VINTAGES invites you to embrace Argentina and celebrate Malbec World Day

March 18, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – On Tuesday, April 16^th, VINTAGES, LCBO’s fine wine and premium spirits unit, is hosting a one-day celebration of a global superstar – the Malbec grape.

Wine lovers are invited to explore this signature grape that put Argentina on the world wine map as well as enjoy some new, up-and-coming varietals.

Sales of Argentinian wines in VINTAGES are $17 million annually and account for four per cent of VINTAGES sales. As the sixth-largest producer, Argentinia meets the consumer demand for premium-priced wines.

During the event, attendees will be able to discover the nuances of Malbec and other varietals from Argentina, sample authentic Argentinian cuisine and immerse themselves in the art of tango dancing.

When:  

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

6:30-9pm

Where:

Roy Thomson Hall

60 Simcoe St., Toronto

Cost: $65 per person

For further information, please visit vintages.com/malbecday

To order your tickets, please call 416-365-5767 or 1-800-266-4764 Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 6 pm and Saturday 9 am to 6 pm,
except holidays.

 -30-

For media inquiries please contact:

Lauren Wolff, Wolff Public Relations

lauren@wolffpublicrelations.com

o) 416.901.0393

Taking centre stage in the fashion world, ShenkinWest is the first to bring it all to Canada

March 7, 2013 (Toronto, ON) — ShenkinWest, a Toronto boutique that carries strictly Israeli designers is opening at 1726 Avenue Road, just north of Lawrence, on March 18th.  Shenkin Street, the foremost shopping area in Tel-Aviv, has become synonymous with out-of-the-box designers and unique yet highly-wearable clothing.  ShenkinWest brings that cutting edge Tel-Aviv flare westward, to midtown Toronto.

Ellie Stern, Abby Feferman, Susan Hennick and Jesse Markowitz are the foursome force behind ShenkinWest – the only Canadian distributor of some of Israel’s most lauded designers. With buying, retail and styling experience behind each of them, ShenkinWest caters to both the avant garde and the classic woman.

“I started ShenkinWest with a friend of mine because it was clear we were so passionate about Israel and fashion equally.  We came up with the concept of ShenkinWest as a means to shed light on Israeli fashion – something that is just starting to gain traction from major fashion media and the fashion-savvy,” says Ellie Stern, co-founder and owner of ShenkinWest.  “We started a few years ago in my basement and then we progressed to a pop-up shop on Avenue Road.  With such a positive response, we’ve taken the step to open a more permanent boutique in the same area but just a few doors north.”

Israeli designers have been known to dress notables like Jacqueline Kennedy (Onassis) and Elizabeth Taylor, but recently some of ShenkinWest’s brands such as Ronen Chen, Kedem Sasson and Maya Negri, have been appealing to the likes of Claire Danes and Whoopi Goldberg.  “This speaks volumes about how versatile our brands are,” reinforces Stern.

Kedem Sasson is known for impeccable draping, flowy, easy-to-wear, regal silhouettes, perfect for women of all shapes and sizes.

Maya Negri’s minimalistic designs are seen as a ‘second skin,” geared towards the busy working woman who does not want to compromise style for comfort and fit.

Ronen Chen’s designs epitomize ready-to-wear with a twist.  Always figure flattering, Chen’s pieces are not only statement makers, but staples as well.

Noritamy’s architectural and minimalist jewellery provides that pop of colour women look for to enhance their basics.  The line has been featured in fashion glossies and recently in an art collaboration during Paris Fashion Week.

While the boutique may be in Toronto, ShenkinWest takes orders North America-wide.  “We used to have an online shop but because of popularity, it was taking too much stock out of the store,” says Stern.  “That said, we want to keep our national customers happy, so current looks will go on our site and clients can call for a one-on-one consultation with any of us.  We will ship orders upon request.  We feel it puts a personal touch into online shopping.”

In celebration of ShenkinWest’s grand opening at this new location on March 18^th, a portion of proceeds of all sales that night will go to Jewish Family & Child (JF&CS) to support the healthy development of individuals, children and families in the Toronto community.

Store Hours will be: Monday to Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday 10am-5pm and Sunday 11am-5pm.  ShenkinWest is closed on Saturdays.

