We had the opportunity to host a virtual wine tasting for the Oakville Wine Enthusiasts Club. This event replaced their annual Christmas Gala due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Although not a “party” in the normal sense of the word, everyone had fun and we tasted some lovely wines. Peter Sharp, from Select Wine Merchants provided some wonderful wines for the members to taste and enjoy, including the Telmo Rodriguez/Blancos de Rueda, the 2019 Basa Rueda DO $ 18.99 from Spain and the Speri / Valpolicella Classico 2019 Valpolicella Classico Valpolicella Classico DOC $ 21.99 from Italy.
Lots of great prizes and games were part of the fun too.
If you are interested in a similar event for your club, restaurant or business, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
This is an edited version of the 1.5 hour event that took place on Dec 4th, 2020 with over 100 participants.
You never know when or where our next event will be…. Life is like a box of chocolates…. But one thing is for sure, it will be filled with joy, laugher, great people and fabulous wine and food! Heck, you might even learn something!
Visit this page regularly to not miss out!
Whether practicing yoga in the vineyard, harvesting frozen grapes in the bold cold of January for icewine or stomping grapes in oak barrels, live life large with us!
See some of our past events below. Oh and if you ‘d like us to create an event for you, your company or your brand? We’re here for YOU!
If you are interested in hiring us for your next event whether live or virtual, please email us at thewineladies@gmail.com
One Five One Social
Buca Di Bacco
https://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Screen-Shot-2020-12-09-at-8.26.43-AM.png687687Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2020-12-09 08:28:562020-12-09 09:07:53Christmas in Hawaii! Virtual Wine Tasting with The Wine Ladies
Instagram Contest: oh bombay Dinner For 4 With The Wine Ladies And Friends.
#Win #Contest #ohbombayContest We are celebrating the upcoming holiday season with an opportunity to get together and enjoy some authentic Indian cuisine at Oakville’s newest fine dining restaurant.
Enter to win a dinner for four with The Wine Ladies & Friends.
Easy To Enter! 1. Follow us here @thewineladies @oh_bombay 2. Like this post 3. Tag a friend in the comments below. Each friend tagged counts as an entry. Enter as much as you like. The winners will be contacted via Instagram DM. Contest starts Wed November 2nd, 2020 and closes November 10th, 2020 at noon.
Dinner will be held in November 2020. The Wine Ladies, the winner (4 persons) and The Wine Ladies guests will attend the dinner.
Dinner will include an array of delicious Indian and Hakka cuisine. Please see menu.
Please rest assured that all regulations as related to COVID 19 will be in place including social distancing.
You have the option to dine at your own table.
Date to be determined.
Good luck, have fun, be safe and we look forward to meeting you and dining with you in November.
An Indian restaurant in Oakville with a difference – we serve fine dining quality authentic Indian food in a casual upscale environment. We remain true to our Indian roots – by using traditional recipes, ingredients and methods, we proudly create authentic Indian dishes…
Each dish that we create, whether sophisticated with nuanced flavours from the royal kitchens of Indian Maharajas or an explosion of flavourful spices of the streetside variety, will more than tingle your taste buds – we are sure this will want you coming back for more!
https://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Oh-Bombay-Opening-Fb-ad-1.png21602160Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2020-11-01 12:32:202020-11-10 14:23:22Contest: WIN! Oh Bombay Dinner For 4 With The Wine Ladies And Friends.
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
Please join us Oct 6th at Zucchinis Cucina to celebrate the Thanksgiving season with family and friends as we give back to those less fortunate. Introducing the culinary skills of Chef Giuseppe Ferraro who will showcase the amazing ways Turkey can be enjoyed all paired with a selection of wines. The evening is a dedicated fundraiser* to The Good Shepherd Centres.
Food & Wine Tasting Menu
Turkey Chorizo Sausage Bites
Polenta Fries With Truffle-Alioli
Turkey Sliders With Cranberry Chutney, Stuffing And Gravy
Turkey & Potato Croquettes With Spiced Cranberry & Chilli Gel
Cavatelli With Shredded Turkey & Zucchini, Sun-Dried Tomato, Grilled Red Onion And Simmer Peas. Light Cream And Lemon Sauce.
