Chill & enjoy every sip of this sparkling wine.
This is one of Huff’s signature wines. Rosé lovers clamour for it every year.
Sommeliers Tasting Notes: Lively, this refreshing wine is bone dry with a light pink hue that resembles classic Rosé wines from Tavel, France. In two words: pink grapefruit. Added to that, light floral notes with citrus (think lime and mandarin) to create a well-crafted refreshing balance. Made with 100% Cabernet Franc grapes grown in The County, there is the regional characteristic minerality & crisp acidity that makes this a class act wine. Now that you’ve been tipped off about this wine, you’ll be on the lookout for it each year. Always a solid wine.
Food Pairing suggestions: Serve chilled on its own to unwind, with sushi or pack for a picnic. Below we have included the Smoked Salmon Sushi Pizza recipe to make for your next picnic.
~ Recipes to enjoy with your Rosés ~
With Cuvée Janine…
Gorgonzola & Strawberry Canapés
Crisp, golden toasts are ideal for the bold, herb flavour of the Gorgonzola. A fruity and colourful topping of strawberries or grapes makes this an enjoyable fresh canapé, perfect for summer entertaining.
Ingredients
6 slices bakery white sandwich bread
2 Tbsp (25 mL) unsalted butter, melted
Freshly ground black pepper
6 oz (175 g) Gorgonzola cheese, softened
3 Tbsp (45 mL) whipping cream
2 Tbsp (25 mL) chopped fresh basil
1 tsp (5 mL) chopped fresh thyme
¼ cup (50 mL) chopped toasted walnuts or pecans
12 small strawberries, sliced or 6 each seedless red and green grapes, quartered
Method
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Trim crusts off bread and cut each slice into 4 squares. Brush with butter and place on baking sheet. Sprinkle with pepper.
Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden. Let cool completely.
Using electric hand mixer, beat Gorgonzola, cream, basil and thyme together until very smooth. Spread evenly on toasts. Sprinkle each with walnuts. Top each toast with strawberry slices or 1 of each grape quarters.
With Huff Rosé…
Smoked Salmon Sushi Pizza
From Bonnie Stern’s Kitchen www.bonniestern.com(recipe & photo credits)
Serves 16 to 25 pieces
Ingredients
2 cups (500 mL) short grain sushi rice
2 ¼ cups (550 mL) cold water
¼ cup (50 mL) seasoned rice vinegar
36 very thin slices English cucumber
¼ lb (125 g) lox or smoked salmon, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp (25 mL) honey mustard or 1 tbsp (15 mL) prepared wasabi
¼ cup (50 mL) light mayo or yogurt
1 sheet toasted nori (about 8×7 inches/20×18 cm)
¼ cup (50 mL) chopped fresh chives or green onions
1 Tbsp (15 mL) toasted sesame seeds
Method
Rinse rice in several changes of water until water runs clear Drain well. In a medium heavy pot, combine rice and cold water. Allow to rest for 15-30 minutes.
Bring rice to a boil, covered, on medium-high heat. Boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat to low and cook for another 10 minutes. Do not lift lid at any time during cooking and resting.
Transfer rice to large bowl and gently toss with vinegar. If rice tastes perfect, add a bit more vinegar (vinegar taste will dissipate as rice cools). Cover rice with damp towel if not using right away.
Line an 8 inch (1.5 mL) square baking dish with plastic wrap. Arrange cucumber slices, overlapping slightly, on bottom. Arrange smoked salmon slices on top of cucumber. Combine mustard and mayonnaise/yogurt and spread over salmon.
Gently and carefully spread half the sushi rice on top of the salmon. Dip your fingers into a bowl of water and gently pat down the rice. Place square of nori on top of rice. Pat on remaining rice. Cover with plastic wrap and weigh down with several heavy cans of food. Refrigerate for a few hours.
To serve, unwrap and invert onto a square serving platter. Sprinkle with chives and sesame seeds. Cut into small squares.
Watch this spot for more delicious Rosé wines & tasty dishes to accompany them.
It’s time to raise a glass of Rosé wine to welcome in summer…our One Dozen Rosésis back! For the second year in a row, we’re offering an assorted case of refreshing & delicious Rosé wines crafted in Ontario to be delivered to your home, office or even cottage. Our team of Savvy Sommeliers has tasted too-many-to-count bottles to hand-pick this selection for your enjoyment all summer long. In fact, there were so many great Rosé wines that we’re offering a different One Dozen Rosés each month.
Grab your corkscrew or crack open the seal on these Rosé wines to enjoy with a picnic, serve with lunch or better yet…watch the sunset as you unwind on your deck or your dock.
Each Rosé wine has a cool story. To add to your enjoyment of the selected wines, our Savvy Sommeliers have compiled this Rosé Report – a different one will appear here each month – with our Sommeliers’ tasting notes for each wine in your assortment along with some easy summertime recipes from our kitchen to yours.
