Ontario Wine Country Open For Tastings Plus Vintages/classics Picks
After at least one false start and months of consternation, wineries in most of Ontario have begun the next stage in the long road back to normal in the age of COVID-19.
Wineries shut down tasting rooms in March due to the pandemic and only allowed online wine shopping and some curbside pickup, but not tastings/tours/chilling/human contact etc. Those bleak days are over with wine regions now into Phase Two of Ontarios coronavirus plan as of last Friday.
Most but not all Ontario wineries have resumed tasting experiences at their vineyards with each winery approaching it a little differently. All have taken precautions to keep consumers safe so the tasting experience that you are familiar with will now likely be different to what you are used to.
You are urged to check winery hours and guidelines before visiting .
If consumers are not ready to venture into Wine Country, you can still enjoy VQA wines at home by purchasing online direct from the winery. Many are still offering free shipping at this time. Ask the winery for conditions and restrictions.
For a list of all Ontario wineries that have online stores go here.
We did a quick survey of what to expect when you come to Wine Country. Every experience is different and tailored to each winerys set of circumstances and readiness. Heres a snapshot
Local Wines Released At Vintages Saturday
Hidden Bench Locust Lane Rosé 2019 This single-vineyard sister rosé is crafted from 100% Pinot Noir and made from a combination of saignée and direct to press techniques. It shows a pale salmon colour in the glass and has a pretty nose of red berries, pink grapefruit and herbs. Its juicy, but bone dry, with lovely texture that showcases raspberries, strawberries, integrated herbs and electric acidity on the finish. Really nice rosé.
Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Chardonnay 2018 Showing some restraint on the nose, but swirl it around in the glass and beauty unfolds. Creamy pear, a floral/perfumed note, baked apple and integrated spice notes. Its more open-knit on the palate with rich apple and pear, lemon accents, toasted oak and spice with gorgeous finesse and minerality on the finish. Lovely Short Hills Bench Chardonnay.
Also released, but not reviewed:
Chateau des Charmes Brut Sparkling Megalomaniac Narcissist Riesling Marquis The Silver Line Pinot Noir Lakeview Cellars Vidal Icewine Chateau des Charmes Blanc de Blancs Sparkling 2015 The Foreign Affair Viognier 2018 Kew Vineyards Old Vine Chardonnay 2016 Di Profio Estate Cabernet Franc/Merlot 2016 The Tragically Hip Fully Completely Reserve Red 2018 Southbrook Triomphe Organic Cabernet Franc Rosé 2019
Institute Of Masters Of Wine
Alongside the rigorous MS designation, is the Institute of Masters of Wine . There are only 379 Masters of Wine in the world currently, including Wine Enthusiast Contributing Editor Anne Krebiehl MW. These individuals have completed self-directed study in three stages in preparation for the notoriously difficult MW exam. The arrangement includes work with a mentor, a research paper and an annual residential seminar.
Application to the IMW demands the WSET Diploma or equivalent, like a bachelor or master degree in wine or top-level sommelier certification. Requirements also include three years of current and continuous professional wine involvement, a recommendation from a current MW or senior trade pro and completion of a practical and theory assignment.
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A Smart Buy From Italy
Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2015 This Sangiovese blend, with Merlot and Colorino, is only made in the best vintages. It has a personality-packed nose of plums, black cherries, cocoa powder, mushrooms, cassis, damp earth and integrated spice notes. It shows depth and complexity on the palate and borders on a full-bodied Chianti with overt anise, plums, cassis, cigar box cedar, mocha, savoury spices and earth that all leads to a long, juicy finish. Can cellar for 6+ years with improvement.
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A Pair Of Tawse Wines Injuly Classics Collection
Ordering for the July 2 Classics Collection begins July 2 online. Only two Canadian wines are offered, both from Tawse. Here are our reviews:
Tawse Cherry Avenue Pinot Noir 2016 The best Cherry Avenue I have tasted, which is surprising as I usually prefer the cooler vintage Pinots in Niagara. This version, even with 16 months in French oak, is made with a deft touch and shows a lighter colour in the glass than the Quarry Road Pinot and reveals pretty darks cherries, brambly raspberries, light spiced notes and an intriguing vein of minerality/iron on the nose that is pleasingly inviting. It dances lightly on the palate with savoury red fruits, a floral note with that intriguing minerality that builds in intensity through the silky smooth and finessed finish. Niagara Pinot at its best.
Tawse Robyns Block Chardonnay 2016 Consistently one of the finest Chardonnays made in Niagara and the riper 2016 version follows that winning trend. Certainly more robust than previous vintages with pronounced pear, ripe apple, saline minerality and elegant spice notes. This Chardonnay is layered and textured with ripe orchard fruits, tingly acidity, stony minerality, creamy notes and elegance that benefits from a zesty citrus accents on a finessed finish. Drinking perfectly right now, but can cellar up to three years.
