Wine-based events in Winnipeg and beyond – Winnipeg Free Press

Opinion

We apologize for the absence Without cork last weekend's column — I just returned from a week in Sicily, where I joined nearly 100 other writers from around the world at the 25th annual Sicilia En Primeur event in Pollina. The event sees most of the southern Italian island's wineries bring their products to us writers to taste (over the course of two days I was able to go through about 150 of the more than 400 wines poured).

More about this amazing trip.

In the meantime, here's a roundup of drinks-related events past, present and future…

The winners of the In Good Spirits cocktail competition were crowned on May 13 at the Fort Garry Hotel.

Presented by the Manitoba Chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, the competition saw 18 competitors from local eateries and a unique spirit to create a signature cocktail.

At the event, judges judged the cocktails, and attendees could also vote for people's choices.

First place among the judges was Leo Lu of Frankie's Italian Kitchen, second place was Kieran Dublin of Commonwealth Kitchen & Bar, and third place was Luke Bender of Rust (who also ranked #39 on the Canadian Italian Cuisine list). There are 50 best).

In the People's Choice category, Liam Anderson from Sous Sol won, and Abraham Holder from Bar Accanto was the runner-up.

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The Maritime Museum of Manitoba in Selkirk is celebrating 50 years of nautical goodness with a wine and cookie pairing event starting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 26 at the museum, located at 444 Evelyn St. in Selkirk.

Enjoy an assortment of wines paired with Tyndall's Flying Pig Patch cookies while exploring the museum's boat collection. Tickets are $75, with $50 off each ticket to the museum (you get a $50 tax receipt). For tickets and more information, visit wfp.to/yF6.

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Continuing wine and food events beyond Winnipeg's borders, the 13th annual New Bothwell Cheese and Wine Festival will be held Saturday, June 1 from 7 to 10 p.m. at 50 Park Bay Rd., New Bothwell's open-air venue. guests can choose wines, beers and spirits along with Bothwell cheeses.

Tickets are $50 plus fees at wfp.to/yFj. Proceeds support the New Bothwell community and area community center.

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The first Manitoba Night Market and Festival of 2024 will be held on Sunday, June 9th from 3pm to 11am at Assiniboia Downs. More than 15 food trucks will be on site, along with a number of vendors and local brewers, and will be available in the beverage gardens.

Admission is $7. Parking is $5.

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Whether you're staying in town or heading to the cabin for Victoria Day weekend, Winnipeg's many independent wine shops have mixed cottage cases.

For example, Jones & Company Wine Merchants has cottage cases starting at $85.99 for six bottles with white, red, rosé and mixed options. See wfp.to/yFo for details. Kenaston Wine Market has six-bottle white, rosé and red options at $119 each – see wfp.to/yFS for details.

And Pourium has six- and 12-bottle mix boxes starting at $75 – visit wfp.to/yF0 for details.

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Wines of the week

Here are four reds perfect for pairing with grilled food on a long weekend…

Long Country 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (Central Valley, Chile — $13.99/1L bottle, Liquor Marts and beyond)

This prized Chilean red has a decent amount of red and black fruit on the nose, with cassis, blackberry and blueberry accompanying herbal and meaty notes. It's medium-bodied, with light tannins and an acidic structure providing juicy blackberry flavors that give the faintest hint of fruity sweetness before a modest finish (13% alcohol). A solid value in a one liter bottle perfect for burgers, barbecues or backyard entertaining. 3/5

Brunel de la Gardine 2020 Le Petit Maxime (Côte du Rhône, France — $22.99, Liquor Marts and up)

From the Cote du Rhône region of France, this Grenache-Syrah blend brings aromatic notes of plum, ripe cherry, earth, violet and raspberry. It's dry to medium-bodied, earthy with black cherry, plum and blueberry notes, white pepper components, hints of black tea, lean but firm tannins and a slightly warm finish (it's 14% alcohol). 3/5

Bodega Renacer 2021 Punto Final Organic Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina — about $24, individual wine shops)

This undiluted and organic Argentinian Malbec is deep black cherry in appearance and offers aromatic violet, blackberry, dark chocolate and mocha notes. It's dry and full-bodied, with soft tannins wrapped around blackberry and chocolate notes, a bit of white pepper and a nice plum on the simple finish. 3.5/5

Wente 2020 Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon (Central Coast, CA — $19.74, Liquor Marts and beyond)

The California red has a small splash of syrah mixed with cabernet sauvignon. Aromatic blackberry, cassis, chocolate, roasted coffee and spice notes are prominent, and on the chewy, full palate these flavors come through with secondary blueberry and black cherry notes, good ripeness, medium tannins and a medium warm finish. Beats most California cabs in our market at this price, especially when it's on sale (it's regularly $21.99). 4/5

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