The Wine Writers' Circle Of Canada Or Bust!
The Journey Through Wine
My journey to the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada started back in 1977 when a friend of ours took us out to dinner and introduced me a thing called Vintage Wine! Prior to that my idea of wine was a medium sweet Portuguese Mateus or a very sweet Sacramental wine made from Concord grapes. Thinking this was a "real cool thing" I felt that I could use this to impress my friends and peers at work.
I started reading all I could about the subject and much to my surprise found myself caught up in the whole idea of Wine: Its Historical, Geographical, Cultural and Scientific aspects. I was hooked.
Now many years later I find myself deeply entrenched in the quagmire I created over thirty years ago. It is however, the best quagmire that I ever got involved in!
Where would I be had it not been for that moment in time that discovered wine? My life would surely be different and probably not half as interesting. I probably would have neither taken the risks nor seen the opportunities that came my way!
My journey through the world of wine has taken me to many lands and has allowed me to visit many people. The experiences that I have had have made me the envy of many. The great thing about this is that there are still many more to come!
Wine Writers' Circle Of Canada
It's good that people persist! If my dear friend Anne Susac (later Metcalfe) didn't persist in her attempts to have me write my first column for her "Bowmanville Gazette" in 1990, I wouldn't have started my writing journey. If my great friend Tino Fazio of Fazio's Ristorante in Oshawa had not persisted in asking me to do my first television program in 1992 (Wine Companions with Rubin Benmurgui), I would never had started it and if my wonderful friend Alex Eberspaecher had not persisted in my joining the Wine Writers' Circle, chances are it never would have come about. So a major thanks to these people for being my friends and seeing in me what I didn't see! I also must thank Konrac Ejbich (pronounced Ejbick) for seconding Alex's nomination!
The Wine Writers' Circle of Canada is a group of professional writers who initially came together in 1985. Many heavy weights in the industry were involved in its formation (Margaret Swaine, Tony Aspler, Alex Eberspaecher, David Lawerson, Dick Singer to name a few) and it is great to see that the "Circle" not only survived but has grown to some 36 individuals. Now some may ask how could a group of competing individuals form such an organization? The answer to that is the word "individual"! While I may envy the credentials of ----let's say John Szabo (the only Master of Wine in Canada) or his brother Zoltan or Alex Eberspaecher's phenomenal palate or any one of the "Circle's" talented group, I can never be them and they me! In group unity there is strength and pooled together, our talents can only help us.
My father used to say to me: "Never be jealous or want to be someone else. Be yourself since that is the best person you can ever be but-------you can always learn from those you admire and who inspire you!"
I know that I have learned much already through my association with Alex and my very brief foray with the "Godfather of Wine"-----Jacques Marie at the dinner I attended on Monday January 12th. I hope that I left something of me with him and the others that I met there!
The main purpose of the "Circle" was to promote the responsible enjoyment of wine and to foster a better understanding of wine and gastronomy! It also promotes its individual member's talents as well as give them a "web venue" to reside. This gives a social credibility to these persons---a credibility that cannot be obtained via just a column or article. They belong to a group of respected professionals!
Wine Writers' Circle Of Canada Annual Dinner
This was my first function with the "Circle" and I am very happy to say that it felt like well worn leather on a sore foot! It was very comfortable. My wife Darlene could not go which was unfortunate but it was also a gain since I had been wanting to spend time with my daughter Marisa.
To say that I have a pride in this wonderful human being that God granted me the grace to call my daughter cannot not fit what I feel about this amazing young lady! If parents learn from their children then I learn from her! She is as wise and as smart as she is beautiful and has made my life richer. I could not think of anyone who would have been better at this first function.
The event was held at the Oasi Restaurant-------a place that an out of towner like me did not have a very easy time finding----even though I had directions (map quest).
It is located in an industrial park just outside of a residential area. I felt very foolish when I called (unable to find the place) and the voice at the end of the line said--"Just turn your head to the right"! Then it appeared---just like magic!!
Once inside, the place transformed the cold and dreariness outside into an oasis of sorts!
We were cared for by John Szabo who is also a member of the "Circle" and a Master Sommelier. He is ably assisted by other sommeliers such as Alice Kilpatrick who has some 20 years experience in the trade. The decor was very comfortable and elegant. The column style mouldings served to centre the dining room and bars whose sombre but very adequate lighting fostered great discussions and added to one's (especially a new comer's) confidence! One would never believe that such a "garden of delight" existed in an area that seemed so dismal outside! I am certain, judging by the quality of service and the fine food innovative food by Executive Chef Peter Stewart this will unfortunately soon be a very, very hard place to get a reservation. It beats much of what I've seen in Toronto and will probably continue to do so!
The Meal!
The welcoming committee of wine writers, enthusiasts and experts were congregated at the bar feeding on special treats and champagne. I must admit, I was very apprehensive about my inaugural event with the WWCC but I was put at immediate ease by Circle President Shiela Swerling-Puritt, Conrad Ejbich and his lovely wife. Marisa was quite impressed with her. After some minutes of our arriving----it took us a bit of time to find the place-----we were escorted to the dining room and were seated.