Society Of Wine Educators
Society of Wine Educators offers a range of self-study programs. They include specialist and educator certifications in wine and spirits, as well as a hospitality and beverage specialist course. The programs culminate with a multiple-choice exam taken at testing centers, located in most major cities.
The Certified Specialist of Wine is the organizations most pursued designation, with more than 8,700 graduates. Students can utilize a study guide, flashcards, quizzes, workbook, webinars, seminars and other support materials from SWE.
I love the CSW course because you can take a seminar in a region, and build on that to earn your credential, says Thea Dwelle, founder and principal of Vine Wire Consulting. Dwelle says exposure to the vineyard and winemaking research behind the CSW curriculum helps her advise clients. Understanding why a wine is sellingthe styles, variations and growing regionsis a great boost.
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Napa Valley Winery Certificates
Many wineries offer gift certificates on their websites. Even if a site doesnt have gift certificates available to add to a shopping cart, most are happy to provide a pre-paid experience at their wineries. If a wine tasting experience complete with accommodations and travel is in the works, purchase a Napa Valley getaway in a virtual box. Tinggly offers wine country excursions with gift boxes themed for holidays, birthdays, milestones or just-because getaways. Choose from thousands of options including a Napa Valley wine tasting winery package.
Train Plane Or Automobile
If its true that its not about the destination but the journey, then a memorable trip on the Napa Valley Wine Train is an ideal way to get there. The Napa Valley Wine Train offers gift certificates for both winery tours and dining journeys aboard the restored vintage train cars. Also, companies such as California Wine Tours offer gift certificates that can be used for either luxury transportation or the winery tour. As a bonus, certificates never expire.
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Willamette Valley Wine Tours
- Private Wine Tour $650 per Person
- Private Wine Tour $325 per Person
- Private Wine Tour $300 per Person
- Private Wine Tour $250 per Person
- Private Wine Tour $225 per Person
- Private Wine Tour $210 per Person
Gift Certificates
Cancellation prior to 7 days of tour, refund is 100%.
Cancellation under 7 days of your tour will be subject to a 50% charge of the tour amount.
Cancellation without notice or less than 24 hours notice will be charged 100% of the tour amount.
Toast Tours Gift Cards
A gift card is always the best present, which is why it is the #1 most requested item on wish lists year after year.
Giving a wine tour gift card with Toast Tours will offer the perfect blend of thoughtful, fun, and special. Whether it be for a Birthday, Christmas, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Anniversary, Employee Incentive, Thank You gift and so much more! it is a gift that is guaranteed to excite and will leave them with lasting memories.
A SPECIAL AND FUN GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION
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A Guide To Wine Certification Programs
Photographer Kirsten Georgi has been a wine lover for years. She started a blog, Armchair Sommelier, to expand her perspective. She dreamed to become a sommelier, but as her skills developed, Georgi realized that the role didnt quite fit. So she weighed her wine education options.
The more I learned, the more I realized how much I didnt know, says Georgi. So, if I was going to move beyond sort-of studying, I knew I needed organization, deadlines and a looming exam.
Make An Event Out Of It
Many wine-centric events go on throughout the year in San Francisco, some of which bring wine tasting to the tasters. ZAPs Zinfandel Experience is just one of many such happenings. Tickets to the all-day public tasting event can be purchased online and sent to a recipients in-box. As an alternative, give someone a chance to hone his or her wine tasting skills with a gift certificate to the Napa Valley Wine Academy. The Academy instructs beginners, intermediates and experts in the art of all things wine.
Napa Valley wine tasting gift certificates make an excellent gift for the wine lover on any list. Certificates for excursions, tours, tastings and classes provide an opportunity for pleasant adventure, while gifting a bottle or two of wine brings the experience home.
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Gift Certificate Private Tasting For Two
Price $190.00
Private Wine Tastings are conducted by one of our knowledgeable wine consultants, personally trained and mentored by Steve Ledson, in one of our private suites or on the veranda overlooking the vineyard.
While visiting the beautiful Sonoma Valley, there is no better way to enjoy such extraordinary wines while receiving impeccable hospitality in an exquisite atmosphere.
An Easy Way To Give Joy
Personalized gift certificates
Select an amount for your gift certificate and send a personalized message.
Send via email or print it out to give in person by mail
Purchase the gift certificate and have it emailed or delivered in electronic form directly to your recipients email. You may also choose to print it out and give it to your special someone in person.
Your recipient selects the wine tasting experience of their choice with the date and time they prefer.
Your recipient will have a full year to book their wine activity.
Purchase
Gift certificates can be used on any experience and on any date that a host allows. Gift certificates are only redeemable towards wine experiences in our platform, they are not cash redeemable and may not be used towards vendor products outside of our marketplace. They are valid for up to a year after purchase and are non-refundable.
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Wine & Spirit Education Trust
Georgi settled in with Wine & Spirit Education Trust . It offers qualifications in tiers, from one-day beginner courses to the advanced Level 4 Diploma. WSETs education is delivered via accredited classroom and online providers around the world, and all of its examinations are conducted in person.