Lemon And Pumpkin Tarts.
ALL INCLUSIVE** $50.00 PER PERSON
Date: Tuesday, Oct 6th, 2020 Time: 6pm-10pm Place: Zucchinis Cucina Address: 438 Kerr Street, Oakville, ON L6K 2A6
Please book early as seating is limited to 50 guests.
R.S.V.P. at 905-808-8374
All precautions are in place to ensure employees and our esteemed customers are safe.
Looking forward to spending some quality time, good food and wine while expressing our thanks for all of our blessings in these challenging times.
See you there.
Georgia and Susanne The Wine Ladies
* Partial proceeds from the evening will be donated to The Good Shepherd Centres. ** Food, wine tasting menu includes hst. Gratuities are welcome.
Giuseppe Ferraro, Executive Chef Zucchinis Cucina
https://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Screen-Shot-2020-09-27-at-9.58.04-AM.png758675Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2020-10-02 11:21:472020-10-02 12:59:32Celebrate Thanksgiving For A Good Cause.Join Us, Oct 6th At Zucchinis Cucina, Kerr Street Village, Oakville. Another Fabulous Find For Foodies!
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.
Party like a ROCK STAR and celebrate changing the world for children, youth and families being helped by the Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton
Saturday April 13, 2019 Le Dome Banquet Halls Doors open at 6pm Includes: Top Class Entertainment, Silent/Live Auctions, All Inclusive Host Bar, Swag Bag, Wine Wall and many more surprises!
#stardustrocks
Dance the night away to the music of Freedom Train
The Wine Ladies will be there! Bid on amazing wines at the WINE WALL….. Donations including…Fielding Estate, Tawse, Angels Gate, Kacaba, Rosewood, Hernder, Vineland and Chateau de Charmes.
We are thinking of dressing like the gals from the B’52’s Love Shack!
Providing Resources to Help Children, Youth and Families Thrive
“The Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton gave me the greatest gift of all, the gift of an education. I couldn’t have gone to school without their support and funding.“ Since 1990, with the support of generous, caring donors and sponsors, we have distributed over $5 million in support of the Halton Children’s Aid Society. We are proud that 100% of funds raised from donations are directed towards programs for our children and youth to make a significant, positive impact in their lives.
A volunteer Board of Directors oversees the Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton’s fundraising activities and fund disbursements. The crucial programs supported by the CAFH are delivered to all children and youth in need within the Region of Halton.
Singing with the fabulous band Freedom Train. Brilliant cover by Freedom Train – You Shook Me All Night Long -AC/DC
https://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Stardust-Gala-Freedom-Train5.jpg480640Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2019-03-28 10:05:552019-04-15 09:03:15Stardust Rocks Le Dome April 13th, 2019. Feel the Power of Love. We invite you to join us!
Whether Irish or not, Saint Patrick’s Day celebrated worldwide!
Saint Patrick’s Day is a day of people dancing and singing in Irish pubs, like the one of our favourites in our home town, O’Finn’s Irish Temper. Watching parades and drinking lots of green beer, Irish whiskey and munching on Irish stew.
Do you know which city has the largest Saint Patrick’s Day Parade?
1.New York City, 2.Dublin, 3.Sydney, 4.Boston
Saint Patrick’s Day New York City Parade
Meanwhile in Chicago the GREEN goes to the extreme as they actually have a river dyeing ceremony. Just before their parade 45 pounds of eco-friendly vegetable dye is dumped in the Chicago River. The whole river turns a bright limes green colour.
Dyeing of the Chicago River, Saint Patrick’s Day
Starting off with our first guest, Tyler Born from O’Finn’s Irish Temper.
Owner Tyler Born, O’Finn’s Irish Temper
Tyler and his brother Erin are the owners of O’Finn’s Irish Temper pub located in our home town of Oakville. They have taken the Irish pub to a new level. It’s upscale but still has the warmest hospitality, non pretentious, simply upbeat and great fun a “step up pub”. The huge focus is on fabulous fresh food and weekend entertainment.
