The Lord of the Wines

Maybe, like me, you've come to associate New Zealand with The Lord of The Rings/The Hobbit Trilogy movies. After all, the rolling green hills, lush forests, mysterious caves and even active volcanoes make the idyllic setting for "Middle Earth."

At the Oyster Bay Launch at the Trinidad Hilton, hosted by Massy Distribution, I discovered though, that New Zealand also plays home to some of the world's most distinguished wines. In fact, many wine connoisseurs attribute this to New Zealand's unique terrain and climate.

At the event last night, guests were treated to a wine tasting and education facilitated by my friend Francis Ragbir ( one of T&T's very own wine experts and also an all round jolly fellow!). 
 

Francis telling us all about the proper way to do a wine tasting

I was surprised to find out that Oyster Bay is the #1 premium New Zealand wine brand in the USA and is ranked #7 in terms of premium wine brands imported into the US. The last two years in a row, has also seen Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc being listed as a Top 200 wine brand in Wine and Spirits Magazine.

Even the Wall Street Journal has poured ( pun intended!) accolades onto Oyster Bay, citing that "Every seafood restaurant should have a Sauvignon Blanc from Oyster Bay." Across the pond, it's also the most consumed merlot in the UK. Interesting facts, indeed.

We were asked to sample four wines in turn and each came with a food pairing. 

Four tastings of wine each, makes for very happy bloggers!

 Here's my take on them (I'm no wine expert but I can tell you what I liked!):

Salmon cake, brie cheese in filo, tuna taster in cucumber and beef brisket (on the spoon)

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc - My favourite of the four! This was a medium-bodied, aromatic, spicy wine. I would even say that for me, I detected herbal notes. Definitely a type of wine that you can savour. We were asked to sample it with a tuna taster wrapped in cucumber. 

Oyster Bay Marlborough Chardonnay  - This was a crisp, tart wine that you could perhaps start dinner off with and continue drinking, since it's light bodied. At first whiff, I got hints of peach. We were asked to sample this with the salmon cake.



Oyster Bay Marlborough Pinot Noir - This was very fruity and fragrant - with notes of vanilla and cherries. We were asked to try it with brie cheese wrapped in filo pastry. This wine would also pair well with chicken and fish.

This Merlot also went very well with the chocolate and fruit dessert.

Oyster Bay Hawke's Bay Merlot - This medium-bodied wine had big, rich flavour. I'm actually not keen on red wine but I would definitely have this another time; since I found its acidity level perfect for me. This was my second favourite of the four. 

We were asked to try it with beef brisket. I certainly think, as a red wine option, that this would be a crowd pleaser for weddings



All in all, my table had so many interesting people and blogger friends that I felt quite at home. Every one left with a gift bag with this nifty wine opener!

Would you like Trinidad Weddings.com to cover your event or review your product? Drop me a line at simone@trinidadweddings.com and I would be happy to help you.

Join us on www.trinidadweddings.com for more!

The Face of Trinidad Weddings Magazine 2015

We’ve always featured real brides on the cover of our magazine, the TW Wed-Zine

It’s our philosophy here at www.trinidadweddings.com,plus, we think there’s no better inspiration for our readers than a local bride smiling prettily back at them!

Our next cover could feature you! 

This is why we've launched the #FaceofTW promotion.

Every day since our promotion started last week, we have been flooded with entries but here are just some of the beauties who've entered:

To find out how to enter and win FABULOUS prizes, click here: http://www.trinidadweddings.com/FaceofTW/

A return to the 1950's - Trinidad Weddings at Stechers Shoppers' Night

Don't blame us - we're in the business of weddings, so there's nothing we love more than themed events (occupational hazard!); and even better...one that includes a starlet from the Old Hollywood era.

So, you know we were excited when our friends at Stechers ( there they are below, looking all glammed up!):

Sent us this: 

Here are some snaps from the event:

Simone, Editor of Trinidad Weddings, takes a shopping break, in front of the Stechers Haven Spa, Long Circular Mall

One of my favourite perfume bottles on display - a work of art: Valentina by Valentino and ...who knew Pitbull had a fragrance for women too?

Trinidad Weddings' client Angostura, serves up some 1919!

