deVine Thoughts

January 12, 2026

Weekly Offer for Jan 12/26

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 1:39 pm

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Sottano Clasico Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza, Argentina) – $19.49, regularly $24.99.

Sottano was founded in 1890 by Fioravante Sottano who settled in Mendoza after moving from Italy. Situated in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, in Perdriel, in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina, it covers over two hectares of land, including 15,000 square meters of landscaping using only native species.

The winery produces about 800,000 liters of wine annually. In a fully automated process, the wines are distributed in stainless steel tanks of different sizes, which allows us to maintain precise quality control. Their underground cellar stores their best wines during their aging in oak barrels and later in the bottle.

Our weekly special this week is their Clasico Cabernet Sauvignon– an intense ruby color and aromas of ripe coffee, cassis, black fruits, black pepper, cedar and vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied and structured, with firm tannins and balanced acidity, offering a rich and full-bodied persistent experience. Pair with grilled red meats.

Prost!

Sottano Clasico Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza, Argentina) – $19.49, regularly $24.99

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January 5, 2026

Weekly Offer for Jan 5/26

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 12:29 pm

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the San Felice Chianti Classico (Tuscany – Chianti, Italy) – $21.49 regularly $26.49.

Agricola San Felice is steeped in local lore and history. Named after a local early Christian Saint from the 18th century, the property was bought by the Grisaldi Del Taja family – the founding members of the Chianti Classico consortium. The family produced wine for several centuries until 1968 when the estate passed to Enzo Morganti, where he restructured and transformed this venerable estate, concentrating on high quality winemaking, systematic scientific research and thoughtful vineyard purchases, which included the Campogiovanni vineyard in Montalcino in 1984. Today the property includes a 1,853 acre resort, 445 acres of vineyards and a 44 acre parcel dedicated to experimental viticulture and genetic improvement of Sangiovese. The winery makes regular appearances in the Wine Spectator’s Top 100.

The San Felice vineyards are situated amongst the gently rolling hills of the Castelnuovo Berardenga area of Chianti Classico. The winery’s annual production is around one million bottles (1,025,000 of Chianti, 80,000 of Brunello, 40,000 of Rosso di Montalcino and 55,000 of Bolgheri), divided into 16 labels, made entirely from estate-owned grapes.

Our feature this week is their Chianti Classico, a delightfully aromatic (violets) Sangiovese based wine which includes some Pugnitello – an ancient Tuscan grape that was nearly extinct when San Felice began working with it in the late 1980s. This Chianti Classico is smooth, expressive, pure and characterful, with black cherry, raspberry, blackcurrant, earth, tobacco, and a precise minerality. Harmonious, dry and long with fine structure and fresh acidity – it’s ideal choice with charcuterie, roast turkey or grilled beef.

San Felice Chianti Classico (Tuscany – Chianti, Italy) – $21.49, regularly $26.49.

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January 3, 2026

Dry January Recommendations

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 5:05 pm

Author: Dirk Chan

Happy New Year to All!

There are some of you doing the ‘Dry January Challenge’, so we’ve brought in a few new items to help you through it. These are some of the best tasting dealcoholized wines we’ve tasted so we hope you enjoy these.

Pictured from left to right:

Colibri Free to Fly Spumante Rosé (Italy) – $24.99
Divin Sauvignon Blanc Non-Alcoholic (Loire Valley, France) – $23.99
Moderato Merlot-Tannat Non-Alcoholic (France) – $31.99
Pettersson & Munthe Lavender Chai Sparkling Tea (Sweden) – $21.99

Other interesting non-alcoholics not pictured:

NV Leitz Zero Point Five Pinot Noir (Rheingau, Germany) – $17.99
NV Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Sparkling Riesling (Rheingau, Germany) – $21.49
NV Giesen Dealcoholized Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand) – $23.49
NV Colibri Free to Fly Spumante White (Italy) – $24.99
Moderato Le Chardonnay – La Cuvee Revolutionnaire Non-Alcoholic (France) – $31.99

33 Acres Brewing Sunrise Yuzu & Blossom Adaptogenic Sparkling Water (BC, Canada) – $11.99
33 Acres Brewing Hibiscus & Prickly Pear Adaptogenic Sparkling Water (BC, Canada) – $11.99
Pettersson & Munthe Sparkling Tea (Sweden) – $8.99
Benjamin Bridge Pink Piquette Zero (Nova Scotia, Canada) – $3.99
Evolution Beverages Clever Mojito Mocktail Premium (Quebec, Canada) – $4.49

Prost everyone!

