The Spice Food & Wine Group presents...
The Spice Food & Wine Group presents...
EXHIBITOR OVERVIEW
EXHIBITOR OVERVIEW
TABLE 1
Deborah Cox
Website: https://kazaisu.com/
LCBO Link: https://www.lcbo.com/en/kazaisu-rose-37771
Deborah Cox is an award-winning recording artist, Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee, and international talent spanning music, Broadway, television, film, and fashion. Deborah is now excited to honor her connection with fans and friends alike with KAZAISU (Ka-Zy-Sue), Rosé, and Blanc wines that she hopes will sit on tables at family gatherings, dinners with friends, reunions, and celebrations of everyday life.
At Black Grapes we'll be pouring Deborah's Kazaisu rosé
Bottled at Chateau Margilliere in Provence, France, a vineyard at the forefront of sustainable farming practices, use of organic grapes, and excellence in execution.
GRAPE VARIETIES: Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon
TABLE 1
McBride Sisters
Website: https://www.mcbridesisters.com/
LCBO Link: https://www.lcbo.com/en/black-girl-magic-red-blend-37296
Sisters Robin McBride and Andréa McBride John were raised across the globe from one another in two of the world's most iconic wine growing, agriculture and farming regions — Monterey, California and Aotearoa New Zealand. Each thought they were only children until fate united them in 1999 and their discovery of one another, along with a shared love affair with wine, food and culture, sparked a creative and entrepreneurial force.
At Black Grapes we'll be pouring the McBride Sisters 'Black Girl Magic' red wine blend.
Proudly fruit-forward and full-bodied, this wine balances silky tannins and fruit all the way through the round, luxurious finish.
GRAPE VARIETIES: Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Black cherry and fleshy red plum, with hints of oak.
TABLE 2
Sanda Forever
Website: https://www.sandaforever.com/
Sanda Forever is the organization behind 'Journal, Organize and Colour Your Way to Mindfulness'. This thoughtful journal is a guide designed to support young girls through adulthood in cultivating mindfulness, self-reflection, and creativity. Featuring monthly affirmations, organizational tools, and coloring pages, it encourages healthy habits, confidence, and stress relief at every stage of life. With a special section on “Important Rarely Known Facts About Women,” it also celebrates history and empowerment. Whether for a young girl building self-awareness or an adult seeking balance, this journal is a perfect companion on the mindfulness journey.
TABLE 3
Saunders Family Farm & Vineyard
Website: https://bachelderniagara.com/toussaint-release-2024/
Saunders Family Farm and Vineyard, located in Ontario's Beamsville Bench, is a family-run certified organic vineyard known for its dedication to quality viticulture. Established by Warren Saunders and now managed by his children, the farm focuses on cultivating premium grape varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. The vineyard employs sustainable farming practices and hand-picking techniques to ensure the highest quality of grapes for their small-batch wines. With a rich history dating back to the 1960s, Saunders Family Farm has become a significant player in Ontario's wine industry, emphasizing both tradition and innovation in their winemaking approach
At Black Grapes we are pouring the Bachelder Wines '2022 Ivy & Warren Chardonnay | Saunders Parcelle 'Haut', VQA Beamsville Bench' made from grapes grown on the Saunders Family vines.
Tasting notes highlight a bright and zesty nose with aromas of lime, pure pears, and slightly honied lemony white peaches, complemented by a mineral backbone.
TABLE 3
Hang Time Wines
Website: https://stephenthomassomm.com/
Black Grapes is wholly committed to celebrating all black voices in wine, and wine import agencies owned by black individuals are no exception.
Hang Time Wine is a boutique wine importing agency focused on curating a distinctive selection of high-quality wines from independent, small-scale wineries. Our specialization lies in sourcing wines that convey the winemaker's vision and authentically express their terroir's unique characteristics.
At Black Grapes we are pouring the following from the Hang Time Wines portfolio:
Txomin Etxaniz ROSÉ TXAKOLI
Txomin Etxaniz Txakoli
Enjoyed these wines? Order them from Hang Time Wines.
TABLE 4
Nyarai Wines
Website: https://nyaraicellars.ca
LCBO link: https://www.lcbo.com/en/catalogsearch/result/#q=nyarai&t=Products&sort=relevancy&layout=card
Nyarai Cellars is a “Virtual” winery, in that they do not own their own vineyards or winery building. In creating wines that bear the Nyarai Cellars’ name, careful consideration of ideal vineyard localities is paramount. The strength of individual appellations such as Niagara River, Lincoln Lakeshore and Twenty Valley Bench, go into creating a product of distinct character and elegance. A simplistic approach is followed during the entire winemaking process, which allows for purity-of-fruit to be the main focus.
