We’ve got the travel bug and no place to go! And with so many folks out there having travel plans being foiled due to Covid 19, we thought well…for today’s show our topic is “if you can’t get to the Mediterranean, we’ll bring the Mediterranean to you!
And introduce you to some of the marvels of Mediterranean cuisine, from countries including the likes of the well traveled Spain and France, but also those less well known for their cuisine such as Israel, Egypt and Syria. Each celebrating a few of their very own and unique specialties.
We’ll also touch upon on some of the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. Studies have shown folks that follow this style of eating are also more likely to enjoy a longer life than people in other regions.
So joining us today, we bring the Mediterranean to you via the journeys of our guests Rebecca Shoufany Amoury .Rebecca and her husband Jad are the proud owners of Montfort Mediterranean Cuisine, a fabulous restaurant, located in Oakville, Ontario that offers you, the diner a delectably diverse and mouth-watering menu. Rebecca and Jad each have their own journey that began just north of Israel, knowing and living the traditions of Mediterranean culture first hand for many years. Their journeys eventually led them here to our beautiful country and our beautiful town of Oakville. We will welcome Rebecca CEO of Montfort Mediterranean Cuisine first, she will fill us in on her story and learn more about the story behind Montfort.
Rebecca Shoufany Amoury and husband Dr. Jad Amoury
Raphael Pommier of Domaine Ogier
For our second perspective on rosés made in France we turn our attention to the Rhone Valley. Our focus is more specifically the appellation of Ventoux. The Ventoux vineyards actually developed and expanded during the Avignon papacy. This papacy was 1309 -1376. The kings of France drank these wines over the centuries.
Our producer Ogier founded in 1859 is situated in the southern Rhone in the famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This literally translates to “new castle of the Pope”. Ventoux is enjoying a positive affect of climate change now due to the warmer climes. They are producing wines of deeper colour and body.
And to close off the show, Yvonne Robinson will join us. Montfort just recently relocated and under the guidance of Yvonne, an Interior Design Consultant for over 25 years, with a love herself of the Mediterranean, Yvonne designed and decorated the new Montfort. Yvonne will share with us the nuances that speak to the Med in her design, truly a job beautifully done.
Our podcast “Taking Life One Sip at a Time” is an radio audio podcast on which we share with the audience our passion and sense of adventure for delectable and fascinating foods, wine, spirits and lifestyle discoveries. Our motto “everything in life somehow comes back to the vine and to live life large and with integrity is intertwined with a variety of guests from around the globe… Chatting with celebrity chefs, celebrity winemakers, exotic food purveyors, artists, musicians, sports personalities, lifestyle advocates and fashion icons be sure to tune in for an hour of lively topical and educational conversation.
https://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Screen-Shot-2020-10-20-at-11.19.45-AM.png385427Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2020-10-20 10:56:412020-10-23 09:38:48On This Week’s Podcast, Marvels Of Mediterranean Cuisine Featuring Oakville’s NEW Montfort Mediterranean Cuisine.
Rebecca sits above Montfort Castle in the high Galilee, Israel where the Montfort name came.
Mesmerizing Marvels of Mediterranean Cuisine
With so many folks out there having travel plans being foiled due to Covid 19, we thought well… if you can’t get to your planned destination maybe you can bring the destination to you! What do they say, when life gives you lemons make lemonade? For us… a hopeful visit to the Mediterranean was not to be, so since we couldn’t get to the Med, why not bring a little of the Med to us! Starting with one of the Mediterranean’s star features, food glorious Food! Here we’ll introduce you to a brand-new restaurant embracing the delectable, mouth-watering and healthy cuisine of the Mediterranean. We’ll touch upon the incredible diversity the region has to offer. With Twenty-three countries bordering the Med one can only imagine the possibilities for the foodie, from a country’s signature dish to a unique spice, indigenous herb and/or traditional recipes handed down over generations.
Montfort Mediterranean Cuisine, located in Oakville, ON, is a quintessential Mediterranean restaurant with some of the best authentic dishes you can imagine.
