Wednesday Wine News - 10th July
Old Street Restaurant
Dublin suburb Malahide is a popular spot on sunny days (the rare ones we get in Ireland) and Old Street Restaurant is the place for wine lovers each Wednesday. You can peruse the wine list online here. A note to say I LOVE when restaurants put their wine lists online, can more places do this? The majority of restaurants make their food menu available, even a sample menu, why doesn’t wine get the same treatment? Justice for wine lists! Enjoy any* bottle from their award-winning cellar at half price with dinner. They have an early three-course Neighbourhood Menu available until 6:30 pm. *Excluding the 'Single Bottle' Reserve List.
Harvest Time - Lanzarote Vineyards are the First to Harvest in the Northern Hemisphere
According to AEMET, Spain’s meteorological agency, the average temperatures in Lanzarote in July are 24.3°C to 28.2°C. That probably sounds lovely for holidaymakers lounging by the pool, strolling along a sandy beach or enjoying a chilled glass of wine, but can you imagine working in that heat? Labour-intensive work. Hand-picking grapes in a vineyard, loading boxes, and transporting grapes to the winery. Not so fun when the sun is splitting the sky right? Yet that’s the reality in Lanzarote. On Tuesday 9th of July, the region began harvesting. In the northern hemisphere, this usually starts between August and October, although times are changing dramatically with the effects of climate change. Ollie from Wine Shop Lanzarote wrote a brilliant article about harvest in Lanzarote which you can read here, and he also shared a video from El Grifo winery which has begun harvest - check it out.
'Secret Pairing For 2' A Mystery Wine And Food Pairing Experience
ELY Wine Bar has launched a new culinary & wine experience with their new ‘Secret Pairing’ nights. The team will select three of their favourite wines with head chef Luca matching these with a selection of seasonal plates. Currently, they’re offering a reduced rate, from €129 to €109. Considering a night out in Dublin is getting eye-wateringly expensive this is brilliant value, and you should snap up this offer before it’s gone. Get yours here. Also, they have a number of upcoming tastings including “Outstanding Whites” on the 13th of July and “Volcanic Vineyards” on the 18th.
To The Manor Born
It’s far from five-star resorts I was reared. Two weeks in Co.Wexford and hours squashed in the car with 3 siblings, grandparents and parents were the holidays that shaped my childhood. However, now that I’m becoming a proper grown-up I’ve come to adore a little luxury, therefore I’m off to Ballyfin Demesne for a little R&R. Yesterday Ballyfin was voted the #1 Resort in Ireland & UK by Travel + Leisure Readers. What’s this got to do with #WineWednesday I hear you ask. Of course, I will be indulging in some wine during my stay, so be sure to follow my adventures here.
Toast to Bastille Day at Café en Seine with a Champagne Pannier Dinner
Indulge in a three-course gourmet dinner alongsise three Champagne pairings as host and Champagne sommelier, Julien Joly, flies in from Paris to host the event taking you on a journey through the house’s fascinating history and the intricate artistry behind their exceptional cuvées. This tasting experience includes three carefully selected Champagnes, expertly paired with an array of Café en Seine's French dishes celebrating the national day of France. Tickets here.
The 11th edition of Copa Jerez begins
Copa Jerez, the international competition of gastronomic harmonies with Sherry and Manzanilla wines, organised every two years by Fedejerez and the Regulatory Council of the "Jerez-Xérès-Sherry" and "Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Sanlúcar" DOOs, is calling for teams of chefs and sommeliers to take part in the 11th National Phase of Copa Jerez. Find out more here.