Fotinos Brothers Pinot Noir

I just wanted to take a moment to let everyone know that we have finally received the Fotino's Brother's Pinot Noir! This amazing wine comes from Carneros in Napa Valley. I visited with Tom Fotino's in February. I have walked the vineyard which bore these grapes, and have seen the stacks of French barrels in which it was aged! (I had a barrel sample of the Cabernet Sauvignon which they released this Spring.) This Pinot Noir is a very small production, and their inaugural bottling under their own label. They have been growing grapes in Carneros for a long time, selling them to big name wineries throughout the region. Only 425 cases of this wine were made, and it was released in February 2009. We have 3 cases!

I am looking forward to tasting it in the California-themed tasting Thomas and I are doing in the store in a few weeks. (Tom Fotino's did kindly give me a bottle of the 2007..but it won't be ready to drink yet, so I've cellared it!) If you can make it to the tasting...come try it for yourself. At $72 retail, it is a splurge,..but If you're a Pinot-file, you won't be able to resist.

Sailing Wine

The Nova Scotian sailing season is in full swing! Armdale and RNSYS have both already held their opening Regatta's, and the inter-club racing is in it's 4th week. Sailor's definitely have a reputation for imbibing in various beverages after racing. (serious racers only drink AFTER the race!) Dark and stormies, dark and dirties, coffee with warming liqueur after a chilly night on the water. Last week a crew member brought a jug full of rum-swizzle, made famous by the Swizzle Inn, in Bermuda. Goslings is the Rum in Bermuda, but Pussers the original British Navy Rum out of Tortola BVI's, makes an adequate replacement! (Pussers is available at Bishop's Cellar)
For the wine-o's such as myself, I always take along a bottle of something warming and tasty..nothing too complex. We also carry the perfect vessel for drinking wine on a boat - it is elegant, shatterproof, reusable and recyclable! Govino glasses are made from food/pharmaceutical safe PETG and reflect the colours and aromas of wine much like crystal. They are easy to hold onto, and you just throw them in your bag, take them home and wash them for next time. This weekend is the Appleton Cup, in support of Nova Scotia Youth Sailing, where boats race to Bishop's Landing for a day of Rum, Wine, Prizes and Fun! Cross your fingers for a sunny day on Saturday, and come on down to the Watefront in front of Bishop's Landing to check out the sailboats!

Spring Time Birthdays!

In my household springtime means its time to crack open some bubbly, eat some carrot cake and celebrate many birthdays. My poor mother is the only Libra in a house full of Taurus', and although I sometimes don't like to admit is we're all stubborn, determined and love to stretch our celebrations throughout the entire month.

This week it is also the birthday of Bishop's Cellar which has been a huge part of our lives for the past six years. So in true Taurus spirit we have decided to throw ourselves a few birthday parties and celebrate all week long!

The birthday events are as follows so please come down and help us celebrate!

Wednesday May 6th from 2pm-7pm please stop by if you can to taste six Summer wines and say Happy 6th Birthday to Bishop's Cellar. FREE!

Thursday May 7th from 7pm-9pm we will be having an unusual, late evening tasting we have dubbed 'After Dinner Drinks.' This will be an informal tasting of many different types of wine and spirits. A continuation of our Birthday week celebrations. $10/person.

Friday, May 8th from 5pm-7pm we will revisit some of the high end wines from the recent Rare and Fine Wine event that was held in February. Emily will be stepping up the food a bit for this evening and the wines will, of course, be excellent. This tasting is almost full, so please RSVP ASAP. $30/person.

Saturday, May 9th 11am-5pm we will be celebrating our birthday, yet again! But this time, Tony Robarts and Austin Romano, (employees since day 1) will each be pouring a selection of 4 wines (8 wines in total) of their choosing. Emily will be out front making and serving a beautiful, delicious authentic Spanish Paella. Stop by if you can. FREE!

Sunday, May 10th...Mother's Day...we will be pouring three different sparkling wines for Moms throughout the day. FREE! (Remember, we are doing a Buy 1 Get 1 Free on all wine accessories until Mother's Day)

Hope to see you there!

Hannah