SommEvents

01/09/2025

Wine tastings are about more than just what's in the glass—they’re about connection, laughter, and memories made with great company. 🎉

Ready to sip, learn, and enjoy? Let’s plan your next tasting! 🍷 Visit our website or give us a call at 416-464-3575.

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01/03/2025

Happy Friday! Have you ever noticed that the first week back after the holidays always feel EXTRA long? Seems like the perfect opportunity to unwind with a glass of something delicious. 🍷

Need some help choosing? SommEvents has you covered! Subscribe to our mailing list to receive our weekly wine recommendations, complete with tasting notes and pairing suggestions. Plus, subscribers get access to fabulous resources, free virtual tasting events, and so much more.

Visit our website today to register for this wonderful free resource!

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12/31/2024

Wishing you a safe and happy New Year's Eve! 🥂

As you prepare to raise a glass to 2025, remember - a little planning goes a long way in making the night one to remember (for all the right reasons).

If you're heading out for the evening, plan ahead for a safe ride home. Pre-book a taxi or rideshare, prepare to take public transit, or arrange a designated driver. 🍾

As a host, make sure you have some delicious non-alcoholic options on hand, and keep an eye on your guests' consumption. 🎉

Let's look out for each other, and make sure the new year gets off to a wonderful start!

12/29/2024

Serving some sparkling wine, and not sure what glass to use? Don't stress! While different glasses can enhance certain qualities of a wine, you don't necessarily need to rush out to the store for a box of new stemware. 🥂

Below, we break down the pros and cons of different sparkling wine glasses:

FLUTE:

👍 Pros: The narrow shape helps preserve carbonation by reducing surface area, keeping bubbles lively for longer. It also highlights the visual appeal of the bubbles rising in the glass, adding to the celebratory vibe.

👎 Cons: The narrow bowl can limit the aromas from developing and make it harder to appreciate the wine’s complexity.

COUPE:

👍 Pros: With its wide, shallow bowl, the coupe is elegant and nostalgic, evoking vintage glamour. It’s great for sparkling cocktails or lighter, less aromatic sparkling wines.

👍Cons: The wide surface area allows bubbles to dissipate quickly, and the shallow design makes it prone to spills.

TULIP:

👍 Pros: A tulip glass combines the best of both worlds, with a slightly wider bowl than a flute to enhance aromas while still narrowing at the rim to concentrate them. It retains bubbles well and allows for a better tasting experience.

👎 Cons: Slightly harder to find than flutes or coupes and less traditional in appearance.

UNIVERSAL WHITE WINE GLASS

👍 Pros: A universal white wine glass is a practical and solid choice, especially if cupboard space is limited, or if you don’t serve sparkling wine often enough to warrant a dedicated set of glasses.

👎 Cons: The larger bowl means bubbles dissipate faster than in a flute or tulip glass, but it works in a pinch, and is a better choice than most red wine glasses.

12/25/2024

From our table to yours, we wish you a very happy holiday season! ❄️ May your celebrations be the perfect pairing of love, laughter, and good wine shared with those you hold dear. Cheers! 🥂

12/23/2024

With so many celebrations just around the corner, this etiquette tip is also a safety recommendation... and a PSA! 🍾

Once you've loosened the cage (or "muselet") on your sparkling wine, the bottle should be opened immediately, for safety reasons: that little wire contraption helps keep the cork in place, and prevent it from spontaneously erupting from pressure.

(Hey, we've all been there, right?!)

Need a refresher on opening sparkling wine? Here it is, in four simple steps:

✨ First things first: always point the bottle away from people, pets, and breakables.

✨ Remove the foil and loosen the cage on your chilled bottle of sparkling wine.

✨ Place a cloth over the top of the bottle, and tilt it at a 45-degree angle.

✨ Hold the cork firmly, and gently twist the bottle (not the cork) until it releases with a soft "pop." 🥂

12/21/2024

Happy Solstice! Winter has arrived, and with it comes the longest night of the year—a perfect excuse to get cozy, slow down, and savour the warmth of a beautiful glass of wine. From here, the days get brighter, but tonight is all about enjoying the moment. Cheers! ❄️✨ 🍷

12/20/2024

GET TO KNOW: Crémant 🍾

Looking for your new favourite sparkling wine to kick off the holiday season? Look no further than Crémant!

