Archive for 2007

Pre April 2009 Events

Monday, December 31st, 2007

Member Appreciation Event,
Monday November 17th at de Vine Wines 4th and Jasper, 7:30

We want to make this time to thank our members for their continued loyalty and to solicit their participation in growing the membership numbers.

This event will be hosted by the club with wine and cheese. Because of the price $0, it will be limited to members (plus one guest) only.

We will be asking you for your suggestions and opinions about how to improve the club. Please come prepared for discussion and voting on ideas for improving event participation and membership numbers.

September 9th, 2008 Annual Walk About

Once again Lawrence has walked the extra mile to stage our most popular annual event. The walk will be a bit shorter but the fun goes on. Lawrence has been working with two outstanding merchants in the Crestwood shopping centre, Satesh of Crestwood Fine Wines and Jeff of Jeffrey’s Café.

You may remember Satesh from our April Event. He supplied and told us about the great St Hallett wines we had then. We are looking forward to seeing him in his store to taste, learn and sample 2 wines and home made appetizers.

9658 – 142 Street Edmonton

Afterward we will skip over to Jeffrey’s Café, a new venue for us, where Jeff will serve us 2 Australian wines from his menu and a choice of two soups and his great Italian sandwich.

The third course remains a secret you will only know if you come to the event…

Time: 7:00 pm Location: 9658 142 St. Edmonton
Members: $50 each Member’s first Guest: $50 each All others: $60 each

2008

Monday June 2nd. 2008, 7:00 PM
At de Vine Wines and Spirits, 10111 – 104 Street
Five Tapas matched with Five Wines. Barossa – Clare Valley Dry Rose, Heartland Viognier Riesling, Best Western Sparkling Shiraz, Jesters Shiraz, Cape Barren Shiraz Grenache.
$35 each for members and first guest, $45 for non-members and additional guests

St. Hallett and Upper Crust Cafe

St Hallett

10909 86 Ave. Edmonton
Monday April 14th 2008, 7:00 p.m.
$45.00 each for members
$55.00 each non-members

Bring a donation for the Food Bank to be entered for a prize draw!
Over $300 raised for the fod bank outstanding!

Australia Day Dinner
January 4th, 2008

Tuesday January 22nd, 2008
6:30 pm
Normand’s 11639A Jasper Avenue
Outstanding Aussie Wines to complement the meal including Cape Mantelle Zinfandel from Margret River

$75 for members and first guest
$85 per person for non-members or additional guests

2007
January 25, 2007 Australia Day Dinner at Selkirk Hotel Ft. Edmonton Park

What better way to start off the New Year than to join us for our annual Australia Day Celebration? We will be enjoying a wild mushroom soup, bison sirloin, and home made fruit pies. The main course will be accompanied by two big Aussie wines – a 2000 Pertaringa Shiraz and a 2001 Paringa Estate Shiraz along with other fine Australian wines.

A tour of the hotel will be available after dinner for those interested.

Cost is $85 each for members and first guest. $95 each for non-members.

April, 2007 Torbreck Dinner Tasting at La Table d’Renoir
Food and Wine Pairings:
1st course
Tiger prawn lollipop
Smoked salmon florettes with horseradish cream cheese
Cantaloupe brochette
2005 Torbreck Saignee, Matro (Mourvedre) Rosé
2nd course
Fire roasted butternut squash veloute, coconut crème fraiche, drizzle of white truffle oil
2004 Woodcutter’s, Semillon
3rd course
Quail
2002 The Juveniles (un-oaked GMS) 2004 The Steading (GMS with oak)
Main course
Australian spring lamb leg, marinated with fresh herbs and oven roasted, s/w flageolet and lardons ragout
2004 The Struie, Shiraz
Dessert
Fresh Quebec goat cheese medallion crusted with toasted almond crunch, reduced fig compote
2004 Boothie, Muscat
$70 Members $80 non-members

THURSDAY JUNE 14, 2007 BISON ON THE BARBIE

6:00 – 10:00 PM

G’day mates…toss a shrimp (oops) Bison on the Barbie. Wear your finest polished thongs, shorts and t-shirts. Come prepared to mix and mingle and meet some new friends. We will be barbequing Bison steaks and sausages and serving them with some great Aussie wines you might like for your own barbeques this summer. Also, in the spirit of the evening, if you are willing to bring a salad note the type of salad below.

Location: ACT Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Rundle Park,
2909 – 113 Avenue. (In the A.C.T. Lounge).

Cost: $40.00 for members and first guest.
$50.00 each for non-members or additional guests.

Registration Deadline: June 4/07

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT WILL PROCEED RAIN OR SHINE

Tuesday, September 11th, 7:00 pm Walk About

G’Day Mates, it’s time for one of our most popular events, the annual wine walkabout. It’s a good chance to meet other members, enjoy some great wines and try out some new locations. There will be a light meal at the final destination.

