From Corks to Canvases: Savvy Company Showcases Canadian Excellence

Imagine this: a room where you can taste dozens of Canadian wines as you also sample delicious locally produced cheese, honey, preserves and artisanal chocolate.  When you find your favourite wine, you can order more to be delivered right to your doorstep.  It’s a dream for wine lovers and foodies!  Meanwhile, artist Sarah Bradfield creates a live painting, and there’s live music in the background, too. This was the scene at Salon San Marco on May 28, when Savvy Company hosted their Oh Canada! Taste & Buy Event.

I started drooling as soon as I entered the room!

What sets Savvy events apart from other wine tastings is the wide variety of local artisanal products they present, in addition to wine, beer and cider. Events are much more than a tasting; they are a sensual experience and are hosted at great venues around Ottawa that provide interesting backdrops. The first Savvy event I attended was in an art gallery, and another was held at the Experimental Farm.

Debbie Trenholm, Sommelier and founder of Savvy Company, has been called a visionary and a maverick of Canada’s wine industry. She holds an executive MBA from Queen’s University in addition to her Sommelier certificate. In 2021, Debbie was awarded the title of Wine Industry Champion by the Canadian wine industry, in recognition of her leadership, commitment and support for Canadian wines and winemakers. She is an expert at showcasing local artisanal food and wine, and this year, particularly, that is our collective focus in Canada. She really knows how to throw a party and pack a room full of wine lovers and foodies! Find out about the next event and monthly subscriptions at savvycompany.ca.

Favourite wine discoveries

Kacaba Merlot 2019
Vineland, Ontario

Fragrant, velvety and so smooth! Find appetizing aromas of ripe raspberry, plum and vanilla, with mouthwatering notes of blueberry, black cherry, vanilla and baking spice on the satiny palate. This wine is crafted from an older vintage that is drinking beautifully right now.  So flavourful, you will enjoy it on its own or pair it with grilled pork chops or hearty pasta dishes. A real crowd-pleaser! $35.15

kacaba.com

Meldville Wines Viognier 2023
Niagara, Ontario

Truly the loveliest Viognier I have ever tasted! Winemaker Derek Barnett specializes in small batch, limited edition wines crafted from premium grapes that grow best in Niagara vineyards. In 2023, Ontario enjoyed exceptional grape-growing conditions, and the grapes for this wine were harvested at their peak under these ideal circumstances. This Viognier is beautifully fragrant, with gorgeous aromas of ripe apricot, white peach and white flowers. The rich palate shows flavours of dried apricot, mango, peach and slight wood spice, with a silky-satiny texture. A touch of lemon shows on the finish. Pair it with seafood, a shellfish stew or a lightly spicy curry.  $22

meldvillewines.com

Redstone Estate Rosé 2023
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

A delightful Rosé, crafted using 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Syrah. It has summery aromas of strawberry, rhubarb and fresh berries. The bright flavours of strawberries and cream are enhanced by a hint of pink peppercorn and lime zest. It’s a more, please, kind of Rosé!  Pair it with a beet salad garnished with goat cheese. $25.95

redstonewines.ca

Nyarai Cellars Cadence 2021
Niagara, Ontario

A delicious European-style blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon with a little Malbec. The name Cadence is a nod to the winemaker’s earlier career in music. You’ll find enticing aromas of red currants, ripe blackberries and white pepper, followed by a rich, velvety palate with flavours of blackberry, red currant and bitter chocolate. This would pair beautifully with a grilled steak or lamb chops. $25.95

nyaraicellars.ca

 What else did I sample?

Anna Stubbe Chocolates & Confectioneries
Kanata

Anna Stubbe hosted a table loaded with her fabulous mouthwatering chocolates. She is a sixth-generation chocolatier and pastry chef and the first female chef in that family. This year, they are celebrating 180 years of family tradition in pastry, bread and chocolate making. The first store opened in Meppen, Germany, in 1845. I took home some chocolate-covered strawberries, which disappeared exceptionally quickly… the chocolate-covered ginger also winked at me…  Her shop is at 500 Hazeldean Rd., and you can’t get there fast enough!

www.annastubbechocolates.com

Geesbees Honey Company
Ottawa

Marianne and Matt Gee discovered a colony of honeybees living in their home in 2009.  They were fascinated and decided to become beekeepers. They left their previous careers and now run Ottawa’s Honey Farm and also manage hundreds of hives across the city. Located on River Rd, a visit to GeesBees is a great way to learn more about these industrious pollinators. Tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays from May to August. I picked up some Raspberry Blossom Honey and will definitely be visiting soon to get the Blueberry Blossom Honey and to meet the bees!

www.geesbees.ca

Top Shelf Preserves
Ottawa

I sampled the savoury pickled beans, which were definitely delicious. They would make a super addition to a charcuterie board. I also tried the Raspberry-Lemon preserve, which would be heavenly over a hot scone topped with whipped cream. Find them at 21-5340 Canotek Rd.

www.topshelfpreserves.ca

Sarah Bradfield Art
Contemporary Artist, Ottawa

How cool is this? Sarah created a painting on the spot. It was sold at a silent auction during the event, with the proceeds going to the Ottawa Food Bank.

www.sarahbradfieldart.ca

This summer, let’s share the love and support our excellent Canadian products—from small-batch wines to locally made treats. Hats off to Savvy Company for hosting such a fabulous event that brought it all together!

If you want to join the Savvy fun, check out savvycompany.ca for upcoming events and monthly subscriptions. And remember, these wines aren’t available at the LCBO—you can order them directly from the wineries, many of which offer free delivery within Ontario.