I recently came across this funny quote- and I agree with it!

“Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is Wine. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza & pasta.” -unkown

Cheers,

Neil, Manager (Wine Sense- Brandon)

Filed under: General by WineSense

As the weather gets warmer- more people are making the Twisted Mist wine cocktail kits. This great product (available in the summer only) allows you to make 30 bottles of ready to drink Mojitos, Lime Margaritas and Strawberry Margaritas. There’s also a Lime/Strawberry Margarita combo pack which allows you to make 15 bottles of each.

‘Twisted Mist is perfect for summer entertaining!

Tiki says 'Summer is more fun with Twisted Mist!

You make Twisted Mist just like a regular wine kit- although there are a couple of differences in the instructions that you should take note of:

1- There are 2 packs of yeast. Use them both. 
2- There are 2 small f-packs. Use both JUST BEFORE BOTTLING. 
3- Do not filter Twisted Mist. They are designed to be ‘opaque’ as Margaritas tend to be.

All this information is of course in the instructions that come with the kit- but as we like to consider ourselves ‘experienced pros’ we tend to ‘skim’ them sometimes…

That being said, if you have any questions stop by your favourite Wine Sense location or give us a call- and we’ll be more than happy to assist you.

The warm weather is here- so get your Twisted Mist kits ready and be ready to have fun this summer!

Enjoy,

Bruce, Manager (Wine Sense- Pembina Hwy)

Filed under: General by WineSense

This morning a customer came in to replace a floating thermometer after it hit the concrete floor (hydrometers and thermometers don’t bounce).

I shared with him that what I have in my wine area are interlocking foam pads. Not only do they prevent such mishaps they are wonderful to stand on when bottling and filtering as concrete can be very hard underfoot. They also clean up really easily and look great! I found them at Costco but they are also available at Home Depot, Rona, etc.

Cheers,

Carol (Wine Sense- Portage Ave.)

Filed under: General by WineSense

Here I sit in front of my computer to write my first of many weekly blogs. I will state outright that I am NOT a writer- but I am a winemaker. I’ve been making my own wine for 14 years and have been with Wine Sense for 11 years. I have made or at least tasted all of the wines produced by Winexpert and Vineco, our two wine kit manufacturer/suppliers.

Although they’re all quality wines I do have my likes and even some dislikes- and many, many favourites.

About me… I am in my 50’s and have managed the Pembina Highway Wine Sense location for 10 years. I have a strong passion for this great industry and of course for wine- as such I have completed two retailer courses offered by Winexpert: Winemaking Excellence I and Winemaking Excellence II (taught by the entertaining and knowledgeable Tim Vandergrift). I have also taken other wine courses offered by the MLCC, Wine Spectator and the International Sommelier Guild. At last count I’ve won 15 medals at the Winemaker Magazine International Amateur Wine Competition- the world’s largest amateur winemaking competition.

My likes include- my wife of 21 years, wine making, wine drinking, cooking with wine, my new barbeque, working in my yard, and doing nothing (of which my wife says I am a Pro).

My experiences as a winemaker are no doubt more extensive than my experiences as a writer but my passion for wine trumps my apprehension as a wordsmith. Thus my desire to write a weekly blog. I can promise I will try to be insightful, informative, and funny- but as I stated… I am not a writer.

Let’s see what happens shall we?

Cheers,

Bruce, Manager and now weekly blogger (Wine Sense- Pembina Hwy)

Filed under: General by WineSense