Like Champagne, this French wine is made using the traditional method of secondary fermentation in the bottle. But instead of coming exclusively from the Champagne region, Crémant is produced in areas like Burgundy, Alsace, and the Loire Valley, each adding its own unique twist to this bubbly delight. Plus, it’s often more affordable than Champagne, making it an everyday luxury. 🍾

Expect delicate bubbles, bright acidity, and flavours as varied as the regions themselves— from crisp apple and citrus to creamy honey. And, like other sparkling wines, it’s easy to pair with sweet and savoury foods, and perfect for celebratory toasts! 🎉

12/12/2024

We're feeling a little nostalgic today, looking back on some of our favourite events over the past few years. 🥂

From cozy family get-togethers, to glitzy birthday bashes, and reunions between old friends, we love being part of your special occasions... and bringing along good food, fantastic wine, and fun wine facts! 🎉

With the holidays just around the corner, now's the perfect time to host your own in-home wine tasting with SommEvents! Visit our website to learn more, or give us a call at 416-464-3575 🍾





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12/10/2024

Have you ever needed to chill a bottle of wine in a hurry? Here's a science-backed tip to help you beat the clock.

With entertaining season ramping up, you'll want to save this post, and share it with your friends! 🍾

Once you've filled your bucket with ice, add some water, and a handful of salt. The salt water will chill below freezing, and cool down the wine in about 10-15 minutes. You can also try spinning the bottle within the bucket, which can cut the chill time in half. ⏱️

So the next time a friend drops by unexpectedly, give this a try, and you'll be raising a glass before you know it!🥂

What are your favourite tricks for chilling wine? Share them in the comments 👇

12/06/2024

December is here, and with it comes a season of celebrations! Whether you're looking for the perfect pour for your next dinner party, or on the hunt for a thoughtful host's gift, SommEvents has you covered! 🍾

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive our weekly wine recommendations, complete with tasting notes and pairing suggestions. Plus, subscribers get access to fabulous resources, free virtual tasting events, and so much more.

Visit our website to register! 🍷



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12/04/2024

The holidays are almost here, and there’s nothing better than gathering with loved ones over delicious food and wine. But even the best hosts deserve a break! 🍷

Let SommEvents help you create an unforgettable evening with a private wine tasting experience, right in the comfort of your home. You bring the guests, and we’ll handle the rest—from perfectly paired wines and snacks to expert guidance that makes learning about wine fun and engaging.

Your Uncork at Home tasting experience includes:

🍇 4 wines (2 whites and 2 reds)
🍇 Food pairings for each wine
🍇 Tasting placemats for notes
🍇 A Drop Stop for every guest
🍇 A glass pen to personalize your glasses
🍇 A guided presentation by a wine expert

Sit back, sip, and savour the moment—we’ve got the rest covered! 🥂





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12/02/2024

Looking for something unique this Cyber Monday? 🍷 SommEvents

Discover wine accessories that add elegance to any table, and tasting experiences that make unforgettable gifts.

Support a local business while finding the perfect treats for the wine lovers in your life—shop SommEvents online today!





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11/30/2024

This Small Business Saturday, let’s celebrate the heart and soul of our communities—local businesses. 🥂

When you support a small business like SommEvents, you’re not just making a purchase; you’re investing in real people, their dreams, and their passion for what they do. Supporting local means strengthening your community, fostering creativity, and ensuring unique experiences and products remain available!

At SommEvents, we’re proud to be part of this vibrant network. Whether it’s through our curated collection of wine accessories, personalized tasting events, or one-of-a-kind gifts, we pour our heart into every detail.

This holiday season, why not choose to shop small... and make a BIG impact?!

Cheers to supporting local! 🍷



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11/28/2024

A big pour might feel generous, but for the best experience, fill the glass to half or less. 🍇

Leaving space allows for airflow, and helps the aromas develop. Plus, it makes it easier to swirl (without making a mess), further aerating the wine and enhancing the experience.

Whether you're filling your own glass or topping up your guest, remember: sometimes less is more! 🥂

11/26/2024

With the holidays just around the corner, some of you are eyeing special bottles to share with family and friends. If you’re a fan of big, bold reds, this might be the time of year to pull out an Amarone. But what’s the deal with this intense wine… and why is it so expensive?

