Kingston Royal Rugs O'Hara Mill Homestead Abstract Art Part II The Art of Food and Wine Pairing
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FALL 2019 Prince Edward County Durham I Hastings I Kanata I Kingston I Northumberland I Peterborough I Quinte Celebrates 10 Years Kingston Royal Rugs O’Hara Mill Homestead Abstract Art Part II The Art of Food and Wine Pairing Complimentary
FALL 2019 www.grapevinemagazine.ca Prince Edward County Durham I Hastings I Kanata I Kingston I Northumberland I Peterborough I Quinte @GrapevineMag PUBLISHER Tracey C. Keary facebook.com/grapevinemag EDITOR/IMAGINEER Jeff Keary CREATIVE DIRECTOR Natalie Piper Grapevine Magazine is published quarterly by Grapevine Magazine. Opinions expressed are those of the writer(s)and do not reflect the PRODUCTION EDITOR Hri Neil opinions of Grapevine Magazine, its editor or publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent. COPY EDITOR Kate Gordon ADVERTISING SOCIAL MEDIA Alexander Keary tracey@grapevinemagazine.ca • Ph 613.243.0079 Durham region, contact: lisa@grapevinemagazine.ca ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE Lisa Mele Ph: 905.626.2370 DISTRIBUTION jeff@grapevinemagazine.ca CONTACT Office 613.480.5368 Toll Free 1.855.550.1685 MASONIC TEMPLE HALL Grapevine Magazine I Fall 2019 1
Gallery in Warkworth to report on a transition in the world of antiques. contents & ad index FROM Konrad Ejbich chides the LCBO THE EDITOR re their recent computer generated melt Fall 2019 down. Hopefully this will be resolved before Thanksgiving, and Michael Pinkus visits Lighthall, Broken Stone and TerraCello art wineries in extended interviews. Priya Rao talks to sommelier Jennifer Huether for M y last note ended with a plea for Kingston Royal Rugs 6 sunshine and it seems the powers advice on food and wine pairings and is given Winker's Nook 16 that be heard my request. Now is it a vegan recipe for Shepard’s Pie. Sandor Johnson previews the Judgement of Kingston Considering Abstract Art Part II 30 too much to ask for some long sunny spells as we slowly slide into fall? where County wines will compete with those Meet the Makers 38 Welcome to our ripe fall issue which of New Zealand. Art Seen 48 is bursting at the seams with all manner of Meet the Makers features the The Kingston Portrait Prize 68 good things. We have a full harvest of recipes, creative couple Mitchell Elliot and Dale Evans, two from Anna Olson, one from Seasons in he a metal worker and Dale a seamstress, culture Napanee, which graces the front page, and whose talents combine in Napanee’s Simply another from Alexander Ojan. Angela Hawn Elegant. shares a recipe for a very special birthday cake I thought we might dip a toe into A Visit to Simply Eclectic 12 and Josie Newman has been on her bike to the political arena, inviting John Arkelian, Canning, Freezing, Dehydrating 20 have lunch at the Pastry Peddler and acquired a former member of Canada’s diplomatic O'Hara Mill Homestead 26 their Squash and Coconut soup recipe. Lindy service to address the stand off between Bowen Therapy 40 Mechefske delivers an encyclopaedic survey Canada and China. Is a local magazine Grandma's Cake 42 of sources of good local foods in and around inevitably parochial, or does it have a role in the wider context? Please pass on your On the World Stage 64 Kingston and beyond. Herma’s continue to show us how to entertain in fall with style. thoughts. Great Reads 74 Welcome to new contributor In the visual arts Hri Neil discusses Love it or List it 76 Sam Lamont who will be focusing on the Kingston Portrait Prize, Canada’s leading Last Bite 80 interior design. Sam gets off to a good start portrait painting competition coming up in administering a serious kick in the pants to complacent design choices, encouraging a Gananoque and reports on further artistic developments in The County, and I continue food more adventurous approach, especially to my humble efforts to explain abstract art to non believers. From Seasons Fine Food Napanee 21 Aunt Tillie’s cast off furniture. Caroline Williams has been busy visiting Simply Eclectic near Now I need to make a start on Roast Butternut Squash Risotto 21 Deseronto and Winker’s Nook and the Nook bringing in the winter wood. Apologies for Millbrook's Café Society 24 mentioning the ‘w’ word. E Jeff Herma’s Feature Mark Reynolds The Tale of 44 contributors Uncle Chester's Hot Sauce Local Foods Kingston and Beyond Lucky Birthday Breaskfast Eats Anna's Kitchen 46 58 60 70 Konrad Ejbich Anna Olson Josie Newman wine Privatization Talk Heats Up 18 On Being Judgemental 28 Michael Pinkus Interviews 50 Lillie Normille Marcia Masino Priya Rao Mastering the Art of Wine and Food Pairing 54 special features Angela Hawn Michael Pinkus Lindy Mechefske Belleville 4 Warkworth 14 Bloomfield 22 Quinte West 35 Hri Neil Port Hope 56 Sharon Harrison Bowmanville 62 2 Grapevine Magazine I Fall 2019
Acoustic Grill 38 Belleville Special Feature 4/5 Apt One 13 Belleville City Hall Batawa Lofts 73 Bourbon and Bean Handshake Society Besties Pet Spa & Cuisine 67 Glanmore House Cahill's Outerwear Specialists 67 Ideal Bike Carbon Art and Design 47 Kate's Kitchen Carson's Garden + Market 20 The 116 Bistro Casa Dea 29 The Lark Cellar Door 66 Ceremonies by Lisa 33 Bloomfield Special Feature 22/23 Closson Chase 53 Flame + Smith Colborne Art Gallery 33 Garb Cooney Farms 72 Green Gables County Fireplace 19 Guildworks County FM 67 Kinsip Distillery Cumberland Wealth 11 Nap N Nosh Deerhaven 8 Pedego Electric Bikes Downtown Brighton 13 Prinzen Ford Dragonfly 13 EC Awnings 66 Bowmanville Special Feature 63 ExecuTrans 51 Bowmanville BDIA G. Boyd Boutique 13 Brown & Co Gliding Shelf Solutions 34 Clarrington Tourism Goods' Garden Cat Resort 13 Glass Slipper Greater Napanee 34 Hoopers Jewellers Herrington's 3 Scrub'n Haute Goat Farm 33 Star Apples Herma's 45 Tyrone Mills Ltd. Huff Estates Winery 52/53 Innovative Interiors 47 Port Hope Special Feature 56/57 James Reid 47 Acanthus Interiors Judgement of Kingston 28 Bosley Real Estate Kingsbridge Retirement Community 43 Dwellissimo Kingston Market 47 Inuit Fine Art Kingston Portrait Prize 69 Sugar Dust Bakery Kingston Royal Rugs 1 The Social Bar + Table Lamont Lifesylie Interiors 8 Thrill of the Find Luke's for Home 9 Maker's Hand 33 Quinte West Special Feature 35/36/37 Meta4 Gallery 9 Eyes N Optics Mindful Movements Studio 72 Hollandale Landscaping Montrose Inn 72 iDesigns Optical Municipality of Brighton 13 Off the Hook Northumberland Heights Wellness Old Bank Cafe Retreat and Spa 75 Quinte Art and Custom Frame Ontario Agri-Food Venture Centre 46 Quinte West PEC Foods 19 The ArtiZen Cafe Picton Public Library 34 Trent Port Marina Quinn’s of Tweed 10 Vivacious Sage Design and Construction 77 Wish Home Accents Savon Du Bois 41 SideStreet Gallery 33 Warkworth Special Feature 14/15 Simply Eclectic 33 Centre & Main Simply Elegant 34 Frantic Farms Soul Stone 77 Metaphorhome Studio 22 32 Orchard Hill Taylors Country Store 25 The Village Pantry The Loft 9 Warkworth Golf Club The Shoe Store 13 Winker’s Nook The Robert McLaughlin Gallery 33 Tuggs Furniture Gallery 9 Real Estate 78/79 Waring House 50 Elizabeth Crombie Wellings of Pcton 17 Keller Williams Energy Real Estate Wentworth 8 Foreman Davis Group With All My Art 33 Homelife Realty One Grapevine Magazine I Fall 2019 3
