I want to let you in on a secret … most of our clients think that our main focus and inspiration has always been wine. But did you know that we also specialize in hosting beer and scotch tastings? It’s just that groovy barley or groovy malt just doesn’t have the same ring to it!
Members of the groovy grapes team have long been known for their approachable and entertaining approach towards hosting wine events, and we provide the exact same services for those of you who’d like to learn a little bit more about beer or scotch. And with St. Patrick’s Day and warm spring evenings on the patio quickly approaching, what better time to consider beer as the focus of your next event? To get your wheels turning, here are some beer health facts that just might make your mouth water …
beer contains a similar amount of ‘polyphenols’ (antioxidants that have important health benefits) as red wine and 4-5 times as many polyphenols as white wine
besides being fat-free and cholesterol-free, beer provides a 30% increase in vitamin B6 into your blood, something that neither wine nor any other liquor can do
recent studies have shown that light to moderate beer drinkers (1 or 2 beers a day for men or 1 beer for women) can decrease their chances of suffering a stroke by 20%
beer made from barley and wheat contains loads of vitamins and minerals (including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins B, B2, and B6) that survive the fermentation and filtering process, and even the vitamin value in the yeast is conserved in unfiltered beer
Ready to chug?? Our tastings can be customized to suit your interests and event format. Some of our most popular beer themes include:
around the world in beer
a study of beer styles: ales, stouts, porters, lagers
beer and cheese matching
beer and food matching
Sample our beer expertise …
Coming up on March 17th, 2009, join us at the Urban Element for a St. Paddy’s Day Beer Tasting:
Looking for a better way to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day than going out for a pint or two down at the pub? Try a tutored tasting of 8 different beers from around the world – perfect for the beer lover who doesn’t feel like fighting the bar crowds on this festive date. Geoffrey Skeggs, Groovy Grapes beer expert, will lead you through an educational and fun tasting of beer, including some beer-friendly food pairings.
When: Tuesday, March 17, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: The Urban Element, 424 Parkdale Avenue, Ottawa
Cost: $75 plus tax
Register: call the Urban Element at 613.722.0885 or email bookings@theurbanelement.ca to reserve your place
If you happened to miss the Ontario wine fair, here’s your chance to take in some of the highlights! I was lucky enough to hang out with radio hosts Katfish Morgan and Dave Schellenberg of the LiVE 88.5 Start-Up and we tasted our way around the wine fair, microphone in hand. So thanks to LiVE 88.5, you can listen in on our tasting! Click here for the first installment…
The walking between courses is energizing and it’s such a great way to get out and explore the local culinary scene. Ron Eade just posted a great overview of his experience Feb. 11th on his blog. If you are interested in the next walkabout feast or moveable feast drop us an email events at groovygrapes.com or plan to take in La Vendemmia this year Sep. 2009 on Preston Street!
Winemaker Table at Atelier Restaurant featuring Cave Spring Cellars
Tuesday, February 17, 6 pm (540 Rochester Street)
Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to dine alongside Thomas Pennachetti, owner of Cave Spring Cellars, at one of Ottawa’s newest, most exciting restaurants - Atelier. This dining experience includes a memorable 12-course blind tasting menu paired with some of Niagara’s finest wines from Cave Spring, plus the chance to interact with Thomas as he introduces each wine throughout the evening.
$120 for tasting menu with wine pairings, registration is required, as space is limited: please call 613-321-3537.
Wildass@Play
Tuesday February 17 (1 York Street)
The wines of Wildass Country come to Play in Ottawa. Play is the new creation of Steve Beckta and embodies the philosophy of small-plates, high-quality, casual dining with a diverse selection of wines. Play is located in the heart of Ottawa. Play Chef Michael Moffatt, Play Sommelier Grayson McDiarmid, and Charles Baker of Stratus Vineyards present three ‘playful’ pairings highlighting the acclaimed, great-value wines from Wildass (2007 Wildass Riesling, 2006 Wildass White, 2006 Wildass Red). Don’t miss this highly energized evening of food, wine and discussion.