Irish Whiskey is the focus next with Bernard Walsh of Writer’s Tears.
Bernard Walsh, founder Walsh Whiskey Distillery and producer of Writer’s Tears Whiskey.
What would Saint Patrick’s Day be without Irish Whiskey? We welcome back to the show Bernard Walsh,founder of Walsh Whiskey Distillery. Producer of the multi-awarded “Writer’s Tears” Irish Whiskey. We learn a little bit about this unique old Irish Whiskey with a superb flavour and history.
Up next,Patti Jannetta Baker daughter and producer of “Memories of Louis Jannetta and the Imperial Room”.
Next we switch gears just a bit…
Singer, song writer, actress and daughter Patti Jannetta-Baker of the late Louis Jannetta joins us on the show next. Patti is producing an incredible evening celebrating her father Louis Jannetta. She is bringing to life her father’s book King of the Maitre’d’s, My Life Among The Stars with an amazing event taking place March 23rd., “Memories of Louis Jannetta and the Imperial Room.”
Our radio show “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/2018/03/AudioPodcast03122018SanitPatricksDayAD.jpg10801080Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2019-03-10 12:57:452019-03-12 10:38:37Think Green! Ya! Saint Patrick’s Day! On this week’s audio podcast with The Wine Ladies
International Women’s Day, or IWD is an annual celebration of women’s achievements,
On March 5th we were honoured to be the emcees for an IWD event, Zonta Celebrates in support of the Oakville Hospital Foundation with funds specifically directed to the issues of women’s health.
A global celebration that is marked around the world with festivals, conferences, fundraisers and fun runs. This March 8thmarked the 108th anniversary of IWD. With the first gathering happening in 1911 in the city of New York supported by over a million people from Switzerland, Denmark, Austria and Germany.
The mandate of IWD is to rally for gender equality and to honour and celebrate the achievements of women across the globe. Gender equality in the wine business we thought. Hmm… how are we doing ladies, in this traditionally dominated male industry? We recently had the opportunity to explore that very question.
100 years
Zonta International is a global organization of more than 29,000 members in close to 1,200 Zonta clubs in 63 countries. Since 1919 these ladies, advocates for women’s rights, have been working together to improve the lives of girls and women, for 100 years!
The Zonta Club of Oakville, one of these esteemed clubs hosted this spectacular celebration and fundraiser. It was an extraordinary evening, of passion and compassion with close to 600 guests in attendance.
Catriona Le May Doan
The highlight of the evening was when keynote speaker two-time Olympic Gold Medal Winner, the fastest women on ice Catriona Le May Doan approached the podium.
She spoke of her victories and her challenges both on the ice and off, in her past and in the present. As a woman in sport, was it a level playing field? Here’s what Catriona had to say “It was for me in my sport but in the last seventeen years, the inclusion of women in other sports and teams has made an improvement but still has a way to go”. And for us in the world of wine, is there equal opportunity? We personally have seen a greater presence of women in our field. Back in 2002 when we started there were far fewer ladies. Fast forward many more female wine makers, viticulturists, sommeliers, marketing executives and writers are populating the business. Plus…. do women have better palates? Ah, the $64,000 question! We learn from Catriona that she too has a great love and appreciation for a fine glass of red wine! Besties forever!
The Wine Wall
Speaking of wine, over to the Wine Wall, what a fabulous collection of wines, wine baskets, and wine related accessories all auctioned off to the highest bid in our silent auction. A big thanks to the many sponsors and private individuals for their generous donations!
Marilisa Allegrini at La Poya vineyard, Allegrini, Valpolicella, Italy
For this International Women’s Day, we thought we would introduce you to one remarkable woman in our field.
She is Marilisa Allegrini, CEO of Allegrini, one of the most respected and highly acclaimed wineries of Italy located in the storied wine growing region of Valpolicella. Allegrini is world-renowned in particular for their exceptional production of the iconic wine Amarone. She is known as the “Voice of Amarone” and has been often described as a “Wine Star”.
