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Win $150 to WineCollective

Have you ever taken the most awe-inspiring photo of your favourite wine but have no way to show it off? Here is your chance!

We would love to see what photos you have with a glass of vino or anything to do with wine. Be unique, be creative, bring out the photographer in you! The winner will receive a wine package worth up to $150 from WineCollective.

Check out our Facebook page for more details or submit your photos to contest@winecollective.ca

Must be legal drinking age. Your own photos and your own creativity.

Photos must be submitted by the 22nd.  Voting starts July 23rd to the 29th, winner will be announced July 30th.

Have fun and drink responsibly!


July Open House

Cheers! Last night WineCollective had their first open house and what a way to kick it off.  It was great to see everyone out, visit with our friends and get to know our neighbours. Thanks to all for coming out.

Also, we would like to say a big thanks to Anne and James from Crush. We couldn’t have pulled off this event without them.  How amazing was their Gruen Riesling?

Follow our blog and watch your inbox for future events.

Thanks again!


Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for BC wines

 

 

Annually, since 2003, British Columbia’s Lieutenant Governor, has been announcing which BC wines, 100% grown and produced within the province, are winners of excellence.

Among the 347 wines submitted from 94 wineries this year, Poplar Grove‘s 2009 Cabernet Franc and Road 13 Vineyards’ 2011 Jackpot Viognier Rousanne Marsanne were chosen as achieving excellence along with the nine other exceptional wines selected, you can see the other chosen wines on Hired Belly’s Blog.

Poplar Grove was awarded excellence in 2010 and back in 2005. Road 13 also was honored in 2009.

Congrats to all who participated from everyone here at WineCollective!


Join WineCollective at the Regier Memorial Golf Tourney

WineCollective is proud to be a part of the 4th Annual Regier Memorial Golf Tournament. The Texas Scramble is being held at the Meadowlands Golf Club in Sylvan Lake on July 28, 2012. The Regier Memorial Tournament is held in honour of Stacy Regier in support of the Stacy Regier Legacy, with all funds being donated to the Calgary Health Trust.  To date, the Stacy Regier Legacy has raised over $80,000 for the ICU of the Foothills Hospital.

WineCollective has helped contribute a 6 month Evolution package to be raffled along with an IPad and a $2000 travel voucher. There is still time to purchase a raffle ticket ($10 each), volunteer your time or donate an item to auction.

You have until July 20th to register yourself or a team in the tournament. WineCollective still needs to round out the team, so join us on the course!


Raise a Glass for World Malbec Day!

We rarely require a holiday or special event to justify opening a bottle of wine, but when an excuse so obvious presents itself, it would be a shame not to indulge! World Malbec Day celebrates all aspects of this wine, from its origin to the explosive popularity over the last decade. WineCollective is participating in this global event by sharing with you some of our favorite Malbecs.

Malbec originated in France, and was most commonly used as a blending grape. It was known as Cot Noir or Auxerrois in the region of Cahors where it was most usually found. In the 19th century, the émigres brought the varietal to Argentina where it flourished and became the flagship grape of the country and more specifically the Mendoza region. Argentine Malbec is more lush and velvety than it’s single varietal French cousin. The grape itself is actually quite different from those in France, smaller berries and tighter, smaller bunches.  The superiority of Malbec in Argentina is most commonly equated to the extreme elevation of vineyards compared to European producers.

Malbec as a component of a blend such as Château La Bastide’s 2008 Malbec, Merlot, Mourvedre, Pinot Noir, Syrah and can be as expressive of the grape as  a single varietal bottling. Marcello Pelleriti’s Reserve Malbec 2007 and CarinaE Malbec 2008 are reflective of the spice and richness of the Argentine grown grape. Visit WineSpectator for a list of French representations of Malbec and more insight into the Argentine, ‘new world’ take on the varietal.

