February 18th is Drink Wine Day! Pop the cork and enjoy a refreshing glass of Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot, Shiraz, or Zinfandel in honor of the occasion! This day is also the 18th day in our February Month of Love Series…and we pay tribute to the almighty grape, in the liquid form – Wine.
People have been producing wine since at least 6000 B.C. There are dozens of ancient legends about humans who accidentally consumed fermented grapes and became intoxicated, which is probably how wine was first conceived. Eventually, people began experimenting with the fermentation process. The methods for making wine spread from the region of Mesopotamia to Egypt, Greece, Rome, France, Spain, and eventually the New World. Today, over 20 million acres of the earth’s surface are dedicated to growing grapes for wine.
Studies have shown that drinking a glass of wine a day improves heart health, reduces forgetfulness, boosts immunity, and increases bone density. Riverside has plenty of ways to help you celebrate Drink Wine Day,
Looking back in time – some Wine inspired history takes us to New York in February 18, 1925
Prohibition-era lovers make eyes for each other at an estimated 30,000 speakeasies in New York City. Any date that requires you to knock three times and whisper a password has got to be pretty intriguing. Prohibition never came to Canada and in the US, the law was repealed in 1933.
Make some Wine Love History on February 18th
If you are in the mood to entertain at home – pop into Riverside’s Wine Rack at 731 Queen St E. They are open until 11pm every day, and have in-store sampling and expert staff to help you select the perfect bottle. For #FebruaryMonthOfLove – Barb and her team at the Riverside Location are raising funds for Habitat for Humanity. For a $5 donation, you can put you or your loved one’s name on a heart to be displayed in store. All the proceeds will go to Habitat for Humanity! Thanks everyone for giving back!
There are many local watering holes you can take a loved one to in Riverside on February 18th – With the historical nod to Prohibition – why not visit Riverside’s own Prohibition Gastro House at 696 Queen St E – No need to say the secret word in 2015. Prohibition has Hooch Hour every day from 4 – 7pm; and 10pm – midnight – and are open until 2am every day (the Kitchen is open late if you are feeling hungry)
If you are looking for something a bit more romantic – then 747 Wine Bar (at 747 Queen E) is for you and your loved one. With a broad selection of wines, there will be something to please everyone’s palate. Indulge in a bottle, enjoy a 5 oz. glass, sample many wines with 3 oz. glasses or enjoy a wine flight with three 2 oz. pours. Choose from over 25 wines offered by the glass.
Well known for their charcuterie platters, choose from our wide selection of cheeses – local and far and wide, meats – all made in-house, and seasonal garnishes. Their main menu is diversified featuring small plates to share, and pair with our many wines available by the glass. They are featuring the food and wine from Spain right now! Check out the menu below.
Happy Wine Day everyone – this certainly is another day to love in #FebruaryMonthOfLove.
Check this Blog tomorrow for Day 19