special feature Be a part of it Isn’t it time you rediscovered downtown Belleville? C ontributing to the continental will help to reduce our plastic consumption “grab and go” menu. atmosphere of downtown Belleville and minimize recycling. Shop at Kate’s is the new patio experience at Earl Kitchen and help our planet. In the heart of downtown Belleville since & Angelo’s, complementing those of The 2011, Ideal Bike has been fully committed to Lark and Capers. Alfresco dining can also The Lark Food and Drink features award keeping you riding your bike all year round. be enjoyed at Bourbon & Bean, Auberge winning cocktails and the largest natural/ Ideal Bike has helped cyclists of all levels find de France and Chilango’s. Things are biodynamic/organic wine list in Quinte, and maintain their ideal ride. A wide range happening on Front Street. One such curated by Certified Sommelier Alex of tools, parts, helmets, racks, baskets and development is the recently introduced Bruce. Rising star, Chef Emily Southwind’s tube repair kits are available to keep you Trolley Bus operating on Friday evening seasonally driven menu is ideal for sharing. going. Not only does Ideal Bike sell bicycles, and over the weekend. Come downtown An intimate and elegant space with they also service them and have a range of for drinks, dinner and entertainment…and knowledgeable staff makes this an essential skate boards and scooters. be taken back to your hotel. And it’s free! spot for visitors. Reservations at thelark.ca Porchfest is coming soon and look out for The Bourbon & Bean Hand Shake Society is a The After Party, a tapas menu being prepared The vision for The 116 Bistro in Pinnacle café by day and Whiskey Bar by night. Front to encourage visitors to enjoy music and Street is to provide quality, beautiful food of house are brother and sister team, Cara nibbles at differing locations. made fresh in-house day. Take your pick and Shane. The menu comprises intriguingly from fresh coffee, homemade soup, fresh named cocktails (aka Giggle Water), and light New for the season at Kate’s Kitchen is a baked tea biscuits, cheesecakes, salads and meals. Bourbon and Bean regularly supports range of eco-friendly products addressing sandwiches. Tempted? And there’s also live music. If you’re looking for ‘good coffee the issue of the excessive use of plastics in free wi fi, if you must keep in touch with the and better whiskey,’ you will find it here. E the home. Products such as bee’s wax wraps office. For those in a rush, check out the downtownbelleville.ca OPEN YEAR-ROUND TUESDAY TO SUNDAY 257 B RIDGE S TREET E AST , SEPTEMBER TO MAY: 1 PM-4:30 PM B ELLEVILLE , ON JUNE TO AUGUST: 10 AM—4:30 PM 613-962-2329 -TripAdvisor Review 4 Grapevine Magazine I Fall 2019
art F or a chosen few, finding a career, one that can be described as anything but work, must be celebrated as an achievement. Having been immersed in a craft, a culture, and a lifestyle that comes from a place of tradition doesn’t happen to many in a lifetime, and it doesn’t happen by accident. David Bakhshi acknowledges the opportunities that present themselves daily, knowing he was put here to fulfill a passion, a commitment and so much more. You might say rugs and carpets are in his DNA; the very juice running through his veins, he lives and breathes a profession of which he is immensely proud, and one that has never wavered over time. Not only is every client important, but every transaction must be completed with the upmost care and understanding; treating each and every one of his customers–past, present and future–as if they were his own kin. Call him old fashioned, diligent or any number of adjectives, all of which accurately depict this gentleman and the traditional values of his craft, but look beyond and there is a charm, a dedication and genuine loyalty. It doesn’t happen by chance; a lifetime of building a clientele, getting to know people, building trust, providing them with what they need, ensures the business is built upon a solid foundation, where customers become returning friends. “I am fascinated by the history and geography of where they are made, how they are made, and after so many years, maybe hundreds of years, still the rugs are surviving and people are enjoying them,” said Bakhshi, who refers to the rugs as “art on the floor”. As the founder and owner of Kingston Royal Rugs on Kingston’s Princess Street, David Bakhshi, the face and the heart of the business, has a long-standing reputation. Serving Kingston for eighteen years, the last few from a charming 1890s heritage storefront building, his love for antique rugs and their preservation runs deep. With two more locations in Toronto, he imports and sells a wide selection of Oriental rugs to Canadians, within Ontario and beyond; he is the only business covering an area from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Brockville, reaching north and south. The Mount Pleasant location deals with antique and rare pieces, some a hundred years old,
art others three or even four hundred years than making a new carpet. “With old. “It looks like a museum; they are restoration, you have to exactly follow spectacular quality, one-of-a kind pieces the steps of how they made it a hundred you won’t see anything like it in Canada years ago, two hundred years ago, or or North America, it’s phenomenal,” he even three hundred years ago, whatever says. His clientele comprises collectors, they may be.” and institutions and organizations, such as the Art Gallery of Ontario, the City of Working with the rugs, whether it’s Toronto, and several museums. restoring, repairing, cleaning or buying, the process gives him a sense of purpose, Restoring old and antique rugs means the a sense of place, a sense of history, and textiles can live on, sometimes with the is where his heart lies, but he notes that same family, perhaps in a different home, you have to love it. “Your heart has to be for another three or four generations. in it; if your heart is not in it, you won’t While restoration and repair are a big get what you want.” For Bakhshi, an part of what Bakhshi does, his business immigrant from Iran, he speaks fondly also involves appraising and selling of Canada, the country he has proudly rugs, carpets, and textiles, each of which called home for a quarter of a century. is hand-picked by the master, where His profession means love, passion, and perhaps as many as twenty thousand pleasure all coming together in one have passed through his hands in his place, where he bonds with each piece lifetime. “I have done so many special he handles. “I go out of my way to give restoration pieces in different places and a boost to the person who made it and countries, including Rome, Italy and