Aligra Wine & Spirits Blog

Aalborg Akvavit - Exclusive to Aligra Wine & Spirits

2012-02-21T05:46:10Z

It is time for us to re-order the Aalborg Akvavit Taffel ---- and some more great news...

2 BRAND new products coming in from Denmark!!

Regular Prices:

Aalborg Taffel - $36.99

Gammel Dansk : $36.99

Aalborg Jubileums : $36.99

15% off on all pre-orders received by March 15th

10% on all case purchases once products arrive

Deadline: March 15th

"Tentative" Arrival Date: July 15th

Contact info@aligrawineandspirits.com to place your orders. Take advantage of the pre-order discounts!
We sold out in record time last order. Don't be disappointed.

Vineyards & Villages of Burgundy Walking Tour

2012-02-14T17:53:15Z

Come with me to Burgundy! This 7 day walking holiday of this famous French wine region can be part of your longer vacation in Europe this fall. As a French Wine Scholar and experienced group leader, I look forward to sharing this fascinating, historic and cultural region with you.
With only 8 -10 people in our group, we will base ourselves in Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy for two nights. From here, we do gentle walks into the Vougeot and Nuits Saint Georges estates. Food and wine is the highlight along with learning the history of the monks and the Middle Ages. We will spend four nights in the charming village of Puligny Montrachet. In this area, we will explore on foot the famous Beaune Premier Cru vineyards, discover old stone walls and winemakers cabins, Pommard, Gamay, the Santenay Premier Cru, Chassagne Montrachet and Saint Roman. Opportunities abound to taste some fine reds of the Pinot Noir and Gamay varieties along with the white Burgundy grape- Chardonnay. Meet the vignerons, and interact with the local people, visit the ruins of the castle of the Dukes of Burgundy, sample local country fare. Private wine tastings, including picnic lunches, some dinners and all breakfasts are included. And..... all you carry is a day pack! Luggage is transferred throughout the trip for your convenience.
For the complete itinerary, price and booking information - visit www.aligrawineandspirits.com.
Or contact Maureen at Adventure Travel Center 780 439-0024 ext 401.
With only space for 8-10 people, book early to avoid disappointment. Travel with your own friends or meet new ones, this is sure to be the wine adventure you have been looking for.
For a bio on Alison Phillips click here

Wine & Travel - A Perfect Pairing

2012-01-24T16:15:36Z

Two things in life are sure to get your senses stirring: Sipping a complex, ever evolving wine, and travelling to another country and culture. Both excite your senses, stretch your imagination and feed the soul. On January 31st, we are showcasing Wine Regions of the World with The Adventure Travel Center. Like sipping wine, wine country is meant to be savoured and explored slowly. That's why we are focusing on journeys that include bicycling or walking. These soft adventure holidays are designed for the adventurous, the curious, the fit, and active traveller. No arduous hikes or climbs, just daily walking through old villages, vinelands, history and culture. Food and wine as well as comfortable local accommodations are highlighted.

Join us at The Fantasyland Hotel on January 31st 7 pm. To Register go to www.aligrawineandspirits.com

Quail's Gate Winery Tasting at Aligra unveils The Plume

2011-10-21T02:44:36Z

We had the honour of welcoming Tyler Galts, General Manager of Quail's Gate Winery in the Okanagan Valley of B.C. to our store last night. He led Grant and I and 30 guests through a tasting of 10 wines, including 2010 Riesling, 2010 Gewurztraminer, Quail's Gate Chardonnay and Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay, Quail's Gate Pinot Noir, and Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir, Merlot, Old Vines Foch and a Cabernet Sauvignon and then the surprise of the night - the newest addition to the portfolio "Plume" a Cabernet Sauvignon produced in a joint venture with Napa, California. Read more Quail's Gate launches Plume with Napa Valley
Guests enjoyed an informal, "reception style" tasting at Aligra,with a selection of tasty appetizers to nibble on. Everyone had the opportunity to meet and mingle with each other, as well as ask questions of Tyler and Dwayne Bayda, the representative from Appellation Wines who represents Quail's Gate in Alberta. The evening closed with a final tasting of Fortified Vintage Foch and Riesling Icewine. Congratulations to Monica Velt,of No Germs Canada, the enviable winner of a basket of 6 Quail's Gate Wines valued at over $150.00.

