Happy September everyone! As you know, these days I’ve been fighting the travel bug by doing my wine travel through my palate. This wine travel idea inspired me to write an article for my neighbourhood magazine. It’s obviously written for a local Ottawa audience, but since most of you don’t live in the area, I’ve copied the article below (and added some pretty pictures), just for you. Enjoy!
When you think about the least‑used objects in your house in these unprecedented times, what comes to mind? For me, it’s my passport. I’m someone who is constantly planning my next trip, but even with certain borders open, I’m staying home. I now joke that my corkscrew has practically unseated my laptop in the category of most‑used items in my house.
I’m sure I’m not alone in my hesitation to stray too far from home. I get nervous just heading to the grocery store – I can’t imagine the levels of anxiety international travel would inspire. That’s why these days I am traveling through my palate instead. All it takes is a bottle of wine, some nice food pairings, and a bit of imagination.
Tuscany
For example, maybe you’ve always dreamed of going to Tuscany and drinking a bottle of Chianti in its typical straw basket. Its red fruit and dried herb flavours, plus high acidity and strong tannins, make it the perfect accompaniment for a Bistecca alla Fiorentina, that famous thick-cut steak from Florence. It’s an easy experience to re-create at home. Just pick up a T‑bone steak from the butcher’s and a bottle of Chianti, fire up the barbecue, re‑purpose a straw hat, and BAM! You’re practically in Tuscany.
Provence
Maybe the South of France is more your speed. Sitting on a terrasse facing a long line of classic sailboats in the port, as you sip a pale pink Côtes de Provence rosé. Its delicate flavours of wild strawberry and cranberry get your mouth watering as the waiter sets down a salade niçoise made with fresh beans, tomatoes, hard‑boiled eggs sliced in half, fresh-caught tuna, local olive oil and a sprinkling of herbes de Provence. Here in Ottawa, the tuna and olive oil may not be local, but this simple salad is perfect for an afternoon picnic by the river.
New Zealand
I’ve always wanted to visit New Zealand, plus I hear it’s practically COVID‑free! I can just picture finishing a beautiful hike (which the Kiwis hilariously refer to as “tramping”) through Tongariro National Park, then heading to a patio in nearby Taupo and treating myself to a glass of Marlborough sauvignon blanc. Its telltale aromas of fresh‑cut grass, herbaceousness, and tropical fruit are so recognizable I could probably smell it in my neighbour’s glass…even from the requisite 2 metres away! For the local rendition, the Gatineau Hills provide ample hiking options, and a Marlborough sauvignon blanc is easy to acquire on both sides of the Ottawa River!
Keeping it local
That said, sometimes using your imagination doesn’t quite cut it. If that’s the case, there are plenty of vineyards to visit right here in our own backyard. Ottawa boasts no less than seven wineries within a 50‑kilometre radius. Many of them even offer in‑person tastings or private tours. So next time you’re going a little stir‑crazy and missing travel, think local!
Pro Tip: For those of you in the Ottawa area, check out Craft Ottawa, a map of all our local craft breweries, cideries, and of course, wineries!
Happy wining!
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