SPRING/SUMMER 2021
Hello SUMMER
L U X U R Y. L I V I N G . D E F I N E D .
INDULGE IN THIS DELICIOUS BREAKFAST FROM CHEF MICHAEL SMITH’S NEW BOOK CARSON ARTHUR’S gardening tips from his Prince Edward County farm
Plus
Colin & Justin accessorize to create a five-star patio Canadian designer Eliza Faulkner’s soft summer silhouettes
PHOTO BY LARRY ARNAL
PHOTO BY LARRY ARNAL
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Peace, white walls and goodwill for all. That’s what a complete transformation of this three storey addition brought to our client who fondly refers to it as their “personal sanctuary”. Soaring ceilings window backsplash and modern appeal. A perfect example of what you can achieve working with designers at Yorkville Design Centre.
Redesign shelter at home.
Summerhill s, horizontal the
CONTENTS
34 SPRING/SUMMER 2021 DEPARTMENTS 7
THE GOODS Pretty in pastels, luxury timepieces and everything you need for outdoor living
47 WINE
Canadian winemakers tell us what’s in the barrel for the 2020 vintage
DÉCOR 16 THE DESIGNERS Create a five-star patio with Colin & Justin
LIVING 22 ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY Carson Arthur’s garden tips from his new place in PEC
STYLE 28 DESIGNER PROFILE Eliza Faulkner’s soft, feminine silhouettes
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LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA SPRING/SUMMER 2021
TRAVEL 34 SPACE TO ROAM Three outdoor adventures in wide open spaces
FOOD 42 RECIPES Chef Michael Smith shares recipes from his new book ON THE COVER: Nutmeg Breakfast Bakes, photography by Al Douglas See the story on page 42
Spring Fling at the Club. 20 Newly Restored Suites • The BaNk Gastrobar • Rooftop Patio Book a luxurious stay | frontenacclub.com | 613.547.6167
7 L U X U R Y. L I V I N G . D E F I N E D.
DIGITAL EDITION SPRING/SUMMER 2021
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Publisher
ORIANA MANTELLO Editor-in-Chief
HOLLY CRAWFORD Art Director
JASON KANG Contributing Writers CARSON ARTHUR, CHRISTIAN DARE, JOSEPHINE MATYAS, COLIN MCALLISTER, MICHAEL PINKUS, JUSTIN RYAN
O MEDIA GROUP President
ORIANA MANTELLO Sales Consultant GRANT WELLS
Accountant ARNINI STELLATO, LLP
CONTACT US MAIL
LUXE Magazine, 644 Millway Avenue, Unit 12, Concord, Ontario L4K 4H4 EMAIL
info@luxemagcanada.com
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LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA SPRING/SUMMER 2021
PHONE
905.780.2639 LUXEMAGCANADA.COM LUXE Magazine is published quarterly and delivered to select homes in Canada. For subscription inquiries email: info@luxemagcanada.com The reproduction of written material, illustration or photographs from this magazine is prohibited. Although precaution has be taken to ensure the information contained in LUXE Magazine is accurate, it is understood that the magazine cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions that may occur. The articles in this magazine are the exclusive responsibility of the authors.
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L ise Watier Lip Caring Oil in cantaloup, $24; lisewatier.com
Goods
PASTEL
Cartier Tank Must watch with pale green strap; cartier.com
PRETTY SHADES OF LILAC, PALE PINK AND SOFT GREEN ARE A WELCOME SIGN OF SUMMER ior “30 Montaigne” D box bag, $4,400; dior.com/en_ca
Rudsak lightweight trench in mint green, $296; rudsak.com
ior “Walk’n’Dior” D sneaker, $1,250; holtrenfrew.com
velle Footwear Z “V” shoe in verde acqua, handcrafted in Italy, $235; ca.zvelle.com
uerlain Flora G Salvaggia fragrance, $99/75mL; guerlain.com
lexander McQueen A “The Curve” bag, $1,490 (US); alexandermcqueen.com
L ise Watier Beauté Nomad blush in rosee du matin, $38; lisewatier.com
Fendi “Roma” sunglasses, $525, available at Holt Renfrew; holtrenfrew.com
Bottega Veneta “Lido” sandals in Wisteria, $1,270 (US); bottegaveneta.com SPRING/SUMMER 2021 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA
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THE GOODS
PATIO
Rail lounger by Pedrali, powdercoated aluminum, from $1,070, available at De Gaspé; degaspe.ca
Lounge Act WE’VE ROUNDED UP 10 OF OUR FAVOURITE CHAISE LOUNGES TO ADD TO YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE. 1.
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1. Grid double chaise lounge by Gloster, powder-coated aluminum and teak, $14,900, available at Hauser; hauserstores.com 2. Key Largo chaise lounge, teak and sling, by ARD Outdoor; ardoutdoor.com 3. Kinney chaise with cushion, solid teak, by Crate & Barrel, $2,000; crateandbarrel.ca 4. Dune chaise lounge with navy Sunbrella cushion, outdoor grade stainless steel, by Crate & Barrel, $1,899; crateandbarrel.ca 5. Lanai mesh chaise lounge in aqua, lightweight powder-coated aluminum, by Crate & Barrel, $800; crateandbarrel.ca 6. Bizerte chaise lounge, matte black aluminum and mahogany, by CB2, $2,099; cb2.ca 7. Teak Steamer chaise lounge, solid teak, $1,600; hauserstores.com 8. Lodi Sun Lounger, gray washed teak and faux rattan, by CB2, $1,549; cb2.ca 9. Amalfi chaise lounge, black aluminum and sling, by ARD Outdoor; ardoutdoor.com 8
LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA SPRING/SUMMER 2021
Sphere indoor/ outdoor planters, lightweight mix of fibreglass, cement and sand, by Crate & Barrel, from $189; crateandbarrel.ca
anvas Teak club C chair, teak and rope, by ARD Outdoor; ardoutdoor.com
xterior spaces E look even more inviting when they are grounded with a rug, outdoor rug selection available at Signature by Shelley; signaturebyshelley.ca
TURN UP THE COMFORT LEVEL OF YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE WITH PIECES THAT WOULD LOOK AS GOOD INDOORS, AS OUT
Soho deep seating set in white aluminum, by ARD Outdoor; ardoutdoor.com
Outdoor Living L ake dining chair, powder-coated aluminum and teak, by Hauser, $529; hauserstores.com
Wailea swivel chairs in Nordic gray, by Bernhardt; bernhardt.com
imeon lounge chair, S aluminum and all-weather wicker with Sunbrella cushion, by Crate & Barrel, $1,200; crateandbarrel.com
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA
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3.
THE GOODS
4.
KEEPING TIME
STYLE THERE WAS PLENTY FOR HOROLOGY AND HIGH JEWELLERY FANS AT THE VIRTUAL EXPOSITION OF ALL THINGS TIMEKEEPING THIS YEAR; WATCHES AND WONDERS. HERE ARE A FEW PIECES WE’RE STILL THINKING ABOUT.
