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Tuesday April 14 . 5 – 7pm – FREE Wine Tasting and “Discover Bouquets”  Sensory Event at Quince Flowers at 660 Queen St E.

Riverside WineFEST April 13 – 19

Shop owner, artisan florist and wine enthusiast Rosemary Jeffares (Rosie)  teams up with guest Sommeliers for a sensory experience pairing floral notes from the Wine,  with the beauty of flowers, and demonstrates  how floral details can convey your style from low-key elegance, to nostalgic, fun, or formal. This is an opportunity to  “try and buy” wines from some of Ontario’s finest Wine Growers – many not available at the LCBO.   Sommeliers and Winery Hosts will be on hand to take wine orders and arrange for delivery. Thanks to Il Ponte Cucina Italiana for  providing locally sourced , delicious and nutritional authentic Italian  food.

Quince is staffed by artists who use flowers and your vision as their raw materials.

About Rosemary Jeffares, Shop Owner

As a grad student in England, Quince founder under unearthed her love of all things botanic while moonlighting, cleaning flowers at dawn to help pay the rent. Stripping, cutting, and bundling blooms into market bunches and hand tied bouquets, she found her fine arts career re-directed by the romance and peace of working with flowers. That presence informs our approach to everything we do at Quince.

Rosie is interested in good people, great communities, growing flowers in the backyard, tea drinking, book reading, and nesting with her wife Monica and their two growing boys.  She welcomes visitors to our shop, enquiries, and collaborations of all sorts.  Rosie is thrilled to be part of Riverside WineFEST.

Discover “Bouquest” and Free Wine Tasting is part of Riverside Wine FEST .  From April 13 – 19th you are invited to experience an Ontario Wine Tour in your backyard when  award winning wineries and growers from Prince Edward County and Niagara Wine Region are come to Toronto for Riverside Riverside Wine FEST. For more details and to pre-register for FREE Wine Tastings and Seminars and  to reserve space for Wine Dinners, Prix Fixe Dinners, Wine Crawl, Cheese & Cheers and Wine & Chocolate Seminar visit here:

Riverside WineFEST April 13 – 19

On Wednesday April 15th  4 – 6 pm  – join our  Toast to “Vintage”  with Vintage Finds and  FREE Wine Tastings at Guff Vintage and Custom Furniture (1 Davies Ave).  GUFF Vintage and Custom Furniture is hosting one of Ontario’s Finest Wineries in their brand new home in Riverside. This the perfect combination of   vintage wine, vintage design and a good bargain.   Take advantage of  this opportunity to   “try and buy” wines from some of Ontario’s finest Wine Growers – many not available at the LCBO.   Sommeliers and Winery Hosts will be on hand to take wine orders and arrange for delivery. Thanks to Il Ponte Cucina Italiana for  providing locally sourced , delicious and nutritional authentic Italian  food.

What is vintage?

The term vintage relates primarily to wine and is an altered form of the French word vendage, meaning “the grapes picked during a season.” One of its secondary definitions is “a period of origin or manufacture.  An item described as ‘vintage’ should speak of the era in which it was produced and can also mean (and probably always should) that the item exhibits the best of a certain quality, or qualities, associated with or belonging to that specific era. 

About GUFF Vintage and Custom Furniture: 

Guff has built up a loyal following of customers who love both vintage design and a good bargain.  Owner John Jakeman believes in ” getting  cool stuff to the masses. If you come in and want to spend $300, we have something for $300 – it doesn’t have to be $3000.”   Jakemen recently opened up GUFF’s brand-new home in Riverside, and is finally able to do the massive, ever-changing selection of vintage furniture justice.

Guff Vintage Furniture

The larger pieces give GUFF and its bargain pricing a real opportunity to shine. Many of the older items are lovingly refinished (a feat now made easier thanks to their brand-new on-site workshop).  Of course, by the time you read this, they might be gone – so it pays to keep checking back. “The one thing that a lot of people say about our store is that they come every week, because they know it looks different every week,” Jakeman says. “It’ll never look the same two weeks in a row. That is definitely our business model – is to get it in here, move it, price it better than anyone else, sell it, and on to the next thing.”

Vintage Finds and Free Wine Tasting is part of Riverside Wine FEST .  From April 13 – 19th you are invited to experience an Ontario Wine Tour in your backyard when  award winning wineries and growers from Prince Edward County and Niagara Wine Region are come to Toronto for Riverside Riverside Wine FEST. For more details and to pre-register for FREE Wine Tastings and Seminars and  to reserve space for Wine Dinners, Prix Fixe Dinners, Wine Crawl, Cheese & Cheers and Wine & Chocolate Seminar visit here:

On Thursday April 16th  5 – 7 pm –  you are invited to the FREE Wine Tastings and Art Event at Dimensions Custom Framing and Gallery at 733 Queen St E,  when works from award winning local Artists and tastings from award winning local wineries team up to inspire you!!