Location: We will start at Devine Wines, move to Lazia and The Creperie
Cost: $50.00 for members and first guest.
$60.00 each for non-members or additional guests.

2006
January 24, 2006 Australia Day Dinner at Normand’s
What better way to start off the New Year than to join us for our annual Australia Day celebration? We will be enjoying a true Aussie dinner featuring fresh Australian Baramundi, Medallions ofAustralian “Roo” and Venison, The main course will be accompanied by two big Aussie wines – a 1999 Tim Adams Aberfeldy and a 2000 Cape Mentelle Trinders Vineyard with other fine Australian wines served as aperitifs.

Cost is $80 each for members and first guest. $90 each for non-members.

Monday, March 27th, 2006 Spring Fling Wine Tasting

Suede Lounge, 11806 Jasper Avenue
7:00 pm

Spike Maynard of Harvest Vintage Imports will be introducing seven d’Arenberg wines accompanied by great appetizers served by the Suede Lounge

Members: $40 each.
First Member Guest: $40 each.
Non-members: $50 each

Thursday, June 8th Spiegelau Tasting

You will not believe what you are tasting and smelling! Come see what a glass can do.

Thursday June 8th, 2006 – 7:00 pm
Derrick Golf & Winter Club – Banff Room
48 people maximum attendance
Member and one guest price $65.00 per person
Non member price $75.00 per person
Includes:

The tasting will be conducted by Rob Filipchuk from cristall’s wine market.
This technical ‘glass tasting’ that will demonstrate that the glass shape is responsible for balance and harmony of flavours of wine. After tasting through four wines, each person will leave the tasting with a set of four Spiegelau Vino Grande Glasses that have a retail value of $60.00.

Tuesday September 12, 2006 Walk About

We will start at Yiannis Taverna Greek Restaurant (10444- Whyte Avenue) at 7:30 PM for a glass of wine and a bit of tucker. We’ll then move on (at about 8:15) to Marietta’s (10612 – Whyte Avenue) for another glass or so of Australia’s finest, plus a light late evening meal. We will wind up at PackRat Louie’s (10335-83 Avenue) for one of their famous desserts accompanied by an apprporiate beverage.

Due to space limitations this function will be limited to the first 50 persons to register – sign up early. Absolute deadline – September 5.

Cost $40 for members and one guest. $50 for non-members.

TUESDAY November 21, 2006 6:45 PM

An Aussie – South African Face-off with Gourmet Cheeses

Giverny Room – Union Bank Inn – 10053 Jasper Avenue
This function will feature 2 white and 6 red wines
from Australia and South Africa together with
a selection of gourmet cheeses from Paddy’s International Cheese Market
Spike Maynard from Harvest Vintages will lead a discussion of the wines.
Cost $55 for members and one guest. $65 for non-members.
Attendance was 41. As of 12/02/06 no members have commented on the success or failure of the event.

2005
January 26, 2005 Australia Day Dinner at Normand’s
March 20, 2005 Grant Burge Tasting at the Manor Café
June 13, 2005 Dinner at the Copper Pot featuring Alberta grown Bison and Trout
September 13, 2005 Walk About to 4th and Vines, The Druid, Il Pasticcio Trattoria and French Meadow
November 22, 2005 7:00 pm

Cooking Demonstration and tasting at “The Mac”Cost:
Members = $75
First member guest = $75
Example: Member $75 + Guest $75 = $150
Non-members = $85
Non-members who join now for 2006 get in at member rate.
2004
January 26, 2004 Union Bank, Dinner
April 7, 2004 Peter Lehman tasting at The Met
June 26, 2004 Petroleum Club, Lamb BBQ
September 15, 2004 Walk About near 124th St. to The Wine Cellar, Original Joe’s, Zineli’s and Rosie’s.
November 19, 2004 St. Albert, Stickies

2003
January 26, 2003 Chateau Lacombe, Dinner
April 2, 2003 Royal Glenora Club, Wine Rep Tasting
June 9, 2003 GiGi wines at Blue Iguana with Dinner
September 9, 2003 Walk About 104 Ave. 109 St. to Side Track Cafe, Overtime Bar, Globe and Eastbound Eatery
November 4, 2003 Derrick Club with Spiegelau glass tasting

2002
January 26, 2002 Shaw Conference Center, Dinner
May 15, 2002 Derrick Club, Wine Rep Tasting
September 11, 2002 Walk About Downtown to ????, Sherlok Holmes, Thornton Court and Chateau Lacombe
November 1, 2002 St. Albert Tasting

2001
January 26, 2001 Nait Dinner
March 1, 2001 Derrick Club, Tasting
June 25, 2001 Mayfair Club, Dinner
September 28, 2001 Derrick Club, Tasting
December 3, 2001 Derrick Club, wuthe the Commanderie for a French vs. Australian competition

2000
September 2000 Derrick Club, Tasting

Next Event

Friday, November 23rd, 2007

Watch for details on our annual Australia Day celebration.

