Hi everyone. Let me take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Patricia and from a very early age my Granddad starting teaching me all he knew about the world of wine and our wine industry here in Ontario. Tam will be the first one to tell you this – I have a real passion for the wines we make in this province. I could easily go on for hours on the subject and not run out of things to say. I believe that strongly in what our wineries are capable of and the potential our industry has yet to achieve. I am also newly engaged and, to repay Tam’s kindness with all the help she has been giving us, I wanted to help her out with her Talk Tuesday blogs on her website.
Wines at a wedding can take many roles – it can be as simple as what you and your fiancé enjoy in the limo once you are married or it can play a part in every aspect of your wedding day. The standard option to be included in your limousine after the ceremony and as you are heading to the reception is to have a bottle of bubbly. Although it is possible to upgrade to a premium bottle like Champagne (which is sparkling wine that is made solely in the Champagne region of France), it is likely to be a bottle of domestic sparkling wine. Thankfully, in Ontario, our wineries make rather nice bottles of bubbly so, if the limousine company lets you choose, there are some really great ones to choose from.
If you are looking for wine to play a slightly larger role in your wedding, the easiest way to incorporate it in to your planning would be to have wines match the different courses you will be serving at your reception. For the most part, reception venues can pick and choose which wines they have available for an event as their needs change. If you are looking for something in particular to be served at your wedding then it is certainly acceptable to ask the coordinator at your reception venue what flexibility they can offer you in your wine selection. If your budget allows it, you can even go so far as to have specific wines selected for each course. If you and your guests are really into wine pairings or going to wine tastings, this can make the reception a gastronomic experience unto itself and one that will be talked about for years to come. Do not feel shy about asking to change wines, especially if there is a medical reason behind it. It is up to you whether you make this a concern when planning your menu but, ladies, if it is your groom, you want him to enjoy the night rather than reacting to the drink he had with his meal.
Now, for the ultimate in incorporating wine into your wedding…how about having your wedding at a winery? Even here in Durham region there are a couple of options available or you can put a new spin on the destination wedding idea by having your wedding in Niagara, the wineries surrounding Windsor or venturing out to Prince Edward County. If you want to look into this option but keep it slightly local, take a look at Ocala Winery north of Whitby or venture up to Stouffville where you find Willow Springs Winery. Niagara is home to hundreds of wineries more than willing to help you throw a lavish, wine themed wedding but two that do it particularly well are Chateau des Charmes in Niagara on the Lake or Vineland Estates Winery in Vineland. Out near Windsor – take a look at Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery or check out the new banquet facilities at Pelee Island Winery. Prince Edward County has a variety of options available for weddings. Karlo Estates, with their unique wines and a beautiful stone bridge, has become a great spot for both ceremony and reception. Casa Dea Winery and Waupoos Estate Winery both have magnificent locations at either end of Prince Edward County to capture a perfect wedding day for you and your fiancé.
Planning your wedding is such a wonderful time in your life. I know, I’m going through the process right now having gotten engaged on Christmas Day. Something that my fiancé and I agreed upon is that it should be a reflection of who we are – both separately and together. If wine is a part of your life already, maybe some of my suggestions here tonight are things you can incorporate into your big day. If you are looking for wine suggestions for your meal or are trying to incorporate wine related elements into your ceremony or reception, please feel free to get in touch with me through my website (http://www.patriciadinsmore.ca). Happy planning every one – whatever form your big day takes, if you make it about you and your fiancé it will be a magical day. Cheers,
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