Jewelry from John Medeiros, crafted in Rhode Island

Candles - loved the Wild Orchid and Sandalwood scent (middle)

Handmade, gold Peerless Cross pen, limited to a production of only 125 in the world!

More Marilyn! A quote of hers that I love?

"Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring."


This amazing porcelain sculpture below, by Lladró was on display at the event.

 

Guests were also treated to mehendi by our friend Nicole Joesph of Stained Mehendi and samples of organic tea.

Here's a snippet of the entertainment at the end:

Want Trinidad Weddings to cover your event or write a product review?
Email contactus@trinidadweddings.com 

For more, join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/trinidadweddings or 

check out our Magazine Fanpage here: www.facebook.com/wedzine

The Magic Of Love Video Promotion!

Do you have 2 minutes to spare?

Then enter The Magic Of Love Video Promotion!


We're celebrating the launch of the 2014 TW Wed-Zine Magazine and the Trinidad Weddings App, download it for free! (Just click the link)

You can win a cell phone sponsored by Cell Mates

View video here: 

Click here for entry details: http://www.trinidadweddings.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=226%3Athe-magic-of-love-video-promotion&article=head

Promotion closes June 18, 2014.
Open to residents of Trinidad and Tobago

2014 Trinidad Weddings Magazine is out!

Our magazine's theme this year is the magic of love!

And why not?

At the heart of the matter, isn’t the magic of love what your wedding day and future is all about?

I’m humbled that these pages are graced with so many beautiful images of love, captured through the lens of talented photographers and through the pens of amazing writers.

This issue will carry you on an inspirational journey, from cover to cover. We've featured real Caribbean weddings, engagements and bachelorette parties, as well as designers and artisans, both from Trinidad and Tobago and internationally, who provide products and services for the event and wedding industry. 

Our cover was photographed by the talented Julie Charlett.

So, be prepared to get inspired and go on exciting adventures with us! 

Get the TW Wed-Zine at leading retail outlets in Trinidad & Tobago (check them out here !) 

And of course, our readers world-wide can also get a digital download for MAC, PC and tablets via this link!

Get more wedding planning information & find suppliers on: http://www.trinidadweddings.com


Photos on this post by: Forge Business Imagery

Olay Fresh Effects launches with style, in T&T

Last Thursday, was certainly an evening of fashion, entertainment and beauty education, when I attended Olay's launch of its latest line of skin care products “Olay Fresh Effects” 

The Poolside of the Carlton Savannah Hotel, St. Anns was filled with corporate executives, beauty and fashion bloggers, makeup artists, stylists, media and members of the local, creative sector. 

The launch of Olay Fresh Effects coincides with the current Carnival 2014 season and caters to the needs of females aged 18-35.   

The featured items included: Shine, Shine Go Away (a Shine Minimizing Cleanser), Bead Me Up (an Exfoliating Cleanser), S’ Wipe Out (Refreshing Make Up Removal Cloths), Long Live Moisture (a Satin Finish Lotion) and the BB Cream (a Skin Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer With Sunscreen).

Makeup Artist Renee Milford (right) during her Olay fresh Effects demo

Make-up artist Renee Milford demonstrated the application and beneficial uses of Olay Fresh Effects. 

Following which, there was a fantastic fashion show which showcased various forms of Carnival-wear by local boutiques and designers such as: Bang Bang, Nixpixx, Indulge, Jus Fabulous, The Trunk Show, as well as "Monday Mas" wear by Rhion Rhomany and swimwear by Ela.

 

JW and Blaze pose with swimwear models from the Ela line

 

Reps at Olay Fresh Effects intend to be highly involved and visible during the 2014 Carnival season in Trinidad & Tobago. They hope to feature the brand at several upcoming fetes and Carnival events. So...look out for them ladies! 

Oh...and by the way, did you see the "mother of all swag bags" that I got from the Olay folks? An acrylic kit of full-sized products. 

Photo by: Trinidad Weddings

 All photos provided by Sonique Solutions unless otherwise stated. 

Want Trinidad Weddings to cover your event? Get in touch at contactus@trinidadweddings.com

For more, join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/trinidadweddings or 

check out our Magazine Fanpage here: www.facebook.com/wedzine