A Time to Remember and a Time to Appreciate
- Nov 11, 2010
First they came two by two, and within minutes a small crowd gathered outside the front doors of the Everything Wine in the Millstream Village in Langford. Never did they grow impatient, one guest eagerly opened the door and asked, “We are so excited… is it too early to come in?” They were all here to celebrate the Third Annual Canadian Forces Appreciation Night event. An evening to not only remember but celebrate the lives of our dedicated Canadian Forces in all that they have done for safe Peacekeeping on behalf of all Canadians everywhere. What an astounding turnout….
At that very moment, Maria Manna began to belt out a soulful tune and all knew that it was time! Shortly, Melinda Whitaker and Miranda Sage were on stage and The Great Ladies of Jazz were complete. All the Canadian Forces members and their guests were handed their programs, a goodie bag and a wine glass as they entered and listened carefully as they were instructed to follow the red and white balloons.
Sultry Maria Manna of the "Great Ladies of Jazz"
There were smiles all around as everyone discovered a new table; some would call across the floor for their buddies to come try the Cupcake Petite Syrah or what about that Napa Cab; “oh wait!......” how about theQuails’ Gate Pinot Noir! Other favourites included the Domaine de Chaberton and the Forgotten Field Red Blend.
Vino Lovers!
Never a dull moment as a tall dapper man approaches with several coins in his hand; it is conjuror John Graham; how on earth did he get that big silver coin through the bottom of the empty wine bottle?
Happy people mingled meeting new friends and discovering old acquaintances, all while nibbling on tasty treats from Nando’s Flame Grilled Chicken and fresh baked bread from Cobs Breads. “What’s for Dinner” was here too, with the most delicious turkey meatballs and a remedy for how to take the stress out of your kitchen life when you ponder, “what am I going to cook tonight?” And as if that wasn’t enough, no one missed the Rogers’ chocolate table or said no to a scoop of decadent Marble Slab Creamery ice cream! All of this under one roof!
Faces were then focused on center stage, aka the tasting bar, as names were drawn for the prizes, including a 3 night stay at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards in their guest cottage (valued at $700), a one night’s stay at The Westin at Bear Mountain with breakfast for two, and glasses from Riedel to name just a few!
(L) Display of prizes and Rahul of Nando's Flame Grilled Chicken
(R) Dr. Chana and Kris Steed of Diagio
It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying the company of our Canadian Forces members, sharing stories while enjoying and discovering wines at such a fun evening; I have to say my favourite comment came from a guest who said, “I never would have guessed I’d be enjoying wine, I’m a beer guy…and you know what, the music is great, I don’t think Ozzy Osbourne would have made good background music!”
We may have to wait another year for the next Canadian Forces Appreciation Event, but Pinot-Rama is just around the corner…November 18th!
Gina Savard
At that very moment, Maria Manna began to belt out a soulful tune and all knew that it was time! Shortly, Melinda Whitaker and Miranda Sage were on stage and The Great Ladies of Jazz were complete. All the Canadian Forces members and their guests were handed their programs, a goodie bag and a wine glass as they entered and listened carefully as they were instructed to follow the red and white balloons.
Sultry Maria Manna of the "Great Ladies of Jazz"
There were smiles all around as everyone discovered a new table; some would call across the floor for their buddies to come try the Cupcake Petite Syrah or what about that Napa Cab; “oh wait!......” how about theQuails’ Gate Pinot Noir! Other favourites included the Domaine de Chaberton and the Forgotten Field Red Blend.
Vino Lovers!
Never a dull moment as a tall dapper man approaches with several coins in his hand; it is conjuror John Graham; how on earth did he get that big silver coin through the bottom of the empty wine bottle?
Happy people mingled meeting new friends and discovering old acquaintances, all while nibbling on tasty treats from Nando’s Flame Grilled Chicken and fresh baked bread from Cobs Breads. “What’s for Dinner” was here too, with the most delicious turkey meatballs and a remedy for how to take the stress out of your kitchen life when you ponder, “what am I going to cook tonight?” And as if that wasn’t enough, no one missed the Rogers’ chocolate table or said no to a scoop of decadent Marble Slab Creamery ice cream! All of this under one roof!
Faces were then focused on center stage, aka the tasting bar, as names were drawn for the prizes, including a 3 night stay at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards in their guest cottage (valued at $700), a one night’s stay at The Westin at Bear Mountain with breakfast for two, and glasses from Riedel to name just a few!
(L) Display of prizes and Rahul of Nando's Flame Grilled Chicken
(R) Dr. Chana and Kris Steed of Diagio
It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying the company of our Canadian Forces members, sharing stories while enjoying and discovering wines at such a fun evening; I have to say my favourite comment came from a guest who said, “I never would have guessed I’d be enjoying wine, I’m a beer guy…and you know what, the music is great, I don’t think Ozzy Osbourne would have made good background music!”
We may have to wait another year for the next Canadian Forces Appreciation Event, but Pinot-Rama is just around the corner…November 18th!
Gina Savard