This post is loooooong overdue. It took me about 6 months to plan, meet approval and get
organized but the first ever Wine Appreciation/Intro to Wine course on the
Lower North Shore of Quebec took place in La Tabatiere this past
winter/spring. These hard working,
fun loving, keen, silly, beautiful and feisty women signed up for a 6 week
course that allowed them to not only taste wine – but to learn about the
history, geography, science and art that comes with it.
In a small classroom at the local school, these women began
to learn about something that I am needless to say - very passionate about. It was my pleasure to share this
passion with them – I am humbled
by their curiosity, dedication and attitude with it all. As much as we laughed,
ate, and ‘tasted’, ( and we did A LOT of all three ) they took it very
seriously.
The best part was - of course - the
tastings at the end of night! It
was their first time tasting wine ‘professionally’, and I loved every second of
it! They were SO GOOD at identifying aromas, flavors, tannin! Adelaine or ‘Maid’ as she is also known
as left me in stitches every night.
She was SPOT ON with her tasting notes!!! “This wine has that dancing in your pleather pants for 2 hours kind of leather
notes’. It’s funny – but at the same
time it is so true! Wine is very
subjective. What one tastes can be
completely different from someone else; and the flavors/aromas we identify
comes from experience! If someone
has never tasted passion fruit – how can that person identify it in wine? ( And
sauvignon blanc is ALL passion fruit).
Adeline was great . No – she was amazing. She studied, she asked tons of questions – she gave
feedback. Carrie R came up with
tasting notes that were just as
funky– but again, very unique to her experience. A tasting note of mussel farm rope, most people on the Coast
could understand – but maybe not someone from Plateau Montreal.
Maureen O and Maureen C were just as keen! Maureen O is thinking about continuing
her studies by taking courses online. Trina G has revamped the wine celler in
her home and is desperate to go on a food/wine trip soon. Julie T will be making sure the
Luscious Lushes continues to taste – they will be starting their wine club in
the fall! Tara B – God love her. Smiles all the time – and let’s hope for
everyone’s sake, she stays away from the Two Oceans. ;) Donna R – she is determined to one day find a good Champagne!
I have to give these gals credit; They took time out of their already busy schedules to attend
and study a topic that would not , in the end, give them any kind of advantage
in the work force. These girls
were in for pure interest and pleasure – and I couldn’t happier. Every night someone took s turns
whipping up some delicious meal that was associated with the country that we
were covering that night! Paella, spaghetti, BBQ ribs, moose bourguignon,
cheese, home made bread…..
They became intoxicated not from the wine - but from the regions, the grape varieties, the
regulations, the winemakers, everything!
On my part – it was of course a bit selfish to get so much pleasure out
of teaching these girls what I knew about the wine world. There is no truer saying that “Through
wine comes friendship”.
In a small isolated fishing town of about 400 students,
these 8 women dedicated their time to study and learn about something that was
pretty foreign to them. There is
no independent SAQ store there, no private imports….just a friendly shop that
sells wine along side your fruit/veg – and fishing gear of course! (Getting the wine come to town was a
bit of challenge. Making 6 trips
to the store and back home with cases of wine on my ski- doo without breaking
anything was a miracle itself.)
I am so proud of them for taking the risk at learning and
trying something new. I’ve planted a small seed here, and I hope they continue
to explore the world through wine.
The Lower North Shore is a very special part of the world – surrounded
by natural beauty and friendly people.
And although not many from home understand or care about wine - Thank
you for allowing me to share something that means so much to me. Cheers!