Pick of the Day featured on Facebook

2011-08-11T18:27:14Z

Looking for some inspiration? Check out our "Pick of the Day" on Aligra Wine & Spirits Facebook page. Our enthusiastic staff members are choosing a wine, or a beer, a whisky or a liqueur each day and posting the tasting notes for it. Might get you thinking about trying something new. With so many choices out there, no reason to be stuck in a rut for a beverage! Drop by and pick something up. We're conveniently located at West Edmonton Mall.

A Conversation with Cameron Hughes

2011-07-05T16:30:19Z

“Approachable, balanced, great now, but will continue to age well“ - terms used to describe good wines. Or, in this case, modern, negotiant winemaker Cameron Hughes.

“I love good wine, but I’m basically cheap”, says the relaxed young man sitting across from me. “I was brought up with frugal, mid Western (US) family values where I learned to look for bargains without compromising on quality. I found a way to make it work for wines.”

We had the pleasure of hosting Cameron at a VIP wine tasting at Aligra Wine & Spirits last week. As fans of his wines and his unique concept for bringing great wines to market at good prices, Grant and I were intrigued - Who is the man that has developed a completely modern approach to selling wines?

After completing English and Philosophy degrees at university, Cameron worked with his father in a direct marketing campaign selling wine one summer. He discovered he was very good at selling, and loved wine! He then went on to work for a wine importer in France. The company was blending and exporting wines to the US and eventually Cameron was asked to look after their California market. No thanks! Instead, he and Jessica (who is now his wife and business partner) decided to do their own thing and bought 500 cases of wine on speculation and tried selling them from out of the back of his car. That was in 2001. In short order, he self- admittedly ran the company into the ground. However, the lesson was learned: Investing in a product in advance of sales just doesn’t work. You have to have it sold before you buy it.

He developed his idea further and together with a huge desire to bring good quality wines to market at great prices, his Lot Series was born.

“A bottle of wine doesn’t cost a lot to make. It’s everything else about that wine that makes it expensive”. Experience in the bulk wine market from his days with the French importer, opened up winery doors for him to interface with many growers and wineries where he concentrated on selecting the upper 1% of their quality juice for his bulk wine operation. He incubated his sales distribution with Costco in California and Texas using a “here today and gone tomorrow, retailer within a retailer” philosophy. Average consumers were now able to pick up quality bottles of wine from premium wineries at a fraction of the price. The “virtual” wine company was born. The concept is about value and keeping overhead, distribution and sales costs at a minimum. Cameron boasts that he has the overhead of a 10,000 case a year winery selling in excess of 30,000 cases annually.

He continues to be actively involved in sourcing, blending and selling the wines. His Lot Series contains juice from some of the best vineyards and wineries in the world. You won’t know from which brand name winery the various Lot wines hail from as that’s part of the deal; to protect the integrity of the wine sold under its true brand name. Lot Series wines are often $10.00 - $30.00 (and often a lot more) cheaper than these branded bottles, but contain the same wine!

When selecting wines, Cameron, who admits to having no formal wine education and learned about wines by tasting them, insists that his wines reflect a true expression of their terroir and place. He is open to trying different blending styles, but really wants the wine itself to find its own voice.

He finds current trends in US wine making “disturbing”. To sell more wine, sweet style reds are being developed where sugar is added to make it more palatable for new wine drinkers. “Red wines by their nature are not meant to be sweet.” Certainly sourcing riper fruit and creative blending can produce what may taste sweeter on the palate, but adding sugar is simply not the profile he’s going for. His personal style and taste leans toward many great Spanish varietals and the cool climate wines from Chile.

In terms of the Canadian market, he is really enthusiastic about how well the wine industry is faring here and says that Alberta is his biggest market. He likes the dynamic and innovative ways that Alberta gets the wines in front of consumers through both retail and restaurant distribution. He travels here from his home outside San Francisco two to three times a year.

“There’s a lot of diversity with wine right now. Great opportunities for consumers who are generally a lot more educated about their tastes and choices than even ten years ago.”