Château La Bastide

Quite a bit of rusticness, notes of mushroom, forest floor and hay. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t fruit here. Lots of red currant and blackberries are present. We also picked out an intriguing “salted pretzel” smell, which combines salty minerality with touches of yeast. An extremely complex nose for this price point. -WineCollective Staff

Retail Price: $14.43

 

CarinaE

An exceptionally spicy wine, except that unlike most entry-level Malbecs, the spice here isn’t from heavy duty oak, it is from the terrior and the actual grapes. The spice, rather than being predominately pepper would be more like habanero or jalapeno, but less palate scorching. The fruit is juicy and pleasant. The tannins are present, well structured and rounded. A different take on a Malbec. -WineCollective Staff

Retail Price: $16.89

 

Marcelo Pelleriti

Easy to enjoy with tannins and intensity dialled down compared to some Malbec. Spice characteristics lead the palate with black pepper, clove, wood box, liquorice and slightly smoky, jammy berry fruits. -WineCollective Staff

Retail Price: $25.00

 

 


Tonic, Mix it Up for a Cause at Hotel Arts

WineCollective and Tannic recently participated in a fundraiser for KidSport Calgary that was held at Hotel Arts. This fundraiser, Tonic, Mix it Up for a Cause, held on April 14, 2012, had 100% of the proceeds go to KidSport Calgary. This event raised a record $106,500. This amount will help KidSport Calgary support the sport participation of 450 kids.

With the help of this event, KidSport Calgary is hoping to have helped over 2500 kids in 2012. This was a great event which showed the belief that all kids should have the opportunity to participate in sports. KidSport Calgary allows children to be active in organized sports by removing financial barriers. They achieve this by raising funds to remove those barriers and by advocating the importance of all kids having access to sport programs.

At Hotel Arts more than 400 guests were entertained by local Kyemara, and cocktail flair was showcased alongside fabulous eats and a silent auction. For the silent auction, WineCollective donated 3 month’s of of Evolution wine package (12 bottles, $250 value) and 1 year’s membership to Tannic.ca ($195 value). Other key sponsors of the event include: Avenue Calgary, Cal Frac Well Services, Bennett Jones, Peters and Co. Limited, Canoe Financial, TransCanada, Mackenzie Investments, Horizons Exchange Traded Funds, and FGL Sports.

 

 

 


Everything you need to know about the Calgary Wine Fest

Your first Winefest is never your last, that is why most attendees are seasoned veterans. Winefest is Calgary’s longest running wine festival, 2012 marks their 20th Anniversary.  We have compiled some valuable tips and event info for both the newbies and the more experienced.

You can find all essential information on the Winefest site regarding dates, tickets and parking. However,  @winejennifer helps the novice and experts alike by listing her top 11 tips for Winefest in “How To “Do” Wine Festivals”. #6 on the list, ‘Don’t wear white’ is crucial, and so is comfortable footwear!  Also, #10 “Don’t rinse your glass with water”, this is the most repeated offense I witness at wine tastings.  Make sure you are rinsing with a splash of wine instead. Whether you are industry or amateur, everyone likes finding their new favourite vino.  Instead of trying to balance a pencil, notebook and glass to take notes, snap a photo of the with your phone and give it a quick rating.

The most important thing to remember is that Winefest is a social event, don’t be too focused on the details of each wine. Look for wines you have never tried, then research them after the event.  You can find where your favourites are sold at Liquorconnect.com.  This way you can relax and not be rushed to learn everything about every wine.

This year Winefest is featuring 230 different wines from 15 regions, as well as a delicious tapas menu. From what I have heard of the Edmonton Winefest last weekend, you won’t be disappointed by the selection! You can check out the list of producers and the menu on the Winefest site.  If you are already a WineCollective member, you will recognize our favourites on the list.  Here are some wines to look out for!

Spy Valley Pinot Noir

Sip this with the Miniature Apple and Brie Grilled Sandwich. This wine delivers big time Pinot Noir blueberries and strawberries up front. There are good levels of vibrant acidity which make it food friendly but is also great on its own. The tannins have a softness and approachability which are rounded out by its medium length finish

Road 13 Jackpot Syrah

This wine is ideal with 92% Syrah and 8% Viognier which gives the wine some fruit to go along with the savory Syrah core. Try this meaty Syrah with Bulgogi Pork on toasted Baguette.

If you haven’t already bought your tickets, there are only ones left for Saturday afternoon 2-5.


Gift Ideas Galore

There are four days left until Christmas, and if you are like most people, you are stressing over what to buy the hardest people on your list, or your entire list!  Luckily WineCollective has some friends that continually impress us with their ability to find unique gift giving and holiday entertaining ideas.