Although the date has not been finalized, we are narrowing in on the week of January 21st, 2008. As in previous years we will have a dinner featuring exceptional wines.

Last Event

Friday, October 26th, 2007

Edmonton Australian Wine Club
Wine Tasting 101

Whether you are a novice or an experienced wine “taster”, you will enjoy this unique opportunity to learn more from Professional Sommelier and Educator, William Bincoletto. We will hear about different grape varietals, including their unique tastes and smells how to shop for wine and how to store wine.

Location: VINES – 2331 Rabbit Hill Road, Edmonton
Date: November 20th.
Time 7:00 pm
Cost: $45.00 for members and first guest.
$55.00 each for non-members or additional guests.
Registration Deadline: November 13/07

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 34 PEOPLE SO GET YOUR REGISTRATION IN EARLY

Wonderful Walk About

Sunday, October 7th, 2007

Edmonton Australian Wine Club

2007 was no exception to the rule about the annual Walk-About being a great event. Thank to Lawrence and Roni for a terrific job well done.

High points for me where the egg plant treat with the white wine at DeVine’s, the room at Lazia and the beef at The Creperie.

What are your thoughts?

Jack

Oz Wine Club Members Enjoy Variety

Wednesday, August 15th, 2007

In three functions this year, our members have tasted wines from the expensive to the moderate to the very reasonable.

In January, at the annual “Aussie Day” bash, we were treated to two moderately priced reds, along with one of the top Cabernets in Australia. Did we forget to mention the really fine dinner at the Selkirk Hotel on the grounds of Fort Edmonton. This location is a very unique look at the inns of yesteryear, and those who got a chance to look around, saw some new look features at the hotel.
But, back to the wines. Along with a fine Paringa Shiraz, which has consistently been highly-rated by Wine Spectator, we were treated to a Pertaringa Shiraz which many thought was superb. This one came from Cristalls, which, unfortunately, is no longer owned by Rob Filipchuk. The Paringa was imported by Spike Maynard of Harvest Vintage Wines. The toprated wine of the evening was a 1997 D’Arenberg Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon from McLaren Vale. This one came from the cellar of Marty Larson, who tasted this one along with other D’Arenberg wines in 2006. Spike also is the imported for D’Arenberg, and you may remember the outstanding tasting of those wines about a year ago.
Our thanks to Bruce and Laurie Garriock for a great evening!

This spring, despite a heavy snowfall that day, some 40 members and guests enjoyed a very special tasting/food experience at Table d’Renoir hosted by Irene Labonte with assistance on the wine side by Ed Fong. Our expected expert for the evening, Spike Maynard, was unable to attend so Ed and Marty Larson took us through a superb group of Torbreck wines. Along with some sensational wines, we enjoyed great food pairings with each wine sample.
Torbreck wines (Barossa Valley) have achieved “cult” status in many parts of the United States and prices for these excellent wines have reacted upwards as a result.
We have begun to accumulate “The Struie” (priced around $58 per bottle) for our tenth anniversary event which comes up in a couple of years. Included in this planned vertical tasting will be at least one vintage of magnums.
At the Renoir evening, we enjoyed the 2005 Woodcutters Semillon, Juveniles (Shiraz), and the 04 Struie, The Steading and to finish up, the 2004 The Bothie Muscat. Interestingly, your scribe thinks the Woodcutters Shiraz is one of the real bargains in the wine list from Torbreck, and is well worth accumulating. If you can afford the Struie, it is really outstanding. The Steading is one of those that has been snapped up in the States, and is quite pricey.
Mike Hruska hosted an outstanding barbecue in June, featuring some large, very tasty bison steaks. Instead of the traditional barbecue sauces, Mike used a lemon grass marinade on the steaks which was excellent. He also used a special meat thermometer which ensured that steaks were done to everyone’s taste.
Wines for the evening came from Devine Wines, and were selected by cellar master Marty Larson. Mike and Marty felt that a barbecue format gave us the opportunity to try wines that fit the evening, and so we selected a very moderately priced list for the attendees. On offer was a Turkey Flat Rose, a Peter Lehmann Semillon, along with Madfish Shiraz, Paringa Merlot and an
outstanding Old Vines Grenache from Fireblock Vineyards. Only the Turkey Flat came in above $20. per bottle, while the others varied from $16 to $18. It was generally agreed that the Turkey Flat Rose was outstanding, the Semillon was very good, and the Grenache really went well with the steaks. Although the numbers were a bit light, all enjoyed the evening. Thanks also to those who brought salads.

Coming up on September 11th will be our annual (and best attended) event, our “Walkabout”. Lawrence has been working on an interesting list of stops for us, and it looks like we will be walking from Jasper Avenue north along the 103 – 105 st area.
Invitations will be out shortly