Thu, May 18, 2017 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT
Vendange Institute 440 Albert Street #C108 Ottawa, ON

There are a lot of exciting things happening in the world of craft alcohol and micro-distilling lately. There is an increasing number of small distilleries appearing everywhere in Canada, especially in British Columbia and the Maritimes, but also here in the National Capital’s backyard, with the opening of North of 7 Distillery on St-Laurent Boulevard in Ottawa in 2015, the launch of King’s Lock Craft Distillery in the 1000 Islands in winter 2016, and Top Shelf Distillers in Perth last spring. Indeed, throughout North America, enterprising men and women are wanting to craft spirit alcohols that have distinct flavour profiles or are new or different like the Rose Gin from Dillon’s Small Batch Distillersin the Niagara region.

Some distillers are doing so in response to demand by foodies and mixologists for distinctive beverages in the resurgence of the cocktail craze. Others wish to pursue excellence in spirits-making by paying attention to every detail in the ‘farm-to-flash' process in order to express the regional terroir by formulating quality spirits from locally-sourced and organically-grown ingredients. Yet others may be trying to cash-in on the trend by sub-contracting distillers for custom labeling or by purchasing neutral grain alcohol for bulk infusion or blending with other makers’ products for re-bottling.

Come learn more about the challenges and opportunities this emerging sector is facing and meet Jeremiah Soucie, the President and Head of Distilling, with Kinsip, House of Fine Spirits, who will share their story of buying Prince Edward County’s first distillery and re-branding it in the middle of a changing Ontario policy and taxation environment.

Following this, Sylvain Segard, a Director of the Sommelier Guild with interest in craft distilling, will guide us through flights of Ontario whiskies and rums, which he curated from a number of the province’s fifteen micro-distilleries. 
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Members: $56.50
Sponsored Guests: $67.80

Wed, May 10, 2017 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT
Vendange Institute 440 Albert Street Suite C108 Ottawa, Ontario

The Sommelier Guild continues its “Tour the World with your Favorite Varietal” on Wednesday May 10 th , 7pm at the Vendange Institute.

​For this edition, Guild Director Marie-France Champagne will take you around the world to discover the many facets of the second most planted red varietal, Merlot.  Often misunderstood, under appreciated and having suffered a reputation issue, Merlot is not only planted widely around the world but is a crucial part of some of the world’s most prized wine regions and blends.

From New World to Old World, Merlot makes its mark everywhere it is planted. Although not really fussy or difficult, the terroir and winemaking techniques will leave a distinct footprint on every Merlot tasted that night!
Looking forward to getting re-acquainted with Merlot.

Members: $56.50
Sponsored Guests: $67.80