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December 29, 2025

Bubbles to Bring in the New Year

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 12:14 pm

Author: Dirk Chan

From all of us at deVine’s to you and yours, we wish you a very Happy New Year in 2026 with all the best for happiness, good health and prosperity. May good health and fortune and luck follow you wherever you go and in all that you do for the coming year. We thank you for your continued patronage!

Annabelle, Dirk, Kandice, Llyr, Bob, Brad and Mark

Here are some New Years Sparkling wine recommendations for your consideration. Have a fun New Years, and remember to drink responsibly.

First, pictured (left to right)
NV Champagne Forget-Brimont Brut Rosé Premier Cru (Champagne, France) – $81.99
NV Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Brut (Champagne, France) – $174.99
2013 Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Extra Brut (Champagne, France) – $132.99
2019 Champagne Agrapart Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Mineral (Champagne, France) – $299.99

Something Sweet & Sparkling
2024 G. D. Vajra Moscato d’Asti (Piedmont, Italy) – 375mL – $18.99
2023 La Spinetta Bricco Quaglia Moscato d’Asti (Piedmont, Italy) – $28.99

Do shop early for the best selection. Here are our store hours leading up to the New Years:

Weds, Dec 31 – 11-6pm
Thurs, Jan 1 – CLOSED
Fri, Jan 2, Sat, Jan 3 – 11-6pm
All other days – regular hours

Happy New Year to all!

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Weekly Offer for Dec 29/25

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 12:07 pm

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the de Martino Ungrafted Cinsault (Itata Valley, Chile) – $24.99, regularly $34.99.

The de Martino family has been producing wines in Chile since 1934. The vineyard where our wines originate is located in Guarilihue, a small and cozy part of the world in South Valley of Itata. Itata is the most ancient New World, with vines planted for the first time in 1551. The winery is now run by the 4th generation – brothers Marco and Sebastian.

The climate is characterized by a maritime influence with a high annual precipitation (900 mm. on average), and the vines are grown on slopes on old granite base. They are old pre-phylloxera vines, rainfed. The vineyard is worked manually and the soils are plows on horseback, respecting the ancient local traditions. Sustainable practices in vineyard, winery and in employment.

Our weekly special this week is their Ungrafted Cinsault, this terroir driven Cinsault is quite intense, ripe, powerful and juicy style with vibrant pastel fruit and the requisite slight funk. Good concentration with moderate acidity and nice freshness and zippiness. Silky mouthfeel. Light and spicy! Great with grilled or braised red meats.

de Martino Ungrafted Cinsault (Itata Valley, Chile) – $24.99, regularly $34.99

As a thank you for your continued patronage, we have other wines on big discount as a Christmas gift from deVines for your consideration (while supplies last):

2022 Cascina Boschetti Barbera d’Alba DOC (Piedmont, Italy) – $22.99, regularly $28.99

2022 Argiolas Costera Cannonau di Sardegna (Sardinia, Italy) – $27.49, regularly $32.49

2021 Spier Creative Block 5 (Stellenbosch, South Africa) – $29.99, regularly $35.99

2023 Castellare di Castellina Chianti Classico (Tuscany – Chianti, Italy) – $39.99, regularly $45.99

Francois Voyer XO Premiere Cru (France) – $159.99, regularly $189.99

Happy Holidays everyone!

Prost!

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December 22, 2025

Our Annual Christmas Dinner Wine Recommendations

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 1:06 pm

turkey_ham_small Author: Dirk Chan

Wow…Christmas is almost upon us, so here is our annual picks to accompany the classic turkey and/or ham dinner with all its fixings. Start your evening off with a sparkling wine, followed by whites, reds, a dessert wine and perhaps a lovely port to end off the evening.

Sparkling Wines
Sparkling wines are a great way to start any function whether its a greeting aperitif or to pair with appetizers. Lively and clean, these will get everyone ready for what’s to come next.

NV La Jara Brut Prosecco (Veneto, Italy) – $22.99

NV Gustave Lorentz Cremant d’Alsace Brut (Alsace, France) – $29.99

2024 Paltrinieri Lambrusco Solco dell Emilia (Emilia-Romagna, Italy) – $27.49

2020 Quinta de Soalheiro Nature Pur Terroir Alvarinho Bruto (Vinho Verde, Portugal) – $48.99

Champagne
Now if you serve Champagne, your audience will immediately know you’re here to do some serious partaking and celebrating.

