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Lisbon Anyone?

by Billy on January 29, 2012 in Billy's World, Travel Notes with No comments

Lovely Lisbon and Area

Travel with me this OCTOBER 16 to 24

Cafés, culture, architecture, gardens, beaches, wine,  food and FUN!

Besides good looks Lisbon has a personality that seduces you and keeps you wanting more.

We’ve worked hard to design an itinerary that is incredible. Staying in an restored Art Deco hotel in the heart of one of the most beautiful cities on earth….full of vistas set against a beautiful river. And taking many day trips to gardens, galleries, castles, the sea, and wineries (of course!). ALL dinners WITH WINE,  breakfasts,  most lunches and transportation are INCLUDED. Wine and cooking classes too!

PLUS we’ve designed the trip dates around an inexpensive DIRECT Air Transat flight so nothing could be easier! October is a beautiful time to be there – not touristy and still beautiful day temperatures.

Hope you will come on board. Read all about it HERE!

Stylish Local White

by Billy on January 19, 2012 in Travel Notes, Wine Picks with No comments

One of the recent best-things-to-happen in local wine has been the creation of the ‘blend’. Especially in whites. We now have a range of really interesting, multipurpose whites at reasonable prices, that I’ve featured in my blogs. Ravine Winery has taken the concept to the next level with a blend that’s not just friendly but also special, and stylish.  The something different feeling. While it’s light ’n refreshing, it also creates the feeling of being at a seaside terrace in Italy or France. The good life! Naturally it will work best in the Summer for lunch/patio sipper/aperitif or whenever. But check it out now to get you in the mood.

Congrats to Ravine for developing a truly local, and stylish wine experience. While it’s not everyday priced I think you’ll see the value in the experience.

RAVINE 10 ‘Sand & Gravel’ York Road, VQA Niagara 260414  $16.95

Back to Reality

by Kato on September 23, 2011 in Billy's World, Travel Notes with No comments
winefromLisheen

Had an AMAZING two weeks in Ireland. Billy’s Best Bottles Irish Wine Tour was a blast. Couldn’t have asked for better company, wine, accommodation, weather, food…and all-round great craic.

Will DEFINITELY do it again. Make sure you sign up to my newsletter to get the news.

Now to recuperate.

 

 

 


France in PEC

by Kato on September 4, 2011 in Travel Notes, Wine Picks with 1 Comment

CLossonChaseFRANCE in PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY

Closson Chase has just released two very stylish wines. An elegant, mid-range Chardonnay with the refreshing feeling of Chablis. Smart aperitif/first course wine. A great ambassador for the County.

The Pinot Noir is also very French. Bone dry, lightish and tart with wonderful earthy realness. A Fall day feeling. Age a year.

I really like the clear focus at Closson Chase – high quality Chard and Pinot Noir. There is a strong connection between the sensibility displayed at the winery – the arty/rustic barn and the garden – and what’s in the bottle. Understated but self assured. Makes you feel like you’re in the French Countryside.

CLOSSON CHASE ‘CCV’ 09 CHARDONNAY, VQA County $24.95

CLOSSON CHASE ‘CCV’ 09 PINOT NOIR, VQA COUNTY $39.95

$55 County Pinot

by Kato on August 31, 2011 in Travel Notes, Wine Picks with No comments

xuletThere’s a family down the road from me in Prince Edward County selling wine for $55 a bottle.

I was taking the County back roads from Point Petre to Waupoos when I stumbled on Exultet Estates. Talk about being in the middle of nowhere. This small winery is housed in a charming old dairy building with the vineyards out back. Are they ever anywhere else!

I tasted two Pinots – a lightish and charming 08 ($35), and a more concentrated, impressive 09 ($55). I purchased the 08 because if its current drinkability, and because I wasn’t mentally prepared to spend $55 on a bottle of wine. While I realize that the economics of operating a small winery dictate these steep prices I feel there is also a need to earn them. In the first few years it’s best to bait customers with something reasonably priced. We’ll return for the big fish once we have more confidence in the winery. I mentioned this to owners Gerry and Lia Spinosa and was delighted to hear that they are in complete agreement. Look for a friendly priced Pinot next season.

P.S. The farm just to the east of Exultet has the best free range eggs I’ve ever tasted. And Long Dog Winery is lust around the corner. Three attractions in the middle of nowhere.

P.S.S. If you’re coming to the County on the long weekend, check out VICKI’S VEGGIES HEIRLOOM TOMATO FESTIVAL. It is awesome. Taste over 100 varieties of tomatoes. www.vickisveggies.com

EXULTET ESTATES 1106 Royal Road, Milford, Prince Edward County
www.exultet.ca

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