When not on the road selling and promoting his wines, Cameron enjoys relaxing and entertaining at his home with his wife and business partner Jessica, or skiing or playing on the beach with their two young daughters and their chocolate labs. I’m told that wine is usually involved.

For a selection of Cameron Hughes Lot Series Wines visit Aligra Wine & Spirits, Entrance 58, West Edmonton Mall.

For tasting notes on the wines tasted on June 30th, visit www.aligrawineandspirits.com Media page

Celebrate with Us on Canada Day!

2011-06-28T17:07:02Z

We're celebrating on July 1st.
It's Canada Day, it's our 4th Anniversary at the store, it's summer, it's Friday of a long weekend!
There will be lots of wonderful wines to taste that have been generously donated by our suppliers - sip something you've never tried and be amazed!
All our B.C. Wines are on sale too! Save 10% on your purchase. We have more that 245 labels to choose from. Who doesn't love a delicious Okanagan wine for savouring and sharing at a Canada Day Barbeque?
And cake! Yes we will have a big anniversary cake too.
Come on down to Entrance 58 West Edmonton Mall - Aligra Wine & Spirits - "Not your average liquor store"

Largest Selection of B.C. Wines in Alberta!

2011-06-10T18:40:50Z

Yes! We've counted them! Over 220 labels of incredible, delicious Canadian wines from beautiful British Columbia!
Albertans love to visit the Okanagan. There's great weather, beautiful golf courses, wonderful wineries and places to dine. Enjoy your experience there, taste some wine and when you come home, pick up your favourites from us. We ship anywhere in Alberta too.
Drop into our store at Entrance 58 West Edmonton Mall for the "Great Canadian Wine Sale" from June 13 - July 3, 2011 and get 10% off all B.C. Wines! Our way of celebrating Canada Day - starting early!

Wanted: Passionate Wine Lover

2011-05-21T16:29:12Z

As in everything in life, it is ever changing. One of our good staff members is moving on and has created an opening at the store. So, we are actively looking for someone to work with us starting June 1st 2011.
If you or anyone you know enjoys wines, has taken some wine courses and wants to work in a friendly and attractive environment interacting with great people (our Customers and each other) we want to hear about them. The position involves customer service, cashier, stocking, and person must be organized with attention to detail. We take pride in our employees and our place of work so we are seeking a mature, well presented person . Shifts include some evenings and weekends (nature of the business) but no shift starts before 11 am or finishes after 10 pm.
Send us a resume or give us a call and we'll set up an interview. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Pro Serve Certificate required but can be easily obtained. We look forward to meeting you!

Like Jazz? Like Whisky?

2011-05-19T21:48:07Z

Join Alison Phillips of Aligra Wine & Spirits on an awesome Whisky tour to Scotland. Departs 14 - 24 September 2011. We will be on the famous whisky island of Islay during their annual Jazz Festival! In addition to private visits to all the major distilleries on the island, there will be all kinds of fun and music happening throughout the weekend to take part in. We will also travel to Oban and Speyside, check out more distilleries, taste amazing whiskies, be hosted and treated to exclusive lunches, and a farewell dinner at the Scottish Malt Whisky Society in Edinburgh. Oh, and lochs and castles aplenty too! This trip also includes boutique inn style accommodations, private coach, driver and guide while in Scotland. Limited to 14 participants so don't delay! Contact AMA and ask for WHISKY COAST OF SCOTLAND TOUR

Toast the Royal Couple with the Royal Champagne!

2011-04-18T19:24:00Z

Just in time for April 29th's Royal Wedding of William and Kate, the limited edition, commemorative label French Non Vintage Champagne "Prince William Champagne" arrives in the store this Thursday 21 April.

The juice itself has been made by two main producers - Alexander Bonnet and Charles Ellner. The Champagne Company is retailing this limited edition commemorative label Champagne produced by the Champagne House Charles Ellner.
It is a soft and elegant style with a biscuity aroma and generous rounded fruit flavours. Aged for over 2 years, the cépage is 50% Pinot Meunier, 20% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay; the wine has been left on it's lees with a late disgorgement giving fuller, more complex flavours and intensity.