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1. Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Full Sapphire by Hublot, polished sapphire crystal and titanium; hublot.com 2. 5990/1R Nautilus Self-Winding by Patek Phillipe, rose gold with sunburst blue dial; patek.com 3. Lady-Datejust Diamond by Rolex, 18K yellow gold and brilliant-cut diamond set bracelet and dial, price on request; rolex.com 4.1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18 by Montblanc, innovative 18K gold alloy “Lime Gold” and vintage green nubuck strap, montblanc.com 5. Serpenti Spiga by Bulgari, double-spiral watch in 18K rose gold and diamonds, price on request; bulgari.com/en-ca 6. H08 watch by Hermes, satin-brushed titanium and orange rubber strap, $5,700 (US); hermes.com 7. Esperanza watch by Chopard, 18K gold, entirely set with emeralds, part of the Red Carpet Collection; chopard.com 8. Seamaster 300 Bronze Gold by Omega, exclusive “Bronze Gold” alloy and leather strap, $15,700; omegawatches.com 9. La Panthere high jewellery watch by Cartier, 18K yellow gold, 434 brilliant-cut diamonds and pear-cut emerald eyes; cartier.com 10
LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA SPRING/SUMMER 2021
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Custom Carpet · Area Rugs · Stair Runners With Signature Style
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Home
CURATED FOR YOUR HOME
THE HOME furnishing concept that is Home Société is set to open its second showroom in Ottawa, after a successful opening in Toronto two years ago. A collection of local and international brands in one location, Home Société features a broad and curated selection of furniture and accessories for home and garden, carefully chosen for their beauty, quality and versatility. The range of brands, many of which are made in and exclusive to Canada, is led by acclaimed Quebec-based design leaders and manufacturers: Maison Corbeil, Jardin de Ville and Must. Shown: Dockside threeseater sofa in taupe, by Jardin de Ville. homesociete.ca
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA
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of pale
SOFTER SHADES
KITCHEN COLOUR palettes have been leaning away from the bright, stark white of years past to softer tones. Cambria’s latest release of four new designs includes two soft, creamy patterns we think are gorgeous. “Ruxley” features subtle emerald green veining (decreed by designers as de rigueur for 2021) set against a creamy white background. Cambria’s Executive Vice President of Design Summer Kath adds, “We strategically sprinkled in just a few cool white veins, interspersed throughout, that will complement cooler elements in an existing design, like a white subway tile backsplash, without overdoing it.” “Kendal” features a smooth, soft teal palette—coincidentally matching Benjamin Moore’s 2021 Colour of the Year Aegean Teal—swirled against a cool white background. Inspired by the colour and movement of the Aegean Sea in Greece, the soft teal of Kendal mimics water, creating an interesting marbled look. The sprinkled silver crystals throughout create depth and look like floating crystals and seashells in the sea. The teal shade teams beautifully with neutrals, like warm beiges and soft cream hues, while the subtle undertones ensure spaces retain a sophisticated feel. cambriausa.com
Invisible induction
FILE THIS one under things you thought could never happen: Ciot has launched technology that allows you to cook directly on your kitchen surface. Invisacook defies conventional visual expectations and expands your counter space by transforming the countertop into an invisible induction cooktop. Invisacook is installed under your countertop where it safely heats through the material, creating a cooking surface that you can use safely as traditional counter space when it’s not in use. Works with many choices from Ciot’s vast assortment of high performance surfaces including Geoluxe, porcelain and select granite. ciot.com
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LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA SPRING/SUMMER 2021
EXCLUSIVE HEATED SEATING
IT MAKES SENSE THAT THE WORLD’S ONLY HEATED OUTDOOR FURNITURE WOULD BE CREATED IN CANADA. BRITISH COLUMBIA-BASED DODEKA MANUFACTURES TIMELESS OUTDOOR FURNITURE—WITH LOCAL TRADES— WITH THE INDUSTRY’S FIRST HEATED SEATS. KEEPING PEOPLE WARM, RATHER THAN THE OUTDOOR AIR, MAXIMIZES BOTH EFFICIENCY AND COMFORT AND MINIMIZES ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT. PIECES INCLUDE AN OCCUPANT SENSOR TO ENSURE THE HEAT IS OFF WHEN NOT IN USE, AND A DAYLIGHT SENSOR SETS THE MOOD WITH UNDER-SEAT LED LIGHTING. SHOWN: DODEKA CANON COUCH WITH SUNBRELLA BLEND MIST FABRIC AND WHITE FRAME. DODEKA.CA
Home is where the heart is. Allow our team of expert Design Consultants to curate customized furniture and accessories that reflect your personal style. Begin your design journey today - visit us in store or online.
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HOME
Luxe by the Yard DESIGNERS COLIN MCALLISTER AND JUSTIN RYAN SHARE THEIR NEW FAVES FOR TAKING INTERIOR CHIC TO OUR OUTDOOR SPACES
W
by COLIN MCALLISTER + JUSTIN RYAN
ITH TRAVEL PLANS so frustratingly undermined (for the most part, certainly) Canadians everywhere are looking to their garden zones, in an attempt to harness the spirit of escape. Accordingly, outdoor space is now appraised as much more than simply
that little spot of terrain beyond the back door. These days, it has morphed into a well-being destination; a sanctuary in which to discharge the stresses of the current climate. This in mind, herewith a précis of luxury items with which to indulge your terrace, balcony or backyard. Let’s face it, if your garden looks set to be your only holiday destination this year, its status should be amplified to accord it five-star style.
SOUND TRAVELS
Take brilliant sound everywhere courtesy of the compact Sonos Roam. Stream music with WiFi at home, or listen on the go with Bluetooth. Thanks to smart capabilities such as premium waterproofing, durable design, allday battery life and a flawless listening experience, you can now take your soundtrack with you wherever you roam—probably close to home. This beauty lets you enjoy up to ten hours of continuous playback on a single charge. Available in either Lunar White or Shadow Black. sonos.com. 16
LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA SPRING/SUMMER 2021
ABOVE: Take your soundtrack outside with wireless options from Sonos.
Sunwall screens can help create your private outdoor oasis.
ABOVE: Create ambiance with outdoor lighting that looks good enough to be indoors.
PRIVACY IS PREMIUM
Come on: spread eagle in your garden, applying layer upon layer of Piz Buin, you want to be assured that sightlines—to your glistening corporal form—are restricted, n’est ce pas? Create immediate privacy—whilst baffling unwelcome breezes—with a Sunwall system by Sunspace Sunrooms. Not only will the system help establish a tranquil oasis, it also looks fantastic, and will allow you to delineate and enhance your deck, patio or garden’s overall aesthetic. sunspacesunrooms.com
INDOOR STYLE, OUTDOORS
Mimicking interior design outdoors is a key trend for 2021, so the prospect of design-rich, sculptural lighting (for exterior application) is a no brainer. The Wind Floor Lamp by Vibia references the lines of European interior lighting, but, due to innovative construction, UV stabilized paint, a hefty concrete base and polarized plug, it’s perfectly at home outside. Imparting both direct and diffused light, the clever piece is available in brown, green or red, making it sufficiently versatile to complement most décor styles. casadiluce.ca SPRING/SUMMER 2021 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA
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HOME
Raise the heat with a trés chic fire bowl.
ABOVE: Bring the sound of gently falling water into any space with Solus Decor’s stylish fountains.
FIRE UP YOUR IMAGINATION
As the sun descends and temperatures begin to dip, the time is right to tap into your primal urges and gather around flickering flames. If your camp fire, however, is the ‘pits’ (for all the wrong reasons) perhaps it’s time to get your groove on with the Deco Fire Bowl by Henrik Pedersen from Design Within Reach. The impressive, powder coated steel unit is held aloft on splayed legs for added ceremony, and looks, for all the world, like it just descended from the heady heights of Mount Olympus. Yup, it’s super hot! dwr.com
THE SOOTHING SOUND OF WATER
Water features add a tranquil dimension to the great outdoors, but the Scupper by Solus goes a step further by serving up a side order of beauty. Available in ten hand cast colours—with an attendant choice of brass, stainless steel or copper water channel, aka, the scupper—these clean-lined, self-contained units make it easy to integrate flowing water to help reap the rewards of a gentler existence. solusdecor.com 18
LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA SPRING/SUMMER 2021
WRAP UP IN STYLE
Ah, bliss: there’s little quite as indulgent as swathing yourself in a luxurious robe after a dip in the lake or pool. And if Italian chic is your thing, then Missoni is the answer. Check out the revered fashion house’s range of towels, robes and accessories at ARD Outdoor, in conjunction with Jean Paul & Co. Hey, why rely on the weather to be bright, when you can be a beacon of light this season? ardoutdoor.com These jeweltoned, butter soft accessories are perfect for poolside, lakeside, or just to create a colourful mood in your ensuite.
CREATE A STYLE STORM
Candle lanterns don’t just look pretty; they also minimize frustrating blow-out. Position a row of lanterns along an exterior dining table, or use, in isolation, atop an occasional table to create soothing pools of light and scent. Designed by Jean-Marc Gady for Diptyque, the jumbo candleholder is handcrafted by master glassblowers in the Vendée region of France, and perfect for use with 300g candles. Pair with your favourite Diptique scent, and let those olfactory clouds surround you. diptyqueparis.com
BELOW: Add fragrance and light with hand-blown candle lanterns by Diptique.