A staple of the Mediterranean, this mural of delectable olives hangs above the open kitchen
OLIVES IN DISH
The moment one enters, one is reminded of the primary staple of the Mediterranean diet. This mouthwatering flavour is infused into many of the middle eastern dishes prepared for the healthiest appetites! .
Rebecca, or Rabab as she is affectionately known, grew up in the North Galilee Israel, in a town that overlooks Lebanon which we learned is located just a half hour from where the Last Supper was held. Now that is pretty cool! Rebecca’s roots go back many generations in the area with her grandparents and parents having a passionate connection with the land, harvesting grape leaves, lemon and olives trees, growing a variety of vegetables, different herbs and more. Rabab tells us this is where she has many fond memories of harvesting the trees, grinding falafel, and learning to prepare traditional recipes of the Mediterranean which are still being used today at Montfort. She recalls that everything was always so fresh, so delicious, and prepared with so much love and attention.
Rebecca Shoufany Amoury and husband Dr. Jad Amoury
“Growing up, I had the opportunity to be a part of the most incredible experience of what the true meaning of traditional Mediterranean cuisine is! Every October olive harvesting and pressing our own olives at the olive press which was in our village”
We learn that the family time together was most often spent sitting at a large harvest table, enjoying one another’s company over food and drink. This she tells us has a lot to do with her philosophy today.
“The Shoufany Amoury family represents the true foundation of Montfort and we stand behind the belief that “food, family and friends“ are a shared richness that is not only a part of our culture, but a way of life that we have been privileged enough to share here in Canada at our restaurants.
The Wine Ladies enjoying a Montfort Mediterranean Cuisine spread representing multiple regional specialties.
We had the opportunity to sit down with the Founder Rebecca Shoufany Amoury and, over a glass of wine and a variety of mouth-watering dishes, she began to share her story.
Rebecca founded Montfort Mediterranean Cuisine over 25 years ago with “the grateful assistance of my parents Melad and Georgette”. The name Montfort she says was chosen “because it represents a big part of who my family are; “strong mountain ”She recalls on many occasions sitting far above the Montfort Castle from where the name Montfort came, in Galilee, Israel.
After 25 years in one location, they recently relocated reopening in a space where the atmosphere and environment of Montfort bellow out “welcome to the Mediterranean”! And welcome to our place for friends and family to gather and enjoy fresh, delicious, home-made traditional dishes of the Mediterranean.
In 2013, the Montfort family grew after Rebecca met Dr. Jad Amoury in Israel. Jad had been practicing dentistry for 15 years and since coming to Canada has joined the family business at Montfort.
An astute businessman, Jad runs the business and oversees the kitchen, whilston off hours spending time with two young babies, ages 2 and 8 months. How do they do it all?“It’s about passion” Rebecca tells us. Passion for family, for tradition, for the wonderful flavours and dishes of the Med!
What is the Mediterranean diet?
Twenty-three countries across 3 continents border the Mediterranean Sea. Although all of the Mediterranean diets share common characteristics there are slight variations depending on the region.A typical Mediterranean diet consists of plenty of vegetables, grains, nuts, legumes and fruits. Olive oil is the predominant fat and thank goodness…wine and homemade Arak often accompanies meals!
To our own experience on this day at Montfort Mediterranean Cuisine Although the countries of France, Spain and Italy have garnered much of the “Mediterranean “attention, today as you may have surmised Rebecca and Jad are eager to explore several of the eastern countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Israel, Lebanon, Palestine and Egypt to name a few are represented on a beautiful spread Executive Chef Fouad sets down before us.“Chef Fouad,”Jad informs us “hails from Egypt, studied in France and in Holland.
Mediterranean Palm Trees
PALM TREES evoke warm climate, calm breezes and relaxing moments...
Let the tasting begin! We begin with an appetizer plate “Maza” which is a selection of four appetizers, (you are free to choose your own) baba ghanoush, humous, kibbeh and falafel. Each of these represent a different birth place including Israel, Lebanon, Greece and Egypt, although all are a key staple around the Mediterranean with slight variations. A delicious starter to be sure. After a plate of delicate, delicious fried calamari, seasoned withMontfort Mediterranean spices and drizzled with a reduced balsamic vinaigrette, the main course, a Mixed Grill featuring their signature dish, Montfort Chicken, Chicken Shawarma, Pork Souvlaki and Kafta arrived. All juicy, flavorful, tender and with fragrant and flavourful herbs and spices… where am I? Could it be the eastern part of the Med? No… alas, we are not permitted to travel, but this is definitely the next best thing!