for is no longer in this life,” he says. Bakhshi a collector in France.” he adds. “There immediately connects to the soul of the have been spectacular and magnificent rug maker to feel and experience the full pieces, very unique tapestries, rare flavour of each creation. pieces, and I have done many jobs for high-end dealers and collectors.” Having spent a lifetime working at a profession he refers to as a hobby, as a “A rug has to speak to me before I fourth generation family business, having purchase it, and each one is individual mastered his trade since he was twelve and one-of-a-kind,” Bakhshi explains Working with the years-old, Bakhshi will tell you it’s in his that each rug is “unique in its design, and blood. “I haven’t done anything else in rugs, whether it’s colour palette; it has the history, and an my life other than carpets,” he says, “I don’t identification of the tribe, or the country restoring, repairing, or the city where it was created.” He know what any other job feels like as cleaning or buying, has the skill and experience to look at a that’s all I know.” His work encompasses rug and identify the country, the region cleaning, restoration, repair, appraisals, the process gives him dyeing wools, designing, and buying and often the maker from the way the a sense of purpose, wool has been dyed or by the choice and selling. “It gives me joy, pleasure, energy when you look at the rug, and I a sense of place, a of colours used, which can be specific look at it as representing the soul of the to a certain family, or the clue may lay sense of history, and in the materials used, or the design and person who made it and it sticks with is where his heart lies, technique. “The rug is an identification me.” He feels good energy in the pieces, of the family; how they made it, and recognizing their beauty and senses a but he notes that you communication with the rugs. “Every you can basically tell from the quality have to love it. and the design and the technique how house I go to, if there are handmade they were making it,” said Bakhshi. “It rugs, it’s like I am having a family friend in is like a signature, the signature of the this house and I am communicating with family.” Rugs are imported from Iran the carpet.” E and Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, Turkey and Morocco, and occasionally Kingston Royal Rugs China. Interestingly, he explains how 214 Princess Street, Kingston, ON rug restoration is a more difficult process 613.531.8222 • royalantiquerugs.ca Grapevine Magazine I Fall 2019 7
lamont lifestyle interiors ...there's no place like home. sam lamont professional interior design / decor 647-881-7009 lamontlifestyle@gmail.com instagram: lamontlifestyle From simply advice to whole home. As much, or as little as you need... 8 Grapevine Magazine I Fall 2019
September 29 Les AMIS Concert Postcards, Old and New J.S. Bach, Biber, Lutoslawski, Ravel and Bartok $30 - 3 PM October 31 John Wort Hannam Alberta-based, lyrically-driven roots music $25 - 7:30 PM November 3 Nicole Lisa Craig Trio, with David Henman and Tom Nagy ‘Dragon & Phoenix' $25 - 3 PM November 10 Les AMIS Concert Franz Schubert: Sonata for flute; Felix Mendelssohn: Trio; Michael Pepa: Gusle for Solo Cello $30 - 3 PM Grapevine Magazine I Fall 2019 9
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culture A VISIT TO Follow the long winding track at 4549 Blessington Road as it rises through adjacent fields. Turn left at the top and you will find an old red barn. This is the location of Simply Eclectic, the passion project of Diana Desnoo. These days the word eclectic pops up everywhere and is much over used, but here it is fully justified. Within the barn, serenely illuminated by shafts of sunlight is a vast collection of memorabilia, mementoes and collectibles: a veritable feast for nostalgia buffs. Almost big enough to get lost in, the barn positively teems with carefully composed beautifully colour themed displays that, in their own right, deserve admiration. Days of yore burst into life as one’s eye meanders around the merchandise remembering articles and items from childhood or childhood visits to one’s grandparents. It is perhaps only in the living presence of history one realizes how much one has totally forgotten. Simply Eclectic, offers a trip down Memory Lane for all and certainly lives up to its name. Check it out and see if nostalgia is what it used to be. Simply Eclectic will be open from 10 to 4 pm every Saturday and Sunday during November, after that Diana will not be open again till Mother’s Day and Victoria Day weekends. To keep things simple all transactions are cash only. By Caroline Williams 4595 Blessington Road, Deseronto, Ontario 12 Grapevine Magazine I Fall 2019 613.885.4723
1332 Morganston Road, 905.355.3090 Castleton, K0K 1M0 905.355.3090 www.catboardingresort.com 613.481.6117 TAKE A CLOSER LOOK Grapevine Magazine I Fall 2019 13
special feature Warkworth permanent resident. You do not want to miss this event. without a visit to metaphorhome’s designer collection of accessories and furnishings and Village Pantry can provide everything for Orchard Hills Country Townhomes will your new kitchen and an excellent selection Falling for Warkworth make the move to Warkworth a whole lot of artisanal cheeses. Winker’s Nook and easier with homes available from early next the Nook Gallery now offer bespoke hand year. What could be better? Warkworth’s painted antique furniture perfect for your W arkworth’s seductive mix of history and bespoke retailers has been distinctly different retailers conveniently home. Frantic Farms is a haven of the hand attracting visitors for many years. on the doorstep and a golf course just over made with uniquely hand blown glass and Some stay for a few hours, some for days or the way. Work off a post Centre & Main ceramics for everyday use and decorative weeks and some just move right in. Indeed chocolate indulgence at Warkworth Golf purposes. E many of the current business owners who Club. Your new home will be incomplete have brought their energy and talents to Warkworth hail from bigger cities and this is responsible for creating such a cosmopolitan atmosphere in the Northumberland Hills countryside. A crucial element of Warkworth’s enduring charm is the Ah! Centre and its frequently changing series of art and heritage themed exhibitions. The next show will be Jessica Hein running from 20 September. A further date for everyone’s diaries is 16 November when the Ah! Centre presents its annual fundraiser hosted by Wakworth’s own Jeanne Beker, yet another visitor who became a 14 Grapevine Magazine I Fall 2019
special feature You won’t leave empty handed! ARTISANAL CHEESES KITCHENWARE • GOURMET GOODS 613.921.2604 thevillagepantry.ca 27 Main Street, Warkworth, ON KoK 3K0 Grapevine Magazine I Fall 2019 15