Marilisa is the first Italian woman wine producer to grace the cover of one of the most respected and famous wine magazines in the world, The Wine Spectator. Since the early 1980’s Marilisa has been traveling the world sharing her passion for both the wines of Allegrini and the region of Valpolicella.
We had the opportunity to meet with Marilisa and asked if she would tell us a little more about the company and her role.
We learn that the Allegrini family has been involved with grape growing and winemaking since the 1500’s handing down grape growing and winemaking traditions over six generations.
Its roots lie in a small village Fumane de Valpolicella located just north of Verona in north-eastern Italy. The family played a prominent role in the local community as one of the most important landowners, involved in agricultural work and upholding local traditions.
The company took a proverbial giant step in growth with the 5thgeneration Allegrini at the helm Marilisa’s father Giovanni.
‘It was” Marilisa goes on to explain with great admiration “the intelligence and hard work of her father. An instinctive man with respect to the land and innovative winemaking practices. That was integral in leading the way to modern winemaking and earning the reputation Allegrini enjoys today. Allegrini and Amarone della Valpolicella!
Just one example of many, he was one of the first producers to change the style and the methodology of making Amarone. Once little known, with a profile reminiscent of a port, to the prestigious and delicious wine it is today produced with dried grapes.
Today we discover that Allegrini’s Amarone, with son Franco as the winemaker since 1983 is considered the benchmark and the style new winemakers look to emulate.
Allegrini was also one of the first to develop several cru vineyards including La Poja, reviewed here below.
As we continue to chat Marilisa emphasizes how it is all about the land. How connected she and her family are to both the history and present of Valpolicella. The company’s holdings are impressive. They include several of the villages in the original (classico) region of Valpolicella. The company’s philosophy is to produce single vineyard wines made with local grape varieties.
The tireless Marilisa, a world-traveling ambassador for Allegrini and Valpolicella. She has been credited with taking an already famous company to new heights. And as a bold and brave CEO, along with brother and winemaker Franco, they’ve taken on new challenges and exciting acquisitions! To Tuscany, first in Bolgheri and then Montalcino.
We had the opportunity to enjoy two Allegrini wines at a recent get together.
The first one of particular pride and joy to Marilisa, with a special connection to her late father, the wine La Poja.
La Poja is a single vineyard spectacular wine, which comes from a specific parcel of land, the prestigious La Grola vineyard in the Valpolicella Classico area. Marilisa tells us that not long before her fathers passing Giovanni acquired this parcel. A piece at the top of the famous hill of the La Grola vineyard, 2.65 hectares “at great financial effort”. He believed so strongly in this location and the characteristics of the soil. 78% chalk and with great mineral content in its ability to produce exceptional wines with great structure and aging potential. Today La Poja is the crown jewel of “Grand Cru expression” of Allegrini. It rounds out their stupendous line up of wines including their Valpolicella, Palazzo della Torre and their iconic Amarone to name a few.
La Poja, single vineyard, single varietal made with 100% Corvina.
Elegant, rich and full bodied, seductive on the nose with intense aromas of black currant, juicy cherries, hints of spice, velvety on the palate with blackberry, cherry and hint of liquorice flavours ending with a luscious lingering finish.
We so enjoyed this full bodied, delectable wine! With a seductive nose of blackberries, spice, hints of vanilla and milk chocolate, a rich intense mouth filling red wine, lots of black fruit, with hints of smoke and a chocolate-mocha flavour on the palate. We loved it!
We hope you all have the opportunity someday to enjoy the wines of Allegrini and the fruits of this amazing historic winemaking family! Hats off to Marilisa, and to all the ladies out there forging their way in this 108thanniversary year of International Women’s Day!
https://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/54201330_2167999163287691_2228024528297000960_o.jpg12001800Susanne Seelig-Mensehttps://www.thewineladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WineLadiesLogoTransparent.pngSusanne Seelig-Mense2019-03-08 05:57:212019-06-05 07:02:48Honouring International Women’s Day with Wine, and Women of the vine!
Rebecca sits above Montfort Castle in the high Galilee, Israel where the Montfort name came.
