Get out and about, have a sip at local beer, wine events

Beer and wine fans in Winnipeg can enjoy the dog days of summer and the first days of fall with a bumper crop of events coming in the next month that are sure to please most palates.

On Monday, the Manitoba chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) presents the Rosé the Night Away event on the rooftop of the Metropolitan Entertainment Centre (281 Donald St.) from 7-9 p.m.

A range of pink wines will be available to taste alongside small bites. Tickets are $42 for CAPS members and $55 for non-members and are available at wfp.to/iRV.

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On Saturday, Aug. 22, the Winnipeg Beer Festival returns, with more than 20 producers pouring samples, including core pours and small-batch brews at Le Patio 340 (340 Provencher Blvd.).

Among the producers pouring their wares at the ninth iteration of the fest will be Good Neighbour Brewing Co., Brat Cat Mead, Heritage Farms Brewing Co., Brazen Brewing Co., Patent 5 Distillery, Dead Horse Cider Co. and Nonsuch Brewing Co.

The event features two time slots for tasting — 5-7 p.m. or 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets for each of the slots are $50 plus taxes and are available at wfp.to/iRL.

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Low Life Barrel House (398 Daly St. N.) is once again teaming up with Ellement Wine + Spirits to present the 11th natural wine party on Tuesday, Aug. 25 from 5 p.m. to close.

A dozen natural (read: minimal intervention) wines will be available by the glass, with a number of wine available by the bottle as well.

Joining the party will be Matt Sherlock of B.C. wineries Lock & Worth and Nichol Vineyard, as well as guest chefs Mischa Decter and Jesse Angers of the coming-soon PJ’s Pizzeria (to be located on Academy Road).

There’s no cost to attend (other than springing for the wines and pizza).

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On Thursday, Aug. 27, Barn Hammer Brewing Co. (595 Wall St.) is offering a chance to taste its very-small-batch selection of spirits made on-site.

The Rare Spirits Tasting Experience kicks off at 6:30 p.m., when guests will be given a tour of the modest production facility, a tasting of three spirits — the Plume Smoke Spirit, the Echo Gin and the Grandpa’s Sweater Whisky — with a light snack, and the chance to be the first to purchase the Plume Smoke Spirit before bottles go on sale to the public.

Tickets are $75, and the event is limited to 20 people. Secure your spot at wfp.to/iRO.

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If a daytime party featuring pink wines, small bites and DJ sets is more your vibe, the Rosé Disco party, landing at Red River Exhibition Park (3977 Portage Ave.) on Sunday, Aug. 30, starting at 2 p.m., might be up your alley.

A range of wines will be poured throughout the pink-and-white pop-up venue, with a cocktail garden, zero-proof options, small bites from local chefs, as well as music from Felix Cartal and others. The Pourium is quarterbacking things on the wine side.

Tickets for the cashless event start at $35 plus fees, with an available VIP upgrade that includes a private entrance, front-of-stage seats, and a VIP-only bar and washroom. For more information and tickets, see wfp.to/iR8.

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Brew at the Zoo returns to the Assiniboine Park Zoo (obviously) on Friday, Sept. 11, from 7 to 10 p.m. (or 6 to 10 p.m. if you purchase a VIP ticket).

In addition to a range of local breweries, there will be plenty of national and international brews on offer, as well as cider, ready-to-drink cocktails, sangria, non-alcoholic options and more.

Beyond the sampling, there will be live music, games, a beer garden, a sensory table and awards for best beer, non-alcoholic drink and more as voted on by the public. Tickets are $65 plus fees for general admission; in addition to the upgraded VIP option ($85 plus fees), there’s a lower-priced designated driver ticket ($30 plus fees). All admission levels get a souvenir cup. For a complete list of participating producers and to buy tickets, see wfp.to/brewatthezoo.

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Looking further into September, the Winnipeg Wine Festival returns once again to the RBC Convention Centre (375 York Ave.) on Sept. 25 and 26, with this year’s fest celebrating all things Cabernet Sauvignon.

If Cab Sauv isn’t your thing, rest assured there will be plenty of rosés, sparkling wines and more on offer on both the Friday (7-10 p.m.) and Saturday (1-4 p.m. or 7-10 p.m.).

Tickets start at $74.95 plus fees and are available online at wfp.to/wwf2026 — or pick them up at Liquor Marts and save on some of those pesky fees. A VIP option is also available for the Friday and Saturday evening tastings, which gets you in the door an hour early. Proceeds from the Winnipeg Wine Festival benefit Special Olympics Manitoba.

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Wines of the week

Cantina Settecani NV Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro

(Emilia-Romagna, Italy — $23, Element Wine + Spirits)

Deep crimson in appearance, this organic sparkling Italian red brings black cherry, herbal and plum notes aromatically. It’s bone dry and medium-bodied, with soft, modest effervescence, red juicy plum and black cherry flavours, hints of red licorice and salinity, light tannins and, at 10.5 per cent alcohol, a relatively short finish.

A crunchy, fun and fizzy red — drink well chilled. 4/5

Cono Sur 2025 Organic Chardonnay

(Central Valley, Chile — $17.99, Liquor Marts and beyond)

This organic and biodynamic Chardonnay is pale straw in appearance, with lively red apple, pear, pineapple and peach aromas.

It’s light-bodied and dry, and is brimming with a fruit salad of peach, pear, red apple and pineapple, white a splash of lemon coming with moderate acidity before the short finish (it’s 12.5 per cent alcohol).

A fresh, well-priced example of unoaked Chardonnay. 3.5/5

Greasy Fingers 2025 Big Bold Cabernet Sauvignon

(South Australia — $16.99, Liquor Marts and beyond)

Inky cherry in appearance, this youthful Aussie Cabernet Sauvignon offers blackberry jam, cedar, baking spice, vanilla and plum notes on the nose.

It’s full-bodied with plush, almost sweet and jammy black fruit flavours coming with cassis, red licorice, herbal and vanilla flavours. Tannins and acidity are light, while the 13.5 per cent alcohol brings some warmth.

On sale until the end of August (regular $18.99); if you miss California Cabernet Sauvignon, this may be the wine for you. 3/5

 

ben.sigurdson@winnipegfreepress.com