Granville Island Pumpkining Pumpkin Ale 650ml (BC) –  “Just when you thought it was safe to go into the patch…killer pumpkin flavours and spices emerge to create a truly twisted ale.  TASTING NOTES:  Smells like fresh pumpkin pie. Pumpkin flavours with dashes of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves create a lingering finish.  FOOD PAIRINGS:  Its unique spices complement roasted meats and winter vegetables.” -website tasting notes

Cavicchioli Spumante Demi-Sec  (Italy) (05) - “An intense and characteristic bouquet of white flowers with notes of rose and peach; attractively sweet, aromatic and persistent taste with a slightly dry finish.”  -tasting notes

Girard Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley, California) (01) – “Showcases aromas of stone fruit, citrus, and papaya. On the palate notes of white peach, mango, and pineapple accent the bright acidity. The finish has a slightly rich, round note with hints of key lime.” -winery tasting notes

Girard Chardonnay (Russian River Valley, California) (01) - “The nose exhibits toasted/smoked almonds, stone fruit, pear and vanilla bean. The palate showcases the regions bright acidity and minerality coupled with notes of crisp apple, citrus and a touch of cinnamon. The French Oak is present but not dominating.” -winery tasting notes

Girard Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa County, California) (01) - “Aromatics of mocha, vanilla bean, toffee and espresso. On the palate there’s dusty cocoa powder, blackberries and cassis. Bright acidity helps showcase the vivid red fruits intermingling with dark fruit components. The cabernet finishes with leather, toast and chocolate covered cherries.”  -winery tasting notes 

Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (Paso Robles California) – “The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromas of black cherry, plum and violets, followed by subtle flavors of strawberry and allspice. Firm yet supple tannins finish off this approachable fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon, making it ideal for a variety of food pairings.” - Hope Family Wines website

DAOS Cabernet Sauvignon Bostavan (Moldova) (01) -“Carefully selected, handpicked Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in the southern Moldova region of Etulia create this dark red coloured wine. Aged 12 months in French oak barrels, it is characterized by specific varietal notes, with forest fruit and blackberries in the bouquet. This is a full-bodied wine, with and essence of black currants that persists in an appealing, long finish.” -winemaker’s tasting notes 

Negru de Purcari (Moldova) (01) – “A reserve red dry wine, Negru de Purcari shows intense and complex nose hints of sweet fruit, reminiscent of ripe plums and figs. The wine’s aroma evolves into whiffs and layers of mixed spice, licorice and saffron. Oak, dark fruit and chocolate flavours entice the palate. The result is a long, agreeable, persistent finish to this fine vintage.” -winemaker’s tasting notes

Grey Goose VX - “Grey Goose VX is best enjoyed on the rocks in a fine snifter glass to appreciate its rich character and complex nose, with hints of white fruit blossom, plum, apricot, light citrus and wild honey, followed by a long, lingering finish.” -website tasting notes

Patron XO Café Dark Cocoa - “Patrón XO Cafe Dark Cocoa combines high-quality Patrón Silver tequila with the extraordinary essence of fine coffee and Criollo chocolate from Mexico to create a unique and enjoyable ultra-premium coffee liqueur. Patrón XO Cafe Dark Cocoa marries the smooth, dry taste of Patrón XO Cafe with the decadence of rich chocolate and light tequila. Color: Rich, dark brown. Aroma: Fresh coffee balanced with cocoa. Taste: Rich taste of fresh roasted coffee, rich chocolate and light tequila.” -website

Spicebox Pumpkin Spiced Canadian Whisky

To make the maple syrup glaze :

Over medium heat, heat maple syrup with butter until the butter melts and the mixture bubbles.  Remove from the heat and set aside.  About 30 minutes before your turkey is done brush over the maple syrup glaze.

For the gravy:

In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp room temperature butter with 1 1/2 Tbsp flour and mix together until a smooth paste forms.  Set aside.  Use the defatted drippings and place the roasting pan on top of the stove over medium-high heat.  Pour in 1 cup of The Doctor’s Riesling into the pan and cook, until reduced by half, about 6 minutes.  Add 2 cups of Rich Turkey Stock and cook until reduced again by half, about 7 minutes.  Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth-lined sieve, and pour into a small saucepan.   Whisk in the reserved butter-flour mixture and cook, whisking constantly, until the butter has melted.  Reduce the heat to medium-low and let gravy simmer until slightly thickened, 8 minutes.  Serve the gravy on the side with the carved turkey.

This recipe is brought to you by:  The Doctor’s Riesling  (01) New Zealand

“This delightful wine presents aromatic characters of cranberries, cherries, and apple pie infused with subtle notes of nutmeg. Sip and enjoy juicy, ripe red raspberries and candied apples on the palate in this refreshing blend of red and white wine. This Peju innovation is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for barbecues, lazy Sundays, Thanksgiving dinner or any occasion when red wine seems like too much and white wine not quite enough.” -winery tasting notes

Just in!!!!

Mad & Noisy Brewing Hops & Bolts.  60 IBU

“This beer is a bit lighter than an IPA but much fuller than your typical lager. It has a big hop aroma, tropical fruits and bold piney notes, bready malt flavours and finishes with a pithy grapefruit bitterness.” – website

Le Lys is a white wine from the South-West region of France.  It has become a staff favourite since the moment we tasted it.  We feel it would be a nice accompaniment to your Thanksgiving table.

“Le Lys is a crisp and refreshing white wine typified by its powerful fresh notes of newly-gathered apricot and citrus fruit.  The mouth has the fullness of ripe Semillon yet it is neither heavy nor cloying:  the touch of acidity gives it all the vivacity and freshness it needs.” -Les Vignerons de Buzet