About ShenkinWest

ShenkinWest brings Tel-Aviv aesthetic westward.  Co-founded by Ellie Stern and operated by Abby Feferman, Susan Hennick and Jesse Markowitz, ShenkinWest carries an array of Israeli womenswear designers from the likes of long-time favourite Kedem Sasson to up-and-comers like jewelry designer Michal Ben-Ami. ShenkinWest prides itself on personalized one-on-one shopping services, and working with clients to build outfits with pieces that are versatile and unique.  Please feel free to contact ShenkinWest by:

Phone: 416-932-9775

Fax: 416-932-1446

E-mail: ellie@shenkinwest.com

Website: www.shenkinwest.com

Facebook: ShenkinWest

Twitter: @ShenkinWest

Instagram: shenkinwest

-30-

For media inquiries please contact:

Lauren Wolff

Wolff Public Relations

lauren@wolffpublicrelations.com

O) 416-901-0393

“Our holiday focus this year is on simple and easy entertaining and gifting solutions,” explains Bob Downey, LCBO Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing. “With so many festivities and gift exchanges, LCBO can be a one-stop shop for all these occasions. With such a broad selection of new and returning favourites, our hosting and gift options are almost endless.”

LCBO’s complete holiday assortment can be found using the interactive gift finder at www.lcboholiday.com.  Recipes for holiday cocktails, alcohol-free Mocktails and helpful entertaining tips are also available on this microsite. To help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, here are some of the top holiday picks from LCBO and VINTAGES:

GIFTS FOR WINE  LOVERS

• NHL Alumni Wines Hat Trick Holiday Gift Pack with Toque – 2x 750ml – $29.95
• Chocolate Shop, the chocolate lover’s wine – 750ml -  $15.95
• Bottega Gold Sparkling Vino Dei Poeti – 750ml – $22.95
• Veuve Clicquot Ice Jacket – 750ml – $67.85

Sparkling wines remain a tried and true holiday classic.  In 2011, LCBO sales of Champagnes and sparkling wines increased to $23.2 million in December. The holiday period accounts for 22 per cent of annual LCBO Champagne and sparkling wine sales.

FOR THOSE WITH SPIRIT

• Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum gift pack with toque and mitts – 750ml – $32.95

• ABSOLUT® UNIQUE limited edition bottles – nearly four million produced, no two bottles alike – 750ml – $26.45
• 66 Gilead Pine Flavoured Vodka from Prince Edward County – 750ml – $38.95

Vodka is hugely versatile and represents the largest sales category of LCBO spirits. Consumers continue to seek out premium vodkas as well as those with unique flavours.  Spiced rum is also expected to be a holiday favourite with sales up 27 per cent leading into December.

GETTING CRAFTY WITH BEER

• Les Trois Mousquetaires Grand Cuvée Weizenbock 2012 – 750ml – $9.95
• Unibroue La Terrible – 750ml -$10.95
• Ontario Craft Breweries Holiday 2012 Discovery Pack – 6 pack – $11.95

LCBO’s seasonal craft beer program has grown more than 360 per cent in the last five years. “We continue to work with local and international craft breweries to bring a unique selection of beers year-round, including those truly sought-after items that are popular over the holidays,” says Downey.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT VINTAGES

• Bordeaux Discovery Chest  – six bottles from Bordeaux in a wooden chest – 6 x 750ml – $129.95
• Henry of Pelham Riesling Icewine Trio – 3x 200ml – $99.95
• Flat Rock Cellars Riddled Sparkling Wine – 750ml – $24.95

The VINTAGES gift finder at www.vintages.com/gifts is a mobile-friendly site providing gifting solutions for the hard-to-buy-for people on your list or the wine collector.

LCBO gift cards also make great holiday presents. With new seasonal designs, these cards are now available at LCBO stores and more than 3,000 other retail locations, including Shoppers Drug Mart, Shell, Walmart and Metro.  In December 2011, LCBO gift card sales rose more than 16 per cent to $23 million. Nearly 65 per cent of all LCBO gift card sales occur during the holiday season. For more information, visit www.lcbo.com/giftcards .

LCBO holiday sales in 2011 totalled $620 million, representing 14 per cent of last year’s total business. Last December, the average LCBO customer spent $47 compared to $38 at other times in the year. December 22 and 23 were the busiest selling days for LCBO last year, with sales of $41 million and $53 million respectively. This year, LCBO expects December 21 and 22 to be the busiest shopping days.

To promote safe and memorable holiday celebrations, “Deflate the Elephant”, LCBO’s social responsibility education campaign, will once again hit the web, airwaves, street and LCBO stores encouraging people to plan ahead, drink responsibly and to never consume alcohol when driving. Visit www.deflatetheelephant.com,

a one-stop source for responsible hosting tips, tools and alcohol-free Mocktail recipes.