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Living
STROLL THE LAVENDER FIELDS AT BLEU LAVANDE
BLEU LAVANDE recently announced the new location of their Quebec lavender farm along with unique, and completely reinvented spaces. They will be set to welcome visitors (when it’s deemed safe) at their new farm in Magog, Estrie. The lavender grove will be open year-round to allow visitors to experience the fields against the backdrop of changing seasons. The visitor experience has also been reimagined to include culinary, nature, and wellness offerings. Since 2004, Bleu Lavande has offered body and home products free of artificial fragrances, sulfates, parabens and dyes and made with ISO 3515 certified true lavender essential oil. bleulavande.com
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LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA SPRING/SUMMER 2021
THE ALLY, A FANCY NEW POT LOCK BOX YOU MIGHT NEED IN YOUR HOME TORONTO ENTREPRENEURS Lisa Weir and Dalia Shankman recently launched Ally, a multi-purpose, food-safe, stylish lockable storage container. Created specifically to help parents (and anyone) safely and discreetly store cannabis, medicine or any other sensitive goods in their homes, this mini lockbox provides peace of mind that these goods will be locked away from children, pets and any other wandering hands. Available in navy and cream, features an integrated 3-digit custom combination lock, $95; theallyco.com
Perfect gardening partner
Going wild in the garden
REWILD GARDEN SEED is on a mission to connect gardeners with soil health. “We like to say ‘healthy soil, healthy garden, healthy people’,” says Joseph Gardiner, co-founder of Covers & Co., creators of ReWild Garden Seed. “When we started regenerative farming on my family farm, we turned to cover cropping to replace our reliance on fertilizers, but it’s become more than that. It’s about restoring and respecting the balance of nature. We developed our Spring Fling Cover Crop blend as a way of recognizing that gardeners are farmers, too, and when we nurture our soil, we don’t just grow healthier, tastier food, we nurture our planet and each other, too.” ReWild Garden Seed’s flagship garden blend, Spring Fling Cover Crop contains a mix of 15 annual grasses, broadleaves, and nitrogen-fixing legumes. It helps reduce weeds, and acting like green manure, can help eliminate fertilizer use by naturally adding organic matter into the soil. Also helps add to the diversity of flowering plants, offering valuable food for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. Available online, ttseeds.com
CBD SELF-CARE
WE LOVE THIS PRETTY BLUE TOTE THAT’S PART OF THIS SEASON’S COLLAB BY LEE VALLEY TOOLS AND OUI. FEATURES A WATERREPELLANT, 600-DENIER NYLON SHELL, A DEEP INTERIOR WITH POCKETS AND LOOPS, AND NINE EXTERIOR POCKETS TO KEEP TOOLS ORGANIZED AND WITHIN REACH. A HARD, PLASTIC BOTTOM PROTECTS AGAINST WEAR AND TEAR AND MOISTURE. CHAPTERS.INDIGO.CA
THIS CBD-INFUSED bath bomb is made with all-natural plant derived essential oils and contains 100mg of premium CBD. Designed for ready-to-use self-care at home, drop the CBD bath bomb in warm bathwater, relax and take in the aromatic scents. Currently the largest bath bombs available in the Canadian recreational market with two minutes of fizz, the products are offered in two formats: Soothing Eucalyptus, infused with eucalyptus essential oil; and Revitalizing Grapefruit, infused with citrus paradisi peel. thevalenscompany.com
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LIVING One of the blooms Carson Arthur will be adding to his garden this year are dahlias, which he intends to plant alongside his vegetables to encourage pollinators.
ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY LANDSCAPE DESIGNER, TELEVISION PERSONALITY AND ALL-AROUND GARDENING GURU CARSON ARTHUR SHARES HOW HE TRADED CITY LIFE FOR COUNTRY STYLE by CARSON ARTHUR
IT ALL STARTED when the Bank of Montreal went on record saying that almost 50 per cent of Canadians would be moving in the next five years. It got me thinking that a mass exodus away from higher-priced cities was inevitable, and a few years later my partner and I bought a home in Ontario’s Prince Edward County. We purchased this “farm” as our eventual retirement home, with lots of areas where I could start the gardens that I dream about. If you haven’t been to Prince Edward County yet, it is quickly becoming known for the wines and farm-to-table culture that the upscale restaurants provide. In 2019, more than one million tourists came to “The County” looking for a rural experience and to sample some world-class wines and foods. In addition to the wineries, breweries and restaurants, visitors were spending more time at the farmers markets and the roadside vegetable stands.
THIS GAVE ME A FANTASTIC IDEA…
Our home came with a small two-acre lot attached to the property and a line of trees clearly divided it into two separate spaces. Originally, we didn’t have a specific plan in mind for this space, but the more I looked at it, the more I realized 22
LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA SPRING/SUMMER 2021
that I wanted to open a retail location that would focus on everything about gardening that I love. Specifically, to teach homeowners how to grow fresh food and have “The County” experience in their own outdoor spaces. So, in the spring of 2018, I opened Carson’s Garden + Market. My focus has always been on plants that give back. Canada is a fantastic spot to grow fruit and vegetables, but somewhere along the way we stopped growing our own food. We lost a generation of gardeners. I’ve been talking about the loss of this group of gardeners for a few years now, but I blame two simple little words: low maintenance. As landscapers and designers, we’ve been able to give our client’s their version of the perfect backyard that requires less work and less time. Homeowners are willing to spend more money to get it, with the average outdoor renovation coming in at around $50,000 according to several landscapers. Even in my own design business, homeowners always ask for a low maintenance space when talking outdoor renovations. Instead of what plants they want, items like outdoor kitchens, spas, decks and
TOP LEFT: Landscape designer, gardening expert and television personality Carson Arthur. ABOVE: Carson’s Garden + Market in Prince Edward County, Ontario.
patios have replaced flowerbeds and perennial collections. Effectively, we’d taken the garden out of our backyards. Thankfully, this exodus predicted way back in 2013 has also brought a reinvigoration for growing food. Surprisingly, it was Millennials that led the shift. According to several online sources, Millennials list gardening and keeping plants as a top hobby. Even more surprising, firsttime homeowners look for outdoor spaces when choosing a house so that they can plant heirloom tomatoes, ghost peppers and flower gardens for bees and butterflies. SPRING/SUMMER 2021 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA
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LIVING
And these items are all that I sell. I decided that a store that focuses on heirloom seeds, rare herbs and vegetables, Mennonite grown fruit and nut trees, and tools from around the world would be somewhere I’d like to shop… so I built it. In 2020, organic gardening exploded in Canada and my little market exceeded any expectations I may have had. With more than 10,000 organically grown seedlings, 400 varieties of seeds and an extensive list of fruit trees and shrubs, we want to help both the experts and the firsttimers grow food to feed their families. I look back at 2013 and the foresight of some economic experts and thank my lucky stars that they knew what they were talking about. READY TO GET YOUR GARDEN GROWING? WHY NOT
START WITH HERBS? The majority of the herbs we grow for cooking and flavour are from France, Italy, Spain or Greece. They grow best when you can recreate their favourite growing conditions. Hot, sunny and sandy. HERBS NEED AIRFLOW The movement of wind around the leaves not only strengthens the plants, it also helps prevent diseases like powdery mildew and fungal infections.
Raised gardens at Carson Arthur’s place in “The County.”
HERBS LIKE HEAT Varieties like Thyme and Oregano even like to be planted in spots beside rock and concrete, which hold the heat of the sun long into the cooler evenings. Unfortunately, many of the heat-loving herbs won’t do well in our tough winters. I like to baby my herbs in the first
Top three flowers to plant this year
HELLO SUNFLOWERS Make sure to get some sunflowers in the ground. Not only do they look great, the flowers feed pollinators and the seeds feed local and migratory birds.
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MELLOW YELLOW Plant yellow! Whether its yarrow or even marigolds, 2021 is all about yellow gardens for hope towards a brighter and better future.
LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA SPRING/SUMMER 2021
EVERYTHING’S COMING UP DAHLIAS I’m adding dahlias to my vegetable garden. They act as a magnet for pollinators, which in turn increases the yield of your flowering veggies, like tomatoes and peppers.
PHOTO BY JACKIE HOPE, UNSPLASH.COM
year by burying them in a layer of insulating
light spaces: Lemon Balm, Chives, Oregano,
mulch in the garden. Others live in pots that
Mint, Parsley, Thyme.
come indoors around the end of October. HERBS LOVE SAND If you are repotting or
HERBS MIGHT NOT LIKE YOUR DESIGNER
POTS Not all herbs love the same size of pot.
transplanting your herbs, add some sand to
Kind of screws the whole uniform-look on the
the soil mix. By blending the sand in with the
windowsill. Some herbs, like Parsley, prefer to
other soil, you improve the drainage. Aim for
have a deep pot that allows for longer roots,
one-part sand, two-parts potting mix.
while others need a wide pot for lateral root growth. The general rule of thumb: tall plants
HERBS LOVE DRAINAGE Herbs grown in
like tall pots and bushy herbs like wider pots.
containers MUST be in a pot that has a hole in the bottom. They hate sitting in a puddle
HOW MUCH WATER? When it comes to
of water at the bottom of a flowerpot. If you
watering your herbs, most of them are drought
have a really cool planter that doesn’t have
tolerant and prefer to be watered less. Once
any holes, but you want to plant an herb into
a week is plenty for most herbs but consider
it, then keep the plant in its original pot, put
planting a Rosemary bush in your mix. Rosemary
gravel in the new planter, put the old pot in
is a great indicator plant… when the leaves
the new one and cover it with moss so that no
start to droop or look wrinkled, it’s time
one knows!
to water everyone!