Woman picking lemons off the tree
Rebecca harvesting lemons in her parent's garden located in the High Galilee, Holy Land
Let the tasting begin! We begin with an appetizer plate “Maza” which is a selection of four appetizers, (you are free to choose your own) baba ghanoush, humous, kibbeh and falafel. Each of these represent a different birth place including Israel, Lebanon, Greece and Egypt, although all are a key staple around the Mediterranean with slight variations. A delicious starter to be sure. After a plate of delicate, delicious fried calamari, seasoned withMontfort Mediterranean spices and drizzled with a reduced balsamic vinaigrette, the main course, a Mixed Grill featuring their signature dish, Montfort Chicken, Chicken Shawarma, Pork Souvlaki and Kafta arrived. All juicy, flavorful, tender and with fragrant and flavourful herbs and spices… where am I? Could it be the eastern part of the Med? No… alas, we are not permitted to travel, but this is definitely the next best thing!
Marvels of Mediterranean Cuisine
In closing we have to applaud Rebecca and Jad for having the courageto push forward with the launching of the new Montfort Mediterranean Cuisine during these challenging times. Jad, as the operations Manager took a bold and savvy step, by being an early adopter in creating their own apps for Montfort for takeout and delivery. This allows their local customers to order online, earn loyalty points and receive an automatic credit of $5.00 with each download.This has helped the restaurant immeasurably, allowing for greater sales, and pickup and delivery costs to be minimized during Covid 19.Before we part ways Rebecca wants to make it clear that she credits the continued success of Montfort to her loyal customers, many of which have become good friends and are like family.As she maintained throughout our chat “I’ve learned that fresh quality food is just as important as the service, atmosphere and presentation but most importantly Pleasing my guests just like they are family is the key to a successful restaurant.”If you would like to experience the delectable and diverse foods of Montfort MediterraneanCuisine, please visit their website.www.montfortrestaurats.com
Bravo Rebecca and Jad!
Montfort App
https://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Olives.jpg909718Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2020-10-20 10:48:272020-11-21 09:45:07Mesmerizing Marvels of Mediterranean Cuisine
Recently ( First published Nov 25th, 2014) in Toronto celebrating The 10th anniversary of The Berlin Tasting with featured guest Eduardo Chadwick the President and Owner of Vina Errazuriz and co-founder of Mondavi of Sena.
The 10th anniversary of a ground breaking tasting that sent a little bit of tremor through our world of wine… it was called The Berlin Tasting. And boy did it ever make a statement and an impact in the perception of this country’s wine
And the country, a long and skinny one with wine regions that span from the north to the south, over 4000 kilometers. Is… ready for this.. Chile. Now at this historic tasting, these wines truly came out on top! Beating out some of the worlds iconic wines including established French classics such as Chateau Lafite, Chateau Margaux and and Italian cult wines including Sassicaia and Tignanello.
Today all the way from Chile, to share with us how this tasting went down that historic January day in 2004, to the surprise of the panel of 36 international judges, no-one really expected this outcome… except possibly our guest… Eduardo Chadwick, the President and Owner of Vina Errazuriz and co-founder with Mondavi of Sena, who’s two wines won top honours! We’ll also explore with Mr. Chadwick how these wines are faring today and the long lasting impact this legendary tasting has had on the wines of Chile today.
And not only is Chile a premier wine growing region, but the country itself is also stunning with natural landscapes, dramatically varied from desert to forest, volcanoes, glaciers and beaches.. So much to do and see from the mysterious and most isolated place in the world, Easter Island to the Atacama Desert, the highest and driest desert on earth, likened in places to the surface of Mars…to fill us in on some of the bucket list places to visit in Chile, we
https://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/images_Eduardo.jpg7221014Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2020-10-09 09:32:282020-10-14 14:32:00The 10th anniversary of “The Berlin Tasting” The Wine Ladies interview with Eduardo Chadwick
We top off the show with one of the world’s most loved dishes to be sure, who doesn’t love a fabulous pizza? Or a delish homemade lasagna?
