Wine Appreciation This Month...

Summertime has arrived and thoughts of warm, sunny days has inspired our wine appreciation groups this past few weeks. The wines of New Zealand and Australia were featured in two wine appreciation evenings, made even better because both hosting couples have enjoyed visits to these countries.

Julie Palmer-Redl and Ken Redl organized an evening of lovely wines, a fabulous dinner, entertaining games and contests, and some of the most “Amaaaaaaaazing!” prizes this side of the Tropic of Capricorn. Guests even learned a few new words and terms from "down under” through a matching challenge. The favourite wine of the evening was Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand’s Marlborough Valley.

Brian and Cheryl Bennett led a very fun sampling of wines where guests teamed in pairs to match each mystery wine with the variety and (for the gifted tasters among us) with the winery that created it. Amid much laughter, high-spirited opinions, and one crafty attempt to lure another team into a coalition, winners emerged and a delicious sit-down dinner was enjoyed. The wine highlight was a 19 Crimes Shiraz with a “living wine label” - The Aussie convict on the label will speak to you through your cell phone.

(Click photo for caption)