Nyarai Cellars is being featured at Black Grapes because of Steve's (the winemaker) unwavering commitment to breaking barriers and unleashing many firsts on the industry. Steve has an incredible knack to take grapes from differing sources and turn them into magic, and you will get to taste that at Black Grapes.
Tonight Steve is pouring:
TABLE 5
Great Heart Wines
Website: https://greatheartwines.com
Gynore Hyndrics is the head winemaker at Great Heart Wines out of South Africa. She was born and bred in Malmesbury, Swartland. She studied Viticulture and Oenology at Elsenburg Agricultural Institute. Her last internship with the program was at the Mullineux and Leeu Family Wines Estate where her incredible ability as a winemaker was recognized. Sometime later, the Mullineux’s approached Gynore with an idea. They asked if she would be willing to be both head winemaker and shareholder of a new wine label and project called Great Heart. In fact, all of the staff at Great Heart own a percentage of the business and are paid dividends each year as shareholders.
Great Heart Wines are imported to Ontario through Nicholas Pearce Wines
Tonight, the Nicholas Pearce Team is pouring:
Great Heart Chenin Blanc Swartland 2021
TABLE 6
Aslina Wines
Website: https://www.aslinawines.com
This wine is from South Africa and is made by a force in the industry, Ntsiki Biyela.
Ntsiki grew up in a small village in KwaZulu-Natal and was once a domestic worker until she got a scholarship to study wine at Stellenbosch University. In 2004 she was hired by a brand as their winemaker, making her the first black female winemaker in South Africa. In 2009 she was named South Africa’s Woman Winemaker of the Year. Finally, in 2017, with her own funds, she started her wine brand, Aslina Wines.
Ntsiki Biyela now sits on the board of the Pinotage Youth Development Academy – an organization focused on supporting youth who want to pursue a career in wine. Moreover, a portion of her wine sales goes to help the organization in their fundraising
efforts.
Aslina Wines is imported to Ontario through the Gradwell Wines Agency
Tonight, the Gradwell Wines Team is pouring:
TABLE 7
Troy Amos-Ross
Website: Gloves Off Rosé
Troy Amos-Ross is a Canadian retired boxer and proud member of the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame. He represented Canada in two Olympic Games and achieved international success in the ring, celebrated for his skill, determination, and sportsmanship. After hanging up his gloves, Troy brought that same champion’s focus and passion to wine, working with Pillitteri Estates Winery to craft a rosé that reflect his unwavering commitment to excellence.
Tonight Troy is pouring from his Gloves Off Rosé
GRAPE VARIETY: Cabernet Franc
Tropical fruits, strawberries and candied apple are most prominent while subtle hints of peach and plum follow. The palate bursts with tropical fruit. Banana, Starfruit, citrus, peach, plum and strawberry follow the first sip
TABLE 8
BirthRite Cafe
Website: http://www.birthriteco.com/
Chef Kamoy Nicola, the owner of BirthRite Cafe in Toronto, Ontario, is a passionate culinary artist known for her innovative approach to cooking and community building.
Chef Nicola emphasizes the importance of nourishing food and its connection to well-being, which is evident in her menu that features wholesome, creative dishes. Beyond her café, she engages in food styling, catering, and recipe development, working to foster a sense of community through food. Her journey is marked by a commitment to holistic living and the belief that cooking can be a powerful tool for healing and connection.
TABLE 9
Abibiman Project
Website: theabibimanproject.com
Chef Rachel Adjei is the founder of The Abibiman Project, a culinary initiative based in Toronto that aims to celebrate and promote African foods and cultures.
With Ghanaian roots, Rachel established the project in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a response to her desire for greater representation of African cuisine in the culinary world.
The Abibiman Project not only focuses on providing delicious, culturally significant dishes but also emphasizes education about the origins and stories behind the food.
Through her work, Rachel seeks to foster community connections and address issues of food insecurity, particularly within Toronto's Black community, by partnering with organizations like Afri-Can FoodBasket. Her vision is to create a platform where African culinary traditions are recognized and respected on a global scale.