$68 per person plus tax and gratuity, Only 50 seats available - call 613-667-9207 for reservations (there is no specific start time)
Wine Dinner at The Urban Pear featuring Southbrook Winery
Tuesday, February 17, 6:30 pm (151 Second Ave., Unit C)
Southbrook Vineyard is gorgeous, glamorous, green, and it’s the first Canadian winery to achieve Biodynamic Certification. Join the always entertaining and informative Bill Redelmeier, owner of Southbrook, for a 4 course meal paired with 5 wines, including a special 1998 vintage pulled from the library especially for this event. Enjoy the seasonal, creative, delicious creations of The Urban Pear’s Chef/Owner Ben Baird, each course perfectly complemented with wine pairings and Bill’s lively commentary. The perfect way to spend a winter’s eve.
$90 per person plus taxes and gratuity, call 613-569-9305 for reservations
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2009
Wine Tasting Dinner at Juniper Kitchen and Wine Bar with Rosehall Run Winery Thursday, February 19, 6pm (245 Richmond Road) Enjoy this exclusive opportunity to dine alongside Dan Sullivan, winemaker from Rosehall Run winery. This fine dining experience includes a five course tasting menu created by Chefs Richard Nigro & Norm Aitken paired with some of Prince Edward County’s finest wines from Rosehall Run. In order to enhance the experience a bit further, both Dan & Richard will be mingling evening long and answering all questions that come to mind and palate. $80 per person plus tax & gratuity, call 613-728-0220 for reservations
Winemaker’s Dinner at the Elgin Café Featuring the Wines of Reif Estate
Thursday, February 19, 7pm (100 Elgin Street at the Lord Elgin Hotel)
Executive Chef Joan Smith of the Lord Elgin Hotel, has created a fabulous 5 course dinner menu paired with the wines of Reif Estate Winery, one of the pioneers of the Niagara Wine Industry. Owner and winemaker Klaus W. Reif, will host the evening introducing the wines and sharing his passions and insights with the guests. This is a must-attend for culinary and wine aficionados alike.
$75.00 per person plus tax and gratuity, call 613-569-2126 for reservations
Winemaker Dinner at Atelier Restaurant featuring Huff Estates Winery
Thursday, February 19, 6 pm (540 Rochester Street)
Don’t miss a rare opportunity to taste the wines of Huff Estate at Ottawa’s newest, most exciting restaurants - Atelier. This dining experience includes a memorable 12-course blind tasting menu paired with some of Prince Edward County’s finest wines from Huff Estate, plus the chance to interact winemaker Frederic Picard, as he introduces each wine throughout the evening.
$120 for tasting menu with wine pairings, registration is required, as space is limited: please call 613-321-3537.
Stratus@Beckta
Thursday, February 19, 6:30pm (226 Nepean Street)
Only 20 seats are available for this intimate round-table dinner with Beckta Chef Michael Moffatt and legendary Ontario winemaker Jean-Laurent ‘JL’ Groux. Beckta, Ottawa’s pre-eminent dining experience, known for innovative and intelligent fare, superb service, and superlative ambience, continues to draw rave reviews from far and wide. A Four-course dinner will be paired with current, Future, and rare library vintages of Stratus’ signature wines, Stratus Red and Stratus White. These wines capture the essence of the Stratus vineyard and have quickly become benchmarks on the Canadian wine scene. They are known for their complexity, intensity, ability to age for long periods, and are above all else, unique expressions of the land on which they are grown.
$125 per person plus tax and gratuity, please call 613-238-7063 for reservations
Wine Dinner at Merlot Rooftop Grill featuring Cave Spring Cellars
Thursday, February 19, 6:30pm (100 Kent Street - Ottawa Marriott, 29th Floor)
Experience a five-course, wine-paired meal at Ottawa’s highest restaurant - Merlot Rooftop Grill. Enjoy the spectacular view of the city from the 29th floor of the Ottawa Marriott Hotel. Executive Chef Steven Gugelmeier and Merlot Chef Timothy Barton have crafted a unique menu including Beef Tenderloin, Wild Sockeye Salmon, and Caribou Loin. Thomas Pennachetti, co-owner of Cave Spring Cellars, will explore and explain the characteristic of five wines. Three for the 2006 vintage and two from the 2007 vintage. Experience the unique and subtle characteristics each vintage can bring to each variety.
