So far, 2025 has been the year of monthly wine and whiskey tastings, plus the second installment of a something we call ‘Gin’Mas’ around these parts.
I’ve been a frequently invited volunteer at one of the local long term care communities. The residents and caregivers always seem happy to see me – well, to be honest, they are a captive audience. But at least, no one has walked (or wheeled) out… yet!
In January, I organized a white wine tasting of three distinct varietals – Albarino, Sémillon, and Sauvignon Blanc for 20 folks. I left them a lot happier than when I met them. Wine will do that, and especially if you don’t spit.
GinMas 2024, our second annual celebration of world gins, was supposed to be held in December 2024, but world travelling and visitors delayed us until February. This year we enjoyed neat and mixed drinks of this ubiquitous spirit with versions from as far away as Vietnam, India, and as nearbyby as the Okanagan and Vancouver.
When St. Patrick’s Day hit, Irish Whiskey was on the menu. I can never get enough of the fruity, smooth and easy drinking vibe Irish Whiskey exudes – and I was even happier when several people commented that they now had some new favourites for sipping. We explored some classic options, as well as a version created by a female distiller who uses oloroso sherry casks for ageing.
Most recently, I helped my sister celebrate some special friends with three wines from cool and funky regions – a bubble from Cremant de Jura, a white from San Gimignano, and an elegantly structured red from Priorat.
Four fabulous events – and four chances to spread my love of wine and spirits to friends new and old.
winellama 