At ONE Restaurant in Yorkville, I had a glass of vino with DJ Tanner’s Hubby. Okay, he’s also pretty well known in his own right. Valeri Bure,
former NHL hockey player, and current competitor on the CBC’s Battle of the Blades is also a vintner! Val and his lovely wife, Candace Cameron (everyone’s favorite television big sis) own and run Bure Family Wines in St. Helena, California.

I was lucky enough to clink glasses and sip with him as we talked about his current passions – off the ice. Val may live in California,
but his European sensibility is definitely reflected in his mantra for good living, “Good wine, good food, and family – the most important
things in life”.

Bure Family Wines aren’t available at the LCBO, but will be on the list at some of Toronto’s lovely restaurants, including Joso’s on
Davenport. If you absolutely need to get your hands on a bottle or two of this limited supply – you can buy direct from the vineyard “where
everyone is always happy,” according to Bure.

We also chatted about his current spot on Battle of the Blades, a CBC production where former NHL players team up with professional figure
skaters… all in the name of charity. Val let me know he is always up for a challenge – and always wants to do his best. You’ve seen the
proof in the rink – and you can taste it in the drink (Sorry, couldn’t help that one).

Catch the finale of Battle of the Blades on CBC tonight Monday, November 22 at 8pm.
For more information on Bure Family Wines go to: www.burefamilywines.homestead.com

By Louisa Cohen