HERBS LOVE SUN Some will take as much sun as you can give them. Others like a little bit of
CARSON’S MUST-HAVES FOR THE GARDEN NIWAKI PRUNERS These are the sharpest I’ve ever owned… and they hold their edge so much longer than other brands. ACTISOL ORGANIC FERTILIZER Made from chicken manure, this is healthier for my plants and for the lawn too! Almost impossible to overuse. BEARCLAW HEIRLOOM TOMATO SEEDS Rare pink lobbed tomatoes that taste AHMAZING! PESTO PERPETUO BASIL This variegated basil looks great in the garden and bugs leave it alone. Perfect for fresh eating or for pesto (like its name sake).
shade. Here are my favourites to plant in lowSPRING/SUMMER 2021 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA
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Style
Garrett Leight Optical opens first Canadian boutique in Toronto GARRETT LEIGHT eyewear has been spotted on celebs from Jeff Bezos to Brad Pitt, and the luxury brand just opened their first boutique outside of the U.S. on Toronto’s Queen Street West. Garrett Leight, a longtime resident and proponent of Venice Beach culture, felt a resonance with this bohemian Canadian neighborhood and decided it was the perfect location for the company’s hip and high-fashion eyewear brand to expand north of the border. garrettleightqueenwest.ca
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LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA SPRING/SUMMER 2021
BEAUTIFUL RECYCLING
NORDSTROM just expanded Beautycycle—the first beauty recycling program accepting all brands of beauty packaging—to Canadian locations. Each year, more than 120 billion units of plastic packaging are produced by the global beauty industry, but less than nine per cent are recycled. To help solve this, Nordstrom is offering its customers the option to return any brand of empty beauty product packaging to its stores for recycling. Nordstrom aims to take back 100 tons of hardto-recycle beauty packaging by 2025, having launched the
program in the U.S. in 2020. How does it work? Just bring your empty beauty products to any Nordstrom Canada store to be recycled. Beautycycle boxes will be available in the beauty department. Just drop your old beauty items into the box and Nordstrom will send the content of these boxes to TerraCycle where they are cleaned, separated and recycled. Customers can bring empty cosmetic, haircare, or skincare packaging regardless of brand or purchase location. For a complete list of items that can and cannot be accepted visit nordstrom.ca
LIMITED EDITION SCENTS FROM JO MALONE
Get that back from the beach glow CLEAN BEAUTY BRAND Bite just launched their first cream blush, a whipped formula that seamlessly blends for a luminous, just-back-from-the-beach glow. Infused with superfood papaya extract that contains enzymatic properties to help promote glowing skin, Daycation Whipped Blush is lightweight, cool to the touch, feels refreshing on skin, and blends like a dream. The fade-resistant formula provides an instant and buildable fresh wash of colour that can also be applied to eyelids for an easy, one product look. Available in four shades, $42, bitebeauty.com
FANS OF fragrances from Jo Malone London will want to check out this limited-edition collection of scents inspired by summer. Natural fruit extracts were created specifically for The Marmalade Collection: fruits and berries from local growers were steam distilled to capture the vibrancy of their scents. New bottle designs were created exclusively for this collection inspired by the shape of vintage marmalade jars. Tangy Rhubarb, Rose Blush, Orange Peel, Elderflower Cordial and Blackberry & Bay are available for a limited time at jomalone.ca
Natural, Canadian-made Sunscreen
THERE IS no question about the benefits of using daily sun protection, it helps prevent premature aging, sunburn and potential long-term damage. But did you know that most sunscreen contains chemicals that are damaging to marine life and their ecosystem? Canadian brand Tanit just launched a new formula made with reef-friendly, natural ingredients that will protect your skin without harming the environment. Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 ($40/90ml) has mineral filters that are safe for marine life while providing broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It’s also water resistant and moisturizing with prickly pear seed, jojoba and argan oils. Don’t forget to treat skin after a day outside with Instant Cooling Aloe Mist ($20/60ml). This all-natural aloe after sun mist has a cooling combination of mint and lavender that resets hot, sun drenched skin, leaving it feeling relieved and hydrated. en.tanit.co
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STYLE
THE BOLD Feminine
ELIZA FAULKER’S SOFT YET MODERN COLLECTION DEFINES THE FEELING OF SUMMER
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by CHRISTIAN DARE
Eliza Faulkner has been nominated for the 2021 CAFA for Womenswear Designer of the Year.
H
ISTORICALLY CANADIAN fashion—based on presumptions that we are predominately a cold-weather climate—was known for its chunky knits, warm winter outerwear, and lots
of layering. We were seen as a fashion industry that’s sole focus was fall-winter collections, but all that is changing with a new crop of Canadian designers. With brands like Beaufille, Miriam Baker and Hilary MacMillan establishing a new flirty, feminine—yet totally modern—aesthetic. Canadian fashion is finally getting noticed on the international stage for its unique approach to spring-summer dressing: inspired by nature, a little bit romantic and completely practical. It is typically, Canadian cool. Enter Eliza Faulkner. Faulkner studied fashion and marketing at Central St. Martin’s College of Art & Design in London, England. During her studies, she worked in such notable fashion houses as Erdem and Roland Mouret, among many others. One look at Faulkner’s collections and you can see their influences in her own work. From Mouret, you can find his focus on exquisite construction influencing her approach to manufacturing. And from Erdem, a love for the softer, gentler, feminine side of womenswear. With a focus on clean lines and classic silhouettes with a nod to flirty femininity, Faulkner’s approach to fashion design is all her own. After returning to the west coast of Canada, Faulkner launched her first capsule collection in the spring of 2012. That first collection was comprised almost entirely of linen dresses; establishing Faulkner’s signature of a
“Angelica” dress in pink linen.
sustainable approach to fashion. By 2013 and 2014, she was SPRING/SUMMER 2021 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA
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STYLE
“Molly” top in terracota linen.
Gingham “Half/ Half” dress.
“Anna” top in raw linen.
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LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA SPRING/SUMMER 2021
already being recognized for her work as a finalist in the
I started the brand in 2012. I’ll probably be wearing the
Mercedes-Benz Start Up competition. And by 2014 she was
Berkley skirt and Poet top as soon as it gets too hot to
nominated for her first CAFA (Canadian Arts and Fashion
wear anything else. That, or the new Ramona jumpsuit—
Award) in the Emerging Designer category. She is currently
they’re easy and comfortable and flowy to wear.
nominated for her second CAFA as Womenswear Designer of the Year.
You started your brand almost 10 years ago now (2012), how
Now based in Montreal, Faulkner sources fabrics that are
has your brand grown and changed? Has becoming a mother
woven locally in Montreal from reputable mills and uses
changed your approach to fashion and in turn, the DNA of
deadstock fabric and notions whenever she can. Furthering
your label?
her sustainable approach to fashion, she manufactures
EF: It’s changed over the seasons as trends come and go,
every piece in Montreal with the help of local sewers,
but the core has always remained the same: strong, bold
cutters, and pattern makers. In fact, her entire collection
shapes and lines and natural, strong fibres. Motherhood
is made within just one block of her studio in Montreal’s
has made me look for ways to get dressed more easily and
historic garment district, Chabanel. As Faulkner notes,
with less fuss so in a way that’s changed some of the things
“We’ve always manufactured in Canada (now in Montreal)
I wear and want to make. Again, I still want everything to
and it’s hugely important to me. I can’t imagine doing it
be bold and feminine so I’m trying to figure out how to do
any other way.” This ultra-local approach to production
that with more ease.
means Faulkner can ensure every piece she creates follows not only her fashion philosophy, but her high-quality
As the world changes at a frantic pace, what do you think the
control standards.
role of fashion is? Or what do you think it will become?
We were so enamored by her collections and her modern
EF: Fashion always acts as a reflection of the times.
approach to fashion (and we think you will be too) that we
Everyone has been wearing sweatpants or some variation
had to sit down (virtually) with her to find out what makes
of sweatpants for the past year. I’m excited to see what
Eliza Faulkner and her namesake brand tick….
comes next though...once we’re all sick and tired of
Q&A
dressing down, it’s going to get really exciting. What excites you about the “world” opening up again? What’s next for Eliza Faulkner?
Have you always wanted to be a fashion designer? EF: Yes, since I started watching Fashion File when I was around eight, I knew it’s what I wanted to do. My mother also made all my clothes growing up, so it felt like a natural progression. At its core, what does your brand stand for?
EF: I can’t wait to go out and have friends over and get
dressed up again. I’ve enjoyed making “stay-home” clothes, but dresses have always been my favourite thing to make, so I’m excited to dress people for occasions and parties again. We couldn’t agree more.
EF: “The bold feminine” is a mantra I refer back to a lot. It
just means being bold and unabashed in your femininity (whether or not you identify as female). It means using frills and ruffles, and volume, and pink as an armour rather than something to hide beneath. What was the inspiration for your latest collection? Where do you find your inspiration? EF: I find my inspiration from people watching, seeing
what my friends are wearing, and noticing what I want to wear. I’m also inspired by nature and the land I grew up on: Vancouver Island. Everything is always very feminine, but there’s an underlying earthiness to it all. What is your must-have item from your collection for this summer? What will Eliza be wearing over and over again from Eliza Faulkner?
“Cece” and “Grace” dresses from the Spring/Summer 2021 collection.
