Friday night date night with 889 Yoga community offically started last 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.

We would love to share the notes with those who could not join us through this blog. I had the pleasure of being there and it was SO fun and very interesting!!! Do not miss out next time!!

 

Future Vino and Vinyasa’s:

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!

Our members (at both locations) have priority sign up to these events up to 48 hours before the event where it will then be open to all of our community!

Thank you!! - Sara

 

The information you are about to enjoy was written by Margaret Reffell our amazing Lead concierge at the Yonge street location:

Organic vs. Biodynamic

  • 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 Didn’t Know About Biodynamic and Organic Wines

  1. 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
  2. In biodynamic wineries, owls are bred on the property to keep groundhogs at bay that feed on the wines
  3. If conventional vines were grown on a property, the soil must have 3 years of non-growth before applying for certification
  4. Biodynamic and organic wines use their surrounding environment to nourish the grapes, getting the most accurate taste of the terroir
  5. Sulfites are NOT allowed in USDA Certified organic wines, but ARE allowed by Canadian and European standards
  6. Crops like chamomile and mustard seeds are planted to attract beneficial insects.
  7. Biodynamic wines are gradually becoming the Gold Standard of wine growth and are now known as a badge of quality
  8. Many wines you have already drank or currently enjoy could already be biodynamic
  9. Most Biodynamic farms have a closed system ie: no or minimum waste or impact on the environment
  10. Organic and biodynamic wine reduces your chance of a hangover due to the lack of pesticides and hormone disruptors

5 Wines That Will Impress The Pants Off Anyone

  1. Shafer One Point Five California Cabernet
  2. Frogs Leap Cabernet/Merlot California
  3. Terreforu Italian
  4. Benzinger California Chardonnay
  5. Joseph Phelps Cabernet & Chardonnay

Enjoy!