Final exams for Level 3 and Level 4 certification require tasting evaluations, codified in the widely recognized WSET Systemic Approach to Tasting. WSETs grid, with gets more in-depth as students advance in level, classifies the sensory acts involved in drinking wine. This is beneficial for students who want to hone their palate and tasting skills. The program is growing in popularity. According to WSET, there were 14,204 U.S.-based candidates during the 201718 academic period, 24% growth from the previous period.
Georgi says that WSET offerings parallel sommelier training, but it serves students with differing goals. Figure out before you start whether you want to go the service route or more of a strictly educational route, says Georgi. Regardless, they all require disciplined study and a significant time commitment.
Packages & Gift Certificates
If you would like to purchase a gift certificate, you can give us a call at 315-828-6289 or click to purchase gift certificates online.
The Seneca Romantic Tour Couples package includes the following: Overnight Accommodation on Seneca Lake Chauffeured Transportation $25 Gift-certificate for dinner at Geneva’s Finest Italian Restaurant “Nonna’s Trattoria” in Historic Downtown Geneva The rate is $599 plus tax and gratuity.
Another option is if you wanted to give a gift certificate with just a monetary amount, then the recipient can call and book whatever type of trip they would like. If you would like to add a monetary amount to a gift certificate and have it instantly emailed, please click below.
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Hidden Bench Estate Winery
Hidden Bench has three experiences to choose from beginning Friday.
Retail shop: The retail shop is open daily from 10 am 5 pm for wine purchases from the current release. Please note: Only four guests at a time in the retail shop. You can also order wines online or by phoning prior to your arrival for contactless barrel-top curbside pick-up.
Wines by the glass: Hidden Bench offers a wide selection of wines by the glass on the patio overlooking Locust Lane and Felseck Vineyards. This experience is available daily from 11 am to 4:30 pm for groups of 4 or less.
Tasting Experiences: Hidden Bench is also offering by pre-booked reservation a seated, curated tasting experience on the enclosed veranda. Prior reservations are strongly recommended . Tasting Experiences are offered from 10 am to 4:30 pm for groups no larger than 4. Tasting Experiences for non-Wine Club Members are $25 per person, per tasting.
Explore The Future Of Wine
With wine activities across multiple cities around the world, theres something for everyone.
Bachelorette, Birthday or Birthday celebrations
Memorable wine activities for families, and groups of friends of all sizes.
Romantic wine tastings
Celebrate an anniversary, or surprise your significant other with the perfect wine experience.
Team Building Activities
Explore unique wine activities with local experts to help bond, educate and reward your team or simply show your clients your appreciation.
Online Experiences
Try new wines with local hosts or hosts from around the world.
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Give The Gift Of A Day In Wine Country
Gift cards can be purchased at any value & applied towards our tour options listed below.
Join-in Wine Tours: $119 per person . A full day join-in tour of compelling, off-the-beaten-path wineries in a small group environment aboard a Platypus shuttle bus, complete with a tasty picnic lunch served at a winery. Lots of bottled water included, but winery tasting fees and tour guide gratuity are separate.
Private Wine Tour: Pricing varies based on several different factors. Gift cards can be purchased for any value & applied towards these tours. A private tour is perfect if guests want a more intimate experience or prefer to have direct say in the daily itinerary. The day can be customized for the hours and wineries guests would like to visit. If you are trying to determine a good value to include in your gift card, please reach out to our private tour team at 207-4236
Court Of Master Sommeliers
A sommelier offers customers stewardship and service, generally in an on-premise setting. However, such expertise has value outside of that environment.
Tami Wong is a certified sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, and shes had success working in restaurants and hotels. The court includes a service aspect that most other certification programs do not, says Wong.
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But the certification is versatile. Wong now serves as an ambassador for the wines of San Diego County and also works as a winery and sales representative, educator and wine judge.
For wine lovers with a deep commitment to learning, the classes offer a rich and challenging experience. A consumer or enthusiast would benefit from the breadth of information presented, says Wong, who says the program requires an intense amount of study to succeed.
The Court of Master Sommeliers study is capped by four exam levels that culminate with the Master Sommelier Diploma exam, said to be one of the worlds most challenging tests. There are only 255 Master Sommeliers worldwide.
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How It Works
1. INSTANT DOWNLOAD Instantly download this printable Christmas Wine Tasting Gift Certificate template immediately after your payment has been processed.
2. PERSONALIZE AT HOME Open the template in the FREE Adobe Reader on your laptop or computer and simply start typing over my sample text. This template will ONLY work in Adobe Reader not in any other program . Note that the the Merry Christmas text on this template cannot be changed.
3. PRINT Print as many times as you like on your home color printer on 8.5 x 11 inch bright white Cardstock. See all my .
4. CUT Cut out your Christmas Wine Tasting Gift Certificate using the provided cut lines as a guide.
