Hands down, one of my favourite activities I have done with friends in a long time was a backyard wine-tasting with Put a Cork in It Wine Tasting. It’s a refreshing feeling to learn more and taste wines I would have probably never purchased on my own before. Other than Bread & Butter Wine, I was introduced to some new wines and learnt the stories behind them while catching up with friends whom I have not seen in quite some time. A+ for value, A+ for unique experience, and totally doing this again!! Learn more about this business and her fav wines at the moment below:
Many years ago, I started my career as a Librarian. My career focus was in online information management and accessibility of evidence based medical information. In 2011, I took a career pause to raise 2 amazing boys. As they reached an age where they were more independent, I looked for an adaptation to my career that would allow me to do something I love while allowing me to choose my own work hours - and I found it in a partnership between my education and my hobby!
Classification of wine, keeping track of specifics, cataloging tastes; are not all that different than the Library world! I took WSET certification Levels 1 and 2, and 3 is in the works (on pause, like many other things, because of COVID). I opened Put a Cork In It Wine Tasting in 2019 and am thrilled on how quickly the idea has caught on in the Edmonton community.
I supply wooden wine flights, professional wine tasting glasses and table décor for your event. My take on wine tasting is a little different than you may be used to. I focus on bringing in interesting wines, wines with crazy back stories and often wines made by the same families for generations. The event is fun and full of laughs. Oh, and I sneak in how to taste wine in there too.
Wine Tastings are a fabulous idea for birthdays, showers, stagettes, stags, date night, or a friends get together. Not to mention Christmas parties, Halloween parties, surprise parties and themed parties. I also offer corporate wine tastings for a fun twist to a social event at the office, a lunch time team building offering, or an interactive addition to a client dinner. In addition, I offer wine tastings for networking events. What a great way to get people together; talking and getting to know each other while learning about wine! I serve Edmonton and area but am also happy to go on the road! Think lake lot wine tasting or wine tasting by camp fire light! I also travel to other cities of course.
With the advent of Covid, and social distancing measures my wine tastings have gotten creative. I bring glasses and wine flights (think a wooden mat with places to hold glasses). This allows guests to hold wine on a tray on their laps if needed, or on the grass without risk of spilling. Driveway wine tasting, backyard tasting in camp chairs on the grass, or on the deck spaced with deck chairs, it all works. Wine tastings start at $20 a person. We discuss what you are specifically looking for and where you are located for an individualized per person quote. This price does not include the cost of wine. This allows me to customize your wine flight to your specific tastes, budget, and numbers attending. Please note, I do not purchase wine on your behalf (AGLC regulations prevents me from doing so). However, I work with two wine stores in Edmonton to arrange your wine for your event and have it delivered to your house. Hosts are billed directly for the wine.
My favorite wines this summer: Bender Pinot Noir. This is a crisp, clean interpretation of a Pinot Noir. Bender is considered a “maverick” in the German wine industry; his wines grace Gordon Ramsey restaurants, Lufthansa’s business class, and can also be found on menus around town! Available at Rosslyn Liquor Store. http://rosslynliquorstore.com. Imported by Enotri wines.
Bread and Butter Chardonnay. I generally stay far away from mass marketed, large wine distributers in my wine tastings. But I make the occasional exception with the Bread and Butter Chardonnay. This wine is full of body and leaves your mouth coated in a buttery feel and taste.
Brutal. This rare cult wine is a cult wine for a reason. Want to know why? I’ll tell you at a wine tasting ;) Available at Highlands Liquor Store https://www.highlandsliquor.ca
All things sparling. Cava, Prosecco, Champagne (or Champagne method) are all fabulous to enjoy on a warm summer evening (or summer breakfast or lunch!).
Ask your wine store representative (or send me a message!) to point you in the right direction for level of sweetness you would like and highest quality for your price point.
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Submitted by Naomi Maharaj | Put a Cork In It Wine Tasting
