889's First Official Vino and Vinyasa

Our Friday night date night with the 889 Yoga community officially launched on Friday, September 21st!

Kim McBean guided a lucky group of our members through a 60 minute Vinyasa flow class, after which Margaret Reffell presented an amazing wine tasting information session. The theme was Organic, Eco and Bio- Dyamic Wines.

For anyone who couldn't join us, we're glad to share the notes here on the blog. I was lucky enough to be there, and it was SO much fun and truly fascinating!!! Don't miss the next one!!

Upcoming Vino and Vinyasa evenings:

October 12th 2012 7:15-8:45 with Justin Haley!

November 27th 2012 7:15-8:45 with Nicky Poole!

December 14th 2012 7:15-8:45 with Sara Moncrieff!

Members at both locations get priority sign-up for these events until 48 hours before, after which registration opens up to our whole community!

Thank you!! — Sara

The notes below come from Margaret Reffell, our wonderful Lead Concierge at the Yonge Street location:

Organic vs. Biodynamic: What's the Difference?

Organic grapes are grown without the use of pesticides, fungicides or growth enhancement
Biodynamic wineries are required to use the existing local ecosystem of the winery to optimize growth and flavour.
100% Organic ~ all of the grapes used must be 100% organic
Certified Organic ~ 95% of all grapes used must be certified organic
Made with Organic Grapes ~ over 70% of ingredients must be organic
Biodynamic wines must be certified through Demeter
Biodynamic standards have now become more stringent than that of Organic
Biodynamic wines go as far as to harvest according to Equinox and Lunar Cycles

10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Biodynamic and Organic Wines

In the biodynamic process, sheep are used to till the soil and keep the grass at a manageable length as well as fertilize the crop
In biodynamic wineries, owls are bred on the property to keep groundhogs at bay that feed on the wines
If conventional vines were grown on a property, the soil must have 3 years of non-growth before applying for certification
Biodynamic and organic wines use their surrounding environment to nourish the grapes, getting the most accurate taste of the terroir
Sulfites are NOT allowed in USDA Certified organic wines, but ARE allowed by Canadian and European standards
Crops like chamomile and mustard seeds are planted to attract beneficial insects.
Biodynamic wines are gradually becoming the Gold Standard of wine growth and are now known as a badge of quality
Many wines you have already drank or currently enjoy could already be biodynamic
Most Biodynamic farms have a closed system ie: no or minimum waste or impact on the environment
Organic and biodynamic wine reduces your chance of a hangover due to the lack of pesticides and hormone disruptors

5 Wines That Will Impress Just About Anyone