Prince William Champagne will become a sought after collector’s item among fans of royal event memorabilia. Only a limited number of cases have been released in Canada and Aligra Wine & Spirits at West Edmonton Mall will sell it starting 21 April while supplies last.

Whether you choose to drink it while watching the wedding with your friends or save it for another special occasion, don't miss out on this special bubbly!

Vote for Aligra Wine & Spirits "Best in Edmonton"

2011-04-07T18:03:00Z

Aligra Wine & Spirits is proud to be nominated in SEE Magazine's "Best in Edmonton" contest in the category of "Best Wine Shop in Edmonton".

You can vote for US by completing the questionnaire at See Magazine's website
http://www.seemagazine.com before the April 28, 2011 deadline. Results will be published on May 12, 2011.

Aligra Wine & Spirits, locally owned and operated, is conveniently located at West Edmonton Mall, Entrance 58 and has been serving local and far away customers alike for four years. Recipient of the 2009 ALSA Liquor Store of the Year Award for Edmonton, we specialize in excellent quality wines at very competitive prices and unusual and hard to find liqueurs and spirits. we are proud of our friendly and professional staff.
In addition, we hold several Wine and Spirits Appreciation Classes throughout the year, tasting events both in-house and with corporate and private customers. Gift baskets and gift certificates are available.
Drop by and say hello, or send us an email and we'll help you with your next bottle of wine or your next celebratory event!

Sign up for our monthly e-zine Sips n Tips to hear about upcoming events, new releases and other fun to know information on your favourite beverages.

Thanks for your continued support! Alison & Grant, Owners

Are you in a Wine Rut?

2011-03-28T18:17:00Z

We all get in one from time to time. We want a glass or two of wine, head to the wine store and stand there staring at the bottles. Sometimes somebody asks if we need help, and usually we are too shy, or intimidated or tired and simply grope around for a familiar label we have tried and liked before.
Take this class! Get out of the rut! Learn about some wonderful, aromatic whites and some unusual, delicious reds that will dance on your tongue, awaken your senses and give you more confidence to choose different wines to enjoy.
Class is 10 May at Aligra Wine & Spirits. Bring a friend, taste about 8 new wines.
To register visit www.aligrawineandspirits.com

Cinco de Mayo Tequila Tasting

2011-03-28T18:12:00Z

Celebrate Mexico's national beverage! Learn how diverse and versatile this often mis-represented liquor can be. We will be trying 12 different tequilas - from blanco to extra anjeos and even flavoured ones. Sip it straight, learn some new cocktails, find out why some tequila is as smooth and delicious as fine French Cognac!
Register online at www.aligrawineandspirits.com

Scottish Whisky Tour - September 2011

2011-03-28T16:53:00Z

Whisky Lovers!

We are heading to Scotland to experience first hand this intriguing and mysterious beverage and we are inviting YOU to come with us! Aligra Wine & Spirits has partnered with AMA Travel to bring you a 10 day trip you will never forget. We will visit Islay, home of some of the world's best distilleries, and bonus! we will be there during the Jazz Festival! We will cruise Loch Ness, explore castles, delve into history, tour Oban distillery, dine in style at Macallan's Easter Elchies House in Speyside, visit the cooperage, stay at historical hotels, and enjoy a final dinner and whisky tasting at Edinburgh's Malt Whisky Society. Dates 14-24 September. Book through your favourite AMA Travel office. Stay longer, add on a holiday to England or Ireland or somewhere else in Europe.
For further information or to book this tour, visit http://www.ama.ab.ca/travel/whisky-coast-of-scotland

Largest Bottle of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne for sale at West Edmonton Mall

2010-12-29T05:10:00Z

ALIGRA WINE & SPIRITS - at West Edmonton Mall is boasting the largest bottle of champagne available for sale in Alberta!
In technical terms the Piper Heidsieck 15 litre bottle is known as a " Nebuchadnezzar." It is the equivelent of 20 standard bottles and it can serve over 100 people. It makes a big impact at a wedding part, New Year's Eve Party or indeed any party! 80cm tall by 23 cm wide, it weighs 36kg.

