So, it’s Thursday again and I’m looking through the list of new wines, ports and whiskeys (yes!) that I tried back in October 2013 during the Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival. 


One of the unique ports that I had the opportunity to try was from Taylor Fladgate Tawny Ports. The reason they are called tawny is because as these age they often take on a amber colour known as ‘tawny’.  


The first one I tried was the 10 year old Tawny Port. This one was very good with a sweet caramel finish. As I sipped the port it almost seemed to become more and more complex. The representative noted that the taste of port can depend on the barrel they are made in – either French oak or American. The taste can also depend on how the oak was treated. This 10 year old Tawny Port retails for about $33-35 which would be a reasonable price if you are looking at a port to add to your collection. I am thinking it would be a good port to keep around for using in small quantities for mains, desserts or paired with cheese. 


As for the 40 year old port, well the name in itself certainly indicates maturity. This one was not only very rich and buttery in flavour but also lingered longer in the mouth. I can only imagine that it would pair very well with a gouda or a pecorino. Certainly, given that it is 40 years old, this port retails for $190. 


As for me, I am leaning towards the 10 year old Tawny Port to add to my collection. A quick look at the Taylor Fladgate’ website indicates that there are some recipes available to try and even cheese pairings!

Have you tried either of these ports? Or do you have another favourite port that you like? Let me know in the comments below!

Winefest 2014 in Edmonton is back on February 14-15 at the Shaw Conference Centre! If you have never gone, it is definitely worth going. One of the plus factors of Winefest is that you only need to pay once as your ticket is all-inclusive for the wine tastings, hors d’oeuvres, a complimentary Riedel wine glass and a Festival Guide!


There will be over 247 wines from 17 of the most renowned wine regions on attendance. So for example, if you would like to taste the entire line of 19 Crimes like I did than that is a possibility! 

This year there is also a free mobile app that Winefest has available so you can make tasting notes and remember all your favourite wines. The event runs Friday to Saturday and with it being Valentine’s weekend I’m sure it will be a great event to attend. Take a look at their website for more details.

Giveaway! CLOSED

Now the exciting news is that I’ve been given the opportunity to giveaway a pair of tickets for Winefest’s Saturday Afternoon Session ($150 value) from 2-5pm.  


Here’s How You can Enter:

• Mandatory Entry: Considering that Valentine’s Day is coming up, leave me a comment below sharing what is your favourite wine to share with your loved ones.
• Bonus Entry: (+1/day): Tweet – Enter to win a pair of tickets to @Winefest Sat Feb. 15 from @Beyondumami http://www.beyondumami.com/2014/02/winefest-2014-returns.html #yegfood
• Please note that you must be 18+ to enter this contest and to attend Winefest (no minors, including infants are permitted to attend). Valid Photo ID is required to attend.
• Leave me your contact information (most importantly your email) in the form below after you comment so I can contact you if you win.
• Remember to comment below for the mandatory entry. 
• Contest ends Wednesday February 12, 2014 at 11:59pm MST.