We may be a little biased, but we think a WineCollective Holiday Package is the perfect gift to give and receive!  You can purchase 2, 3, or 6 months of our carefully curated selections for the wine lover in your life, up until December 31st (if you need a last minute/belated gift).  When you think that this couldn’t get any better, each Holiday Package comes with a year’s subscription to Wine Access magazine!

Toque Girls recently posted an interview with Shelley Boettcher, executive editor of Wine Access, giving her top toasting picks for the Holidays in “A Drink List for the Holidays“.  The WineCollective staff are particularly fond of the Waterbrook Melange Noir.

Waterbrook---melange

Tom Firth of Wine Access suggests a diversion from grapes to grains, Samichlaus beer.  Yes, he does mention that it sounds like “Santa Claus”, that is because it means Santa Claus in Austrian.  This post has inspired the perfect gift for my dad’s stocking; a gift box set of Samichlaus is available at Willow Park.

Avenue Magazine gives us lists of ideas for everyone on our lists: kids, dads, the women in your life, and foodies.  Our favourite list, considering mall crowds are frightening, is their “No Fuss Online Gift Ideas“, and yes, we are on it!

If you are looking for something special for a lady, I recommend Sister’s Home boutique in Bridgeland.

They have the most amazing assortment of jewellery, bags, accessories and unique wardrobe enhancers.  You can contact them to plan your own shopping party.  Wine, friends and shopping = a great girls night to kick of the New Year!


Wine To The Rescue

WineCollective was pleased to attend and participate in an event that is very near to our hearts. Wine To The Rescue, an evening of awareness, fundraising, food and wine, hosted by Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS).  This was the second annual Wine to the Rescue event, benefiting the efforts of AARCS and Okotoks Pound Rescue, helping to find loving homes for dogs in need. Amber was there representing WineCollective, volunteering and pouring some of our favourite wines for the thirsty bidders.

  

Held at the  Gerry Thomas Art Gallery in the Beltline neighbourhood of Calgary,  some the groups’ most famous rescue pooches were in attendance. There was also a silent auction, great food and of course wine!


2 for 1 Spain & Portugal Wine Tasting Event!

Great news for WineCollective members. Any current WineCollective member can grab an exclusive deal for the Spain & Portugal (& Fortified) Wine Festival happening at 7pm on Friday, October 28th at Willow Park’s Bonaventure store (10801 Bonaventure Dr SE).

Two people can get entrance to the Festival for $40 – a 50% savings! The Iberian Peninsula offers up some of Europe’s top value wines. From Spain’s ripe Rioja to the racy Vinho Verdes of Portugal, this is an area of incredible wine values created with innovative winemaking. These interesting table wines present a stark contrast to the traditional fortified wines of Iberia. Fortified wines, on the other hand, are a complex category, so get some help from the Willow Park experts on navigating the territory.

Simply email events@willowpark.net or phone 403-296-1640 ext 4, to secure your tickets. Mention you are a WineCollective member for your 2 for 1 offer.


CIBC Run for the Cure 2011

Tannic was pleased to be a part of CIBC’s Run for the Cure in which all proceeds go to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.  For the Silent Auction fundraiser on September 13, 2011 at Belgo Brasserie, Tannic donated a year Membership to Tannic plus a $100 credit to be used towards purchases on Tannic.ca.

 At the silent auction event alone, $15,800 raised was raised.  This year’s Run for the Cure was held on October 2, 2011, in 60 communities across the country, to put a stop to breast cancer. Tannic was honoured to support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, and very pleased to be a part of this event, which nation wide raised over $30 million.

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure is Canada’s largest single day, volunteer-led fundraising event. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation focuses on breast cancer research, education and awareness programs.

 


2 for 1 California Wine Tasting Deal!

Any WineCollective member can grab an exclusive deal for the California Wine Festival happening at 7pm on Friday, June 3rd at Willow Park’s Bonaventure store (10801 Bonaventure Dr SE).

Two people can get entrance to the Festival for $40 – a 50% savings and try some of the most exciting wine to come out of California!

Simply email events@willowpark.net or phone 403-296-1640 ext 4, to secure your tickets. Mention you are a WineCollective member for your 2 for 1 offer.