“There is nothing sexier than a man drinking rosé.” – Sophia Luckett
We’re greeted on board the Tall Ship Silva with a glass of Rosetta, a crisp rosé made with Marachel Joffre and Traminette by Luckett Vineyards.
We’re on the inaugural “Wine Wednesday” cruise, a collaboration between Murphy’s and Luckett Vineyards. In Pete’s words, “We wanted to bring the Valley to a boat. We wanted to create some memories.”
It’s a hot, sunny, dreamy evening, the ideal July weather. We’re thrilled to be out on the water. The ship launches out into the harbour just as the second wine sample and first food pairing is being announced.
“This is the hero grape of Nova Scotia,” Sophia Luckett proclaims, introducing the L’Acadie.
Sophia is the fourth child of Pete Luckett, a true protégé. Her excitement and knowledge about local wines is infectious, and she has a flare for descriptions. Throughout the night she describes the wines with colour – “a karate kick of acidity”, “a red full of juicy bobbies”.
The only thing more mouthwatering than her descriptions is the food, prepared by Rob MacIsaac. He whips up Atlantic smoked salmon canapes, Digby scallops glazed in citrus and maple, grilled chicken and beef tenderloin skewers, and the finale, succulent lobster tail served with mango corn salsa. The lobster is paired with Ortega, or, as Sophia describes it, the sexiest grape in Nova Scotia.
In addition to the hot dishes, there’s a mountain of treats at the centre of the ship – Dragon’s Breath blue, Pete’s Spanish olives, spiced cashews, fresh strawberries and grapes and blackberries and lots and lots of cheese.
It is an impressive food and wine event. On top of all the amazing food and wine, it’s the experience of getting a look at our city from the water that make it truly memorable. The boat ride itself is our favourite part.
We play I spy with the forts and buildings along the harbour and muse about what it would have looked like coming into the harbour 100 years ago to the tunes of Sonny’s Dream. It’s impressive to see the Macdonald bridge coming back into the harbour, get a closer look at the fortifications on Georges Island, and see the cranes silhouetted with the sun setting over Citadel Hill.
Tonight’s kick off is a test run. Wines on the Water will be a weekly event every Wednesday in July and August from 7:00-9:00 (boards at 6:45). Tickets are $85, which includes your cruise, food, wine pairings and music, and, as Pete intended, lots of great memories.
Location:
Tall Ship Silva
1869 Upper Water St.
Halifax, NS
Season: July and August
Price: $85.00 +tax
Tickets: https://store.mtcw.ca/p/217
We attended this event free of charge alongside invited guests, bloggers, and members of the media.