Port of Wines Festival?

[Kyra.Graves 23779]

http://www.mynslc.com/Content_MarketingPages/Content_Events/Events_PortofFestival.aspx

 

I've been thinking of making the trip out to Halifax for the Port of Wines festival and wondered if anyone has any information on it? Would you recommend it? Has anyone attended the Winemakers' dinner or the tastings and do you believe it's worth attending?

Any information is appreciated. :)

[Guest W***ledi*Time]

Although I am a consistent (ahem) supporter of the wine industry (happily, I live in Kings County, the "Land of Orchards, Vineyards, and Tides"), I regret to say that I do not possess super-taster skills. I have a friend who does -- but his visits to Nova Scotia have never coincided with the Festival. So, not having had anyone to go with, I have never been. I can certainly vouch that the "Port of Wines" store itself (corner of Queen and Doyle) is bursting with yumminess!

[Kyra.Graves 23779]

Thanks WiT, I don't consider myself a wine aficionado either but I do enjoy a glass or two and figure the only way to learn is to get out there and start tasting. As we've discussed before I do enjoy the east coast and have been hoping to return for a vacation for quite sometime so I thought this might be an opportunity. I appreciate the information, I'll have to look up the store.

[Guest W***ledi*Time]

Yes, it goes without saying that I'll happily raise a glass to opportunity!!

 

A PoW teaser ("Bringing the world closer together, one glass at a time"):

 

http://www.mynslc.com/Pages/Category.aspx?cat=NSLC&category=01WINE&page=1&itemsperpage=12&orderby=GrossPrice&dir=DESC

[Kyra.Graves 23779]

Yes, it goes without saying that I'll happily raise a glass to opportunity!!

 

A PoW teaser ("Bringing the world closer together, one glass at a time"):

 

http://www.mynslc.com/Pages/Category.aspx?cat=NSLC&category=01WINE&page=1&itemsperpage=12&orderby=GrossPrice&dir=DESC

 

You tease!

 

WiT if you buy the Margaux I'll be happy to offer up my hotel room as a makeshift tasting room... as long as you promise to share. ;)

[Guest W***ledi*Time]

Ha ha ... just innocently drawing attention to some of the wonders to be found on the shelf at "Port of Wines". Thought you might enjoy shopping for a souvenir, Kyra. I don't have the discerning palate to take, er, full advantage of the first few pages from this list, I'm sure.

 

Nevertheless, I have no doubt that an evening of private experimentation -- spent finding the perfect taste-pairing for the Margaux -- would be immensely enjoyable!

 

(Yes, still teasing. Unless we can compromise on something a little more page-two-ish ...)

[Kyra.Graves 23779]

Ha ha ... just innocently drawing attention to some of the wonders to be found on the shelf at "Port of Wines". Thought you might enjoy shopping for a souvenir, Kyra. I don't have the discerning palate to take, er, full advantage of the first few pages from this list, I'm sure.

 

Nevertheless, I have no doubt that an evening of private experimentation -- spent finding the perfect taste-pairing for the Margaux -- would be immensely enjoyable!

 

(Yes, still teasing. Unless we can compromise on something a little more page-two-ish ...)

 

Well I bet we could come up with a great pairing. A healthy 'kitty' should have an acidity comparable to a nice red, of course I think we'd both appreciate one with a nice balance, bouquet and long legs. So if not the Margaux what wine do you think would compliment that?

Or would you prefer to keep it simple and just have a wine and cheese pairing?

[cyclo 30131]

Hi Kyra. I've never been to the festival, but I asked a friend who is a certified wine judge and he recommends the festival, especially if you're not an expert. It's geared to people who know a bit about wines or are just getting into it. Apparently the afternoon sessions are the best to go to since it's not as crowded and you have more of an opportunity to speak to the wine makers who will be present.

 

He highly recommends the dinner. His point being that wine is meant to be consumed with food and the chef who has done the dinner the last few years (from Onyx restaurant) is extremely good at pairing wines and food.

 

Now to top this off, September is the nicest month in Nova Scotia. We've had a fabulous summer and it looks like September is going to be great (give or take the odd hurricane :roll:). So what are waiting for... book that flight and pack those bags :wink:

[Guest W***ledi*Time]

Kyra you are the absolute mistress of tease!! (Not that we didn't know that already.)

 

ha ha ... the choice is either "wine and kitty" or "wine and cheese"??

 

Cheese is out!!!

 

What we need is a full-bodied, robust, buttery wine with a great nose, hint of nuttiness, and a thick skin. Maybe the Corton Andre Charlemagne Grand Cru or Louis Jadot Meursault Blagny 1st Cru. Just guessing, of course. The wine has to have a thick skin because it will suffer the indignity of being the third-wheel at this tasting party; perhaps the staff at PoW can help with the psychological profiling.

[Kyra.Graves 23779]

Hi Kyra. I've never been to the festival, but I asked a friend who is a certified wine judge and he recommends the festival, especially if you're not an expert. It's geared to people who know a bit about wines or are just getting into it. Apparently the afternoon sessions are the best to go to since it's not as crowded and you have more of an opportunity to speak to the wine makers who will be present.

 

He highly recommends the dinner. His point being that wine is meant to be consumed with food and the chef who has done the dinner the last few years (from Onyx restaurant) is extremely good at pairing wines and food.

 

Now to top this off, September is the nicest month in Nova Scotia. We've had a fabulous summer and it looks like September is going to be great (give or take the odd hurricane :roll:). So what are waiting for... book that flight and pack those bags :wink:

 

Thank you!

I am a bit concerned about the dinner as I'm a vegetarian, I know most places I've been are accommodating but that often depends on the size of the event. I suppose it won't hurt to ask, the worst they can say is no (oh wait they could make fun of my rabbit food ;) ).

 

I looked at the flight options and it's pretty reasonable right now, Porter is amazing so it's looking like I have my fall vacation picked. Everyone that responded (most via PM) had only good things to say about the festival so I can't think of a reason why I shouldn't go.

 

Additional Comments:

Kyra you are the absolute mistress of tease!! (Not that we didn't know that already.)

 

ha ha ... the choice is either "wine and kitty" or "wine and cheese"??

 

Cheese is out!!!

 

What we need is a full-bodied, robust, buttery wine with a great nose, hint of nuttiness, and a thick skin. Maybe the Corton Andre Charlemagne Grand Cru or Louis Jadot Meursault Blagny 1st Cru. Just guessing, of course. The wine has to have a thick skin because it will suffer the indignity of being the third-wheel at this tasting party; perhaps the staff at PoW can help with the psychological profiling.

 

Me the Mistress of Tease? I'm an innocent! ;-)

 

As for the wines, I'll have to reserve judgement until later. It does sound like an interesting challenge and one I am sure would be fun trying to meet. Do you think they will have an afternoon seminar on that? "Red Wine Tips for a 3rd Date"

[Lexy Grace 103697]

My sister's boyfriend works for the NSLC and is always telling me to go because I haven't found a red that I really like and each year he gives me a white and red for Christmas but I may go this year just to see and for the experience.

[Kyra.Graves 23779]

I just wanted to thank everyone for their PM's and replies (in case I missed someone). I have indeed decided to visit Halifax for the festival and might even visit a few of the other venues and events that were suggested to me if time permits.

 

Thanks so much and I appreciate all the information! :)