Winemaker Frederic Picard is true to his French roots when making wines at Huff Estates. Raised amongst the vineyards and wineries in Burgundy France, this man has wine running through his veins. Both of the selected wines from Huff are great examples of how Frederic lends his winemaking talent (nurtured in France, South Africa & other parts of the world) to craft elegant wines in Prince Edward County.
A special price on this Bubbly! We were delighted when the team at Huff Estates offered us an extra special price (regular $30) so we could include this bubbly in this month’s assortment.
Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: Everything about this wine exudes fun – the colour, the refreshing dry tastes and all of the possibilities for food pairings. Made with 100% Pinot Noir grapes, the wine is made using the classic French Méthode Champagnoise that is aptly named for the winemaking technique for Champagne. The second fermentation (that creates the bubbles) happens in each individual bottle.
A vibrant cranberry coloured bubbly with a lovely nose of red fruit, a touch of mineral and a hint of sweet citrus (pink grapefruit or blood orange). Very dry and medium bodied, it’s juicy and refreshing with tastes of red cherries, berries and tangy cranberries that play through garnished by a lively touch of white pepper on the finish.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Put in your fridge for any occasion (we do!) – a beautiful sunset, friends dropping by or why not begin a long weekend with the popping of its cork! In our Rosé Recipe Box, we share with you a stunning looking (and delicious) Gorgonzola and Strawberry Canapé that is easy to make. Chill & enjoy every sip of this sparkling wine.
This is one of Huff’s signature wines. Rosé lovers clamour for it every year.
Sommeliers Tasting Notes: Lively, this refreshing wine is bone dry with a light pink hue that resembles classic Rosé wines from Tavel, France. In two words: pink grapefruit. Added to that, light floral notes with citrus (think lime and mandarin) to create a well-crafted refreshing balance. Made with 100% Cabernet Franc grapes grown in The County, there is the regional characteristic minerality & crisp acidity that makes this a class act wine. Now that you’ve been tipped off about this wine, you’ll be on the lookout for it each year. Always a solid wine.
Food Pairing suggestions: Serve chilled on its own to unwind, with sushi or pack for a picnic. In our Rosé Recipe Box, we have included the Smoked Salmon Sushi Pizza recipe to make for your next picnic.
$15.70 Niagara-on-the-Lake
This boutique winery has a growing reputation for making outstanding wines. Sandwiched between the 20 Valley region and Niagara-on-the-Lake, this is definitely worth the stop…and they have a wonderful B&B on the estate!
Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: A stunning colour in the glass. Aromas of beets, candy floss, it smells sweeter than it is…in fact, it is deliciously dry. Each sip is loaded with tastes of red fruit (cherry, raspberry or strawberry perhaps). This Rosé has a nice refreshing acidity, a long berry finish. Bring on summer with this outstanding wine!
Suggested Food Pairing: Another one to pack for a picnic or serve on the dock. Chill & pack in your basket (no need for a corkscrew) to enjoy with tabbouleh, hummus, quinoa salad. In our Rosé Recipe Box, we have included a Chickpea, Barley & Feta Salad that will do the trick!
$14.95
Beamsville Bench (Niagara Escarpment)
Looking for great red wines made in Ontario? Kacaba is definitely one of our top picks. This year’s of rosé wine is made with 100% Gamay grapes grown on the estate, this is ‘not just another summer sipper’ states John Tummon, Kacaba’s winemaker. It is a wine to be enjoyed year round… before or during a meal.
Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: Bright cotton candy pink colour. Concentrated aromas of fresh juicy red cherries, ripe red berries and cotton candy of course! These aromas continue into the taste with an added cranberry flavour to give it even more body. A smooth texture in your mouth, this bright and refreshing wine is so easy to enjoy.
Suggested Food Pairing: One definitely to serve during a meal – lunch or dinner. Chicken satay, grilled vegetable kebabs would be delicious. We also think that it would be perfectly paired with pan seared fish – such as the perch recipe that we’ve provided for you from Port Restaurant located in Pickering. The recipe is found in our Rosé Recipe Box. Enjoy!
$15.00
Beamsville Bench (Niagara Escarpment)
From the family run winery and Ontario’s first Meadery, this year’s Rosé from Rosewood is 100% Pinot Noir grapes. The wine was made with the skins intact with the juice for 3-5 days then fermented until it reached the fruity flavours and the colour that the winemaker wanted to create.
Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: One word will describe this wine: STRAWBERRY. From its colour, the aroma and taste, this wine has the wonderful summery taste of fresh strawberries. “It has the zippiness of rhubarb too”, commented Savvy Sommelier Debbie during the Savvy Team tasting of 40+ Rosé wines. A very well-balanced, smooth wine that combines notes of strawberry tastes of watermelon and freshly crushed ripe berries – all things that are iconic about summer.
Suggested Food Pairing: This is a no fuss wine. It would be delicious with anything off the grill, seafood, homemade pizza, charcuterie and light meals. Try something completely different – Beet-zza! We will provide this cool new recipe in our Rosé Recipe Box.
