While many people have heard the term ‘alchemy’ bandied about in different contexts, few have probably looked into the etymology of the term and the origins of the practice.   Still fewer make the association between wine and alchemy's search for the "elixir of life" ... yet, there is a connection. What's more, there is one to be made right here in Nova Scotia.  As with all mysteries, it is for the initiated ... .
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​Mark your calendar! On October 28, 2016 the Italian Canadian Cultural Association and Dalhousie University will be hosting an exciting event entitled "Italian Alchemies". Winegrunt's very own Robert Buranello will be giving a lecture entitled "Liquid Gold and Buried Treasure: Alchemy and Wine." The talk will be followed by a wine tasting featuring Nova Scotia wines. Thanks to generous donations by 11 local wineries and vineyards, as well as Bishops Cellar and Grape escapes that have kindly lent official ISO tasting glasses, guests will have the pleasure of tasting up to 16 different wines.

In this second instalment of the Tidal Bay Challenge, we taste three tidal Bays under the Devonian Coast Wineries umbrella: Mercator, Gaspereau Vineyards, and Jost Vineyards. As in the first instalment of the Tidal Bay challenge, we will note the similarities and the unique differences between each of these Nova Scotia appellation wines.

​To begin, I must admit to generally having a bit of an aversion to the colour pink, especially in my wardrobe.  I can honestly say that it is not a shade that works for me.  I can appreciate it on others but it really does take a particular kind of swagger to confidently pull off that look.  Add a glass of rosé wine in the hand of the guy wearing pink, well, he’d better really have it together … .