For more information on the Holiday Wrapped Up promotion, customers can call the toll-free, bilingual helloLCBO Contact Centre at 1-800-ONT-LCBO (668-5226) or online at www.hellolcbo.com. In Toronto, call 416 365-5900. They will be open for extended holiday hours on Sundays during November and December. The TTY number for people who are deaf or hard of hearing is 416 864-6898 or 1-800-361-3291. Customers can also access the LCBO website at www.lcbo.com and VINTAGES information at www.vintages.com.

Consumers are reminded to bring a reusable bag when shopping at the LCBO and to return empty beverage alcohol containers (large and small glass bottles, PET plastic, Tetra Pak cartons, bag-in-box and cans) to The Beer Store for a full deposit refund.

-30-

MEDIA CONTACT:

Lauren Wolff, Wolff Public Relations                       

Tel. 416.901.0393 Cell: 416.451.2061

Email: lauren@wolffpublicrelations.com

“The annual tasting event has grown exponentially over the past 17 years, as it is the best opportunity to showcase the best of Italy’s wines complimented by other Italian imports, including cheeses and charcuterie,” explains Pasquale Bova, Italian Trade Commissioner to Canada.  “Demand for all things Italian continues to grow across our major cities and an event like this clearly demonstrates Italian leadership in winemaking”

In fact, Italian wines hold 18 per cent of the market share and 219 million dollars in sales, making them the leading imported wines in Ontario.

Open to the hospitality industry, sommeliers, restaurateurs, importers and media, the event is open to media and VIPs at 11am for tasting the best of Italian wines.

Who: Under the auspices of the consulate general of Italy Toronto, the Italian Trade Commission

What: Wine tastings from Italian wine producers including:, Castello Banfi, Planeta, Tenuta Luce Della Vite, Ornellaia, Marchesi De’ Frescobaldi, Masi, Zonin, Velenosi, Marchesi Di Barolo, Benedetti, Domini Castellare Di Castellina, Tenute Silvio Nardi, Ruffino, Michele Satta, Gerardo Cesari, Spadafora Dei Principi Di Spadafora, San Felice, Tenute Ambrogio e Giovanni Folonari, Gianni Gagliardo, Val D’Oca, Amastuola, Torre Fornello, Malvira’, Canonica A Cerreto, Zeni, Castorani, San Fabiano Calcinaia, Badia A Coltibuono, Nonino, Bisol Desiderio & Figli, Manfredi, Cusumano, Cantina Colli Del Soligo, Clavesana, Cantina Di Suro-Museum, Farina, Campari Wines, Torrevento, Tenuta Sant’Antonio, Tedeschi, Rocca Delle Macìe, Cavit, Foss Marai, Notedincanto, Panizzi, Castello Di Meleto, Meroi, Chiorri, Valentina Cubi, Gomba Boschetti, Rinaldi Vini, Monsecco, Ribusieri, Marramiero, Gruppo Italiano Vini, Tenuta Rocca, Farnese Vini, Aurelio Settimo, Feudi Di San Marzano, Bersano, Fantinel, Genagricola, Triacca, Premium Wine Selection, Castello Di Gabiano, Monte Del Fra’, Casetta Flli, Ca’ Dei Mandorli, Giribaldi, Cantine Miali, Diadema Wine, Tenuta I Fauri, Bera, Caldora, Stocco, Wineoclock, and Santi Dimitri.

When: November 5, 2012

11am-5:30pm

Where: Roy Thompson Hall

60 Simcoe Street, Toronto

“This annual wine tasting is recognized as a leading event of its kind. It encompasses many Italian wine regions and a wide range of wine denominations,” says Bova.  “This speaks volumes to the dedication and passion of Italian winemakers and the Italian trade in Canada.”

About the Italian Trade Commission

ICE- Italian Trade Commission is the government agency that promotes the internationalisation of Italian companies. ICE provides information, support and advice to Italian and foreign companies. In addition to its Rome headquarters, ICE operates worldwide from a large network of Trade Promotion Offices linked to Italian embassies and consulates and working closely with local authorities and businesses.

-30-

For media inquiries please contact:

Lauren Wolff, Wolff Public Relations

lauren@wolffpublicrelations.com

o) 416.901.0393

m) 416.451.2061