Peruse the exhibits  at Dimensions Custom Framing and Gallery, while sipping  award winning wine from the some of Ontario’s finest Growers. This is one of the many events during Riverside Wine Week – April 13 – 19, 2015.  For  details and to register for FREE Wine Tastings and Seminars, and to reserve space for Wine Dinners, Prix Fixe Dinners, Wine Crawl, Cheese & Cheers and Wine & Chocolate Seminar visit here:

Riverside WineFEST April 13 – 19

Dimensions Custom Framing and Gallery is one of Toronto’s  most reputable places for custom framing and a fine art gallery showcasing artists from all walks of life.  On April 16th – explore the Gallery while tasting some perfect local wines with advice from expert Sommeliers  who will be on hand to take wine orders and arrange for delivery.  Your hosts for the evening are Dimensions Custom Framing owners Ellen Davidson and  master frameologist,  Wendy Palmer.   Ellen and Wendy can help you create the unexpected by crafting the perfect framing design to suite your particular taste.

Here is a “taste” of the work from two of  the featured local artists:  Lynn Leonard and Ian Busher.

Lynne Leonard – Help

Lynn Leonard

Ian Busher – On Display at Dimensions Custom Framing and Gallery

Ian Busher

Born in Toronto, Ian began his art training by enrolling in the Ontario College of Art at the age of 19. His education was short lived however, when faced with mounting debt, he made the difficult decision to quit school and begin working.

As a contractor and carpenter, Ian began seeing artwork within industrial materials and neglected spaces and exploring it with his camera.

Now working in both painting and photography, Ian’s works can take on a variety of forms. His photography captures the beauty in destruction and decay, and his painting and mixed media explore elements of the natural world and man’s footprint upon it. His pieces can combine photos, epoxy resin, paint, oil pastels, steel, rust, nails, reclaimed lumber, screws, or all of the above.

Ian’s works are held in private collections in Canada, the U.S. and France. He currently lives and works in Toronto.

About Dimensions Custom Framing and Gallery

This fresh expansive gallery is the collaborative product of Ellen Davidson and Wendy Palmer, in business together for 15 years. The two have an immense passion for all things creative and have shaped this combined establishment to house one of Toronto’s most reputable places for custom framing and a fine art gallery showcasing artists from all walks of life.

For Riverside Wine Week  details and to register for FREE Wine Tastings and Seminars and see how to reserve space for Wine Dinners, Prix Fixe Dinners, Wine Crawl, Cheese & Cheers and Wine & Chocolate Seminar visit here:

“An Apple a day, keeps the doctor away”…so, the saying goes…Maybe we need to change that to…”A Glass of Wine a day!”….Find out more at the FREE Wine & Wellness Seminar on April 13th at OMA Chiropractic -1 Munro Ave (Queen E & Munro) – the kick-off  Wine Tasting Event for Riverside WineFEST.

Riverside WineFEST April 13 – 19

For details and to register visit here:

Just look at these 7 benefits of drinking wine…

1. Promotes Longevity
2. Reduces Heart-Attack Risk
3. Lowers Risk of Heart Disease:
4. Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
5. Cuts Risk of Cataracts
6. Lowers Risk of Stroke
7. Slows Brain Decline

Presenting the seminar is nutritionist Nish Saxena and Chef Scott Savoie of the Culinary Adventure Company.  These special guests will pair wines with specific foods to create a nutritional boost!  There will be free wine tastings from some of the award winning growers attending the Riverside WineFEST Free Wine Expo on Saturday Apri 18th at the Ralph Thornton Centre.

In addition to award winning wines,  One of Riverside’s Favorite Restaurants – Sushi Bar will providing Sushi to complement the Wine Tastings!

This events is also  an opportunity to  “try and buy” wines from some of Ontario’s finest Wine Growers – many not available at the LCBO.

Sommeliers and Winery Hosts will be on hand to take wine orders and arrange for delivery.

For details and to register visit here:

About Nish Saxena

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1. *Research to support the benefits: Source:  http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/8-health-benefits-of-drinking-wineThe Benefit: Promotes LongevityThe Evidence: Wine drinkers have a 34 percent lower mortality rate than beer or spirits drinkers. Source: a Finnish study of 2,468 men over a 29-year period, published in the Journals of Gerontology, 2007.The Benefit: Reduces Heart-Attack Risk

   The Evidence: Moderate drinkers suffering from high blood pressure are 30 percent less likely to have a heart attack than nondrinkers. Source: a 16-year Harvard School of Public Health study of 11,711 men, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, 2007.