NV Champagne Forget-Brimont Brut Terroir (Champagne, France) – $65.99

NV Champagne Ployez-Jacquemart Extra Quality Brut (Champagne, France) – $87.99

NV Champagne Pierre Peters Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger (Champagne, France) – $124.99

2006 Champagne Gardet Prestige Charles Brut Millesime (Champagne, France) – $139.99

NV Ruinart Brut Rosé (Champagne, France) – $169.99

2019 Champagne Agrapart Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Mineral (Champagne, France) – $299.99

2015 Moet & Chandon Dom Pérignon Brut (Champagne, France) – $389.99

Whites & Pinks
Whites with a touch of sweetness is preferred because of the sweetness of some of the fixings – candied yams, cranberry sauce, and honey for the glazed ham. A completely dry white will seem more austere and void of fruit due to the sweetness of the food so I recommend Rieslings (dry or off-dry, both work), Gewurztraminers or other Germanic or Alsace varietals. Having said that, some will always go with a dry creamy Chardonnay or Chenon irregardless and that’s perfectly fine. Also, don’t forget that rosés work really well too!

2024 Huteau-Boulanger la Muse Sauvignon (Loire Valley, France) – $21.49

2023 Cave de Saumur Chenin Blanc Les Pouches (Loire Valley, France) – $24.49

2022 Selbach Blue Fish Riesling (Mosel, Germany) – $24.99

xmas_house_dancing
2023 Haywire Winery Pinot Gris (BC – Okanagan, Canada) – $28.99

2023 Cantina Girlan Marna Chardonnay (Alto Adige, Italy) – $34.99

2024 Springfield Estate Miss Lucy White Blend (Robertson, South Africa) – $38.99

2022 Rockford Local Growers Semillon (Barossa Valley, Australia) – $52.99

2022 Elvio Cogno Anas-Cetta Nascetta di Novello (Piedmont, Italy) – $62.99

2022 Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Kabinett (Mosel, Germany) – $71.99

2021 Château Latour-Martillac (Bordeaux – Pessac-Leognan, France) – $94.99

2014 Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix Chablis Premier Cru Les Lys (Chablis, France) – $129.99

2022 Domaine Francois Villard Condrieu DePoncins (Rhone Valley, France) – $142.99

2023 Sadie Family Palladius (Swartland, South Africa) – $199.99

2024 Salwey Pinot Noir Rosé (Baden, Germany) – $28.99

2024 Domaine de la Perriere Premiere Pressée Chinon Rosé (Loire Valley, France) – $31.99

Reds
For reds, try to avoid the big oaky tannic monsters. Oak and tannins are the enemies when pairing with slightly sweet food, try for a red with lots of up-front fruit, little oak and a soft tannins like a Beaujolais (served slightly chilled) or a Pinot Noir.

2024 Bodegas Piedra Joven Ecologico (Toro, Spain) – $19.99

2020 Kaiken Indomito Cabernet Franc (Mendoza, Argentina) – $22.99

2020 Xavier Vignon Cotes-du-Rhone Cuvee Vieilles Vignes (Rhone Valley, France) – $27.49

2023 De Forville Langhe Nebbiolo (Piedmont, Italy) – $29.99

2023 Maison Albert Brenot Bourgogne Pinot Noir Rouge (Burgundy, France) – $38.99

2020 Domaine Ghislain Kohut Marsannay AOC (Burgundy – Cote de Nuits, France) – $49.99

2022 Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon (Margaret River, Australia) – $59.99

2019 Mamete Prevostini Sommarovina Sassella Valtellina Superiore (Lombardy, Italy) – $76.99

2012 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva (Rioja, Spain) – $95.99

2016 Quinta da Pellada Vinho Tinto (Dao, Portugal) – $107.99
merry_xmas_sparkles_dancing
2016 Château Gloria (Bordeaux – St. Julien, France) – $124.99

2019 Tommaso Bussola Amarone della Valpolicella Classico BG (Veneto, Italy) – $164.99

2020 Domaine Harmand-Geoffroy Gevrey Chambertin Clos Prieur (Burgundy – Cote de Nuits, France) – $189.99

2016 Yalumba Octavius Old Vine Shiraz (Barossa Valley, Australia) – $189.99

2016 Terre Nere Brunello di Montalcino Capriolo Riserva (Tuscany, Italy) – $224.99

2001 Azelia Barolo Bricco Fiasco (Piedmont, Italy) – $289.99

2014 Vieux Château Certan (Bordeaux – Pomerol, France) – $374.99

2015 Château Canon Premier Grand Cru Classé B (Bordeaux – St. Emilion, France) – $529.99

Dessert
As for dessert, remember dessert wine should be sweeter than the dessert itself.

