Welcome to our August 2011 Newsletter

July/August 2011 Volume 4 Issue 4

Largest Selection of B.C. Wines in Alberta

As I write this on a hot August afternoon, I can't help mention that we can count the number of hot summer days this year on one hand. It's not been a stellar summer weather-wise. We hope that in spite of this, you have enjoyed the festivals around the city, or been away on a great holiday or are about to go. Summer isn't over yet and there are still some great days ahead for BBQ's and backyard parties. Check out some of the new wines and coolers in the store.

We managed to get a day or two of hot, wonderful weather on a recent visit to the Okanagan. (Although, they too are not having a good summer - the grape harvests are weeks behind.) We spent a glorious afternoon basking in sunshine and great "royal wines" at Quail's Gate Winery. This photo we took sums it up well.

A world in a wine glass

Quail's Gate received the honour of having their wonderful wines served to Prince William and Kate on their summer trip to Canada.

If you were unable to make it out for our "Evening with Winemaker Cameron Hughes", you missed a great night. I had the opportunity to sit down for a chat with Cameron. He's a very laid back, interesting man with modern views on wine making. Read more . A selection of his wines is available in the store.

If you are following us on Facebook, we have recently started our "Pick of the Day". So be sure to "Like" us and you will get the picks.

In the Spirit

new whiskies, rums, vodkas, tequilas etc in store

AALBORG TAFFEL AKVAVIT EXCLUSIVE
TO ALIGRA WINE & SPIRITS! Special shipment now in. Limited number of bottles available. Buy now and don't be disappointed. 10% off case of 12 bottles.

Fee Brothers Bitters - a crucial ingredient in the best mixed cocktails. It's like having a "spice rack behind the bar". Twelve different flavours available. Recipes

Skinny Girl Margarita -

"Everyone loves margaritas, but no one wants the guilt or the calories. That's why I created the Skinnygirl™ Margarita. At only 100 calories for a full 4 oz. serving, all natural ingredients, no preservatives or artificial colors, lightly sweetened with agave nectar and made with premium Blue Agave clear Tequila, Skinnygirl™ is the margarita you can trust."

- Bethenny Frankel

Gadgets & Gizmos
We're keeping busy making custom gift baskets for weddings. Some ideas to include - 2 or 4 person backpack style picnic sets, trivets for the wine lover's kitchen, assorted glass decanters, the exclusive wine sceptre and much more. Call and ask for Alison.

Accolades & Kudos
Congratulations to Ken Bracke, Ken has successfully completed his studies and is now a Certified Sommelier with a diploma from International Sommelier Guild.

Ken Bracke

He is happy that the long, gruelling hours of study have paid off and looks forward to assisting customers in their choices of wines and spirits! Well done!

"F�licitations pour ton dipl�me" to Alison for graduating from "The French Wine Scholar" programme.

Alison June 2011

"Cette exp�rience �tait aussi stimulante qu'enrichissante"

"Whatever is the point of eating some of the best food in the country if you feel you're being penalized by a percentage markup for drinking wine of a suitable standard to go with it?"

Jancis Robinson, Tasting Pleasures, Confessions of a Wine Lover

Showcase Corner Are You a Shiraz fan? "Two Hands " has been on Wine Spectator's Top 10 list 8 years in a row. It was rated Number 2 in the world in 2010".

Try them

Looking for a Special gift for someone who treasures good Port? Check this out