Wine Journeys

There’s something about smoky lamb, rosemary and a glass of southern French red that just makes sense in August.

This Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre blend comes from Corbières, the largest AOC (Appellation d'origine contrôlée) in Languedoc-Roussillon. The hot Mediterranean climate produces a dry, full-bodied red packed with dark fruit, think blackberry and plum jam, alongside dried strawberry, black pepper, garrigue, baking spice and vanilla. Showing the beginning of bottle development, you’ll also find traces of leather and to***co. The tannins are there, but they’re smooth enough to make this an easy partner at the table. With lamb chops, fresh rosemary and charred lemon, the wine really comes alive.
$18.95 (Vintages)

Yesterday was Pinot Noir Day. There was no better way to celebrate it than with two local standouts: an excellent local Pinot from Cloudsley Cellars and delicious Nosey Goat Cheese from Upper Canada Cheese Co.

One of the best things about living in a city by a lake is being able to take in events like this one, the 22nd Dragon Boat Barrie races 😊.

Frappato is a great reminder that a red wine doesn't have to be big and powerful to have plenty of character.

This Sicilian red is light on its feet, bright and wonderfully food-friendly, with flavours of red berries, cherries and a subtle savoury character. It has enough freshness to work beautifully alongside food without overwhelming it.

And that makes it particularly good with the things I love about summer dining: good cheese, charcuterie, crusty bread, olives and a table full of people lingering a little longer than planned.

Sometimes, lighter is exactly what the table calls for.

19+. Please enjoy responsibly.

Why should Friday have all the fun?

Make Wednesday your night to get together, head to the patio, enjoy something delicious and discover a couple of great Niagara wines.

Join Wine Journeys at Debut Restaurant for an evening of two local Niagara wines paired with your choice of one of three delicious appetizers from Debut.

Good food. Great wine. A beautiful patio. And a Wednesday evening that feels like something special.

August 26 • 6–8 PM • Debut Restaurant Patio

It will fill up quickly, so early reservations are recommended.

After some R&R in Niagara, the Siamese sommeliers and Wine Journeys have some new ideas for pairings. Stay tuned.

The Custodian got its name for a lovely reason; at a time when many McLaren Vale growers were pulling out old-vine Grenache, d'Arenberg chose to preserve these vineyards. I'm glad they did, because old vines often bring remarkable depth and character to the glass.

With a little bottle age now, this 2021 is showing beautifully layered aromas and flavours. In my glass, I found strawberry jam, rosemary, nutmeg, leather and forest floor, with just a subtle touch of vanilla from time in seasoned French oak.

For those who enjoy exploring pairings, Grenache's savoury spice and generous structure make it a natural companion for bold, smoky dishes. I loved it with chili-marinated skirt steak, but it also works well with grilled sausages with grainy mustard or a juicy lamb burger.

Shared for educational interest. Please enjoy responsibly.

FINAL CALL: Tomorrow on the Patio!

Kick off your weekend with Patio Pairings with Trent & Chef Josie.

Tomorrow, Aug 7 | 4:30 - 6:00 pm | Grillicious Patio

The Siamese Sommeliers may even make an appearance!

Pick ONE app, get TWO perfect pairings:
- Coconut Shrimp
- Strawberry, Avocado & Feta Bruschetta
- Warm Spinach Dip

Trent from Wine Journeys will be pouring the stories behind each glass.

Relaxed early evening. Perfect for friends or to kick off date night.
$39 pp | Limited patio seating

Last few spots left. So, booking using the link is recommended. Walk-ins welcome only if space allows.

Event details: https://www.facebook.com/events/26906577899016353

19+ only. Please enjoy responsibly.

Your Weekend Starts Here
Patio Pairings with Trent & Chef Josie at Grillicious Restaurant
August 7 @ 4:30-6:00 pm

Ease into the weekend on the Grillicious patio with the Siamese Sommeliers!

Choose one featured appetizer:

Coconut Shrimp
Strawberry, Avocado & Feta Bruschetta
Warm Spinach Dip

Each app is served with two selected pairings. If the Siamese Sommeliers can't attend, Trent from Wine Journeys will share the stories behind the selections.

Relaxed, early evening gathering with friends or to kick off date night. $39 pp. Limited seating and booking required. We may have extra seats for those with no booking, but that cannot be guaranteed.
https://www.facebook.com/events/26906577899016353

19+ only. Please enjoy responsibly.