2016 Royal Tokaji 5 Puttonyos Aszu (Hungary) -250mL – $36.49

2018 Borgo Scopeto Vin Santo del Chianti Classico (Tuscany, Italy) – 375mL – $66.99

2019 Château Suduiraut (Bordeaux – Sauternes, France) – 375mL -$84.99

JM Fonseca Trilogia Moscatel de Setubal (Portugal) – 500mL – $199.99

Port (Post Dinner)
Port is always good for the final touches of a meal whether its a ruby or a tawny. Try with blue-veined cheeses and roasted nuts.

2018 Quinta de la Rosa Late Bottled Vintage Port (Douro, Portugal) – 500mL – $39.99

NV Taylor Fladgate The Globe Historic Limited Edition Reserve Tawny Port (Douro, Portugal) – $69.99

Kopke 40 Year Old (Douro, Portugal) – $219.99

2011 Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port (Douro, Portugal) – $229.99

1970 Quevedo Celebration Very Old White Port 50 Year Old (Douro, Portugal) – $429.99

1985 Fonseca Vintage Port (Douro, Portugal) – $399.99

Finally, if you are pressed for time, try out our December Mixed Case – $258.75 or our December 6-Pack – $165.60 where a lot of the wines would pair well with Christmas dinner.

Note our Hours of operations leading up to Christmas and between Christmas and New Years.

Everyone, enjoy the holiday season. Best wishes for good health and happiness to everyone!

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Weekly Offer for Dec 22/25

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 12:28 pm

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the de Martino Ungrafted Cinsault (Itata Valley, Chile) – $24.99, regularly $34.99.

The de Martino family has been producing wines in Chile since 1934. The vineyard where our wines originate is located in Guarilihue, a small and cozy part of the world in South Valley of Itata. Itata is the most ancient New World, with vines planted for the first time in 1551. The winery is now run by the 4th generation – brothers Marco and Sebastian.

The climate is characterized by a maritime influence with a high annual precipitation (900 mm. on average), and the vines are grown on slopes on old granite base. They are old pre-phylloxera vines, rainfed. The vineyard is worked manually and the soils are plows on horseback, respecting the ancient local traditions. Sustainable practices in vineyard, winery and in employment.

Our weekly special this week is their Ungrafted Cinsault, this terroir driven Cinsault is quite intense, ripe, powerful and juicy style with vibrant pastel fruit and the requisite slight funk. Good concentration with moderate acidity and nice freshness and zippiness. Silky mouthfeel. Light and spicy! Great with grilled or braised red meats.

de Martino Ungrafted Cinsault (Itata Valley, Chile) – $24.99, regularly $34.99

As a thank you for your continued patronage, we have other wines on big discount as a Christmas gift from deVines for your consideration (while supplies last):

2022 Cascina Boschetti Barbera d’Alba DOC (Piedmont, Italy) – $22.99, regularly $28.99

2022 Argiolas Costera Cannonau di Sardegna (Sardinia, Italy) – $27.49, regularly $32.49

2021 Spier Creative Block 5 (Stellenbosch, South Africa) – $29.99, regularly $35.99

2023 Castellare di Castellina Chianti Classico (Tuscany – Chianti, Italy) – $39.99, regularly $45.99

Francois Voyer XO Premiere Cru (France) – $159.99, regularly $189.99

Happy Holidays everyone!

Prost!

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December 15, 2025

Bridgeland Gift Packs

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 2:47 pm

Author: Dirk Chan

Calgary based founders Jacques Tremblay and Daniel Plenzik bonded in 2016 at a distilling workshop in the Okanagan. Using their combined knowledge of viticulture, winemaking and brewing, and drawing on their own cultural backgrounds, they set about bringing locally crafted Brandy, Whisky, and Eau de Vie’s and Bridgeland Distillery was thus borned.