art Winker’s Nook Adventures in Wood in Warkworth Winker’s Nook and the Nook Gallery Found on Main Street Warkworth, Winker's Nook and The Nook Gallery are owned by Lana Turner and her husband Gordon Mills. Lana runs the businesses with the help of a dedicated band of employees. By Caroline Williams C ollecting furniture has been the couple’s joint passion for over twenty five years to such an extent that buying beautiful furniture has often replaced taking a vacation. With an eye to future possibilities, they try and acquire pieces that will work with a variety of decorating styles. A love of wood and solid construction fuels their appetite, be it pine, maple, cherry, butternut, mahogany or black walnut, it must be well made. Pieces attracting their interest may not necessarily be ‘antiques,’ by the official definition, (which is over one hundred years or the bonfire can be given the opportunity to the client’s requirements and therefore old), as they place greater value on the quality to provide useful service for another fitting perfectly with their décor. of design and craftsmanship rather than hundred years or even longer. Compare obsessing over the precise vintage. that to big box store flat pack alternatives. In the near future lessons will be offered on Using a Canadian made voc free clay based an individual and group basis, and patrons paint which is virtually odourless allows will have the opportunity to work on their With baby boomers downsizing there is a Lana and her staff to carry out all the painting own piece in a sympathetic environment large quantity of antique wood furniture in the store: you can actually see your with help and encouragement available if available now but unfortunately the piece progress stage by stage to the final and when needed. traditional market has shrunk. The market finished product. All the work is carried is changing and therefore Lana and out entirely by hand. Depending on the Drop in to Winker’s Nook and the Nook Gordon’s business is responding to these technique employed and the finish required, Gallery in Main Street, Warkworth and developments by switching focus a little at least two coats of paint are applied and explore Lana’s love of wood in action. Enjoy a and moving into refinishing and hand often several more, then it may be sealed warm atmosphere and the authentic charm painting furniture. with a tinted or natural wax which will of Lana and Gordon’s beautiful collection sharpen up the details, or varnished with a of antiques, pre-loved and refinished The business is eco-friendly. Refinishing fine water based top coat for further protection. furniture, one of a kind country home furniture to appeal to a younger market is a The outcome is a fully functional well made and cottage décor that will add character pretty cool form of recycling: quality pieces charming piece of furniture that could easily to any home. E that might otherwise end up in the landfill last another lifetime, specifically painted winkersnook.com 16 Grapevine Magazine I Fall 2019
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wine The liquor monopoly claims to support local wineries, but it’s all talk. Only twenty percent of bottles in the Canadian wine Privatization section are VQA, which means they are made using locally Talk Heats Up grown grapes. By Konrad Ejbich I magine this: the only place you can legally international brands of lager and beer and Although Ontarians pay the operating costs shop for shoes is a government owned wines saw steep declines in sales. and salaries of the LCBO, no one at the liquor chain of stores called the Footwear Control board would respond to my questions about Board of Ontario. Canadian products suffered, too. With the cost of the new system, either projected widespread shortages in the monopoly’s or real. Just this: One day, the FCBO decides to switch to a province wide distribution system of over new warehousing and distribution system. six hundred stores, many domestic wineries, “The introduction of our new Warehouse Suddenly, in the middle of the summer micro-breweries and craft distilleries have Management System (WMS) at our Durham shoe sale season, many of the fashionable lost sales. Retail Service Centre is a critical system French and Italian dress shoes you love are upgrade to help us serve customers better unavailable. Adidas and Nike are also out Consumers unable to buy the products and more efficiently. Updating legacy of stock in some cities. Birkenstock sales they prefer have no qualms about switching systems is a requirement for major are down by fifty percent. Meanwhile, brands to get the bottles they ultimately retailers and as with any major technology manufacturers are backed up with sandals, need. Even if a favourite wine is not in stock, implementation there were impacts – some sneakers and stilettos they cannot get into they will not leave the store empty-handed. anticipated and some unexpected.” stores and they are losing sales and valuable market share. “No Rosehall Run Chardonnay available Impacts? Not shortages; not lost sales and disappointed customers; not screw-ups. today? Dang! I’ll just pick up this other wine Preposterous? Impacts? for tonight’s dinner.” Well, that’s precisely the present day scenario And to my question about when the system Sale lost. at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, the might be back on track: only one stop shop where Ontarians can buy Producers, suppliers and agents, hampered in liquor, wine and beer. “Significant progress is being made daily and their ability to speak publicly, quietly seethed we are confident that delivery schedules will A great deal of ink has been spilled over to head office clerks and store managers. be back on track by the Civic long weekend.” the LCBO’s latest fiasco. This spring, a new They can’t and won’t raise a public ruckus for warehousing and distribution management fear of liquor board reprisals against anyone Once that statement was made public, even system was installed in order to streamline in the trade who brings attention to the the liquor board’s own employees started the movement of alcoholic beverages from monopoly’s bumbling and incompetence. shaking their heads in disbelief. producers around the globe to consumers throughout the province. Apt comparisons have been drawn to the Warren (Smokey) Thomas, president of the Phoenix payroll disaster the federal Liberal Ontario Public Service Employees Union Instead, it was a massive screw-up, and many government continues to face, but there is publicly said LCBO president George Soleas stores were left with empty shelves. Major one important difference, secrecy. would have to “pull a rabbit out of a hat” 18 Grapevine Magazine I Fall 2019