In our final segment we’ll chat with Greg Durkiewicz, Proprietor of Justino’s Wood Oven Pizza, consistently rating 5 STARS, its got a lot to do with location says Chef Mama Rosa, who hails from Rome herself, from where the flour is flown in directly! Roman flour makes all the difference, it’s in the texture, the flavour, and how of course Chef Rosa treats it once in her most capable hands.
It’s all fresh, homemade and delectable. Owners Greg and co-owner and wife Candy are the consummate hosts, you feel right at home when dining at Justino’s! Greg to fill us in on his story, Justino’s and Mama Rosa’s too.
https://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Screen-Shot-2020-08-30-at-10.56.50-AM.png722719Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2020-09-10 15:36:412020-09-13 12:05:54Discover the secret ingredient that makes Justino’s Wood Oven Pizza one of the TOP 3 Pizzas in all of Oakville!
Our first guest will be Anthony Cappeccuitti, Anthony is one of a trio of owners of One Five One Social, located in downtown Oakville, here you will enjoy Italian inspired, exciting and exceptional dishes made with the highest quality and attention to detail. Gastricke Fantastique is how one recent foodie reviewed One Five One Social, its also got a such a warm and friendly atmosphere, it’s a place to gather with friends and family to laugh, relax and share, that is the goal set out by Anthony and partners and they are crushing it. Anthony will us in on what’s coming up for the fall, the plans, the menu in both food, drink and more!
Listen to Anthony’s interview at 3:59 minutes in the show.
https://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/WhatsApp-Image-2020-08-06-at-6.54.36-PM.jpeg16001200Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2020-09-10 13:29:202020-09-15 10:27:59You’ll Just Adore The Wild Boar at One Five One Social. Download our App, Get $10.00 and 5% loyalty.
On today’s podcast we shift gears temporarily away from the vine to Canada’s iconic cocktail. What is Canada’s very own originally created in 1969 at the Calgary Inn and was officially named Canada’s National cocktail by Parliament in 2009? It is the spicy, scrumptious, red hot cocktail, the Bloody Caesar! And why the Caesar you may ask? After all Canada Day is just around the corner and we’ll be celebrating with an all Canadian cast right here in Bronte, Oakville.
Susanne and Georgia enjoy a Singers Caesar Mix made with Dixon’s Wicked Citrus Gin.
https://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Episode87-SingersCaesar.jpg10801080Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2020-06-15 10:54:402020-06-16 07:14:53Celebrating Canada Day with the all Canadian Almighty Caesar! Singers Caesar Mix
Celebrity Chef Ted Reader on The Wine Ladies radio show 2008, 1050 CHUM.
Find out who will be appearing on The Wine Ladies Radio Show this Saturday, August 30th, 2008 on 1050 CHUM.
1050 CHUM Call in radio show, with featured guests every week. Saturday mornings, 10:00am -11:00am. The lines are burning up with lost of “Ask The Wine Ladies” questions. Georgia has the answers to be sure!
1050 CHUM every Saturday morning at 10:00a.m., set that dial to connect with The Wine Ladies radio show.
This week we’ll explore what is quickly becoming one of the world’s newest fine wine growing regions, Prince Edward County, Ontario. Joining us Frederic Picard, Winemaker of Huff Estates Winery. With two separate vineyard plantings in Prince Edward County, Frederic will share his passion for this wine growing area, its unique wines and its very bright future.
And don’t forget to log on to the Ted Reader website to enter the Chef Ted Reader contest and have a chance to win a fabulous Wine and Cheeseburger Party, plus barbeque package valued at $1,500!
The smoker and trailer were built by Dead Serious Cookers (www.deadseriouscookers.com) in Texas. It’s a 10 foot long barrel smoker. It runs on hard wood (hickory, maple, oak, and cherry) and charcoal. Traditional smoker with three smoking doors, however another shelf has been added to it.