   The Benefit: Lowers Risk of Heart Disease

   The Evidence: Red-wine tannins contain procyanidins, which protect against heart disease. Wines from Sardinia and southwest France have more procyanidins than other wines. Source: a study at Queen Mary University in London, published in Nature, 2006.

   The Benefit: Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

   The Evidence: Moderate drinkers have 30 percent less risk than nondrinkers of developing type 2 diabetes. Source: research on 369,862 individuals studied over an average of 12 years each, at Amsterdam’s VU University Medical Center, published in Diabetes Care, 2005.

   The Benefit: Lowers Risk of Stroke

   The Evidence: The possibility of suffering a blood clot–related stroke drops by about 50 percent in people who consume moderate amounts of alcohol. Source: a Columbia University study of 3,176 individuals over an eight-year period, published in Stroke, 2006.

   The Benefit: Cuts Risk of Cataracts

   The Evidence: Moderate drinkers are 32 percent less likely to get cataracts than nondrinkers; those who consume wine are 43 percent less likely to develop cataracts than those drinking mainly beer. Source: a study of 1,379 individuals in Iceland, published in Nature, 2003.

   The Benefit: Cuts Risk of Colon Cancer

   The Evidence: Moderate consumption of wine (especially red) cuts the risk of colon cancer by 45 percent. Source: a Stony Brook University study of 2,291 individuals over a four-year period, published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2005.

   The Benefit: Slows Brain Decline

   The Evidence: Brain function declines at a markedly faster rate in nondrinkers than in moderate drinkers. Source: a Columbia University study of 1,416 people, published in Neuroepidemiology, 2006.

    

    

    

    

    

Riverside WineFEST April 13 – 19

Tuesday April 14 – Malivoire Wine Makers Dinner and Wine Pairings at 747 Wine Bar  

A rare opportunity to enjoy an intimate evening of fine wine and haute cuisine.  Bring your friends and family to a special evening with renowned wine maker Shiraz Mottiar from Malivoire,  Guest Chef Scott Savoie of the Culinary Adventure Co and Chef Alex Brown of 747 Wine Bar.   Savour the hand-picked special selection of wines,  alongside the  Chef’s gourmet menus.

On April 14th, at 747 Wine Bar (747 Queen Street East ) enjoy wine pairings alongside  a dinner feast of  7 courses including:

Malivoire Wine Makers 7 Course Dinner Menu at 747 Wine Bar– April 14, 2015  

East Coast Oysters au Naturel- with Malivoire MELoN

Chef’s Selection of Imported & Domestic Cheese & Charcuterie with Malivoire Lady Bug Rose :

Triple Cream Brie, Manchego & Beemster Cheese, Prosciutto & Calabrese Sausage, Chicken Liver Pate, Ice Wine Roasted Grapes, Pickled Vegetables & Grainy Mustard

Wild Foraged Spring Mushroom & Birch Syrup Ravioli with Truffle Crème – with Malivoire Courtney Gamay

Pan Seared U8 Diver Scallop with Acadian Sturgeon Caviar & Clam Bouillabaisse with Malivoire Small Lot Chardonnay

Entre Mezzo of Chef’s Sorbet

Moringa Crusted Rack of Lamb with Ontario Blueberry & Old Vine Foch Reduction, Wasabi Mash Potato & Duck Fat Green Beans with – Malivoire Old Vines Foch

Earl Grey Crème Brulee with Cabernet Franc Ice Wine Reduction – with Malivoire Cabernet Franc Ice Wine

Please contact 747 Wine Bar to -re-register for this event – Tables will sell-out – so please book early – contact:  416.778.9988 or info@747winebar.com

 About your Malavoire Wine

Malivoire Melon VQA Beamsville Bench, Canada
Melon de Bourgogne, the grape of Muscadet, which Shiraz Mottiar says is one of those rare grapes where you can taste the flavour of the wine in the grape. Supple, a bit nutty, and bright, with minerals and lemons, as well as apples and pears. So distinctive. 89/100

Malivoire Ladybug Rosé VQA Niagara Peninsula, Canada
This is Malivoire’s largest production wine, at 6500 cases. A blend of Cabernet France and Pinot Noir with 10 g/litre residual sugar. Supple, smooth and ripe with a hint of greenness. Nice texture with some sweet fruit. Very appealing. 88/100

Malivoire Courtney Gamay  VQA Beamsville Bench, Canada
Lovely ripe, fine black cherry fruit. Sweet yet mineral with a nice grainy texture. Ripe and full yet so fine. 94/100

Malivoire Old Vines Foch

Perfectly ripened fruit was collected from rugged, forty year-old Marechal Foch vines. A Malivoire cult classic.

