[Event] Garden Party with Vinho Verde Wines

Website: http://www.vinhoverde.pt/
When I attended: June 2016– media wine pairing event

I was first introduced to Vinho Verde wines from Portugal last year at the media tasting at Archive 909 restaurant (read all about it).

On June 1st 2016, I was invited to an intimate garden party at the home of Ellen Douglas, who helps produce CNBCs Wine Portfolio; a wine, food and lifestyle TV series that airs in 40 countries worldwide. The event was co-hosted by Rea Kelly, a leading Canadian Artist from Toronto.

It was an evening of appreciating beautiful art, while learning about Vinho Verde wines. The wines were paired with a charcuterie board with fine cheeses and cured meats, as well as a flatbread with gorgonzola cheese, apricot jelly and arugula.

With little insects out and a light evening breeze, the backyard oasis was a relaxing setting for the event. It was nice getting to know Rhea and Ellen, as well as the other bloggers in attendance. I was fascinated by Ellen Douglas’ experience and travelling stories. I’d love to be in her shoes to travel and enjoy the great eats and wines the world has to offer. One day, I will make it out to the beautiful Vinho Verde region of northwestern Portugal.

About Vinho Verde (VV)  wines: 

• The Vinho Verde region in Portugal is one of the largest and oldest wine regions in the world.
• Vinho Verde are young wines that are not allowed to mature.
• The majority of Vinho Verde sits on top of granite.
• The Portuguese love their wine so much, they only export about 20 % internationally.
• They only produce white and rose wines.
• More about VV wines http://www.vinhoverde.pt/

Here are my thoughts of what I had sampled….

My favourite of the evening was the Borges Alvarinho 2014 from the LCBO Vintage section (LCBO#: 129394 $13.20) as it was the smoothest one in comparison to the others and fragrant. My next favourite was the Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde (LCBO#: 89995 $10.95) with prominent floral notes. The Sogrape Gazela Winho Verde wine (LCBO#: 141432 $9.95) was dry with a spritzy finish, which I would love to add in a Sangria. Overall, I felt the wines were light, crisp and aromatic.

Aside from being excellent wines, the price points are incredible!

As Rea Kelly had said “A great glass of wine is a work of art”, and this event was a great way to appreciate art and wine.

I’ll be looking for for Vinho Verde wines at my next visit to the LCBO.

*Disclosure: The food and wine at the tasting were complimentary, but the opinions in the post are entirely my own.