You’ve probably heard of wine agencies – but what ARE they? The world of wine can feel a bit unknowable at times which is why I’m proud to be a Brand Ambassador for Somm™ – a multifaceted platform that takes the intimidation factor out of wine, offers enhanced hospitality experiences, and connects consumers to independent bottle shops, wineries, and agencies across Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia…and soon, across Canada and the USA.

This post is sponsored by Somm™.

What is a wine agency?

Wine agencies are another term for global distributors who have headquarters in Canada that import, and at times even grow, wine from all over the world. Up until recently, these agencies strictly serviced the country’s top hotels and restaurants and private buyers with premium wine that you couldn’t find at the LCBO. Now, thanks to the shifts in alcohol restrictions compelled by COVID-19, individual buyers can now more readily purchase wine by the case directly from an agency or through a partner bottle shop/restaurant that carries the agency’s inventory. 

In addition to high quality wines, when you buy from a wine agency, you also get fast delivery & excellent service. When you sign up for Somm Cru or Grand Cru, you get the benefit of free shipping from top agencies like Halpern Enterprises, Buyers & Cellars, Drink BETTER, Le Sommelier, Nicholas Pearce, Cosecha Imports and Noble Estates.

By becoming a Somm Grand Cru member, you’ll have a unique opportunity to discover exclusive wines direct from Somm’s network of agency partners, that aren’t usually available by the bottle. Each month, Somm Grand Cru members will receive monthly deliveries of at least three sommelier-selected wines delivered to their doorstep. These mixed packs are the perfect opportunity to try the best from an agency’s portfolio without committing to a full case.

In addition to having these amazing wines delivered to their doorstep, Somm Grand Cru members can get a complimentary glass of wine at the Buyers & Cellars Tasting Room and free Ontario shipping on wine from this local agency. These are just a taste of all the amazing benefits that come with a Somm Cru or Grand Cru membership!

Upgrade your membership by February 18th to receive this month’s delivery and use promo code tasteandtipplegc for 25% off your first 2 months – membership is normally priced at $130/month. Have a specific style preference? Members can now select a bundle style between Somm Surprise (Mixed), All Red or All White!

Wine Tasting Notes

This month’s Grand Cru bundle features three wines carefully curated from the amazing Buyers & Cellars portfolio here in Ottawa, which focuses on hand-crafted wines made by passionate producers that exemplify the fullest expression of a region’s terroir and style. The February Somm Surprise (Mixed) Grand Cru delivery includes:

Gavi Del Comune Di Gavi 2020

Made from the Cortese grape from the outstanding Piedmont region in northwest Italy, this wine embodies flavours of delicious apple, pear and white grapefruit. It’s weight, smokiness and salty minerality makes for the perfect pair to seafood pasta or spaghetti carbonara.

Las Dosces Tinto 2018

From Valencia, Spain comes a cherry red wine with a bright violet rim with soft toasted & balsamic notes and blackberry, pomegranate, licorice and coca on the palette. Best served with a light chill and enjoyed with a warm winter BBQ meal or grilled steak! 

The Phoenician Malbec 2021

An explosive nose of red and blackberry fruit, with the undertone of mocha. This fresh, bright Malbec is the perfect wine to sip fireside on a cold evening and pairs beautifully with burgers and red meat!

It can be tough to get a Valentine’s Day dinner reservation at the best of times, but with Ontario restaurants only permitted to have 50% capacity, it’s certain to be even tougher this year. Instead of grappling for a hard-to-get prix fixe dining experience, why not order in from your favourite local restaurant, whether that’s Beckta, La Bottega, or Gitanes Burger, to name a few, and pair it with these delicious global wines from February’s Somm Grand Cru bundle, perfectly suited to a decadent evening of dining in.

Somm Grand Cru also makes for the perfect gift! If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day gift for that special someone, it’s the gift that keeps on giving and makes for the ultimate cozy date night in. Visit www.somm.io/gifting to browse your options.