Piper Heidsieck Champagne is young, lively fruit flavours of grapefruit and apple. A fresh, vivid aroma of hawthorn, pear, citrus, toast and honey. An assertive crispness characterises this vivacious Champagne.

Created in 1785, Piper-Heidsieck is the 3rd largest international champagne brand, rewarded with counless medals. With its promise of excellence, Piper-Heidsieck's Cuvee Brut was awarded the trophy for the best non-vintage brut champagne by the highly respected "International Wine Challenge" in London.

Got a special occasion coming up? Impress your friends with this bottle of bubbly!

Also available - 12 litre, 3 litre, and 750 ml sizes.

Piper Heidsieck Millenium Rare available in limited quantities.

For further information please contact ALIGRA WINE & SPIRITS - www.aligrawineandspirits.com
or call 780 483-1083 for details.

Aligra West Edmonton Mall Christmas Poem

2010-11-23T20:07:00Z

T’was the month before Christmas

And all through The Mall

The shoppers were converging

It was wall to wall.

What to buy him

And what about her?

The pressure was mounting

It was becoming a blur.

Then suddenly I remembered

It was Wednesday! Alas!

I’ll stop in at Aligra

And un-wine-d with a glass!

For every Wednesday in December

Between 4 and 9

Aligra Wine & Spirits

Offer a chance to un-wine-d.

Relieve your shopping stress

If only for a spell

Drop in for a wine tasting

And a quiet browse as well.

Aligra Wine & Spirits

Is a different liquor store

At Entrance 58

We carry beer, wine and more.

While you sip on your wine

And wander around

The glassware, aerators, gift baskets

Are sure to astound.

So this Christmas Season

Make it West Edmonton Mall

Wednesdays Un-wine-d at Aligra

And Merry Christmas to All!

Free wine tasting every Wednesday evening between 4 – 9 pm during December 2010

December 1, 8, 15, 22,.

Must be 18 years old. Valid ID required.

Unwine-d Wednesdays in December at Aligra

2010-11-23T19:10:00Z

Take the pain out of Christmas Shopping at the Mall this year!
Join us at Aligra Wine & Spirits on Wednesdays between 4 - 9 pm to meet our wine and spirits reps,taste a special holiday inspired beverage and relax!

Browse in our warm, inviting atmosphere while enjoying Christmas music. All beverages poured on our Unwine-d Wednesdays are 10% off that day! Stock up on Best Wines Under $25.00 for your Christmas holiday parties, or indulge in a special liqueur , whisky, port or a unique accessory for the wine lovers in your family.
We look forward to welcoming you in our store this season!

Wine & Scotch Tastings Make Great Gifts!

2010-11-01T22:36:00Z

If you are stumped for a gift idea for a special friend on your list this season, why not consider the gift of education?
Learning something new is fun and rewarding. Aligra Wine & Spirits is offering three different classes at our store in the New Year.
Choose one that suits you or your friend (or come together and learn!) and register. You're done!

Our two wine classes this past fall sold out early! So register early and surprise your friend with a wonderfully different gift this year!
To check out the three classes go to our website www.aligrawineandspirits.com or call Aligra Wine & Spirits 780 483-1083.

Shop Local, Buy Local - More B.C. Wines than any store in Edmonton!

2010-11-01T21:14:00Z

We 've counted them! As of today, November 1, 2011, Aligra Wine & Spirits has 185 different B.C. Wines from over 80 wineries!!
Come in and check them out! From cheeky labels from Dirty Laundry Winery like "Hush Hush Blush" and "Bordelo Red" to Winery of the Year - Sandhill's Small Lot series, Iconic wines such as Oculus, and Osoyoos La Rose - they are here!

As former British Columbians ourselves, we are proud to showcase this wonderful lineup of terrific Canadian wines. So many are award winners, have great stories behind them and most importantly, taste great!

Let us show you our favourites, recommend some for seasonal gift giving for friends or colleagues. We can custom gift wrap in our exclusive Aligra wine tubes and boxes.
Shop Local and come and visit us at West Edmonton Mall soon. Entrance 58 off 178th Street just inside the mall!