EF: I love the linens. I’ve been using the same linen since SPRING/SUMMER 2021 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA
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Travel W OPEN IN MELBOURNE W HOTELS recently opened the doors to Melbourne’s first luxury lifestyle hotel, W Melbourne, at 408 Flinders Lane. In the heart of an eclectic dining and fashion district, W Melbourne brings the community’s iconic laneway culture and emerging music scene to life. Australian architecture and interior design firm Hachem brings innovation and brand storytelling to life through their evocative approach to the hotel. Design inspiration is translated into vignettes of Melbourne’s streetscapes, letting guests uncover the dynamic city’s past from behind the scenes. wmelbourne.com 32
LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA SPRING/SUMMER 2021
Humaniti Hotel to open in Montreal this summer WITH TRAVEL restrictions still in place this summer, most will be looking closer to home to get their holiday fix. Providing a welcome change of scenery is the all-new Humaniti Hotel Montreal, Autograph Collection, opening June 1. Guests who check-in this summer will be among the first to experience the hotel’s 193 spacious, light-filled guestrooms and remarkable public spaces. Featuring three distinct dining concepts by Executive Chef Jean-Sébastien Giguère, spa, rooftop pool, fitness facilities, a French bakery, healthy grocery store, and more on-site, Humaniti Hotel is truly a city within a building. humanitimontreal.com
A Treetop Escape
ONE & ONLY RECENTLY OPENED THE ULTRA-LUXURY MANDARINA RESORT ON MEXICO’S PACIFIC COAST. HIDDEN WITHIN THE RAINFOREST CANOPY, THE RESORT’S TREETOP SUITES OFFER A HIDDEN SANCTUARY WITH SWEEPING VIEWS. LOCAL MEXICAN CRAFTSMANSHIP AND CUTTING-EDGE DESIGN COEXIST WITH ANCIENT TREES AND VOLCANIC ROCKS IN THESE SECLUDED SUITES. ONEANDONLYRESORTS.COM
FOUR SEASONS ANNOUNCES NEW PRIVATE JET JOURNEYS FOUR SEASONS Hotels and Resorts unveiled an all-new private jet itinerary for 2022, exploring the wonders of Antarctica, the majesty of Machu Picchu, the booming arts scene of Bogota, and the vibrant flavours of Buenos Aires. “Now, more than ever, guests are planning bucket-list trips to far corners of the world to make up for lost time. To meet this demand, we’ve introduced two additional opportunities to explore new and remote destinations with legendary Four Seasons service in the sky,” says Christian Clerc, president, Global Operations for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. All 2022 itineraries will take place aboard the new Four Seasons private jet that has been fully customized to Four Seasons exacting specifications. Anticipating every detail, the Four Season’s team, including a concierge, executive chef and physician work closely with each passenger from initial inquiry until their safe return home. fourseasons.com/private jet
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TRAVEL
ROAM S PA C E S
T O
DREAMING OF EXPLORING WIDE, OPEN SPACES? HERE ARE THREE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES WORTH WAITING FOR by JOSEPHINE MATYAS
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LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA SPRING/SUMMER 2021
O
NE can still daydream, right? When I close my eyes and take a deep breath, my mind travels to wild spaces, open spaces; spaces where the weather and the natural world help calm my internal compass. LUXURY MEETS SOLITUDE, JUST AN ANCHOR AWAY
CRUISING MY WAY around the British Virgin Islands (BVI), I can’t help but think how simple it is to craft a trip to out-of-the-way spaces and solitude, despite being so close to the pulse of tourism. It’s all about where you decide to drop anchor. You can tell a lot about a person by how they travel. A jungle trek is nirvana for an eco-adventurer. Someone with a checklist of Africa’s Big Five values wildlife over sleeping in late. And for the snorkeler who wants to float above coral reefs, but stay sheltered in their bubble, there’s the privacy of a charter yacht. A crewed yacht is a world of relaxed flexibility; each day catering to the whims of the guests, pampered along by high thread-count linens in air-conditioned cabins, gourmet cuisine and on-board Wi-Fi. Charter yachts—like those offered by The Moorings—can easily explore the remote side of the tropics, finding tucked away, golden beaches lined by palm trees and snorkelling spots with nary another flipper in sight. It’s a pick-and-choose menu of experiences. The BVI sit on a massive shelf at the meeting of the
winding down at sunset with hors d’oeuvres and frosty
Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, dropping off
tropical drinks on the fly bridge and dinner al fresco at a
precipitously on the Caribbean side. It’s a volcanic area
table set with flickering candles, a vase of lightly-scented
and the 60 mainly uninhabited islands are the peaks
flowers and plates of perfectly-grilled seafood. We carry
of mountains and volcanoes. The waters are known for
post-dinner drinks to the foredeck, settling in to watch
“open-line-of-sight sailing” with shorter expanses of open
pinpricks of starlight pop out against an inky-black sky.
water, which makes it easy to hop between islands.
At Virgin Gorda we drop anchor, slide into the gin-
In 1493, Christopher Columbus moored here on his
clear waters and swim to shore. At The Baths National
second voyage to the New World and they quickly became
Park there’s a short hike winding between a jumble of
known as “the place on the way to everywhere” for the
granite boulders formed when volcanic lava erupted
sheltered harbours that broke up the lengthy trade routes
sky high millions of years ago. I stop to dangle my feet
between Europe and South America. The quiet coves also
in the shallow grottos beside the path and soak in the
attracted notorious pirates like Blackbeard and Calico Jack
breathtaking views mixing the enormous grey rocks with
who prowled the “excellent hunting grounds” along the
the deep blue and aquamarine of the sea.
lucrative treasure route. Within a few days we’ve found a dining rhythm: beginning mornings with fresh fruit and breakfast fixings;
ABOVE: A charter cruise with The Moorings will let you set your own pace, and explore in solitude.
The clear waters, the warm sunshine and my little home bobbing at its anchor calm and centre me as well as— no, better than—any day at the spa. SPRING/SUMMER 2021 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA
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TRAVEL A dream wildlife adventure awaits at Fairmont Mara Safari Club.
leaves from the upper branches and languidly chew FINDING PEACE IN KENYA’S WILD SIDE
and chew until all is gone. A flat tire on our 4WD jeep slows us down, but I take it as extra time to stop and reflect on the humble beauty of the pale green and yellow grasses of the
MY DINING TABLE is topped with the red plaid
savannah. A park ranger pulls up on a tractor to tell
fabric worn by Kenya’s Maasai warriors. It’s a daily
us that a pride of lions has been spotted not far away.
reminder of the people, animals and the deep warm
Our guide plots the coordinates and—tire changed—
strength of the African savannah.
we’re off. Lions are among the Big Five animals
Like most wildlife spotting experiences, it’s an
We find the pride of a dozen lounging under a
of my extravagantly appointed, riverside tent at the
tree; the adults with swollen bellies are napping after
Fairmont Mara Safari Club, a luxury property near
a feed, while a half-dozen cubs roll and tumble in the
Kenya’s world-renowned Maasai Mara Game Reserve.
shade. Our guide parks a respectful distance away and
At its higher elevation, the Maasai Mara has wide,
we settle in to watch. The cubs are curious and come
open grasslands and is the coolest of the country’s
over to explore, flopping down in the shade under our
reserves, making it a wildlife-spotting bonanza.
open jeep. If I stop to think about it, it’s intimidating.
The steaming mug of coffee that’s delivered to
What if an irritated adult follows and decides we
my door is the start of my Kenyan safari lesson:
look just-a-little-too interesting? In this ancient and
begin early and trust that quiet, patient observation
fragile place, you are constantly on the lookout for
rewards with payoffs.
wildlife. It’s a tightrope strung between thrill and
The rough and rutted, 90-minute drive along dirt
fear; the knowledge that creatures with the ability to
roads into the game reserve passes quickly. From the
kill roam at will (and may even be napping
time we leave the gates of the resort we are enveloped
10 metres away).
in a visual feast of animal life: antelope, warthogs,
But back in the safety of Canada, it is all thrill; the
zebra, giraffes, spotted hyenas, baboons and a large
memories wash over me, brought to life by the bright
herd of elephants slowly foraging their morning
colours gracing my dining room table.
meal. When we come upon a “journey” of giraffes, we cut the engine and watch as the lanky creatures pull 36
everyone yearns to see.
early morning start when there’s a soft tap at the door
LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA SPRING/SUMMER 2021
Accommodations tucked among the trees at Fairmont Mara Safari Club.
The interior of a luxury tent at Fairmont Mara Safari Club, boasting every comfort.
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA
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TRAVEL
from modern contact. This tropical rainforest is the most biodiverse zone on Earth, boasting a genetic diversity that blooms, flies, crawls and slithers like no other. This is the wilderness I crave. On this morning, the mist hangs thick over the siltybrown Madre de Dios River as we motor downriver to the clay licks where the tropical birds start their day. The river banks are lined with bamboo, palms, kapok and fig trees. In this part of the Amazon more than 600 types of tree per square kilometre make up what may be the world’s largest tropical forest. We tumble from the boat onto PERU’S RAINFOREST CALLS TO ME
a dodgy-looking dock that is missing more boards than are attached. The clay licks are where flocks of parrots, parakeets, toucans and the endangered scarlet macaws congregate
WHEN THE GUIDE suggests we start early, he means to
and feed in the early hours, putting on a daybreak show of
spot wildlife, marvel as tropical birds fly overhead, breathe
colour and a cacophony of chirps, screeches and whistles.
in the soil’s complex earthiness, you’d best be caffeine-
The brown clay wall is soon covered with dozens of
charged and ready at the boat dock before the sun cracks
red and green macaws, birds found only in South America.
the horizon. I set my alarm for 5 a.m.
