By Julie Reitsma

It’s that time of year again, chouettes. The invitations are piling up, the dress shopping is in full swing, and we find ourselves with the task of planning the perfect send-off into what we can only assume is the euphoric state of marriage. Now, who doesn’t love a penis cup? Buck a suck? Don’t we all sort of swoon on the inside when we see those loud ladies, drunk on tequila and love, stumbling around Queen Street wearing mini-veils? Let’s be a bit more civilized, shall we? Enter Erin Rosar, a pink hatbox, and Wine in the Kitchen.

A renowned sommelier and teacher, Erin Rosar is not what you’d expect—far from using her powers for snobbery, we’d venture to say she’s totally adorable, and simply wants to make the grapey stuff fun and accessible. Wine in the Kitchen—The Basics of Wine is the first in a series of episodes that transforms what could be an intimidating or stuffy experience into a kitchen party. You’ll end the night with some newfound fancy facts, and with exposure to six types of wine, we’re thinking a bit of a buzz.

What: The pink hatbox that is the first episode of Wine in the Kitchen contains everything but the wine. A host letter and guide helps you plan your soirée, and some extra info, including an enlightening section on the merits of spitting versus swallowing, will help keep the night running smooth as silk. Shopping lists for food and wine, cloth bags and number buttons (more on that later), an aroma and colour poster, tasting sheets and pencils, and a short DVD (actually like having Erin there!) are all tissue-wrapped and nestled within the kit.

How: Erin wants us to be open to new wines (apparently most people will only ever drink a couple types in their lifetime—for shame!), so blind tasting is the way to roll. With your sealed shopping list, six wine bags (don’t forget the number buttons), and budget in mind, head down to the LCBO and, after thanking Dionysus there’s no picket line, ask them to make the selections. Grab your food pairings (buttered popcorn, indeed), invite over the girls, pop in the DVD and you’re off like a bridesmaid’s dress.

Where: Wine in the Kitchen—The Basics of Wine ($55.00) is available online from Wine Girls (Erin’s saucy alter-ego) and a variety of lovely stores in Toronto, including our current retail crush
Ziggy’s at Home