This week I went to the California Wine Fair held at the Fairmont Royal York. There were over 450 wines to sample from all over Cali with their wine makers, sellers and sommeliers on site to answer any questions one may have. It was a great night out and it seemed everyone else in attendance thought so too.

The event attracted approximately 1500 people from many walks of life. There were the older stereotypical winos of course, but I was happy to see a younger demographic also in attendance. Groups of girls were making a night of it, groups of young men were checking it out and there were a few people on dates. (Wine, spirits and food expos are great date ideas by the way).

I sampled a few wines here and there- I enjoyed a Zinfandel called Candor from Hope Family Vineyards. The wine is bright, young even, with a vibrant taste of berries and toasty spice. Despite this sense of youth, it maintains a complexity and silky mouth feel.

My favourite wine was a Cabernet Sauvignon from Elyse Vineyards in the Napa Valley. Right away I was partial as my middle name is Elyse and I love a Cabernet Sauvignon but I tried to not let this cloud my judgement. This delicious red was velvety smooth, smelling of bright black fruit such as wild plums, cherries and plum but also had whiffs of cedar. They winery describes this wine as warm and inviting and it is definitely that. It is balanced, elegant and silky tasting exactly like it smells- the perfect Cabernet Sauvignon.

Neither of these wines are available at the LCBO but can be purchased by case online.

“So Natalie”, you are asking. “Why are you telling me about these wines if I can’t buy them at the LCBO?”

2 reasons: 1) You can purchase these wines online by the case (Economical, right?!) and 2) There are so many wine, spirits and food events in Toronto that make for a great night out with your friends and/or significant other. My personal favourite is the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo held in November where one can sample wines, spirits and awesome new food trends. (Last year we ate potato chips on a stick, maple flavoured cotton candy and sampled 10 whiskies….yes ten). GFWE sells out fast- The event is packed and by the time 6pm on the Saturday arrives, you feel a bit like you are in a massive club…but better cause there is food.

You can check out wine event listings on LocalWineEvents.com and subscribe to their newsletter, The Juice. There is so much to discover out there, things your palette will be excited to experience….not to mention you will enjoy a brand new beverage or two which is never a bad thing.

My next event? International Malbec Day with iYellow Wine Club on April 15th. Check it out! If I don’t see you there, stay tuned to Wine of the week to see how it went.

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