What do you get when you combine nuggets of financial wisdom with copious amounts of wine? “Adulting 101” — Mogo’s marketing move aimed at Millenials. And what is Mogo, you ask? Canada’s top online lender. That’s MOney to GO.
Sommelier Dave Stansfield, who jetted in from Vancouver just for the event, got the party started with a beer. In fact, every guest arriving at the National on Stephen Avenue in Calgary was invited to have a drink, to tide us over until the official tasting started — Dave’s famous Sunday School. Which was an indicator that we were in for a great night.
Marci Hotsenpiller of Zinc PR and Branded Magazine’s Katie Tetz get ready to get their tasting on. I was impressed with the mason jars, a hipster take on spittoon, but no one used them. This wine was too good to spit.
In between swigs of white, rose and red, and sublime nibblies that I didn’t know National had, Mogo Financial Fitness Coach Chantel Chapman waxed negative on credit cards, forcing us (in a friendly way) to do the math on their evil interest rates.
Meanwhile, Dave kept pouring from wine disguised in paper bags, while we sipped and tried to discern which was more expensive. In between his F-bombs (not kidding — Mr. Stansfield is the swearing-est sommelier you’ll ever meet) Dave also taught us about trends in tasting. FYI it’s no longer cool to talk about a wine’s “legs.” But mention minerality and chances are you’ll impress your server.
My faves? A pinot gris that tasted like gouda (think it was Nichol from Naramata) and Boom Boom! syrah from Walla Walla.
Thanks for the fiscal fitness, Chantal, and the worst hangover I’ve had in years, Dave. But considering it came from the most entertaining, enlightening wine tasting I’ve ever experienced, it was worth it! I’ll be checking out your Vancouver Urban Winery soon, Dave. Cuidado.