wine to so quickly resolve the warehousing and distribution problems. So much for Premier Ford’s promises about financial transparency, about having governments govern and business people do business, or about supporting Ontario farmers and local industries. Domestic wineries, first and foremost, produce wines for local drinkers. Sadly, the vast majority of the drinking world has yet to discover Ontario wine. If there’s anywhere wineries should be able to sell their products freely, it is in their home markets, without their own government trying to undermine them by promoting foreign competitors. Many of our estate wineries are, in essence, family farms. In Prince Edward County alone, there may be as many as thirty or more, working extremely hard all year round, to make a decent product for the Canadian public to drink and enjoy. The liquor monopoly claims to support local wineries, but it’s all talk. Only twenty percent of bottles in the Canadian wine section are VQA, which means they are made using locally grown grapes. The other eighty THE percent are produced using foreign bulk wine by corporations that own very little CAPE COD vineyard acreage. The money-grubbing monopoly would Cleanest rather promote foreign wine than encourage local producers. Wood Stove in Of all the Vintages catalogues produced the World during the year, only the September issue features a significant release of Ontario wines. Ontario wineries pay for that promotion, not the LCBO. What the Ontario industry giveth, the LCBO taketh away. But there’s one area in which local producers get equal treatment with foreign vendors. LCBO category managers treat Ontario winemakers with as much disdain as they treat wine producers from other countries. THE COUNTY’S LARGEST SHOWROOM Ask any winemaker to talk “off the record” 124 MAIN ST. PICTON about what it’s like to do business with the 613.476.9259 www.countyfireplace.ca LCBO. And prepare to get an earful. E Grapevine Magazine I Fall 2019 19
culture W e are quickly heading into my favourite time of the year! While Just make some may look at autumn as the sure that last chance to get yard work done before winter, I prefer to focus on the rewards of you are all the effort that I put in throughout spring preserving and summer. This is the time of year best known for the harvest, and my vegetable garden is bursting with all the proverbial ‘fruits of my labour’. This is also the time of By Carson Arthur year when I need to start filling the freezer, and preserve all of the food that I grew for my family to eat. I focus on three methods CANNING of food preservation: canning, freezing and dehydrating. FREEZING When it comes to canning, the technique is DEHYDRATING pretty simple. Put food into a jar and seal the jar so that no bacteria can attack your food. Obviously there are more steps involved, but from a basic perspective, this is what canning is. I do a lot of my canning of carrots, cucumbers and beans by incorporating a brine; a solution of salt and vinegar. This simple liquid, mixed with herbs, garlic, chilies or other spices not only preserves the food; it also imparts flavour. For foods like jams and sauces that can be poured into a jar eliminating air pockets, adding brine isn’t necessary. Instead, the filled jars are boiled to extend the life of my fresh and frozen so that the air pocket is removed from the foods because it effectively removes the top of the jar creating a vacuum. oxygen from the specially designed bags and containers. Studies have shown that Filling the freezer full of produce and meats your food will last up to five times longer is not only rewarding, it’s an amazing by using this system. way to feed your family healthy food and save money at the same time. I often Finally, I often will dehydrate a lot of my incorporate a sheet pan when I foods to preserve them, especially the am freezing ‘juicy’ foods like juicy ones like tomatoes and apples. strawberries or blueberries Dehydration has some great benefits because they tend to stick over canning and freezing. This process together. By spreading of drying food removes more of the risk the food across the sheet of botulism, requires less room for storage pan, you can ensure and is relatively inexpensive. The key to that each piece freezes dehydrating food is to prepare it the way individually. Another you plan on consuming it before you dry big challenge with it out because it is often very difficult to the use of the freezer work with once preserved. is damage from air in the bag or container. Whether you have a garden or just visit Called ‘freezer burn,’ the local farmer’s market, get out this fall it is one of the most and stock up on all the best and freshest common ways that fruits, meats and vegetables that your food is damaged community has to offer. Just make sure through dehydration that you are preserving them so that you and oxidation. I use a can feed your family through the entire vacuum sealing system winter. E
food From Seasons Fine Foods Napan ee et W., Napanee ON. 613.354.7557 Gourmet Grocery Store • 6 Dundas Stre pie shape - approx 10 inches Preheat oven to 400F • Roll dough into Harvest Vegetable Galette e, Ingredients: 2. Toss vegetables in a bowl with thym olive oil un l evenly coated. Pie crust (based on your favourite pie crust salt, pepper, and recip e) 1 small zucchini thinly sliced 3. ayer the vegetables in alterna ng on- 2 beets boiled and thinly sliced pa erns i.e. ucchini, beets, carrot, and circu lar pa ern rom the outs ide in. 1 carrot thinly sliced on the diagonal ion in a 1 onion thinly sliced one 4 tbsp grated parmesan cheese divided 4. Fold over the edge of the crust (fold doug h over onto the gale e 1/2 cup sour cream piece o the h, 1/2 tsp thyme lling. hen old the next piece o doug allo ing it to overlap on your rst old. tbsp olive oil salt and pepper to taste o 5. rush the crust ith a very thin layer the rema ining nstruc ons milk and sprinkle the pie with min. 1. In a separate bowl, mix sour cream with tbsp o parmesan cheese. ake or 0 (the rema ining parm esan or un l crust is gold en. 2 tbsp parm esan the will be spread on top later) and spread leavi ng approx 1 inch of mixture on dough crust arou nd the edge s. Roast Butternut Squash Risotto An Alexander Ojan Recipe Prep Time: 30 mins . Puree the bu ernut s uash esh Cook Time: N/A in a blender, adding water as needed Serves: 6-8 people to help it blend. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Ingredients 3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, 1 bu ernut s uash so en the onion in the rest o the olive oil. 2 tbsp brown sugar dd the rice and cook or 1 minute, s rring salt and pepper to coat well. Add the white wine and reduce 6 tbsp olive oil un l almost dry. 1 onion, nely chopped cup bu er 4. dd the broth, about 1 cup at a me, 2 cups arborio rice s rring re uently un l the li uid is 1 cup white wine completely absorbed before adding more broth. dd the bu ernut s uash 1.5 to 2 litres (6 to 8 cups) warm puree chicken broth half-way through and mix in. Coo k for 18 to 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggia minutes or un l the rice is al den no cheese te. dd 4 tbsp chopped sage broth, as needed. 2 tbsp lemon juice 5. ake o the heat and add the chee se, nstruc ons bu er, sage and lemon juice. S r un l the 1. Place bu ernut s uash halves texture is very creamy. on a large baking sheet esh side up. rush Adjust the seasoning. ith hal the olive oil. Sprinkle brown suga r over 6. Divide the riso o into bo ls. each s uash. Season ith salt and Serve black pepper. Roast 50 to 60 minutes, with roasted chicken breast, duc or un l prosciu o or just as is. Sprinkle k, speck, esh is ork-tender. ith a li le Parmesan cheese, if desired. Grapevine Magazine I Fall 2019 21