The macaws are squawking and the humans are silent—
In Manú National Park—the heart of Peru’s Amazon rainforest—mornings are the best time for exploring;
quiet is the golden rule—to respect the birds’ natural pattern of behaviour.
it’s cooler and not quite as humid, so animals are more
Then there’s a sudden, raspy alarm call—perhaps an
active. Rain or shine, we go; it’s the rainforest and at least
eagle sighted—and it’s a riot of red and green feathers as
250-centimetres of moisture falls every year, splashing the
the flock heads for the safety of the rainforest canopy.
ground with humidity and nourishing the flora and fauna.
It’s during that early morning flurry of feathers that
The UNESCO-designated park is tricky to get to—by
everything about this adventure comes into focus: learning
small plane over the Andes (or a 12-hour hair-raising drive)
and appreciation for how the relationship between
from Cusco, followed by a jungle riverboat ride. Manú
forest and human existence starts small but can grow
competes with famous Machu Picchu, but annually the
when nurtured.
pristine park draws only about half the number of visitors that climb to the famous Inca ruins by noon each day. For birders and nature lovers craving a remote experience, it’s a rainforest stew—a fragile and complex ecosystem of dark, earthy smells, gargantuan plant growth
A Black Capped Squirrel Monkey peeking out from the trees.
and humidity hanging in the air like a constant rain falling. The forest of Manú is virgin, old growth rainforest, much of it is unexplored and in its natural state, including
For More Information
PERU peru.travel/en
KENYA magicalkenya.com Fairmont Mara Safari Club: fairmont.com/masai-mara-safari BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS bvitourism.com The Moorings: moorings.com
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LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA SPRING/SUMMER 2021
PHOTO ERNESTO BENAVIDES / PROMPERÚ
tribes of indigenous peoples who choose to stay away
Manu National Park in Peru is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
A blue and yellow macaw.
Red Howler Monkeys are one of the primate species visitors might spot in the forests.
PHOTO ERNESTO BENAVIDES, HEINZ PLENGE, ALFONSO ZAVALA / PROMPERÚ
Peru is home to a wide variety of butterfly species.
A giant otter.
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Food
St. Regis x Royalmount WE MIGHT be celebrating the start of summer at home, but we can do it in style with this fresh cocktail created by bartender Monica Carbonell for The St. Regis Toronto. Made with new Royalmount Gin from Montreal, it’s a fresh twist on a classic gin and tonic. Enjoy!
LINE a balloon glass with cucumber ribbons, add 2 drops of rose water and ice. LAYER the rest of the cocktail by adding the gin, white cranberry juice and top with tonic water. STIR to combine.
ROYAL SPRING FLUSH 1 ½ oz Royalmount Gin ¾ oz white cranberry juice 2 oz Fever Tree Premium Tonic 2 drops rose water 3 cucumber ribbons Juniper berries
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Fresh storage solution Bake like a pro on your BBQ
CANADIAN CHEF and Top Chef Canada season eight contestant Jo Notkin just launched an innovative line of baking mixes specifically designed for the BBQ. In 2009, Notkin started Montreal-based catering company Zoe Ford Catering, named for her late grandmother. After closing her catering company in 2020 due to the pandemic, Notkin shifted her business model and created a line of premium baking mixes allowing home bakers to make restaurant quality pancakes, cakes, brownies, cookies and scones. These premium mixes use high quality ingredients including organic Quebec grains, and contain no dairy. SHOWN: Quick sea salt BBQ dinner rolls, available at zoeford.com
WE’VE ALL suffered dreaded mushy berries, having left them just a little too long in the crisper drawer, but Zwilling has just launched an innovative food storage system to save us from soggy fruit and veggie fate. The Fresh & Save utilizes a small hand held vacuum pump designed to use with all of the system’s various storage containers. In just a few seconds foods are sealed, keeping them fresh up to five times longer and allowing tracking of your refrigerator inventory via an app. The glass containers are fridge, freezer, microwave and oven safe and the sleek vacuum pump was designed by renowned architect and designer Mattheo Thun. As a bonus, the system has an optional wine sealer attachment. zwilling.com/ca
NICK JONAS + JOHN VARVATOS TEAM UP TO LAUNCH VILLA ONE TEQUILA ENTREPRENEURS and friends Nick Jonas and John Varvatos just launched Villa One Tequila, an ultra-premium tequila made from 100 per cent blue weber agave. Inspired by a trip to Mexico with family and friends, Jonas and Varvatos have built Villa One around the “life as it should be” ideal of celebrating good times with family and friends. The duo has been involved in every aspect of the brand, even the design of the bottle, featuring jewelry-inspired metalwork around the neck, a nod to the John Varvatos brand. The spirit is created from agave harvested in Jalisco, distilled and aged by master tequila maker Arturo Fuentes, who has been hand-crafting tequila for more than 30 years. Available in Silver, Reposado and Anejo; villaonetequila.com
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FOOD
East Coast Flavour
Chef Michael Smith’s latest cookbook is a love letter to his home of Prince Edward Island and
the local foods and flavours that are served to guests at The Inn at Bay Fortune. Having helmed the kitchen at the Inn for several years in the nineties—bringing fame and notoriety to the Inn and restaurant—he and his wife are now its proprietors. The Inn at Bay Fortune is now the only five-star inn on Prince Edward Island. Farm, Fire & Feast is a culinary journey to the island and the menus you might enjoy during your stay.
Excerpted from Farm, Fire & Feast: Recipes from the Inn at Bay Fortune by Michael Smith Copyright © 2021 Michael Smith. Photography by Al Douglas. Published by Penguin Canada®, a division of Penguin Random House Canada Limited. Reproduced by arrangement with the Publisher. All rights reserved.
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NUTMEG BREAKFAST BAKES WITH BLUEBERRY STEW, LEMON VERBENA CURD “Extravagance and luxury—that’s what we do at the inn, and it starts first thing in the morning. Blurring the lines between last night’s dessert and this morning’s breakfast.” —Chef Michael Smith
Blueberry Stew
Wild blueberries are sweetened with maple syrup and brightened with lemon. Vanilla balances the fruit’s flavour, while the cornstarch thickens the juices. 2 cups (500 mL) fresh or frozen wild blueberries ½ cup (125 mL) pure maple syrup Zest of 1 lemon Juice of ½ lemon ¼ teaspoon (1 mL) pure vanilla extract 1 tablespoon (15 mL) cornstarch IN A SMALL SAUCEPAN, combine the blueberries, maple syrup, lemon zest and juice, vanilla, and cornstarch. Stir gently over medium-high heat for a few minutes, until the mixture simmers and thickens. Remove from the heat and reserve until needed. Serve warm. Serves 4 to 6 PREP AND PLAN • Make the Blueberry Stew and Lemon Verbena Curd up to 1 day in advance. • Make and bake the Nutmeg Breakfast Bakes just before serving.
Lemon Verbena Curd
Lemon curd tastes like thick lemonade. It’s the perfect smear of tangy, bright flavour to balance the sweet blueberries. ½ cup (125 mL) sugar 12 fresh lemon verbena leaves (or leaves from 6 sprigs fresh thyme or 4 sprigs fresh rosemary) Zest and juice of 3 lemons 4 egg yolks 1 teaspoon (5 mL) pure vanilla extract 6 tablespoons (90 mL) butter, softened MEASURE the sugar, herb leaves, and lemon zest into a food processor, using a small bowl attachment if you have one. Process, scraping down the sides once or twice, until finely minced and fragrant. Transfer to a medium saucepan along with the lemon juice, egg yolks, vanilla, and butter. Stir continuously over medium heat as a beautiful sauce smooths and thickens, 5 minutes or so. Do not let it boil. Transfer to a storage container. Use immediately or tightly seal and refrigerate until breakfast.
