On Monday evening, Chesna Haber, Brand Manager for International Wines at J Wray & Nephew Limited hosted the first in a series of “Ladies of the Vine” wine tasting and pairing sessions at the chic @twentythree bar, with some of the rock’s most loyal wine aficionados. The evening included the pairing of 12 wine varietals from the J Wray & Nephew Winning Wines collection ranging from light to full bodied, accompanied by the decadent cuisine prepared by caterer Jacqui Tyson. Guided by Observer’s Thursday Life wine contributor Chris Reckord, the ladies engaged in lively discussions about their wine experiences, from their first glass to their most memorable wine pairing. Here’s ayou a peek into the Winning Wines of J Wray & Nephew Limited.

Melanie Schwapp

I am what you would probably call an ‘untrained’ wine lover. I LOVE wine, and that’s where it begins, so I might not use all the right terms, but I’ll speak from my heart:)

If I were a bottle of wine… I would be very decadent – a velvety feel on the tongue and full-bodied flavour, but a non-harsh aftertaste.

My first glass of wine was …in college from one of those 1L wholesale bottles, so it definitely was not a drink designed for any sort of tasting experience. However, I found that beyond the college aspect of seeking a drink with some sort of alcoholic content, I really enjoyed the flavour and experience of wine. My love affair thus began, and thankfully has moved on from extra-large wholesale bottles.

My first wine pairing meal was at… the Victoria and Albert’s restaurant in Orlando. Up till then, I had never been gung-ho about Champagne or white wines, but within the wine pairing menu at this restaurant, as complimentary wines were poured with each course, I was blown away not only by the way in which the foods were enhanced by the wines, but how wines I may have disliked upon tasting took on an amazing new flavour when paired with food.

A winning wine experience for me would definitely have to …include my husband. We both have similar tastes in wine and food, and for me, enjoying a bottle of a thick, full bodied wine with a complementing meal and hilarious conversation would be (and many times, IS) an absolutely winning experience for me.

Lyndsey McDonnough

If you were a bottle of wine, what would be your tasting notes?

Bold and earthy with flavours that accentuate depending on the setting.

Share with us the experience of the first glass of wine.

The first glass of wine always gives me that ‘ah ha’ moment and puts me in the mood to just lay back, chill and of course appreciate and enjoy my current setting.

Share with us the first time you paired wine with a meal or your favorite wine pairing.

I had always heard that food and wine make a perfect pair but it wasn’t until I attended a wine seminar that I truly understood and was wowed by this fact. I remember being poured a glass of Moscato and being less than excited to try it telling the host that sweet wine is just not for me. She told me to taste it and swirl it around my mouth, and my thoughts were confirmed – this wine is definitely not for me! . I was then asked to take a piece of blue cheese and then sip back on that same glass, it was amazing how much easier this was for my palate this time around. This moment proved to me that there is a wine for every occasion and has encouraged me to be more aware of my choices when ordering wine when dining out.

What do you consider to be a winning wine experience?

As cliche as it sounds, every experience that I have had with wine has always been winning. Wine has this way of brining people together in fun and friendship, evoking great conversations which in turn leave lasting impressions. My winning wine experience is simple, just surround me with interesting people, a glass and the possibilities are endless and of course winning.

Rachael Marley

If I were a bottle of wine my tasting notes would include… a great after taste and smoothness.

My first food and wine pairing experience was …with a glass of pinot grigio with a fish dish, which complimented the meal so well, it brought the flavors out so much more.

My favourite food and wine pairing experience would be.. with a great Steak and and a glass of Merlot

My winning wine experience would be… enjoying various meals with different wine options, great friends, good company, right music and venue.

Natalie Outar

If you were a bottle of wine, what would be your ‘tasting notes’?

Full bodied, rich and complex with a spicy finish.

Share with us the experience of that first glass of wine.

My first memorable experience with wine happened years ago while I was on a first date with a man who was a true gentleman. He ordered a bottle of Chardonnay which due to his strong accent made it sound prestigious. Looking back it could have been a $200 bottle or easily a $10 – but I was young and new to wines and the way in which he pronounced the name impressed and intrigued me. When the glass arrived it did not disappoint. I learned then that the best experience of wine has a lot to do with the company you’re in.

My favorite wine pairing is … the never fail combination of red meat and red wine. My favourite dish to prepare is a slow prime-rib roast with a peppery horse-radish crust. I usually serve with roasted potatoes, mixed green salad and highlight with a balanced Cabernet Sauvignon.

What would you consider to be a “winning” wine experience?

About six years ago I was introduced to South African reds and lately my go-to red wine is a Pinotage. Despite it not being widely popular among wine drinkers, I’ve taken a liking to it. I would love to explore the Cape Vineyards of South Africa. That would check two things off my bucket list! exploring Africa and a tour of a wine vineyard.

Khadene “Miss Kitty” Hylton

If you were a bottle of wine, what would be your ‘tasting notes’?

A bold red with a tart and tingly finish.

Share with us the experience of that first glass of wine.

It starts with the first deep whiff of it in your glass with a leisurely sip that allows you to savour and appreciate what is to come.

My favorite wine pairing is … a Pinot Grigio with Salmon in some heavy cheese/cream sauce

What would you consider to be a “winning” wine experience?

Being stranded at a wine and cheese festival .

Rochelle Cameron

If you were a bottle of wine, what would be your ‘tasting notes’?

Velvety

Share with us the experience of that first glass of wine

I wish I could remember… I do recall, however, a memorable wine

experience in Montmarte, Paris at a small family pizzeria. They were so

excited to meet Jamaicans that food and wine were on the house, the

special wine cellar was opened and the owner kept shouting ” Yeah mon plus vin pour les Jamaïcains”.

And the first time you paired wine with a meal…? or your favourite wine pairing.

Champagne and a glass.

What would you consider to be a “winning” wine experience?

Le Diner en Blanc, March 7th will be a “winning” wine experience which will bring together friends to enjoy great food and celebrate Kingston city.

WIN ! WIN!

Answer this simple question:

Name two… (See today’s printed version of Thursday Life – Page 9 for this week’s question)

The first 6 Thursday Life readers to send the correct answer by email to marketingpromotion@jamaicaobserver.com by 12:00 noon today, Thursday, June 27, 2015, will win either a gift package with a bottle Barefoot Merlot, a bottle of VOGA, a bottle of Cinzano Prosecco, two wine glasses and an opener; or a gift package with a bottle Barefoot Red Moscato, a bottle of VOGA, a bottle of Cinzano Gran Sec, two wine glasses, and an opener. Each application MUST include your name, occupation and telephone number.