Malivoire Cabernet Franc Ice Wine

The rich red of cabernet franc makes this dessert wine strikingly visual.  The grapes were hand-harvested on two nights, the 12th and 14th of December, with sugars averaging 38.8 ° brix.  Fermentation and 5 months of ageing were completed in stainless steel.

About Your Wine Maker Shiraz Mottiar:

goLocal with Shiraz Mottiar from LCBO on Vimeo.

Connect with Shiraz Mottair – https://twitter.com/ShirazMottiar

About Malivoire:

Excellence in winemaking has long been Malivoire’s  hallmark, but that alone won’t make a winery great. Choice fruit from highborn vine varieties rooted in flourishing vineyards is mandatory.  Since planting its first vineyard in 1996, Malivoire has pioneered an innovative, eco-centric approach to wine growing on the Beamsville Bench in the Niagara Peninsula.

Malivoire currently draws the largest share of its grapes from several vineyards comprising a combined 40 hectares. These are located within the Beamsville Bench, Lincoln Lakeshore, Vinemount Ridge and Twenty Mile Bench Sub-designated Viticultural Areas, which lie within the Niagara Peninsula’s Niagara Escarpment Subappellation.

Ideal Conditions at the Moira Vineyard

The birthplace of Malivoire’s original wines is the Moira Vineyard, purchased on the Beamsville Bench in 1995.  With excellent drainage and a low water table, the Moira Vineyard is distinguished by vines whose deep roots ensure robust health and vigorous fruit acidity. Few sites have the combination of beauty, soil and ideal growing conditions of the Moira vineyard. The thing that separates the Moira vineyard from many other exceptional sites is a happy accident of nature caused by the last ice age. The vineyard sits in the centre of virtual “island” oasis as winemaker Shiraz Mottiar describes it.

About 747 Wine Bar:

747 Wine Bar is located in the trendy neighborhood of Riverside. With a broad selection of wines, there will be something to please everyone’s palate. Indulge in a bottle, enjoy a 5 oz. glass, sample many wines with 3 oz. glasses or enjoy a wine flight with three 2 oz. pours. Choose from over 25 wines offered by the glass.

Well known for our charcuterie platters, choose from their wide selection of cheeses – local and far and wide, meats – all made in-house, and seasonal garnishes. If you are feeling adventurous, leave the decision making up to our knowledgeable staff. Our main menu is diversified featuring small plates to share, and pair with our many wines available by the glass. The menu changes seasonally, using local and organic ingredients.

About Culinary Adventure Company and Cheff Scott Savoie:

Founded in 2010, The Culinary Adventure Co., (CAC) is Canada’s largest culinary tourism and experience operator.  CAC offers neighbour food tours, culinary adventures, cooking classes and corporate culinary programming for clients and companies across Canada. CAC was awarded the Ontario Culinary Tourism Experience Award from the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance (OCTA) in 2012, and received the Canadian Signature Experience designation from the Canadian Tourism Commission in 2013. In addition, TripAdvisor rates CAC #1 in Food + Drink activities in Toronto and CAC has won the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for 4-years running.

About Chef Scott Savoie

Chef Scott’s career has taken him to Portugal and Italy on cooking tours and for several years he was an international private chef specializing in 5 star hunting and fishing lodges in the Canadian North, the American Midwest and New Zealand where he also hosted the “Culture in the Kitchen” radio show. He has cooked for many celebrities including comedian Jeff Foxworthy, NASCAR legend Richard Childress, Dallas Cowboys executive Stephen Jones, and pop singer/songwriter Avril Lavigne to name a few.

In 2010 he put an end to his gypsy ways and made Toronto his home. He founded “The Culinary Adventure Company” to showcase the culinary diversity of Canada’s largest city to locals and visitors alike. The company specializes in food tours, cooking classes, corporate team building events, pop up dinners and tastings, and outdoor activities with a culinary theme such as canoe and beach dining adventures and mushroom forages. It has been ranked the #1 tour company in the city by Trip Advisor since August 2011.

Chef Scott is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, Slow Food, Culinary Historians of Canada and the Mycological Society of Toronto. He also puts a high priority on giving back to the community and frequently donates his time to numerous charity events and causes to benefit the community. He is affectionately referred to as “Toronto’s Unofficial Culinary Ambassador” by those close to him.

About Chef Alex Brown

Chef Alex Brown’s  cooking is strongly influenced by his Jamaican and Trinidadian roots, as well as experience working at Vancouver’s Cioppinos and Toronto’s Rock Lobster.  Signature dishes are the Lamb Lollipops, encrusted in rosemary & thyme, tender with the jus from the lamb shavings  – and the Lobster Spoons, served with crème fraiche & yellow peppers.  The succulent Roasted Chicken, served in a spicy Cajun marinade is also a hit.