Wine Wednesday

It was a hot summer night with that kind of humidity that makes you feel like you’re in Jamaica. That kind of weather that gives everyone a glow. But it makes everyone happy. We don’t get summer for too long so we take what we can get. I entered the hotel lobby  and  spotted a familiar face. I give her a big hug and smile. As a made my way through the busy bar  I noticed the DJ in the corner. He smiled and waved “how’s it goin?” while he kept one eye on his mixer and bounced to the beat.

I see my friend Roy.  He’s a cool dude and he’s chatting away as charming as always with the ladies in the room. I’m thinking “I’ve really got to set him up with someone.”  A server appeared with a perfect tray of lobster rolls but  my eyes grew big at the sight of the cheeses that had taken over the length of the bar. I was thinking “Jen, would definitely be in heaven” and I could hear her say “bring me back some!” As I was snapping up photos and mingling with the crowd a gentleman walked over and asks if I would like a glass of wine. “Sure, a white something light and not too heavy.” I said.  There’s a Pinot Grigio from Italy and a Chardonnay from Vineland, Ontario on tap. I started with the lighter Pinot. It’s perfect. We chatted and laughed for a while. Then soon after the manager of the hotel comes around and introduced himself and asked if I would like another glass of wine. This time I’m interested in the Chardonnay. It’s delicious. We chatted about kids these days with social media and how we don’t look our real age. Roy checked in with me  to see if I needed anything. He’s a good guy. I swear I should set him up. The night continued with easy conversations and friendly faces. It all felt so comfortable.  And this is how it all started. Wine Wednesday.

This was the vibe at the launch of VERSAY Wines at the  Cosmopolitan Hotel (Toronto) at the swishy Eight Wine Bar. Easy and unpretentious.

Versay launch at the Eight Wine Bar, Cosmopolitan Hotel (Toronto)

VERSAY has been making quite the buzz in the hospitality industry in big US cities and in Europe. The concept makes sense. VERSAY  offers wine on tap —  eliminating heavy bottles while offering top-notched wines from around the world. It’s rolling out here in Canada in restaurants and hotel bars with the first being at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Toronto. I’ve noticed that Chef Mark McEwan has just announced that his restaurants will also include VERSAY.

So, I was curious about the whole idea. Wines were served by the glass straight out of the tap at the perfect temperature.

“We’re excited to introduce this new concept in wine to Canada,” says Jean-Francois Bieler.  “We are taking the wine snobbery out of enjoying a great glass of wine.”

The concept is about offering great world-class wines but takes away the worry about leaving a bottle opened for too long for oxygen to affect the product or say, like me, who would be out with my BFF’s and just want a really good glass Chardonnay while my friends may prefer the Big Reds. We can all choose and not be stuck with a whatever the house choice is opened at that moment.

VERSAY represents an impressive list of wineries that are included on their roster. Wine countries represented include Spain, Portugal, California, France, Italy, and VQA Ontario, of course!  There are over 50 wineries on the list.

This is where I was thinking of Jen Maier and her love of cheese! At the Eight Wine Bar, Cosmopolitan Hotel.

It was a definitely a fun night of great wine, food and company!

This is the way a night out should be.

Unpretentious. Fun.

Hello VERSAY and cheers to Wine Wednesdays!