special feature Bloomfield In the Centre of it All C entrally located in Prince Edward primary business, whilst parts, servicing, County, Bloomfield is also at the core replacement tires are also offered. of The County’s architectural heritage. Quaker ancestry has bequeathed a legacy of Dropping in on Kinsip House of Fine fine historic buildings that simply demand Spirits requires a drive to 66 Gilead Road. not to be omitted from the visitors’ itinerary. Six minutes west of Bloomfield finds the And without doubt, whilst the weather splendid French influenced historic house obliges, the best way to enjoy this heritage in which the tasting room is situated. This is treat is on foot. The County’s only distillery and a tour of the beautiful and mysterious still is an absolute Recently opened at 346 Main Street, must. Sample white and dark spirits and Guildworks is a gallery exclusively presenting explore the world of bitters. high quality Canadian crafts. Guildworks espouses an ethos that handmade artefacts Pedego Electric Bikes is located at 39 will become even more highly valued in an Stanley Street on County Road 12, near age of mass production. Works in various the Millennial Trail and is the nexus of two media are on show including clay, fibre, wheeled transport with a twist. If muscle glass, metal, mixed media, stone and textiles. power wanes battery powered assistance is The future is handmade. on tap. Try one out with a three hour rental and become a convert. Talk to Bear and Who doesn’t love the idea of a secret Gillian Maloney who are only too happy to garden? Did you know Nap and Nosh at share their enthusiasm and experience. 295 Main Street has one? Covering an acre with ancient birch and willow trees, greenery Garb at 282 Main Street brings the high and seasonal flowers abound and there’s street designer boutique experience to a pergola too. This verdant setting makes bucolic Bloomfield. For your fall wardrobe the perfect backdrop for engagement options, Garb stocks designer clothing from parties, smaller weddings and receptions. Junge, Pistache, Lyle & Luxe, Good Hyouman, Photographs taken here will always be Bobi and more. Highly rated by customers, treasured memories. Garb has become one of The County’s favourite fashion destinations and is open Flame and Smith is a sustainably minded seven days a week. restaurant embracing the exciting art of wood fire cooking, because they believe food Green Gables at 286 Main Street must be cooked over a wood fire simply tastes better. Bloomfield’s largest store and is carved ‘Smith’ usually means a metal worker but in out of a 1850s Victorian house offering a Dutch the term ‘smid’ means more than that, collection of eleven rooms in which one it’s more like an artisan or craftsman. Why not could spend many hours. There really sit under an umbrella and enjoy the fusion is something for everyone here with of flame and flavour on the outdoor seating, rooms dedicated to gifts and toys, fashion or experience the sophisticated ambience accessories, entertaining, garden accents, awaiting indoors. home décor and speciality foods. E Nap N Nosh Bed and Breakfast has an acre long secret garden that would be perfect for your Bloomfield’s Prinzen Ford dealership has been wedding or event photography needs. Our ancient Birches and Willow Trees are perfect for your in business for thirty five years and is now photographic memories. Perfect backdrop for your The County’s sole remaining representative Without doubt, whilst the weather small wedding, engagement or celebration of a major motor manufacturer. That’s an obliges, the best way to enjoy this reception needs. Come take a look for yourself. achievement lending credence to their heritage treat is on foot 647.920.9982 • nap.n.nosh295@gmail.com mantra, “Where service builds sales.” New u car sales and quality used car sales are the 295 Main Street, Bloomfield ON K0K 1G0 22 Grapevine Magazine I Fall 2019
special feature junge Fransa pistache lyla & luxe Ilse Jacobsen Good Hyouman Cashmere Clouds uno de 50 kut denim Open for dinner at 5:00pm Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesday) Reserve online at flameandsmith.com or bobi call 613.393.1006 OPEN 7 DAYS 282 Main Street, Bloomfield 2 Main Street, Bloomfield On K0K 1G0 106 Main Street, Bloomfield 1 9 1 9 reen a le loomfield om On K0K 1G0 613-393-9958 VISIT THE COUNTY’S ONLY DISTILLERY! THE FINE ART OF CRAFT Timeless pieces for your home Handmade by some of Canada’s best artists Well made and beautiful clay fibre glass metal mixed media stone textile 10am- 6pm Open 7 days Friday & Saturday open till 8pm The Future is Handmade 1st October to 25th December Open 7 days from 10am-5pm 346 Main St., Bloomfield guildworks.ca 66 GILEAD ROAD IN BLOOMFIELD 613.393.1890 KINSIP.CA Grapevine Magazine I Fall 2019 23
food to sometimes toning down the main menu, however, in order to appeal to a broader variety of people. The huge selection of baked items, such as date squares and Hello Dollys, are a composite of recipes from his and Bell's families. “Both our families were big on baking, and it shows with our desserts,” says Hall. “Most desserts at The Pastry Peddler are twice the size they would be elsewhere!” In addition to running the restaurant, Hall and Bell do a lot of private catering. In fact, it accounts for about half of their business. Millbrook’s Café Society When they cater to weddings and other private events, an extended choice of intriguing appetizers are served which are By Joise Newman only rarely seen on the restaurant's menu. “Parties have a big choice of appetizers. One T he Pastry Peddler Cafe, an eclectic the prestigious Stratford Chefs School bistro-like eatery on the main street close to thirty years ago, has worked in of my favourites is the pork and black bean of Millbrook, offers its patrons exactly various restaurants in Stratford, Ottawa, burger with ginger jam. Crab cakes with what the name implies – pastry and bicycles. Peterborough, Lindsay, and Cobourg. sriracha aioli are popular, too.” Over twenty Although pastries are his specialty, he is dips and appetizers grace the catering menu, Housed in a charming two storey yellow brick adept at cooking main dishes too, and including cornmeal crusted chicken satay building erected in the 1880s, the wood- studied at Sir Sanford Fleming College in with a chili dip, and Korean beef skewers panelled cafe and open-concept kitchen Peterborough. Bell has always worked at accompanied with hoisin, as well as salads occupy the first floor, while a vintage bicycle the front of the house, greeting people and and desserts. shop, called Frog Cycle, takes up the second serving tables. Now they have engaged two floor. Collectable bicycles, some decades other cooks and a baker. Hall prides himself