This rig holds upwards of 500 lbs of meat. It’s traditionally used for low and slow, high volume smoking. It is 100% manual. No fancy gadgets, no electronic smoker units in it. It is pure hardwood manpower. Three (3) Napoleon PT450RBI Grills have been added…..MORE
https://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/Screen-Shot-2018-03-28-at-9.27.40-AM.png400597Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2020-05-27 12:00:002020-05-28 07:15:33Celebrity Chef Ted Reader on The Wine Ladies radio show August 27th, 2008,1050 CHUM. Throwback Thursday, May 28,2020
We have a terrific show lined up for you today. It may be a little chilly out there but guess what? We’re going to heat things up a little here today and warm our hearts talking about passion, and romance and wine and chocolate! Why? Because Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Today we pay homage to February 14th, the most romantic day of the year.
We have all the bases covered with our esteemed guests, from a special bottle of wine, to delectable truffles, a unique and delicious chocolate “spirit” and to love and loving relationships.
And that is where we’re going to start, with amour, with our first guest. She is an international speaker, television personality, an educator and entertainer and she has a PHD in Sexual Health Education. Plus she is a relationship expert, she is Jessica O’Reilly, Dr. Jess, The Sex Doctor. Dr. Jess is here to fill us in on some do’s and don’ts for your Valentine. Some tips on keeping your relationship real and connected!
Oh and if you don’t have a Valentine this year, tips on enjoying this special day anyways! Love Dr. Jess’s approach. We watched a few of her videos. Definitely some awesome advice, for the new relationships yes, but also for the ones that have stood the test of time!
Listen to Dr. Jess on the audio podcast here. (5:26 minutes in the show)
Research shows the top 5 craved things across the board is…
CHOCOALATE!!! Proprietor Ingrid Laderach Steven joins us from Swiss-Master Chocolatier
Our second guest will know that better than anyone. She is Ingrid Laderach Steven, Swiss Master Chocolatier extraordinaire. Ingrid founded her store the Swiss Master Chocolate Boutique, 33 years ago and has been pleasing chocolate lovers with her stunning authentic Swiss chocolates ever since.
Fans include the likes of NASA astronauts and President Clinton! Ingrid to fill us in the different kinds of chocolate. Why is Swiss chocolate considered the best? Is it really an aphrodisiac?
Georgia’s Wine Pick. Viticcio Morellino di Scansano 2015
We’d now like to welcome from the glorious romantic region of Tuscany, Senore Duccio Dogi, Senore Duccio is the Sales manager for the producer Fattorio Viticcio. They have been producing wine for over 45 years among the rolling green hills of Tuscan wine country in Greve in Chianti between the historic and enchanting cities of Florence and Siena
Today Fattorio Viticcioboasts 120 hectares of estate owned vineyards among the hills in Chianti Classico and Maremma. Senore Duccio is here to tell us more about this stunning region, and the beautiful wines Viticcio produces including a very special release for Valentines Day!
Patrick Fee, Vice President Marketing, McCormick Distilling.
And in our final segment we’ll turn our attention to still on a chocolate note, but in an absolutely decadent spirit. It is the 360 Double Chocolate Vodka!!! And it is so delish. It is produced by McCormick Distilling, which is the planets first eco-friendly vodka.
To tell us all about it we’ll chat with Vice President of Marketing McCormick Distilling Patrick Fee.
https://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Episode79FacebookCover.jpg463828Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2020-01-03 17:09:002020-01-23 09:56:10On this week’s audio podcast. Chocolate and wine! The ideal couple. Start a love affair this Valentine’s Day!
On today’s show we are celebrating with a wonderful group of guests… a charismatic winemaker from Italy, ( Gruppo Mezzacorona) a local artisan with a great Christmas gift idea for the wine and food lover in your life (Celtic Relics) and a spirit that’s a perfect ingredient to the classic Christmas drink, Eggnog. (El Dorado Rum)
So joining us first, calling in from the historic beautiful region of Trento, Italy, Lucio Matricardi of Gruppo Mezzacorona.