$17.00
Beamsville Bench (Niagara Escarpment)
This has been an amazing year for our friend Sue-Ann. In April, she decided to finish the chapter of her career where she was making wine at other wineries and focus 100% on her namesake winery – Sue-Ann Staff Estates. And the decision quickly paid off. Her new Fancy Farm Girl wine brand has won label design awards as well as accolades for her wines. This one is the Rosé in her portfolio. Be sure to read the back label to learn more about Sue-Ann’s style – a farm girl who loves to be a diva too!
Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: The bright coral pink colour alludes to the style of this wine. Bright vivid aromas of watermelon, strawberry candy, even marshmallows leap from the glass. These aromas continue as you sip on this off-dry wine, then the bright zippy acidity will make your mouth water while prepping your palate for another sip and another. Enjoy on its own with friends (or not!) or with sushi, tuna, salmon, pizzas, picnics, salads and soooo much more.
Suggested Food Pairing: Keep chilled in your fridge for when friends come over for a spontaneous get together. Call out for sushi or fire up the gill with some salmon steaks or better yet…get fancy with the Grilled Chicken & Strawberries with Balsamic. This simple recipe will be in our Rosé Recipe Box – stay tuned!
$14.95
Beamsville Bench (Niagara Escarpment)
Another great winery to visit when you take a summer getaway to wine country. Not only do they make lots of great wines, but their patio overlooking the vineyard is also worth stopping for.
Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: Bright neon pink in colour with gorgeous aromas of wild strawberries, flowers& green apple that follows into the taste. This crowd-pleasing wine is juicy yet dry. Medium bodied and well balanced with refreshing acidity…it is summer in a glass.
Suggested Food Pairing: You can’t go wrong with this wine. The colour, the bouquet & the taste…they all will remind you of summer. This versatile wine can be served chilled on its own or with any of the creations in our Rosé Recipe Box. Be sure to have a batch of the Rosemary & White Bean Dip in the fridge at the cottage just in case you feel the urge coming on to crack open this bottle of wine as the sunsets.
Ready. Steady. Go! Are you ready for County in the Capital? It’s back in town for the 4th annual Taste & Buy event featuring Prince Edward County’s finest wines, ciders & craft beers – you won’t find any of these at the LCBO.
At this sold out event, you have the unique opportunity to meet the cool people from The County & order anycombination of their favorites from The County to be delivered by courier to your home or office. And there’s free shipping by courier on orders of 12 bottles or more.
Can’t make it? Don’t have a ticket? No worries! You can order your favorites from The County in one click with our online order form.
Get your shopping list ready!
With over 100 wines, craft beers & ciders discoveries that await…Here’s what will be available to sample so you can plan ahead & make your ‘I gotta try’ list.
Have you ever been to Prince Edward County? Don’t miss your chance because we’re bringing ‘The County’ to you, with over 100 wines, craft beers & ciders being showcased at County in the Capital on Wednesday April 8th. This Taste & Buy event grows in popularity every year…and so does Prince Edward County! Though the main event is almost sold out, you have another opportunity to enjoy tasting & chatting with the makers:
Announcing the V.I.T. Pass
Be a Very Important Taster! With a record number of wineries, cideries & The County’s only brewery at County in the Capital, we don’t want you to miss anything! To ensure that you take it all in, we are offering a special V.I.T. Passthat provides you advance access from 5 to 7pm as well as your own personal Sommelier…then stay as long as you like for the main event.
How does a V.I.T. Pass work?
If you are already a ticket-holder for the main event, then we are offering you something EXTRA SPECIAL! If not…it’s easy. Buy a ticket online and then…
As part of this select group, you can enjoy longer conversations & leisurely tastings at each of the featured winemakers, cider makers…and have lots of time to sample all 9 County craft beers while you chat with the brewmaster too! There is no reason to rush, because as a V.I.T., you can stay until the event finishes at 9:30 pm. Or slip away to take in dinner at the Marriot’s Spin Restaurant (they will have special offers on their menus just for us).
PLUS…with the V.I.T. Pass, you will have a dedicated Savvy Sommelier to help you find ‘must try’ wines, craft beers and ciders at the event that will WOW you. You can call on your personal Sommelier at any time during the advance tasting to help arrange your order of your new County favorites.
Come & see for yourself why Prince Edward County has so much to offer. This is a Taste & Buy event, so any of the wines, craft beers & ciders that you sample at this event you may order for delivery straight to your home or office. FREE shipping on any assortment of 12+ bottles.
100% PINK Magic
Enjoy your summer outside with our Deck Party Pack sharing a delicious glass of Rosé with friends!
Look who is coming:
TIP: Be a V.I.T!
Psst…it’s Father’s Day weekend!
South Bay Vineyards Chardonnay VQA Prince Edward County 2014
Gamay VQA Creek Shores 2013,
South Bay Vineyards Merlot VQA Prince Edward County 2014
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ingredients
There will be something for everyone – sparkling, white, rose, red & dessert wines along with refreshing craft ciders, beers & artisan spirits too. All of the bevvies at this event are ones that you probably haven’t tried before. You definitely won’t find them at your local LCBO, grocery stores or The Beer Store. This is one of the neat things about our 
Unable to join us? You can still order…
