Pair Up, Wine-d Down

Do you appreciate the finer things in life? Do you scorn your peers who can’t tell a chenin blanc from a pinot grigio and don’t realize how very wrong it can be to pair a sultry malbec with tuna carpaccio?

Even if you don’t really care that much, but you enjoy a good glass of wine, Ottawa has something you’ll be thrilled to discover: DiVino Wine. Tucked unobtrusively into a stretch of Preston Street in Little Italy, this little gem offers everything any wine and food aficionado could desire—wine seminars and tastings, whisky and scotch tastings (even olive oil seminars), and more.

DiVino’s is also a restaurant serving regional Italian dishes offered in half and full portions for those who want to build their own tasting or pairing menus. This is not your mama’s spaghetti bolognese—think seasonal menu with choices like homemade gnocchi with gorgonzola and radicchio, fettuccine with truffle oil and wild meat ragu, or elk tenderloin dusted with chestnut flour and served with a juniper wine sauce.

DiVino’s also offers authentic regional Italian cooking classes. Course themes change regularly—sign up now for an Italian Comfort Food cooking class. Planning a trip? You can take Italian language courses here, or join a wine and culinary tour of Italy organized by DiVino’s. If you’re looking for somewhere to host a private party with wine pairings, small plates and a sommelier to explain them, DiVino’s has that covered too, and we can tell you first-hand that it’s a fabulous experience.

Cin cin! Tested by Patti R., Ottawa