TABLE 10
C.H. Haughton
Website: www.chhaughton.wine
C.H. Haughton wines has been curated as a healthier choice for wine lovers. No harsh chemicals, low sugar content, reduced tannins, sulfates and 85% less preservatives. We have been lucky enough to find partners who share our vision in creating a healthier quality wine at a great price . The result has been a smooth, clean, and crisp tasting wines. We currently have seven wines that range from dry to sweet white and red. We hold monthly tasting through out the City at restaurants and entrepreneurs we have built partnerships with. We welcome everyone to Sip, Savor and Repeat.
Tonight, the C.H. Haughton Team is pouring:
Trilogy (red 3 wine blend Cab Sav, Merlot, Shiraz)
Blush
Riesling
Moscato
TABLE 11
Intra Vino Wines
Website: https://www.intravino.ca
Intra Vino specializes in bringing high quality wines from around the world to Ontario. While they were known for their Greek wine portfolio, the group has expanded its offering while still keeping a keen eye to quality.
Intra Vino is featured at Black Grapes because of Jerome's (he's the one pouring the wines for you) commitment to the community keeping in mind not only traditional wine marketing needs, but the needs of diverse palates that come from a similar background to his.
Tonight Jerome is pouring:
SANFELETTO CONEGLIANO-VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO SUPERIORE DOCG BRUT
2023 ALPINE RIFT MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC
2013 PANAGIOTOPOULOS CABERNET SAUVIGNON
TABLE 12
Ken Forrester Wines
Website: https://www.nobleestates.com/
Shawn Mathyse is a talented South African winemaker at Ken Forrester Wines, where he has honed his craft since 2014. As the protégé of renowned winemaker Ken Forrester, Shawn has developed a deep understanding of the unique terroir and crafting exceptional Chenin Blanc.
His approach emphasizes meticulous vineyard management and natural fermentation processes, allowing the grapes to express their true character.
Shawn's commitment to quality is evident in his work on the iconic FMC, where he carefully selects and blends grapes from old bush vines to create a complex and balanced wine that showcases both richness and elegance. His innovative techniques and dedication to sustainability continue to elevate Ken Forrester Wines' reputation in the global wine community.
The Ken Forrester wines are represented by Noble Estates and can be ordered through them or at the LCBO.
At Black Grapes you will try:
Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc
Ken Forrester Sparklehorse Cap Classique Sparkling Chenin Blanc 2020
Our Art Partner
Band Gallery
BAND Gallery and Cultural Centre is dedicated to developing emerging Black artists and cultural workers by providing hands-on experience, presentation opportunities and an accessible venue to showcase their work to the general public.
BAND’s Core Programs include;
Artist Exhibitions, for emerging and early career artists to show a body of work with the assistance of the Gallery, grow their understanding of the exhibition process, and build connections in the art world.
Live Arts Presentation, which provides opportunities for artists to showcase their work in an intimate, unconventional performance space and experiment with arts presentation ideas.
And In Dialogue at BAND, this encompasses workshops, presentations, and speaking events at BAND intended to encourage skill sharing and dialogue among artists, cultural workers and the larger community.
Their 'Friends of BAND' program makes donating to this worthy cause approachable and noble.
About BLACK GRAPES
The Spice Food and Wine Group presents BLACK GRAPES, a Black History Month Celebration.
An evening of celebrating Black winemakers and agents from around the world.
In wine, the term ‘black grapes’ is used to describe the grapes that go into making red wine. On February 20th, however, we’re using the term to celebrate wines with contributions made by the Black community to celebrate Black History Month.
Come and taste wines from Canada, the United States, South Africa, and more. The wines are curated by sommelier Beverly Crandon, and each come with a unique sense of style and delicious versatility.
Our Sponsors
Accelerate Auto is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing Black representation in the Canadian automotive industry. They provide Black talent and youth with access to mentorship for skills building and peer networking to support professional growth and career development. They facilitate career pathing through the form of internships to attract more Black talent to automotive and build awareness of opportunities within the industry.
Accelerate Auto is dedicated to creating a stronger and more diverse automotive workforce.
Flow Alkaline Spring Water is dedicated to providing naturally alkaline spring water in eco-friendly packaging. As a B-Corp certified company, Flow is committed to sustainability, and community.
ZSA Legal Recruitment is Canada’s largest national legal recruitment firm specializing in the headhunting, recruitment and placement of lawyers, legal support staff and law firm management.
ZSA believes that diversity, equity and inclusion are critical to the success of any organization, but their many benefits are not automatic. These principles require ongoing commitment and action as employers, advisors, and citizens.
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