Marisa and I had the pleasure of sitting next to some true experts in the field of Wine and Food. To my right was Shari Darling, author of that gem called "Orgasmic Appetizers" and directly across from me was Jacques Marie "Godfather of Wine" and one of the most influential persons in the field of wine and food that Canada has ever seen. He also was very captivating and humorous. The delight was watching him taste the many wines that were brought to him and hearing his descriptions. The man is a truly unique human being and quite gracious.
Slightly to my left and across from me was Alan McGinty well know for his many writings and his newsletter about Vintages Releases. Sadie Darby, WWCC main squeeze and secretary sat not too far from me and slid over to welcome me as well as grace our company with her infectious personality!
The meal was superbly designed by Chef Stewart. The Montforte Goat Cheese and roasted tomato salad prepared the palate for the next portion which in my case was the Octopus with salsa verde (Marisa had the Sable Fish with white butter) and we both had the excellent roasted striploin with Bordelaise sauce (other choices were rack of lamb or Duck confit) followed by a delicious chocolate dessert.
Each member and guest was supposed to bring a wine to match the meal and I selected a Fess Parker Rodney's Vineyard Syrah 2003 from California for my contribution and an Illuminati Riparosso Montepulciano d'Abruzzo for Marisa's. The wines went well with the striploin and the Syrah as muscular as it was with chocolate flavours went very well with the dessert. The other wines that I remember having were some excellent Sauvignon Blanc---especially a very fine Jackson Triggs/Delaine Vineyards 2007 and a remarkable Chateau Des Charmes Cabernet and a super Mission Hill Sauvignon Blanc. Of course with such an array of wine celebs, the wines----all the wines had to be of the very special kind.
To say that both Marisa and I enjoyed ourselves was putting it mildly. We had a marvellous time and the evening was terrific.
Epiloque
The next day, I sent Alex Eberspaecher a note that the evening went well. Alex could not come to this venture since he had guests from Chile visiting but he remarked how sad he was not to have been there since his dear friend Jacques Marie had attended. I can see why Alex was dismayed. I am hoping that both will be at the next event and that I will get a chance to watch the repartee between them.
Alex was certainly missed but the likes of Michael Pinkus, Dean Tudor, John Szabo, Richard Best and the others I have already mentioned made the night one that I will remember. Now I know that anytime that I start feeling a bit "high and mighty" about my wine expertise-----all I have to do is think of these great people and their knowledge and talents!
My journey to the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada started back in 1977 when a friend of ours took us out to dinner and introduced me a thing called Vintage Wine! Prior to that my idea of wine was a medium sweet Portuguese Mateus or a very sweet Sacramental wine made from Concord grapes. Thinking this was a "real cool thing" I felt that I could use this to impress my friends and peers at work.
I started reading all I could about the subject and much to my surprise found myself caught up in the whole idea of Wine: Its Historical, Geographical, Cultural and Scientific aspects. I was hooked.
Now many years later I find myself deeply entrenched in the quagmire I created over thirty years ago. It is however, the best quagmire that I ever got involved in!
Where would I be had it not been for that moment in time that discovered wine? My life would surely be different and probably not half as interesting. I probably would have neither taken the risks nor seen the opportunities that came my way!
My journey through the world of wine has taken me to many lands and has allowed me to visit many people. The experiences that I have had have made me the envy of many. The great thing about this is that there are still many more to come!
Wine Writers' Circle Of Canada
It's good that people persist! If my dear friend Anne Susac (later Metcalfe) didn't persist in her attempts to have me write my first column for her "Bowmanville Gazette" in 1990, I wouldn't have started my writing journey. If my great friend Tino Fazio of Fazio's Ristorante in Oshawa had not persisted in asking me to do my first television program in 1992 (Wine Companions with Rubin Benmurgui), I would never had started it and if my wonderful friend Alex Eberspaecher had not persisted in my joining the Wine Writers' Circle, chances are it never would have come about. So a major thanks to these people for being my friends and seeing in me what I didn't see! I also must thank Konrac Ejbich (pronounced Ejbick) for seconding Alex's nomination!
The Wine Writers' Circle of Canada is a group of professional writers who initially came together in 1985. Many heavy weights in the industry were involved in its formation (Margaret Swaine, Tony Aspler, Alex Eberspaecher, David Lawerson, Dick Singer to name a few) and it is great to see that the "Circle" not only survived but has grown to some 36 individuals. Now some may ask how could a group of competing individuals form such an organization? The answer to that is the word "individual"! While I may envy the credentials of ----let's say John Szabo (the only Master of Wine in Canada) or his brother Zoltan or Alex Eberspaecher's phenomenal palate or any one of the "Circle's" talented group, I can never be them and they me! In group unity there is strength and pooled together, our talents can only help us.
My father used to say to me: "Never be jealous or want to be someone else. Be yourself since that is the best person you can ever be but-------you can always learn from those you admire and who inspire you!"
