Gusto Grapes Wine and Experiences

Save the date... Friday, October 2... those in Toronto, I'm hosting a drop-in (but timed entry, following all precautions) tasting at Verity Club on Queen East. From ~ 2:30 until 5pm... will share more details shortly but hoping a few of you can make it!

It's #internationalgrenacheday !!! One of my fave days of the year (well, not really, but I DO love grenache, aka #garnacha #canonnau). Grenache is the "G" in the beloved GSM blends. This smooth, supple and rich blend finds its main home in the Southern Rhone. And #cairanne is one of the AOCs where Grenache is dominant (reds need to have a minimum of 50% of the stuff). Where can you find wine from Cairanne, you ask???? From our wonderful wine supplier, Domaine Andre Berthet-...Rayne Cairanne. Grenache makes an appearance in all of the roses and reds that we are bringing in. Want to learn more or schedule a tasting, please reach out!

Took these beauties for a walk through @oldtowntoronto and @stjamestoronto gardens. They will surely taste all the sweeter (figuratively of course). DM me to get some. #winelife #txakoli #cairanne #gsm #frenchwinelover #spanishwinelover

If you have a few moments, please considering signing this petition to give our local wineries a fair chance at thriving. http://chng.it/TjSYjz9BFx

Folks, I wanted to share a recommendation to check out a new wine bar in Oakville (Bronte), Ontario. If you're downtown TO like me, it's worth the trip - if you're a west-end local, lucky you! Really interesting wines (I may be biased because they carry our Sancerre in all 3 colours) - they have at least 12 wines at any time by the glass. A cute, well appointed patio and delicious light plates. Let Devon, Erin or Andrew know that Jessica sent you (you'll get a great experienc...e, regardless). www.thewinebaroakville.com Follow IG: thewinebaroakville - lovely pics of patio action

Happy Pinot Noir Day! Here is a description of our Sancerre Rouge, something not seen too often in our market. "In this deep purple, medium-bodied Pinot Noir you will discover typical flavours like blackcurrant and very ripe cherries. There is even a hint of spice which makes this wine quite intriguing and more-ish. The first impression is fruity but the tannins provide structure and contribute to the length. This wine is fermented half in stainless steel and half in oak b...arrels and is further aged in large oak barrels for a year bringing a roundness and warmth that you might not expect from this region. Ready to drink now (with most any kind of spiced, medium-weight meat or poultry dish), you could 100% savour this wine over the next few years." $33.75 (case of 6) pre-order now for late October delivery (est.)

I strongly recommend you sign up for hyr.live if you love food, cocktails and wine (can I hear a 'heck yeah'!) There is a 14-day free trial. If you join today, you'll get the chance to hear The Flying Somm review and discuss our 91-point Francois Millet Sancerre tomorrow, 3pm ET. Cool, eh? #sancerre #frenchwine #loirevalley

Super exciting news! Our Francois Millet Sancerre is going to be featured in a taste-off against Sarah Jessica Parker's New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Curious about the differences? Learn more from The Flying Somm this Saturday, 3pm! To view, sign up for your free 14-day trial https://www.hyr.live/join-hyr-live.

Glorious Grenache! I personally love the stuff whether from the Rhone or Priorat or anywhere else for that matter. Cairanne (where our Andre Berthet-Rayne wine hails from) must have a minimum of 50% of the stuff in their red wine. Learn some more from our friends at Wine Folly:

Last chance to pre-order some of the yummiest (technical term) Chardonnay. 6 packs of Sophie Cinier's fresh and fruity Bourgogne Chardonnay ($27.95 +hst). Just under 200 bottles of this fresh and refined wine left for purchase for this entire vintage so you'll have some history in your hands. We also have an allocation of Sophie's Pouilly Fuisse. Lightly oaked and plenty complex, this wine would be a great addition to your patio table, your wine cellar or as a holiday hostess gift ($52.75 +hst). Please don't wait... orders going in this week. 25% upon ordering, the the rest when the wine arrives (est. October). Message me or Email [email protected].

A reminder, if you want to learn more about Spain's more norther regions, Rias Biaxas, Bierzo and Rioja, join us for 'the wisdom of wine and walking' on Wednesday. Register here: https://divinedestinationcollection.com//pilgrimages-vint/

Flash sale... I have one case of 6 outstanding organic wines from Cote du Rhone for my GTA friends available now... the medium-bodied rose is super versatile with flavours of red fruit, watermelon a hint of pineapple (for patio or for a meal). The red is fruity with raspberry and cherry and bold with some spiciness as well. Both are on the boozier side but the alcohol is well integrated. 3 rose and 3 red for $130 plus HST. $10 off if you can pick up downtown. Comment below and I can follow-up or DM me directly. Cheers!

