The Harvest Hunters

27/06/2025

Bossanova Wine & Beer: A bottle shop and bar located in Toronto’s beloved Roncesvalles neighborhood.

Bossanova specializes in wine and beer from all over the world that are exceptional, largely independent or family owned and not available in larger retail chains. Being artisanal, they might only be available for a very limited time, never to be seen again. It is all made by people that care deeply about quality and enjoyment.

and I had some wine shopping to do for a friend’s housewarming party, so we decided to mix in a few glasses of wine ourselves beforehand - and Bossanova was an easy choice of where we can execute the whole experience. The bar is stacked with the best wine and beer, as well as locally sourced and prepared, shareable and snackable food. It is a comfortable neighbourhood spot to connect with friends and family, while sipping exceptional beverages.

Post drinks, we moved over to the bottle shop. The shop has a changing selection of hundreds of wines, beers and ciders to purchase to-go. There is also a curated selection of wine and beer to enjoy in the shop’s casual bar area. The team working the shop was super friendly and knowledgeable, and the store even has a rewards program (which you know I will be working on over time).

This spot is a must visit when in Roncy! Check out their website or socials to stay apprised of upcoming events in the bar/shop as well.

25/06/2025

As you may have seen, I visited SUe Ann Staff Winery in Lincoln, Ontario a few weeks ago. Though not part of the wine tasting I did there, I took how a bottle of Sue’s 2018 Elisha’s Chardonnay because it was an award winner - and I’m a sucker for a badge of honour. I opened the bottle last week and was so impressed with the structure and body. From the first sip, you know this white wine is barrel aged.

Aromas: Ripe apple, butter, and oak.

Palate: Ripe apple and pear, lime, and toast.

Profile:
Medium plus sweetness
Medium plus acidity
Medium alcohol
Medium plus body
Medium plus intensity

I obviously enjoyed this on its own (as per), but it practically begs for a crumbly aged cheddar, a white wine Coq au Vin or seared scallops with beurre blanc.

20/06/2025

Sunny’s Chinese: The best meal I have ever had in Toronto.

We need to talk about this but I fear I am still at a loss for words. But I said what I said above and I don’t take it back. From the food, to the cocktails, the vibe, patio, and service; this was a 15/10 experience.

If you haven’t visited Sunny’s, please change that immediately.

My favourite dish of all: the short rib.

11/06/2025

Mexhico: A culinary vision of highlighting the great ancestral flavors of great Mexican cuisine.

Situated in Kensington Market, Christina and I went on a date night to Mexhico last week. The patio was bumping and a great spot to settle for a few bevvies and bites. Both of us explored the flavour of passion fruit - one via a Margherita and the other via a Mezcalita. Both delicious cocktails! We also had sangria which was good but sweet (beware of potential migraine).

For food, we split the guac and chips which were DELICIOUS, as well as the shrimp and short rib tacos. The shrimp tacos were fantastic.

Highly recommend for a summer evening meal. Next time, we’ll try the brunch!

10/06/2025

Now this is quite the throwback - but I found the photo then immediately recalled what the wine tasted like. and I drove to Montreal almost two years ago and decided that the distance would be best travelled by stopping at a few wineries on the way.

Vignoble de Pomone is cute as can be and offers a great landscape to hang out and wine taste - however, tastings weren’t available during the season we visited so we purchase the OSE Selection 2021 blind. We cracked it open weeks later at home, and were super impressed / happy with our selection! This orange wine (the wine glasses have a pink tint) is made from Frontenac Gris, Prairie Star, Frontenac Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling grapes.

Aromas: Pollen, cereal, and a hint of mint.

Palate: Fresh herbs, and lemon.

Profile:
Low sweetness
Medium plus acidity
Medium alcohol
Medium body
Medium plus intensity

Though Christina and I like to drink wine with no food while perched on her patio, this wine pairs well as an aperitif with tapas and flavorful cheeses.

03/06/2025

Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery: Situated on a 200 year old family estate, located on the brow of the Niagara Escarpment in Jordan, ON.