Lucio earned his Ph.D. in viticulture and enology from the University of California at Davis and has worked at wineries from around the globe.
We recently had the honour of attending a very special luncheon here in Toronto hosted by Woodman Wines & Spirits whereby Lucio was the guest of honour. A spectacular tasting of the winery’s portfolio including the iconic Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio, one of the most popular wines enjoyed all over the world.
It never ceases to amaze us the power of social media and the incredible connections and discoveries that can be made. This is how we discovered our next guest.
Josh Dalziel owner ofCeltic Relics custom woodworking based out of Fergus, Ontario. Josh creates the most spectacular handmade, custom, live edge designed beauties, including charcuterie boards, tipsy timbers for shots and more.
He has an incredible story of courage and determination!
Makes a great Christmas gift! Still time to order yours’ from Josh! Contact him on Instagram.@CelticRelics
CONGRATULATIONS @maureengrahamrealtor our lucky winner of the Celtic Relics Tipsy Timber 10 Shot Board. Valued at $140.00.
And to our last guest we jump right into a spirit that has over the last few years found itself becoming a serious player in the respected spirits industry.
Much like “fine spirits” such as Malt Scotch and cognac the premiumization of rum is commanding the attention of many a discerning palate. There is much more to rum than your classic rum & coke.
So to fill us in on the latest in rum, we welcome Shaun Caleb to the show. Mr. Caleb is the Master Distiller for Demerara Distillers located in Guyana.
DDL is touted as one of the best rums in the world. The very smooth and uniquely complex aged El Dorado rums which represent over 300 years of Caribbean rum making. All available at your local LCBO.
We recently had the opportunity to enjoy a tasting of Mr Caleb’s rums as well as a few delicious Christmas cocktails. Enjoy!
To a Collins glass add rum, lime juice, fresh cranberries and maple syrup. Stir well. Clap mint in your hand and drop it in the glass. Add crushed ice and stir up the ingredients from the bottom of the glass until mixed well. Garnish with a generous offering of mint sprigs, a few cranberries and dust with icing sugar on the leaves. Serve with a red and white striped paper straw.
Add rum, eggnog, extract and bitters to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a large rocks glass without ice. Grate nutmeg and cinnamon over the top of the glass and serve.
https://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Mezzacorona.png789914Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2019-12-17 09:05:312019-12-17 13:40:09Epic Christmas wines, spirits and gift ideas for the holiday season.
A day in the county – a promised land for elegant, seductive wines tinged with limestone and an undeniable minerality, “It’s due to the dirt” the locals say. Prince Edward County, located just east of Toronto remains Ontario’s newest wine appellation and quite possibly the fastest growing wine region in the world!
This glorious county has been touted as one of Canada’s top tourist destinations as well, promising the visitor a relaxing and casual vibe in which to enjoy a multitude of amazing local foods, wine, art and activities. Of course there is also the lake, offering up fine sandy beaches, one of Canada’s best, and 800 km of shoreline. Unbeknownst to many Prince Edward County is technically considered an island, man made located in Lake Ontario. The lake not only most welcoming to the 650,000 annual visitors to the county but also most welcoming to the approximate 600 acres of vineyards planted here.
Situated at the eastern end on the north shore of Lake Ontario it is this large body of water that plays an integral role in allowing the grapes of PEC to ripen slowly, and fully. But it starts from the ground up and we go back to the dirt. The limestone bedrock and stoney soils of the county allow for excellent drainage in the spring warming, forcing vines to grow deeper during hot summer months. This is all good, building character with albeit small yields but concentrated flavours and complexity in PEC wines!
Caroline Granger, Founder and CEO The Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards and Estate Winery.
We flash back to 2010 when we first met Caroline, hair tied back, casual in faded blue jeans, with precious county dirt on her hands as she lovingly inspected the grapes in her vineyard. Later we ventured into the Grange barrel cellar, where we laughed, and tasted some wines, as Caroline told us that this, the barrel cellar was the most important room above all. “Where the wines have a chance to develop and become all that they can be,” she explained.