Fast forward to 2025, Bridgeland Distillery swept up major national recognition including:
Gold and Silver medals at the 2025 Canadian Whisky Awards, including standout finishes for their Taber Corn and Wheat whiskies – praised for their exceptional grain-forward clarity and balance.

In addition, there were multiple wins at the 2025 Canadian Artisan Spirits Competition, where their unique craft releases were applauded for both innovation and precision.

Their products, specifically their two “Berbons” has taken over the market as alternatives for American Bourbons during the Trump tariff/backlash period.

For Christmas, they have come out with a few gift packs perfect as stocking stuffers.

Pictured from left to right:

Bridgeland Distillery Taber Corn Berbon (Alberta, Canada) – 500mL – $59.99
Bridgeland Distillery Best Gift Pack (Alberta, Canada) – 2x375mL – $84.99
Bridgeland Distillery Cocktail Gift Pack (Alberta, Canada) – 3x200mL – $68.99
Bridgeland Distillery Whisky Gift Pack (Alberta, Canada) – 3x200mL – $89.99

Other Bridgeland products not pictured:

Bridgeland Distillery Glenbow Whisky Double Barrel Aged New & Ex Porta Rossa Cask (Alberta, Canada) – 500mL – $89.99
Bridgeland Distillery Taber Corn Berbon Whisky 101 (Alberta, Canada) -500mL – $72.99
Bridgeland Distillery Single Cask Wheat Whisky (Alberta, Canada) – 500mL – $77.99
Bridgeland Distillery Old Fashioned Cocktail (Alberta, Canada) – 500mL – $47.99
Bridgeland Distillery Old Fashioned Cocktail (Alberta, Canada) – 100mL – $11.99

Prost everyone!

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Weekly Offer for Dec 15/25

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 2:28 pm

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley, Chile) – $24.99, regularly $30.99.

Montes Wines (started in 1987) is one of Chile’s most important wineries. Led by Aurelio Montes, their wines are recognized for its commitment to sustainable farming practices and for producing wines of fine quality that reflect the unique terroir of Chile. The company produces a wide range of wines from classic grape varieties including Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay.

Sold in more than 100 countries, the winery is based in the estate’s prestigious Apalta vineyards, in the Colchagua Valley, but Montes also has vineyards across the Aconcagua, Curicó, Itata and Maule Valleys, producing wines of varying styles and price points.

Our weekly special this week is their Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon, deeply ruby-red in colour, with a complex nose of ripe red and black fruits like strawberry, prune, and blueberry. There are also well-balanced notes of tobacco, leather, and toast, thanks to the 12 months of barrel ageing. These are followed by dairy notes of dulce de leche and toffee. The tannins are silky on the palate, with fine body and elegance. With medium balance and a long finish, the wine’s palate repeats the aromas perceived on the nose. This is a solid Cabernet that has been around a long time, enjoy with a grilled steak. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot.

Prost!

Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley, Chile) – $24.99, regularly $30.99

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December 8, 2025

deVine Days 2025

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 5:37 pm

Author: Dirk Chan

deVine Days, our annual Customer Appreciation Weekend is set for Friday, Dec 12th through Sunday, Dec 14th. Our annual “Thank You!” for your ongoing support and patronage will once again be giving a 10% discount* on all in-store items (yes, including wine, beer, spirits and vintage keeper and vintage room products). No rain-checks and does not apply to products already discounted (cases of the month, bin-ends, tastings and weekly online offer).

There will be several items that will be on offer IN-STORE shopping only that feature a 20-40% discount on a first come first serve basis. We will be having free agent drop-in pours on Friday and Saturday – enjoy wine samples while you shop.

For your shopping convenience, you can also shop online during that weekend as our entire inventory is available via our website that is available to you 24 hours a day. Enjoy shopping in the comforts of your own home. Note you won’t see the 10% discount when you order online in the system generated confirmation but rather it will be applied by us in the backend and you will see it on our second email confirmation when your order has been processed.

In addition to the sale, do take advantage of our free delivery within Edmonton city limits option with a minimum $75 purchase – we deliver monday through fridays in the afternoons.

This is our biggest sale of the year to give everybody some much needed cheer! Shop early for best selection. Don’t miss out, its a great opportunity to do all your Xmas and New Year needs.

At this time of year, please remember those in need. Please bring a package for the Edmonton Food Bank or drop some money into the cash box by our till if you’re coming into to the store. For those taking advantage of our free delivery within Edmonton city limits, you can hand over a care package to our driver. Thank you in advance.

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