Posts Tagged "Wine Tasting"


Rekondo Restaurant (San Sebastián)

Rekondo Restaurant (San Sebastián)


Posted on Aug 29, 2018

San Sebastian

A small sample of Rekondo’s amazing wine collection.

As wine and food enthusiasts, San Sebastián has long been on our travel bucket list. We recently had the opportunity to visit this notorious foodie mecca thanks to Iberian Wine Tours. Located in Spain’s Basque region, the coastal city is recognized worldwide for its incredible dining scene, boasting the most Michelin-rated restaurants per capita of any city in the world. But with a bevy of exquisite choices well beyond what our time would allow, how could we possibly choose just one? We opted to make sure we were also satisfying our inner wine geeks which made the decision easy—we simply had to visit Rekondo Restaurant.

Read More
2011 Avennia Gravura

2011 Avennia Gravura


Posted on Aug 24, 2018

Columbia Valley wine2011 Avennia Gravura

One of our favourite new world Bordeaux blends, we have yet to have anything from Avennia that has disappointed. Made up of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot & 8% Cabernet Franc, it had a beautiful aroma from the moment we opened it with dark fruits dominating the nose backed with cedar and earthy notes. This is a powerful, full bodied wine with a silky smooth mouthfeel and lovely long finish.

Excellent+

Read More
Haute Cabrière: A Franschoek First

Haute Cabrière: A Franschoek First


Posted on Aug 21, 2018

Franschoek south africa

The stunning view at Haute Cabrière.

There really is a first for everything. We recently visited South Africa for the very first time and we are the first to admit that our experience with wines from the region was limited at best. Relatively speaking, few South African wines make it to Canada so our experience has been inconsistent in terms of quality. Our first visit to the region of Franschoek began with a stop at storied family winery Haute Cabrière. We were drawn to this particular winery because of its history and the fact that they are reputed to make top quality Pinot Noir and Sparkling Wine. We discovered not only does this winery’s reputation precede it, it’s a reputation that is well deserved.

Read More
Baer Winery: A Washington Star

Baer Winery: A Washington Star


Posted on Aug 15, 2018

Woodinville washington winery

Erica Orr & Les Baer

August is Washington Wine Month and we think we kicked it off in grand style with a visit to Baer Winery. Baer definitely is one the stars that shines bright amongst what has grown to over 1,000 wineries in Washington State.  Though they have remained small by intention, they have received numerous 90+ point scores by the mainstream wine reviewers including being named number #6 in the Wine Spectator Top 100 for their 95 point 2008 Ursa. We met up with Les Baer and winemaker Erica Orr at their Woodinville winery to hear their story.

Read More
Txomin Etxaniz: The Pride of Basque

Txomin Etxaniz: The Pride of Basque


Posted on Aug 8, 2018

Basque wine country getaria

Txomin Etxaniz Winery.

In the heart of the coastal town of Getaria, not far from San Sebastián, you’ll find yourself in the middle of Spain’s most unusual wine region: the Denomination of Origin Getariako Txakolina. Txakoli (pronounced “chock-oh-lee”) wine is produced here and it is the pride of Basque Country. Slightly fizzy, it’s a dry white wine with high acidity and low alcohol content that is the perfect pairing to the area’s plentiful seafood. We paid a visit to the most renowned Txakoli producer, Txomin Etxaniz, with Iberian Wine Tours, to see firsthand how these wines are made and the history behind them.

Read More