Nutmeg Breakfast Bakes The ratio of eggs, milk, and flour in this batter makes it soufflé into a light, tender pastry. It’s a particularly tasty way to show off nutmeg’s perfume, but feel free to try other spices such as cinnamon or cardamom. 1 cup (250 mL) whole milk 4 eggs 1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons (30 mL) sugar 1 teaspoon (5 mL) freshly grated nutmeg 1 teaspoon (5 mL) pure vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon (1 mL) salt Zest of 1 orange PREHEAT the oven to 425°F (220°C). Turn on the convection fan if you have one. Place six 6-inch (15 cm) lightly oiled cast-iron skillets in the oven. (Alternatively, you can use six 8-ounce/250 mL ramekins placed on a baking sheet.) IN A HIGH-SPEED BLENDER or food processor, combine the milk, eggs, flour, sugar, nutmeg, vanilla, salt, and orange zest. Process until thoroughly combined. Carefully divide the batter among the preheated moulds. Bake until golden brown and puffed, about 20 minutes. Rest for a few minutes before serving. PLATE AND PRESENTATION • Top with a dollop of Lemon Verbena Curd. • Add a heaping spoonful of the Blueberry Stew on top of the Nutmeg Breakfast Bakes.
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FOOD
EMBER-ROASTED OYSTERS WITH LOVE BUTTER
“O
ysters are always the life of the party. To heat up an extraspecial occasion, we like to coax a hot fire into a warm bed of coals ready for super-cool local oysters with red-
hot Love Butter. Maybe that’s why oyster hour is our guests’ favourite time of day. Imagine—a raging hardwood fire patiently subsiding into a thick bed of glowing coals, freshly shucked oysters from the bay out front of the inn nestled in those coals, their fresh juices gently simmering with a shockingly green, scandalously flavoured, yet appropriately named butter. A brief moment of intensely flavoured ecstasy. What could go wrong? Lovage grows prolifically on our farm. Its intense celery-like flavour and persistent bright green colour make it one of our favourite herbs. Unsurprisingly our love for lovage gave rise to Love Butter. If you can’t find lovage, you can substitute green onions (dark green parts only), fresh tarragon, dill, or parsley. Make the Love Butter ahead of time.”
¼ cup (60 mL) fresh lovage leaves 2 tablespoons (30 mL) cold water 1 cup (250 mL) butter, at room temperature 4 dozen impeccably fresh oysters from a well-connected fishmonger
the sides once or twice, until smooth. Add the chilled lovage purée and continue processing until smooth. Store in a resealable container in the fridge for up to 1 month. Makes about 1 cup (250 mL) Love Butter, enough for 4 dozen oysters
MAKE THE LOVE BUTTER BRING a pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Fill a large bowl with the coldest water your taps can muster. REMOVE the pot of boiling water from the heat. Working quickly and using a spoon or tongs, plunge the lovage leaves into the just-simmering water, swirling as they immediately brighten and wilt, just 10 seconds or so. Drain through a mesh strainer or colander without pressing. Quickly transfer the leaves to the cold water, swirling and cooling, 30 seconds more. Drain again without pressing. Transfer the wet leaves to a blender. Add the 2 tablespoons (30 mL) cold water. Purée, scraping down the sides once or twice, until bright green and thoroughly smooth. Transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate, uncovered, until cool. ADD the butter to the blender or a food processor. Purée the butter, scraping down 44
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: A large wood fire, its fuel and eventual fiery bed of coals; 2 or 3 oyster shucking knives; 1 or 2 extra-long tongs; heavy-duty work glove for the hand that holds the tongs BUILD a fire, shuck, and roast the oysters build and tend a large fire until it subsides into a thick bed of glowing coals. Meanwhile, shuck the oysters, taking special care not to spill their brine. Steady with the accumulating top shells inverted onto a serving platter. Top each with a teaspoon or so of love butter. GRASP the edge of a shell with the tip of your tongs and nestle it into the coals. Repeat until the first dozen oysters are cooking. Take vigil as the juices and melted butter mingle, the oysters just barely poaching, 1 to 2 minutes. As soon as the
LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA SPRING/SUMMER 2021
juices simmer gently at the edges of the oysters, they are done. Any longer and they will overcook, shrivel, toughen, and dry out. Carefully remove the oysters from the coals and rest again on the top shells until cool enough to slurp. Enjoy the firm yet still tender texture of a just-poached oyster. Repeat with remaining oysters. A SAFETY NOTE: What could go wrong? Exploding shells! Forgotten in the fire by a distracted cook. A thicker oyster shell left for too long in a hot bed of coals will eventually dry out and may crack or explode. It’s not particularly dangerous, but it is sudden and surprising, and easily avoided by not overcooking the oysters.
ROASTED CARROT, LENTIL, AND NASTURTIUM SALAD
“T
he surprisingly sharp, bright flavour of nasturtium leaves (see page 35) shines in this dish. They add a shocking green hue to the hummus and pack lots of snappy flavour. Save some leaves for the salad—they’re one of our favourite greens and help define this dish. The flowers are equally delicious, though sweeter. Patient roasting brings out the rich, deep sweetness of carrots.
Don’t be deterred by a bit of black char or blistering. Carrots can withstand blackening without tasting burnt. For this one ingredient, blackness is a good sign.”
ROASTED CARROT, LENTIL, AND NASTURTIUM SALAD 2 to 3 pounds (900 g to 1.35 kg) multicoloured carrot varieties (small carrots whole, larger carrots cut in half lengthwise) ¼ cup (60 mL) vegetable oil, olive oil, bacon drippings, or other reserved animal fat Sea salt Lots of freshly ground pepper 1 cup (250 mL) cooked red or green lentils A handful each of fresh nasturtium leaves and flowers NASTURTIUM HUMMUS ½ cup (125 mL) tahini Zest and juice of 1 lemon 2 large garlic cloves 2 tablespoons (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
1 can (19 ounces/540 mL) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (about 1½ cups/375 mL) 4 ounces (115 g) fresh nasturtium leaves or baby spinach leaves, washed and drained ROAST THE CARROTS PREHEAT the oven to 425°F (220°C). Turn on the convection fan if you have one. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. GENTLY toss the carrots with the vegetable oil. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast until tender and charred, 30 to 45 minutes, stirring once halfway through roasting.
MEANWHILE, MAKE THE NASTURTIUM HUMMUS IN A FOOD PROCESSOR, combine the tahini, lemon zest and juice, garlic, and olive oil. Purée until smooth. Add the chickpeas and process, scraping down the sides once or twice, until smooth. Add the nastur- tium leaves and purée until smooth. ASSEMBLE the Roasted Carrot, Lentil, and Nasturtium Salad ARRANGE the roasted carrots in a bowl or on a platter. Top with the nasturtium hummus. Alternatively, smear the hummus on a platter and top with the carrots. Either way, top with the lentils and scatter nasturtium leaves and flowers on top. Serves 4 to 6
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA
45
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WINE
BOTTLING 2020
by MICHAEL PINKUS
WINEMAKERS ARE PREDICTING AN EXCEPTIONAL VINTAGE FROM A CHALLENGING SEASON
I
’M SURE WE CAN all agree that 2020 is one of those
making wine, and now works at Road 13 Vineyards on the
years we would all like to forget, but probably never
Golden Mile in the Okanagan, agrees with Enixon. “A bit of
will. While we were locked down, shut off, and trapped
a short crop overall [down] by 10 to 20 per cent, depending
inside longer than we wanted, mother nature was
on the variety.”
doing her thing outdoors, especially in the vineyards.
Another transplant Ontario winemaker, Jeff Hundertmark,
In fact, it proved to be a spectacular vintage coast-to-coast,
now with Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery, wraps up the vintage
or at least in the two largest wine producing regions of the
with this: “The growing season set up our vines to produce
country: Ontario’s Niagara region and British Columbia’s
small, tight clusters which reduced yields but also intensely
Okanagan Valley.
aromatic whites, and deep-coloured and tannic reds. The
Now that the year is well behind us, this seems like a good
resulting wines will have big flavours and be potentially long
time to reach out to winemakers to get their thoughts on the
lived.” He also gave this advice to B.C. wine fans: “Buy as
vintage. How did the past year effect their businesses? The
much as you can of what you like, because it won’t be around
most important question for wine lovers though: what can
for a long time!”
we expect from the most recent vintage and what is in those
So, what do winemakers think we should be lining up
barrels, tanks and cellars?
for—or dialing up for—from this past season?
B.C. WINES AND VINTAGE 2020
limited selection but settled on a single vineyard Syrah from
Let’s start with the Okanagan Valley. According to the more
Jagged Rock Vineyard that is “fermented with 50 per cent
than half dozen winemakers I spoke to, 2020 was a vintage to
whole bunch in concrete fermenters. It’s dense yet elegant
remember, and not just for the obvious reasons.
with red fruit and floral notes with hints of spice.”
Mission Hill’s Krehbel had a hard time coming up with a
“The year was unique in that it was quite favourable for
Culmina’s winemaker talks up a new rosé using wild yeast
both early and late ripening grape varieties. Moderate without
made from “malbec, cabernet franc and syrah ...aged on lees
extreme heat spikes, but extended for quite a long period of
(dead yeast cells) in natural oak for four months. It has lots
time,” says Allison Moyes, winemaker at Liquidity Wines.
of complexity.”