Another really outstanding pairing guide, a marvelous cheese deep dive. P.S. Shameless plug, if you dig tangy goat cheese, you're going to LOVE our Sancerre Blanc ($31.95 plus hst x 6) and Bourgogne Blanc ($26.90 plus hst x12). Orders going in shortly. Please considering supporting these wonderful boutique, family-owned wineries. Happy to share more info.

Check out page 12/13 in this gorgeous ebook that shares some wonderful opportunity for up-close and personal connections with the world around us. I'll be sharing more about the wines along the pilgrim's path after you experience the story-telling of Camino expert, Sue Kenney. July 29th, sign-up required. https://issuu.com/wynfordtwg//divine_live_and_online_ebook

Wine education moment... this is a GREAT article about the different types of bottles you can find wine in. www.wineponder.com/wine-bottle-shapes-and-sizes/.

Canada Day tasting! If you'd be interested in hosting your own tasting party, please reach out! #bourgogne #cairanne #sancerre #winelife #wineeducation

Who wants a fun piece of wine-inspired original art? My cousin, Martha Markowsky recently completed this piece and I offered to share it with my wine-loving friends. Acrylic on paper measuring 10"H x 7"W. $75 including shipping in Canada. Reach out if this would look great on your wall or you have a friend who it would be perfect for.

These #grenache dominant beauties from #Cairanne are available for private order now...They're #organic, gorgeously rich and a pleasure to drink...DM for details... they'll arrive in plenty of time to welcome in the Fall. @ Toronto, Ontario

Had a good giggle re-watching this... the whole 'corked' thing at about 2 minutes in made total sense. Why ask ME to determine if it's off or not?! lol.... (warning, some colourful language in this one).

Hiya! I'm working on pricing the amazing new wine I'm going to be bringing in and I'd really, really like to hear from you. Since I want to pass on any savings I can: A/ Would you prefer to pay a bit more (let's say 10%) and only commit to 6 bottles (knowing it might be months before I'm able to get more back in stock)?... B/ Would you take a bit of savings (10% less per bottle) and opt for 12? Please put A or B in the comments. If you want to share more detail, really happy to consider it. Cheers!!! P.S. This would be relevant for wines sitting between $25 and $35 let's say (anything less and I'd likely push 12, and anything more I think 6 is the best approach).

I really am over the moon to be collaborating with long-time friend, Allison Frame and her team at The Divine Destination Collection. I was thrilled to be invited to share some stories and a guided wine-tasting from northern Spain as Sue Kenney takes you on a curated journey along the Camino. Join us on July 29th. Sign-up details below. If you don't know about the incredible travel and experiences offered by The Divine Destination, I encourage you to check out their mission and offerings.

It's #rosé day today! This recipe which has the pink stuff as an ingredient looks perfectly refreshing. Gusto Grapes (and me, Jessica) are excited to soon share 2 French rosés that would be great in a salad AND in your glass. Stay tuned and leave room in your wine budget/fridge! #NationalRoséDay #pinkwine #summersalad

Have you tried any of these?

Wow, such a great response for Sophie's Burgundy sampler 6-pack. I have ONE left if anyone is interested. See post below for details.... but in a nutshell, 3 different Chardonnays (from different Maconnais vineyards) in one case of 6, $209 plus hst and bottle deposit. Delivery either free or TBC.

Interesting journey...and some sound advice.... #havefun

Thanks for those who expressed interest in the just-arrived Chardonnay from Burgundy. I can't post pdfs, but I can post pictures! So see these snaps for a highlight of the Maconnais and of Sophie's story, and each of the wines that are included in the very limited sampler packs. For those of you who just followed the page, thank you! I am new, new, so please reach out directly if you're interested in the wines and we'll figure out payment and transport as I get my more formal systems all set up. Thanks for the support and your patience! You do not want to pass up the chance to try the same grape from different vineyards, especially within Burgundy... not sure how long the rules will be lax enough to let us share mixed cases.

It's happening!! #winelife #burgundy #hardforchard

Read all about ladies doing breakthrough things in the wine biz. Speaking of, I got my first shipment of wine in from Burgundy and... yup... female winemaker, Sophie Cinier (stay tuned on how you can get a piece of this history in the making). Support women doing the amazing, please. Oh, and shout-out to Angela Aiello, Super Wine Girl for posting this article.