Domaine de Grand Pre, Vineyard Walking Tours
Interview Discussing Crush Wine Club, Fine Dining, Nova Scotia
Aug 17, 2009
S101 : What new varieties, products, or projects do you have on the agenda for next year at Domaine de Grand Pré and Le Caveau?
Domaine de Grand Pré : Well, as we discussed earlier, we do have a surprise for many people. This hybrid / vinifera Cabernet Sauvignon and Marechal Foch which will be a runaway success – I can see that already.
Another aspect we will be promoting shortly will be our Grand Pré Wines Walking Tours. A group of ten to fifteen begins in our wine bar and wine shop with a nice sparkling. Then we stroll out to the vineyards where there is a beautiful table setting, white tablecloth.
Our house chef will bring three dishes with three wines that are paired perfectly to these professionally prepared dishes. Then we progress throughout our vineyard, and meet three more dishes and three more accompanying wines. Foods that we can talk about, wines that we can discuss and share opinions and thoughts about.
From there we will progress to the wine cellar and taste our top wines, our most prestigious wines. Finally we will proceed to our pergola where our guests will be presented with our finest desert wines, icewines, and handmade deserts.
This event will be around two and a half hours, very exclusive, but a very new and progressive idea that has not been done in Nova Scotia – bringing the high wine culture to the Annapolis Valley for people who are interested in a day of wine and fine dining. With Le Caveau on the premises we have a definite advantage in presenting this total experience to our guests.
S101 : Tell us a bit more about your wine enthusiasts club.
Domaine de Grand Pré : I created a crush wine club as well locally. A member of our wine club has to cover a $150 entrance fee – however with this entrance fee the member is entitled to one wine, one plant, with their name on it.
We have nearly 100 members now, and do members only events. If we launch a new wine, a member of the crush club is the first to receive exclusive invitation to a tasting. We do many cellar tastings that are exclusive to crush club members, as well as seasonal events that are only open to these members. Members are also entitled to discounts, as well as our "vine and dine" events.
It is important to cultivate a culture of wine appreciation and social enjoyment, and we are working hard to create this atmosphere locally.
S101 : Hanspeter, finally, what is most gratifying to you personally about being in the wine business?
Domaine de Grand Pré : I think it's like being a chef in a way. I invite friends to my kitchen, and I serve three or four or five courses. The same craft is involved with wine.
It's the most beautiful way to show my guests the beauty of life, the wonder of our surroundings here in the Annapolis Valley. It brings us together.
I think with food, and with wine, it is important to express this. To bring people together and enjoy our time together. I feel that the grape, that it's product, wine, is a fabulous creation.
You can bring your own attitude and personality to the glass.
That's the beauty of this industry. Wine can loosen the tongue, and when enjoyed responsibly, can brighten lives and bring great social bonds between people. It helps people relax, to slow down, and to enjoy their lives. It is my passion and I love being a part of that.
S101 : Thank you very much for your time! Hanspeter Stutz with us from Domaine de Grand Pré.
Domaine de Grand Pré : Thank you very much.
Miss out on the earlier portions of the interview?
Hanspeter describes why Grand Pre is the ideal spot for Domaine de Grand Pre and Le Caveau, then progresses to remark on L'Acadie Blanc as well as social gatherings in the pergola on site.
 |