Famous for her Icewines, you’ll also find award-winning Pinot Gris, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Baco Noir and Sparkling wines at Sue-Ann’s. The winery is open year-round, seven days a week, hosting visitors from around the world for wine tastings, as well as weddings and private events. Wine tasting are $15 for a flight, with service until 5:45PM Monday through Saturday, and 4:45PM on Sundays.

Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery, home of Fancy Farm Girl wines, is the ultimate assemblage: a unique blend of the Staff family’s 125 years of grape growing experience.
If visiting in the winter months, book ahead so you can get a spot in the solarium. But if its summer, you can enjoy the beautiful backyard garden. Either way, the staff is a hoot and you’ll have a blast!

20/05/2025

During the cooler winter nights, we opened this bottle of Shafer Relentless 2018 from Napa Valley, California. The red wine is a blend of Syrah and Petit Syrah and was absolutely succulent.

Aromas: Dried black fruits, spice and to***co.

Palate: Blueberry compote, peppery spice and licorice.

Profile:
Medium plus tannins
Medium acidity
High alcohol
Medium body
Medium plus intensity

We had quite the unusual pairing with red sauced pizza - and honestly, it was pretty good. A typical pairing with Cali Syrah, if you are so inclined, would be more along the lines of grilled or braised meats, grilled vegetables, and spicy dishes (ok at least we got that part in our ‘za).

19/05/2025

17/05/2025

My girlfriends and I attended one of ’s private dinners - that night, he explored the city of Rome through incredible dishes that we basically died over. A cherry on top for the experience? You can bring your own wine. My friend Jess brought this bottle of 2018 Passo Del Sud Appassimento - a rich red blend from southern Italy made in appasimento style.

Aromas: Plum, coffee and licorice.

Palate: Toast, plum, vanilla and chocolate.

Profile:
Medium minus sweetness
Medium body
Medium minus intensity
Medium minus tannins
Medium plus acidity
Medium plus alcohol

Chef Gianluca made traditional Roman dishes that paired very nicely with this merlot, nero d’avelo, and primitivo driven wine. We enjoyed rice stuffed tomatoes, rice balls, Roman fagioli, gnocchi in peccorino cheese, rigatoni alla Zozzona, and braised chicken with sweet red peppers.

13/05/2025

Though I really have never met a brunch I didn’t like, we have tried a few brunch spots that are absolutely something to write home about.

Bar Koula (Ossington) - Part of the Mamakas Food Group, the Aegean inspired restaurant serves an incredible brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. I highlt recommend the KOULOURI TROUFA and MAROÚLA as they are easy to share and absolutely delectable. Do yourself a favour and also get the sangria. Haven’t you ever heard of Sunday Funday?

The George Street Diner (Ricmond St E) - This Irish-themed and inspired diner looks like something out of the 90s, and serves up incredible traditional-Irish items as well as your favourite traditional breakfast and brunch items. The Irish Breakfast is to die for.

The Old York Tavern (Wellington & Niagara) - This neighbourhood Tavern is open 7 days a week serving lunch, dinner and brunch.
The menu and the overall vibe give bistro-esque and is quaint yet lively. The Smoked Salmon Tartine was DELICIOUS.

Three restaurants. Three vibes. One overwhelming feeling of satisfaction.

12/05/2025

Remember my little visit to Sunnyside Provisions in Roncesvalles? Well, I definitely didnt leave empty handed. I picked up this bottle of 2023 Gober & Freinbichler “Chill!” red wine from Burgenland, Austria. And the weather this weekend practically begged for me to open it - so who am I to say no?
Aromas: Red cherry, raspberry and black pepper.

Flavours: Cherry, licorice, and chocolaye.

Profile:
Medium plus acidity
Medium tannins
Medium body
Medium sweet
Medium alcohol
This red made from Zweigelt, Merlot and Blaufrankisch is meant to be served CHILLED (see what they did there?). I paired this with a grilled vegetable salad topped with prosiutto and parmesan chese, and it was delightful. I also think this is an easy drink on its own but is very diverse nonetheless.