Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 4/6/2016 (1569 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

Another positive development on the Winnipeg drinks scene: the addition of the Common, a craft beer and wine kiosk located at the east end of the newly renovated food hall at The Forks Market. Patrons will be able to grab a bite to eat from one of The Forks’ kiosks — including new tenants settling in this week — and pair it up with a glass of one of 20 wines or 20 craft beers. (Bonus: the entire main floor of The Forks Market is now licensed.)

The Common will be put to its first test this week, with a sneak peek event for invited guests Wednesday that’s expected to fill the food hall. The Common will open to the public in the days shortly thereafter.

Quarterbacking the selection of products at the beer and wine kiosk is Toronto-based sommelier and consultant Will Predhomme, who has made the trek to Winnipeg many times to work with Manitoba Liquor Marts, Winnipeg private wine stores and beer distributors to curate the offerings.

On the beer side, the list features a wide range of styles, from light and fresh to deeper, darker ales sourced from small to mid-sized craft producers. "I don’t want to have 12 pilsners and IPAs — there has to be something for everyone," Predhomme says from the site while putting the finishing touches on the final list.

Breweries on the initial list include Collective Arts, Saugatack and Hop City, as well as locals Half Pints Brewing Co. and Fort Garry Brewing Co. There’ll also be an Ontario cider available on tap.

Predhomme’s excited about the number of local craft breweries coming online in Manitoba and foresees tapping into the local beer movement in a big way as products become available. "As more breweries open, this needs to be an outlet for them. I’ve been waiting along with everyone else. Eventually, I’d love to see all Manitoba craft beers (on the Common’s taps)."

On the wine side of things, Predhomme had many bases to cover. "The point is to have something for everyone," he says. "I definitely like the Canadian content, as well as the Canadian-influenced content."

That includes a couple of wineries with local connections. Ilya and Nadia Senchuk of Leaning Post Wines (based in Stoney Creek, Ont.) have Winnipeg roots, while Tuscany’s Tolaini winery was founded by Winnipeg trucking magnate Louie Tolaini, whose daughter, Tina Jones, runs private wine store Banville & Jones. Other Canadian wineries on the initial offering include Nova Scotia’s Benjamin Bridge, as well as Blue Mountain from B.C.’s Okanagan Valley.

Beer will be available in 12- or 16-ounce pours, with prices ranging between $7 to $10. Wine prices will be more wide-ranging because of the cross-section of bottles selected (think $8 to $40 per six-ounce glass). All wines will be available by the glass, and stored/poured from Enomatic systems to ensure freshness. Beer and wine flights will also be available.

Naturally, Predhomme’s excited to get things going. "It’s something to celebrate, that Winnipeg should be proud of."

* * *

If you like wine and food pairings as well as supporting local theatre, keep Thursday open. Kenaston Wine Market and Prairie Theatre Exchange are working with local restaurants at the fifth annual PTE Pairings event at PTE in Portage Place. Guests can visit various food stations hosted by the likes of the Mitchell Block, VG at the Fairmont, Cornell Creme, the Planit and more while sampling a variety of wines, all in support of local theatre.

Tickets are $100 (with a partial tax receipt available) and are available via PTE’s website (pte.mb.ca).

* * *

Cocktails more your scene? The Made With Love Winnipeg regional final might be up your alley. Fourteen of the city’s best drinks-makers, including competitors from Sous Sol, Union Sound Hall, the Roost Social House and Blind Tiger, will craft cocktails to be paired with a dish in the hopes of securing top spot and a trip to the national finals in Vancouver later this year.

The event is being held June 20 at the Fort Garry Hotel; tickets are $45 until Monday, then $55 until the event, and include a sample of each of the cocktails as well as the dish with which it’s paired. Tickets are available at enjoymadewithlove.com

uncorked@mts.netTwitter: @bensigurdson

Tommasi 2014 Rafaèl Valpolicella Classico Superiore (Valpolicella, Italy — $19.95, Liquor Marts and beyond)

Bright ruby in colour, there are plenty of raspberry, blackberry, black cherry, raisin and earth notes on the nose. It’s a full-bodied red, with loads of berry notes on the palate as well as leathery flavours, white pepper, raisin and some light tannin. It’s gutsy but doesn’t overpower like some amarones do, and would be great with hearty Italian fare. ★★★★

Girard 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley, Calif. $42.72, Liquor Marts and beyond)

The nose on this inky Napa Cabernet is big and expressive, with licorice, anise, blueberry, plum, spice and black tea notes showing beautifully. It’s a dense, full-bodied red that delivers dark fruit (think cassis, blackberry, blueberry) with anise, mint and modest vanilla notes wrapped in big but soft tannins. Very tasty — an ideal steak wine. Drink now or hold for three to five years. ★★★★1/2