on the popularity of their old, are displayed on the walls downstairs hors d'oeuvres and desserts, which are also while many retrofitted bikes and those in for “Our menu is eclectic and we try to use local sold at the 4th Line Theatre where they host repair are located on the top floor. ingredients whenever possible. We strive to Festival Fridays selling pies, strudels, and be modern in our approach but I like classics brownies to theatre-goers. Co-owner Colin Hall is a trained pastry chef with a twist, too,” says Hall. One such is his and avid cyclist. The Pastry Peddler attracts a macaroni and cheese topped with herb The restaurant is well-known and regarded in wide range of patrons, from locals who want potato chip crumble, and beer and cayenne the local community. “We've been told we're to support neighbourhood businesses to in the cream sauce. Another is quiche, the hub of Millbrook,” states Bell. Dropping cyclists from far flung places all across North served daily in several of varieties, with a in at any time of day usually reveals a diverse America. superbly flaky pastry that is a delightful taste clientele ranging from struggling artists experience. to tourists to business people and locals. Now a big fish in the small pond of Millbrook, There is always the work of a local artist the Pastry Peddler has gained great stature Previously a cook in a Thai restaurant, on display along the walls of the cafe, and since its humble beginnings in 2009 on the many of Hall's dishes seem influenced by sometimes books by local writers are sold at opposite side of the street. Hall and business that experience, such as the summer Pad the front of the store. There are monthly jazz partner Deanna Bell started the original Thai salad, served cold with chicken or dinners, where musicians from surrounding Pastry Peddler because both of them had shrimp, tamarind vinaigrette and a cane communities, such as Warkworth, come to “baking in their blood.” “We began by selling or brown sugar sweetener. Or the year- entertain two seatings of guests who enjoy baked goods at the farmer's market in round gluten-free butter chicken nachos, a three-course prix fixe dinner with music. Peterborough. Soon we needed somewhere a delicious warming dish of creamy garam And to that substantial roster of events, bigger.” The current location opened in 2015 masala chicken served on aged cheddar- Ladies’ Nights have recently been added. and serves a full menu changing seasonally, baked tortilla chips and completed by in addition to a selection of baked goods, cilantro and sour cream. Many of his soups “There's a huge community of local cyclists drinks, and alcohol. have flamboyant ingredients and pack a who frequently come out to the cafe, real taste punch, try the roast pepper and including the Millbrook Mountain Bike Club,” Hall, who was trained as a pastry chef at raspberry soup with herb cream. He admits adds Hall. E 24 Grapevine Magazine I Fall 2019
food u ernut S uash oconut Soup Method 1. oat s uash cubes ith olive oil, salt Ingredients: and pepper and roast at 350F for 30-40 minutes. 1 x medium onion peeled and diced 2. Heat a large pan over a medium heat. 4 x cloves garlic finely shredded dd bu er and olive oil and allo to 1 x large butternut squash, peeled, melt. seeded and cubed 3. Add onion, carrot, ginger and garlic 1 x large carrot, peeled and diced and saut un l ragrant and so ened ¼ cup grated ginger root appox 10 mins s r to combine. 1 x litre coconut milk 4. dd roasted s uash cubes, bro n 1 x litre chicken or vegetable stock sugar, sambal olek, Dijon mustard, mix 3 tablespoons brown sugar or together and cook or 10 mins, s rring maple syrup re uently. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 5. Add stock and coconut milk, bring to 1 tablespoon sambal olek a boil and then simmer for 20 mins or (chili garlic paste) un l ork tender. ½ bunch cilantro washed and 6. dd chopped cilantro, s r to chopped combine. 2 tablespoons butter and olive oil, 7. Remove from heat and blend with salt and pepper. immersion blender un l smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Next year an expansion is planned which will add a patio with three four-seat tables. To view menus or a list of events, visit www.pastrypeddler.ca Grapevine Magazine I Fall 2019 25
culture O’Hara Mill Homestead Stepping Back in Time BY SHARON HARRISON W hat was pioneer life like in the early thrill of a working mill and the romance of a Township. The decision came as word spread 1800s in rural eastern Ontario? covered bridge. that new lands for settlement had been How did folks live, how did they made available by the British government. earn a living, and what did they do for fun? This treasure and its eventful history began Step back in time with the O’Hara family, with the O’Hara family, and involved a trip The O’Hara Mill Homestead and where a visit to the O’Hara Mill Homestead across the Atlantic and new beginnings. The Conservation Area, a registered charitable and Conservation Area will include a history year was 1789. At just twenty years of age, organization, is run solely by volunteers. lesson and a taste of nature at its finest. Patrick O’Hara left Londonderry in Ireland for Dave Little, board member with the O'Hara Conveniently located in Madoc, half-way the Americas, where five years on he married Volunteers Association, is known as ‘father between Ottawa and Toronto close to Cynthia Prindle – she just 15. Enter James O’Hara’ to many according to chairman Rod Highway 7, and seventy kilometres from O’Hara, one of their nine children, who in Woods. “He has been the driving force in Peterborough, the eighty five acre property 1823 with his wife Mary and four year old bringing O'Hara to life.” Originally owned embraces a simpler time, and includes the daughter Elizabeth, set up home in Madoc by Quinte Conservation, Little says the site 26 Grapevine Magazine I Fall 2019
culture whereby the group had complete control Remarkably, O’Hara Mill Homestead has of the management and operation of the never charged admission fees, accepting historic farm,” said Little, who clarified that only donations. “We want families to feel the Conservation Area still owns the site and that no matter how big they are or how pays the taxes on it. “From quite modest many children they have, that they can beginnings, we restored the sawmill, we afford to come and enjoy it,” says Little. He built a new dam and a covered bridge, and credits the rural sense of fellowship and the we built several farm buildings to add to strong feeling of community for ensuring the site.” Materials for some of these were the Association is successful in its mission. reclaimed from 1800s barns. Neighbours are always there to lend a hand, “Whenever I need help in any way Little has been there from the beginning it’s always there: it’s that old farm concept as he led the group through the initial two of neighbours helping neighbours.” With years of negotiations. With nineteen years of around twenty thousand visitors