From The Vines - A Taste of [Downtown] St. Thomas

​Humans' taste for food, sampling the available produce, goes back to the dawn of time. A combination of survival and curiosity made way for culturally, and geographically unique ways to increase the enjoyment of consuming food and culture shifted from mere survival into ecstasy.

The addition of wine into our diets has had a similarly long and nuanced journey to its current state; advancing from ceremonial uses in Ancient Armenia in 4100BC to miraculous wedding feasts and medical applications to an industry with a projected worldwide value of 429 billion USD by 2023.
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For some, the right glass of wine elevates an occasion. For others, wine is intimidating and feels inaccessible. I have lived in both spaces and had to learn to enjoy wine. Literally - it was a required course as part of my undergrad.

Regardless of where you land on the wine knowledge and enjoyment scale, Downtown St. Thomas has a new gem to discover in Angela Player and her wine bar, From the Vines. The wines available are remarkable, but Angela's passion for connecting people through wine is truly what makes the experience memorable.

Angela began renovations on her space on Curtis Street in the late months of 2019. With opening delayed by the pandemic, she opted to launch small with curbside pick up of charcuterie and wine pairings opening her patio and indoor space as restrictions allowed.

From the Vines offers a selection of stand out wines not available at the LCBO offering a unique opportunity for patrons to try wines they may not have had the chance to before. Once in-house service is permitted to resume, Angela has curated tasting flights to enjoy alongside charcuterie or other light food options. For the time being, guests can pick up their selected bottles curbside with a small food purchase.

The unique selection of available wines will grow and change over time as Angela shares her passion with our community. Her favourites of the moment include Kings-Kessel Sauvignon Blanc, Magician Shiraz/Pinot Noir, and Insensato Garnacha.

If you are curious about wine, already love wine, or don't love it but want to - connect with Angela to create a pairing or personal flight to enjoy at home. She will listen to what you enjoy and help select wines best suited to your needs and wants. The combination of a charcuterie box and a great bottle of wine are the perfect ingredients for a special night in - Special Occasion not required. But there are some delicious possibilities like the Chocolate Sampler Board to make this Valentine's Day one for the books.
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Angela made selecting the Astrale Red to pair with a charcuterie box such an easy choice. By selecting wine through From the Vines, it made me slow down and take in the experience it provided and truly relax over a glass of wine - and a moment to relax is precious these days.

A current wine list and charcuterie menu are available at fromthevines.ca where you can also stay apprised of temporary hours. Follow From the Vines on social media and grow your appreciation for wine as Angela shares her heart for connecting people over a great glass.

From the Vines is located at 168 Curtis St.
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Author

​Written by Sarah from the  Elgin/St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre 
On Instagram @SBECinnovation #TasteofStThoma