I know that I have learned much already through my association with Alex and my very brief foray with the "Godfather of Wine"-----Jacques Marie at the dinner I attended on Monday January 12th. I hope that I left something of me with him and the others that I met there!
The main purpose of the "Circle" was to promote the responsible enjoyment of wine and to foster a better understanding of wine and gastronomy! It also promotes its individual member's talents as well as give them a "web venue" to reside. This gives a social credibility to these persons---a credibility that cannot be obtained via just a column or article. They belong to a group of respected professionals!
Wine Writers' Circle Of Canada Annual Dinner
This was my first function with the "Circle" and I am very happy to say that it felt like well worn leather on a sore foot! It was very comfortable. My wife Darlene could not go which was unfortunate but it was also a gain since I had been wanting to spend time with my daughter Marisa.
To say that I have a pride in this wonderful human being that God granted me the grace to call my daughter cannot not fit what I feel about this amazing young lady! If parents learn from their children then I learn from her! She is as wise and as smart as she is beautiful and has made my life richer. I could not think of anyone who would have been better at this first function.
The event was held at the Oasi Restaurant-------a place that an out of towner like me did not have a very easy time finding----even though I had directions (map quest).
It is located in an industrial park just outside of a residential area. I felt very foolish when I called (unable to find the place) and the voice at the end of the line said--"Just turn your head to the right"! Then it appeared---just like magic!!
Once inside, the place transformed the cold and dreariness outside into an oasis of sorts!
We were cared for by John Szabo who is also a member of the "Circle" and a Master Sommelier. He is ably assisted by other sommeliers such as Alice Kilpatrick who has some 20 years experience in the trade. The decor was very comfortable and elegant. The column style mouldings served to centre the dining room and bars whose sombre but very adequate lighting fostered great discussions and added to one's (especially a new comer's) confidence! One would never believe that such a "garden of delight" existed in an area that seemed so dismal outside! I am certain, judging by the quality of service and the fine food innovative food by Executive Chef Peter Stewart this will unfortunately soon be a very, very hard place to get a reservation. It beats much of what I've seen in Toronto and will probably continue to do so!
The Meal!
The welcoming committee of wine writers, enthusiasts and experts were congregated at the bar feeding on special treats and champagne. I must admit, I was very apprehensive about my inaugural event with the WWCC but I was put at immediate ease by Circle President Shiela Swerling-Puritt, Conrad Ejbich and his lovely wife. Marisa was quite impressed with her. After some minutes of our arriving----it took us a bit of time to find the place-----we were escorted to the dining room and were seated.
Marisa and I had the pleasure of sitting next to some true experts in the field of Wine and Food. To my right was Shari Darling, author of that gem called "Orgasmic Appetizers" and directly across from me was Jacques Marie "Godfather of Wine" and one of the most influential persons in the field of wine and food that Canada has ever seen. He also was very captivating and humorous. The delight was watching him taste the many wines that were brought to him and hearing his descriptions. The man is a truly unique human being and quite gracious.
Slightly to my left and across from me was Alan McGinty well know for his many writings and his newsletter about Vintages Releases. Sadie Darby, WWCC main squeeze and secretary sat not too far from me and slid over to welcome me as well as grace our company with her infectious personality!
The meal was superbly designed by Chef Stewart. The Montforte Goat Cheese and roasted tomato salad prepared the palate for the next portion which in my case was the Octopus with salsa verde (Marisa had the Sable Fish with white butter) and we both had the excellent roasted striploin with Bordelaise sauce (other choices were rack of lamb or Duck confit) followed by a delicious chocolate dessert.
Each member and guest was supposed to bring a wine to match the meal and I selected a Fess Parker Rodney's Vineyard Syrah 2003 from California for my contribution and an Illuminati Riparosso Montepulciano d'Abruzzo for Marisa's. The wines went well with the striploin and the Syrah as muscular as it was with chocolate flavours went very well with the dessert. The other wines that I remember having were some excellent Sauvignon Blanc---especially a very fine Jackson Triggs/Delaine Vineyards 2007 and a remarkable Chateau Des Charmes Cabernet and a super Mission Hill Sauvignon Blanc. Of course with such an array of wine celebs, the wines----all the wines had to be of the very special kind.
To say that both Marisa and I enjoyed ourselves was putting it mildly. We had a marvellous time and the evening was terrific.
Epiloque
The next day, I sent Alex Eberspaecher a note that the evening went well. Alex could not come to this venture since he had guests from Chile visiting but he remarked how sad he was not to have been there since his dear friend Jacques Marie had attended. I can see why Alex was dismayed. I am hoping that both will be at the next event and that I will get a chance to watch the repartee between them.
Alex was certainly missed but the likes of Michael Pinkus, Dean Tudor, John Szabo, Richard Best and the others I have already mentioned made the night one that I will remember. Now I know that anytime that I start feeling a bit "high and mighty" about my wine expertise-----all I have to do is think of these great people and their knowledge and talents!
posted by Chuck Byers - Wine Consultant | 3:16 PM
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