$125 per person plus tax and gratuity, please call Gunars Kazaks at 613-783-4212 for reservations
This Food That Wine – the Book – This all-in-one cookbook and wine guide is the perfect gift (especially when paired with a special bottle) for the wine-lover or foodie in your life. Featuring more than 100 recipes, each with wine pairing notes, this book makes entertaining easy, and is filled with tips and tricks about wine and cooking. Click here to order your copy, complete with a personalized inscription from me (one of the book’s authors)!
Groovy Gift Certificates – Another great way to surprise your favourite oenophile – with their very own personal sommelier! Groovy Gift Certificates can be purchased in any denomination and can then be redeemed however the recipient wishes, whether it be a one-on-one shopping trip to the LCBO, a private wine tasting party … the possibilities are endless. Click here to order your Groovy Gift Certificate now
GRANT BURGE 150TH ANNIVERSARY RELEASE GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVEDRE 2003 (VINTAGES 67900 | $30.95) Oh how I love this wine … a classic blend of 45% Grenache, 35% Shiraz, and 20% Mourvedre combine to offer amazing intensity. Flavours of black fruit, pepper, and cinnamon spice dominate and linger through a super-long finish. Delicious on its own or with hearty red meat dishes.
GRANT BURGE 150TH ANNIVERSARY RELEASE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2002 (VINTAGES 67884 | $30.95) This is big, full-bodied, and well-structured, opening with a nose of chocolate mint, eucalyptus, and cassis. On the palate, it is much more fruit-forward than the nose would suggest and the beautiful structure makes me think this bottle could easily last 20 years in the cellar, if you can resist opening it sooner!
GRANT BURGE FILSELL OLD VINE SHIRAZ (VINTAGES 987453 | $35.95) Mouth-watering with big ripe cherry and raspberry fruit flavours, balanced with smoky mocha and spice notes. This is comfort in a glass, perfect for warming up chilly winter nights.
GRANT BURGE 10-YEAR-OLD MUSCAT (VINTAGES 58370 | $24.95) A unique and incredibly delicious fortified wine made in a solera system (similar to those used in Sherry-making in Spain). From first sniff, it has intense and enticing aromas of dried fruit, marmalade, caramel, honey, spices and toasted nuts, and it is rich, buttery and satisfying on the palate. Perfect for a cozy, warming drink by the fire, or paired with strong cheeses or chocolate.
GRANT BURGE 20 YEAR OLD TAWNY (VINTAGES 52142 | $54.00) For you virtual shoppers out there, this wine is available through the new Vintages Online program. LCBO tasting note: “Grant Burge 20 Year Old Tawny was awarded the International Trophy for Best Red Fortified in Show & Gold Award at the UK 2004 Decanter magazine wine awards. Made from the classic Barossa blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro, it tastes of raisins and toasted nuts - intense, complex, with a long dry finish. (www.adelaidereview.com.au, 2004)” Go to www.vintagesshoponline.com to set up your account and start shopping!
He truly is a living icon in the wine world and has a passion for keeping his 150-year-old family tradition of winemaking alive.
Click below to listen in on our Podcast conversation or download the mp3 file to listen later. Then read the tasting notes for some of my favourite Grant Burge wines that are available in the LCBO and well worth seeking out.
Ontario’s Speck Brothers: The Competitive Advantage
Successful businesses always have a competitive advantage - something that sets them apart from their rivals. In the rapidly expanding Ontario wine industry, Henry of Pelham Family Estate is one of the most respected names. Under the business leadership of brothers Paul, Matthew and Daniel Speck, Henry of Pelham has been recognized with numerous domestic and international awards. Growing their wines on land that has been in their family since 1794, the brothers remain true to their roots. Environmentally conscious and proud of their heritage, they use only sustainably grown grapes from the Niagara Peninsula.
Join us in raising a glass with the Speck brothers, dynamic representatives of the Ontario wine industry, and celebrate the exceptional wines of Henry of Pelham at this unique and exclusive dinner event.
Henry of Pelham Reception & Dinner
with the Speck Brothers Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Reds Bistro & Wine Bar
Upper Level
First Canadian Place
77 Adelaide St. West, Toronto
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At this time of year we’re all looking for ideas to simplify the gift-shopping process, so here are a couple to get you on your way!
I had the opportunity to sit down, chat, and taste wines with the man himself – 
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