Read on for a primer on Amarone, and the appassimento method, and find out why this iconic Italian red is worth every sip—and every penny. 🍷

🍇 WHAT IS AMARONE?

Hailing from the Veneto region in northeast Italy, this rich and complex red is made from a blend of grapes including Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara.

These are the same grapes typically make Valpolicella, which is why you’ll sometimes see Amarone called by its full name: Amarone della Valpolicella.

However, what makes Amarone special is the method in which it’s produced.

🍇 HOW'S IT MADE?

Amarone is made via the appassimento method. It’s an ancient Italian winemaking technique that involves partially drying grapes before fermentation.

By laying the harvested grapes on mats or trays in well-ventilated rooms, winemakers concentrate the sugars, flavours, and aromas, giving Amarone its signature intensity and velvety texture.

This process creates rich, full-bodied wines with bold flavours, high tannins, and a touch of natural sweetness.

🍇 ARE OTHER WINES MADE THIS WAY?

Yes! A few traditional examples of wines made using the appassimento method include Recioto, Passito, and Sforzato.

However, wine makers around the world apply variations on this method to their grapes.

There’s also Ripasso, which is made by macerating the discarded skins from
appassimento wines in Valpolicella wine to add depth and complexity... on a budget!

🍇 WHY IS IT SO EXPENSIVE?

Making Amarone requires a lot of time, attention, and resources.

Because the grapes are partially dried, it takes almost twice as many of them to create a bottle of wine, compared to fresh grapes.

The drying process also leaves the grapes vulnerable to mold, so producers need
to account for some spoilage.

Finally, Amarone must be aged for a minimum of two years prior to bottling.

🍇 WHAT'S IT LIKE?

Amarone is intense, bold, and rich. It’s high in tannins, acidity, and in alcohol, with the average bottle clocking in at 15-16%.

Expect bold notes of dried cherries, figs, chocolate, and a touch of spice, with a long, luxurious finish.

Amarone is the perfect companion for hearty dishes like braised meats, aged cheese, or to sip and savour on its own.

It’s a fantastic wine to share with loved ones, and for celebrating special occasions.

🍷🍷🍷

11/21/2024

It's Beaujolais Nouveau Day! On the third Thursday in November, parts of France celebrate the release of this year's Beaujolais wine.

Beaujolais Nouveau is meant to be consumed young, which is why the release is celebrated...on the first day winemakers are legally permitted to serve this year's vintage!

So why not celebrate by learning a bit about Beaujolais, and then opening a bottle to taste for yourself!

GET TO KNOW: Beaujolais 🍷

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, now is the perfect time to pick up a bottle of Beaujolais.

Are you a guest looking to bring a bottle for your host, and unsure what’s on the menu? Maybe you’re headed to a potluck dinner, where there will be lots different dishes. Or perhaps you’re hosting, and juggling a range of dietary restrictions. No matter the scenario, a beautiful Beaujolais pairs well with so many holiday dishes, making it our recommendation for Thanksgiving 2024!

Beaujolais is a light, fresh, and fruit-forward red wine made Gamay grapes. Originating in the French region of the same name – just south of Burgundy – Beaujolais wines tend to have beautiful berry notes, as well as a hint of earthiness and florals. 🍇

Beaujolais tends to be low in tannins and high in acidity, making it easy to pair with a wide array of foods: It’s delicious with turkey, and with creamy thanksgiving staples like mashed potatoes and gravy. It pairs surprisingly well with salmon, and would be a great accompaniment to a pumpkin risotto for your vegetarian guests.

Cheers to a Beaujolais: a beautiful, accessible red wine that makes a perfect Thanksgiving pairing, no matter your menu!

11/20/2024

Not sure what to get the person who has everything? 🎁🍷 This holiday season, give the gift of quality time AND great wine, with Uncork at Home!

Our curated wine tastings are more than just a gift—they’re an experience to share. Perfect for bringing loved ones together to connect over fabulous wine pairing, explore new flavours, and savour time spent together. 🥂

Make this holiday unforgettable!

Visit our website or call 416-464-3575 to learn more. 🍾

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