annually, Homestead volunteering under his belt, he Little explains how they have tried to avoid describes himself as a “continual presence” commercialism, ensuring the site remains where he shows up at least five days a week, very much the way it would have been in every week. He happily admits O’Hara the 1800s. “Every week, I have two or three Mill Homestead is his full time retirement people say they really enjoy the serenity here passion, and calls himself lucky because not everyone in retirement has a chance to play such a valuable role in their community. “When I saw this place at the point of being abandoned and the absolute beauty of it and the absolute potential of it, I wanted to do something related to farming and this opportunity almost just jumped out at me.” The O’Hara’s remained in Madoc for four generations. They are considered one of the founding families in the Madoc area, and likely the first settlers in the township, which also saw the first white child born in May 1826. Becoming a prosperous farming family O’Hara Mill Homestead & thanks to the sawmill, they built the first onserva on rea school house in the township and were very 638 Mill Road, Madoc, ON involved establishing the Methodist church. oharamill.ca “They appear to have been very learned, because they left many photos, letters and journals,” said Little. “I just marvel at how and the naturalness, the sense that we are in many records we have of them, considering an authentic pioneer farm.” they came here with nothing.” Enjoyed by all who come, especially families, With around ten buildings on site, some visitors hail from many countries, but Little was a pioneer farm, bought in 1955 by the original and some restored, others more says the Irish that come are reminded of Conservation Authority, mainly because recently constructed, visitors to the O’Hara home and have a real sense of belonging. they wanted to preserve the historic water Mill Homestead and Conservation Area O’Hara Mill Homestead and Conservation powered sawmill on the property. Between can experience a one room schoolhouse, Area grounds and trails are open year round, the mid 50s and 2000, the mill and the drive sheds, blacksmith’s shop, log house, with buildings open Victoria Day weekend property suffered hard times and as funds carpenter’s shop and carriage house, all to Labour Day weekend. Guided tours and dried up the site fell into disrepair. redolent of the period. And there is also major events take place during the summer the O’Hara Museum House, Visitors’ Centre season, with smaller events, activities and The O’Hara Volunteers Association put and heritage gardens to be explored. Seven demonstrations throughout the year, together a unique proposal that would allow walking trails of various lengths up to including Heritage Day, Christmas, Family them to take over the running of the property, almost two kilometres offer experiences of Day, and a maple syrup event in March, done and ultimately save it. “After considerable old growth forests, stacked stone walls and the pioneer way, just as the O’Hara’s would negotiations, a legal agreement was signed marshes to be enjoyed. have had. E Grapevine Magazine I Fall 2019 27
wine learning about ruminants, Peter Jackson On Being movies, and rugby. However, make no mistake. This isn’t a Judgemental sporting match. Event organizers Lubomyr Luciuk and The Royal Winers are very serious about celebrating our region’s achievements. By Sandor Johnson The competition provides a fair forum to compare, contrast and whittle down the I n 1976 in Paris, France “The Judgement from Prince Edward County will be compared offerings to the victorious - solely on the of Paris” wine competition challenged to New Zealand’s best! The event will take merits of each wine by a fair voting process. a group of French judges to two blind place on Saturday, November the 2nd, 2019 tasting comparisons of Bordeaux wines from from 3-6:30 p.m. Tickets are available now at Chris Whyman, Kingston’s Town Crier, France and Cabernet Sauvignon wines from www.judgementofkingston.ca but will not dressed in attire that looks like he went California. In each category a Californian last long. A group of wine experts including shopping at Forever 1841, will officially wine hammered the best French selections. Tony Aspler, Michael Godel, Jennifer Huether, open the event with cries so loud, you’ll This shocking result summarily had the Melissa Pulvermacher, (and myself, as Master think that you were standing on the set French authorities sending the judges to the of Ceremonies) will blind taste wine sourced of CNN and Donald Trump just won the guillotine “tout suite” and, forthwith, beset an from the heart of Prince Edward County, 2020 election. Dr. Kim Meathrel, a local entire nation to fret over their crepes while versus “The Shire” to determine what wine is plastic surgeon, and graduate of the angrily chain smoking Gauloises. It was a the very best. (Or what wine pairs best with University of California Davis winemakers’ rout that neither the elitist French, nor the a broken marriage and a TV dinner.) program, Certified Sommelier by the bombastic Americans forgot. And thus a Court of Master Sommeliers, and owner of new era of “New World” wine was born. The event promises to be a fun-filled Decantress Wine and Spirits Education, will afternoon of tasteful sheep jokes and an also grace the event. She will help facilitate Fast forward forty-three years to Kingston, education comparing both wine regions to the wine judging and, we’re hoping, will Ontario for the fourth annual “Judgement further your oenological knowledge about also provide nose jobs for anyone of Kingston” competition at the waterside things like, say, how to grow Pinot Noir wine unfortunately sniffing anything pungently Residence Inn by Marriott where Pinot Noirs popsicles in -20C whilst simultaneously grimy, maybe made by Frodo Baggins’ new winery ‘Tea Bagg Estates.’ Every year the Judgement of Kingston attracts hundreds of folks who want to see what it’s like not to drink alone. So grab your ticket while there’s still some left. Sit down, relax, and watch the pleasant bliss of your neighbour sniffing the most delicate of the world’s reds. Or, if the expression reminds you of the guy in that movie opening the Ark of the Covenant, maybe a not-so- delicate red. You’re never too old to experience an afternoon punctuated by total bliss, sheer terror and complete mediocrity - all within minutes of each other! And no, I’m not referring to an unfortunate incident at summer camp. I’m talking about the Judgement of Kingston. See for yourself if your wine scoring expertise matches that of the judges and members of the audience or if you’re ‘The People vs Larry Flynt.’ Either way, it’s an oenophile rollercoaster thrill ride and a great afternoon to brighten up an otherwise dreary November Saturday. Trust me. I’ve been there. So come on out! And you be the Judge. E 28 Grapevine Magazine I Fall 2019
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