We were so taken with Caroline those years ago with her drive, her commitment and courage to follow her passion. You see Caroline Granger was the first female in the county, to open her own winery, a bold move considering at the time there were just three winery licences granted in the whole region. The growth of PEC that earned its VQA status in 2007 now boasts close to 45 wineries of varying styles, with something for everyone, from small and quaint to modern and sophisticated.
We asked Caroline to tell us a little about her and how The Grange of Prince Edward came to be!
We learned that farming and agriculture came naturally to Caroline as she grew up on a small farm her parents purchased back in 1974. Those roots in family farming gave Caroline an appreciation for the land, of hard work and ignited in her a sense of independence. After some time away she found herself back on the farm with three small kids in tow looking to rejuvenate her life. Parents Robert and Diana were finding the daily working of the farm challenging so Caroline stepped up.
In the year 2001, Caroline lead her family into a new form of agriculture replacing the mixed feed crops and sweet peas with vineyard plantings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay! In just a few years, in 2004 she opened the doors to the Grange of Prince Edward County Vineyards and Estate Winery. True to her roots or in the genes, Caroline’s daughter Maggie returned to the farm embracing her love of wine and of the land in 2010. Today this mother-daughter duo is at the helm of one of the most respected and highly regarded wineries in PEC.
The winery, the vineyards and the wines….
The winery situated in a rustic farmland setting is housed in an historic barn built in 1826. Converted into a tasting room, with an art gallery loft and room rentals for events, the space is inviting, casual and inspiring.
It is situated among the 60 acres of vineyards the Grangers have planted, which produce strictly 100 percent estate-grown and made wines. This we learn separates the Grange from many of the other wineries in the county. It allows them to make wines that truly reflect their own distinct style and that of the region. This is not to say that this model doesn’t have its challenges.
Mother Caroline and daughter Maggie, The Granger Girls.
As Maggie explains “It’s challenging to rely only on yourself and your vineyard, and so to be able to produce these wines and have them shine is fulfilling and, ultimately, a really unique experience for consumers.” The wines of the Granger gals have been rewarded with Caroline’s and Maggie’s commitment to the winery being self sufficient and producing wines with little intervention. As Caroline enthuses “it is incredibly important to me that I know without a doubt what has gone into the grapes and in turn the wines, and to be able to stand behind them completely”.
The roster of Grange wines is inspiring, from the vineyard plantings of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon. We most recently enjoyed the County Cremant Quartz 2011 and the Estate Almanac White.
Here are our thoughts on these wines and their delectable pairings with a local county cheese!
County Cremant Quartz 2011 $35.00
The County Cremant sparkling wines are a series of bubbly that is meant to vary depending on the nuances of each individual vintage. Cremant are sparkling wines that are produced using the same method as Champagne, costly and labour intensive with secondary bottle fermentation.
Delish! A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay 50/50 this bubbly delivers a beautiful toastiness, with flavours of citrus and notes of honey and brioche with great balance, crisp, good acidity and an elegant mineral finish. After 60 months on the lees, it was worth the wait! Suggested cheese pairing, at the winery the winning partner is the local Buffalina. Delectable!
Availability: Winery Direct
Estate Almanac White VQA PEC $16.95
The Almanac Series represents a snapshot of a vintage on a vineyard just as the Farmers Almanac is a snapshot of a growing season.
Availability LCBO
This is a blend of three varietals, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling, 100 % estate grown. Light to medium bodied at 12%, aromatic, crisp with notes of lemon, hints of apricot and pineapple, beautiful balance. Recommended with local Fiftowns Cape Vessy cheese.
If you find yourself sometime soon in the county be sure to drop in and say hello to Caroline and Maggie from us! As a reminder a memorable experience awaits you at the Grange. Experience the beautiful grounds with a local charcuterie filled picnic basket, take a tour or enjoy some beautiful wines at the tasting bar.
https://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Grange-of-Prince-Edward-Barn.jpg7661153Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2019-06-20 14:18:342019-06-20 14:19:58A day in the county with The Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards and Estate Winery.
Rebecca sits above Montfort Castle in the high Galilee, Israel where the Montfort name came.