“One of the best I have experienced in the Okanagan despite the cold, wet spring,” says Corrie Krehbel, chief
From Road 13, Barclay is excited for the 2020 reds, “especially malbec and Jackpot [Vineyard] syrah.”
winemaker at Mission Hill. Jean-Marc Enixon from Culmina
Danielle Belcourt from Monte Creek Ranch has cabernet
Family Estate Winery expands on Krehbel’s point, “Luckily, a
franc on the brain, “in both red and rosé form... both have
warm summer and into fall allowed a chance for the grapes
elegance and intensity.”
to catch up and ripen nicely [though] yields were low...” Barclay Robinson, who spent quite a few years in Ontario
ABOVE: Westcott Vineyards in the Vinemount Ridge area near Niagara, Ontario.
As for what 2021 will look like in the Okanagan, some wineries have been taking this time to expand their winery SPRING/SUMMER 2021 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA
47
Levi de Loryn, winemaker at Jackson-Triggs says, “The pinot noir and Bordeaux reds are looking fantastic.” A strange and rare combination because both require very different temperature outcomes to be “fantastic” but that does speak to the kind of vintage it was. And he’s not the only one to be thrilled by wines and grapes that like polar opposite weather conditions. Trius’ VP of Winemaking Craig McDonald is excited over his 2020 syrah, another finicky grape for Ontario. “It’s Niagara’s best kept secret with only the best sites and producers still taking on the challenge.” It’s Aussie winemakers like McDonald who help Ontario see its potential without the Australian weather, and that’s what makes Ontario syrah so unique. More proof of the great vintage will be the appearance of a 2020 Onyx from Featherstone. “When we have an ABOVE: A view across the vineyard at Monte Creek Ranch, British Columbia.
experience. At Mission Hill pre-booking is a must, from
exceptional vintage, we do a Cab-Merlot blend (called
simple tours and tastings to five course wine pairing meals.
Onyx) and leave it in French oak for an extra 12 months.
A gravity flow building with expanded case capacity is in
We have about 10 barrels allocated.”
the works at Monte Creek. A new building and restaurant
“Standouts will be our cabernet sauvignon and
will be the feature at Mt. Boucherie, and plenty of vineyards
chardonnay,” says DeSimone, another unlikely pair to be
are moving towards organic certification. All very exciting
standouts in the same vintage, “Expect the cab to stay in
stuff happening in the Okanagan Valley.
barrel 15 months. We are super small lot, producing only
ONTARIO WINES AND VINTAGE 2020
at eight barrels.
Ontario experienced a similar season to their counterparts
At Leaning Post Wines, Senchuk is salivating over the
in British Columbia, which is a meteorological rarity
cabernet franc he has in barrel. “Best vintage for this variety
considering the distance and make-up of the two regions.
in the last 10 years for us! I think the ripeness, concentration
Adam Pearce of Two Sisters Vineyards, who is not prone
and power are very unusual, yet the wines are incredibly
to hyperbole, describes 2020 as “one of the best if not the
fresh and bright. The wines are dense, structured and full-
best vintage I have had the pleasure of experiencing in
bodied yet have not lost any of the varietal character that
my career thus far.” And Craig McDonald of Trius agreed,
we really prize ... some of the best cabernet franc we have
“pretty much the dream vintage in Niagara!”
ever made.”
When asked about the overall condition of the harvest,
While way up on Vinemount Ridge (a sub-appellation
McDonald says, “There’s an impressive harmony whereby
of Niagara) the more reserved Casey Kulczyk of Westcott
whites remained fresh and lively and reds have more
Vineyards calls 2020, “A very good year in the vineyard,”
volume and texture.”
but is excited about wines that will be released sooner. “I
While Vincenzo DeSimone of DeSimone Vineyards
feel 2019 waits in the wings to be one of the greatest pinot
echoes what we heard about yield in the Okanagan Valley.
noir vintages for Niagara in recent history.” This bodes well
“Due to the extremely dry, warm weather, the berries and
for pinot noir fans because if both ’19 and ’20 deliver, it’s a
clusters were smaller in size, resulting in lower yields,” he
one-two punch of excitement.
says.
“We are hopeful that Canadians in general will look for
Louise Engel of Featherstone Estate Winery put an
local options for travel and entertainment,” says Senchuk
emphatic note behind her description of vintage 2020: “A
wistfully, while Engel is a little more hopeful, “The message
long dry season that has spoiled us forever! Now we’ll be
to support local has been heard loud and clear.”
expecting this every year,” she finishes with tongue planted
Once we are through the worst of the pandemic and
firmly in cheek—as Ontario weather can be as unpredictable
the “new normal” emerges; the new normal looks like it
as the wind, with prime examples in the vintages of 2017,
will include more local wines. If that’s a positive result from
2018 and 2019.
2020, then we’re taking a step in the right direction for
With all this perfection the question remains, what should Ontario wine lovers be expecting from this vintage? 48
four barrels.” The chardonnay will be double that output
LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA SPRING/SUMMER 2021
Canadian wine from coast-to-coast.
THE PROFESSOR’S NEGRONI BY DILLON’S All Dillon’s products are inspired by Canadian pride and a love of fine spirits. Their pre-mixed cocktails are no different, created by a top mixologist from Toronto. Their version of the classic negroni is crafted with Dillon’s Dry Gin 7, Sweet Vermouth and Professor Dillon’s aperitivo liqueur. Each bottle pours two cocktails, four per pack. Available in Ontario at LCBO (#11423, $19.90); or at store.dillons.ca
CALVET CELEBRATION BRUT SPARKLING ROSÉ An elegant and lively sparkling rosé in a bottle to match. Creamy and rounded palate with light strawberry notes. Available in Ontario at LCBO (#16327, $16.95).
SEGURA VIUDAS BRUT ROSÉ D.O. CAVA This sparkling rosé is made mostly from trepat, a rare red grape found in northeastern Spain. Mediumbodied with strawberry, red currant and floral notes. Available in Ontario at LCBO (#16306, $15.95).
ACE HILL RASPBERRY VODKA SODA This Toronto-based brand is creating beer, radler and vodka soda beverages, made with all-natural fruit. With only 90 calories, Ace Hill Raspberry Vodka Soda is infused with a dash of real raspberry juice and has no added sugar. The palate is lightbodied and fruity with a delicate spritz and a crisp, clean finish. Available in Ontario at LCBO (#14483, #$2.80 each); or at drinkacehill.com
WATERLOO BREWING WATERMELON RADLER Waterloo Brewing has created two new fruit-forward radlers by combining their craft lager with real fruit juices to blend the new Watermelon and Tart Cherry varieties. Available in Ontario at LCBO (#19544, @2.95); local delivery at waterloobrewing.com
JUNCTION 56 RHUBARB GIN Made from the most spring-like of ingredients, locallysourced rhubarb gives Junction 56 Rhubarb Gin its distinct flavour and colour. Sip on the rocks or top it up with soda or tonic for sweet-tart perfection. Available at the LCBO in Ontario (#16911, $24.95); or at junction56.ca
LEVENSWATER SPRING 34 GIN This pink-hued gin is created in Niagara Falls from natural potato spirit, then infused with 34 botanicals to create a delicate flavour and balanced aromatics. Inspired by Toronto’s Kensington Market. Available at the LCBO in Ontario (#645697, $50); or at levenswater.com
IN THE PINK
FOOD
THORNBURY CRAFT CIDER From Ontario’s Thornbury Village Cidery (and Brewery), Raspberry Apple Cider features aromas of fresh-picked raspberries and a delightful tartness. Rosé Apple Cider is a blend of premium apple cider and Canadian red wine for flavours of red berry and apple with a silky-smooth finish. Both available at Thornbury Cider & Brew House; thornburycraft.com
RAISE A GLASS TO TOAST THE ARRIVAL OF SUMMER WITH ONE OF THESE BERRY-HUED REFRESHERS.
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA
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JOIN US for a sip in the Tasting Room, where our knowledgeable staff will guide you through a selection of our Estate and sparkling wines. Enjoy samples of limited-edition and winery-exclusive bottles and learn first-hand what makes Locust Lane Estate Winery wines so elegantly distinctive. Our contemporary wine tasting space has been designed to maximize the impact of its spectacular views while ensuring a comfortable environment that allows you to best enjoy our delicious wines—come sit by the fireplace, or relax on the terrace, and taste the best that Niagara winemaking has to offer.
4041 Locust Lane, Beamsville, ON | 905.708.6006 | info@locustlanewines.com | locustlanewines.com |
@locustlanewines
Our winemaker, Jeff Innes, has spent 20+ years refining his approach to winemaking.
Locust Lane Unoaked Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Rosé are available at Holt’s Café Bloor Street. You can also find us on the wine list at Caren’s Rosedale. Visit the Tasting Bar & Retail Store: Sunday to Thursday: 11 am to 6 pm Friday & Saturday: 11 am to 8 pm The Winery Main Room and Patios (weather permitting) will be serving gourmet pizza, charcuterie boards and featured seasonal fare on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
