Monthly Newsletter

---

Volume 30 / Issue 06 / June 2026

---

Please note Wine Kitz Brantford will be closed on Wednesday, July 1st, for Canada Day!

---

---

Wine Kitz Brantford – Price Increase

We want to give you a quick heads-up about a small pricing adjustment. Effective June 1st, due to ongoing increases in supplier and operating costs, our 5-week (Original & Classic Series) and 6-week (Estate & Reserve Series) wine kits will increase by $5. We’ve worked hard to keep this change as minimal as possible, and there’s no change to our 4-week kits (On The House, Niagara Mist, Island Mist), 8-week kits (Signature, Private Reserve, LE25 & Passport 2026 series) and no change to our standard winery fee.

We remain committed to offering great value—and as always, making your own wine continues to be one of the most affordable (and enjoyable) ways to keep your cellar stocked.

---

🍷 The Story of the “Lost Grape” of Bordeaux… 🍷

Ever wonder how a grape simply vanishes? In the mid-1800s, a massive insect plague swept through France, wiping out the vineyards of Bordeaux. Among the casualties was Carménère, a brilliant blending grape that everyone presumed was lost to history.

Fast forward to the late 1990’s in Chile. Winemakers noticed some of their “Merlot” vines were ripening much later and tasting distinctively different. DNA testing revealed a historical miracle: Carménère wasn’t extinct at all! It had been imported to South America by European immigrants and clergy in the late-1700’s / early-1800’s, and preserved for over a century by mistaken identity.

You may not have heard of Carménère before, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you have to try it. We would never steer you wrong! It has easily become one of our absolute favourite varietals.

Featuring gorgeous juicy notes of raspberry, red cherry, and plum, backed by a touch of smooth French oak and subtle spice, it is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

The best part? It goes with everything.

• 🍕 Friday night pizza? Perfect.
• 🍔 Backyard burgers? Incredible.
• 🥩 Sizzling steak or roasted lamb? Absolute perfection.…
• and honestly, it’s just as spectacular completely on its own when you’re unwinding.

☀️ JUNE FLASH SALE ☀️For the entire month of June, save $15 OFF our premium 6-week VineCo Estate Series Carménère kit.

Craft your own batch of this historical classic. Drop by the shop or message us to claim your kit before the sale ends on June 30th!

---

☀️ Feeling fruity? Summer sipping season is officially here! ☀️

If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing patio drink, our 4-week Niagara Mist fruit wine kits are exactly what your summer needs. Light, crisp, and bursting with fresh fruit flavours, they are delicious served ice-cold right out of the bottle.

Even better? They make the absolute perfect backbone for a massive pitcher of summer sangria. Just add fresh cut fruit, a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale, and you’re party-ready! 🍇🍓

🔥 JUNE SPECIAL: SAVE $8 OFF 🔥

All month long, we’re knocking $8 OFF four of our most popular, refreshing summer flavours:

• Blackberry 🍇 – Rich, juicy, and bold.
• Orchard Crisp 🍏🍑 – A beautiful, bright blend of crisp apple and sweet peach.
• Strawberry 🍓 – Classic, sweet, and tastes like pure summer.
• Peach 🍑 – Lush, aromatic, and incredibly refreshing.

Because these are quick 4-week kits, if you start a batch now, you’ll be sipping it beachside, poolside, or on the deck by late June! Stop by the shop or send us a message to lock in your $8 savings. Sale runs until June 30th!

The Orchard Crisp Summer Sangria

This recipe uses a classic rule of thumb for fruit-wine sangria: match the fresh fruit to the flavours already in the wine, and add a crisp citrus contrast.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle (750 ml) of your crafted Niagara Mist Orchard Crisp (chilled)
• 1 crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work great), cored and thinly sliced
• 1 ripe peach, sliced (frozen peach slices work beautifully too and keep the pitcher cold!)
• 1 lemon or lime, thinly sliced into wheels (for a touch of balancing acidity)
• 2 cups of Ginger Ale or Lemon-Lime soda (Sprite/7Up) for fizz
• Optional: 1 oz to 2 oz of Peach Schnapps or Brandy if you want a traditional sangria kick.

Simple Steps:

1. Prep the Fruit: Place your sliced apples, peaches, and citrus wheels into the bottom of a large pitcher.
2. Pour: Pour the bottle of Orchard Crisp over the fruit. If you’re adding the optional shot of schnapps or brandy, stir it in now.
3. Chill: Let the pitcher sit in the fridge for at least 1 to 2 hours. This lets the fresh fruit macerate and soak up that delicious wine flavor.
4. Top with Fizz: Just before your guests arrive (or before you head out to the patio), pour in the chilled ginger ale or soda and give it a gentle stir.

Serve it over ice, making sure everyone gets some of the wine-soaked fruit in their glass! 🍏🍑☀️

---

DO YOU LOVE A HEAVY OAKY RED? WE GOT YOU! REDMARK Cabernet Syrah California Redmark captures whisky’s unmistakable mark, leaving a lasting impression on this bold Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah blend. For this limited release, an exciting first for VineCo, the juice has been pre-oaked in-house, steeped for six months with local Niagara whisky oak chips.Steeping the juice with whisky oak chips adds depth and structure, enhancing tannins while rounding the palate and layering in notes of sweet spice and brown sugar. The result is a confident, full-bodied wine where Cabernet’s dark blackcurrant and plum meet Syrah’s ripe wildberry and savoury spice. The blend finishes with hints of mocha, vanilla, and a gentle wisp of smoky toasted oak- an unmistakable mark that lingers long after the last sip. Labels are included.  Alcohol: 14%   |   Body: Full  |   Oak: Heavy*  |   Sweetness: Dry Call or stop by to reserve Redmark today – quantities are limited!

---

PINK MOSCATO
AVAILABLE MAY 1

Fan-favourite Pink Moscato is back with its signature flavours of fresh strawberry, raspberry and cherry. Light, refreshing and perfect for summer.

LIMITED RELEASE. WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.

LABELS: Included    |    ALC/VOL: 8.5%

---

June 3: International Sommelier Day

You don’t need a fancy title or a tailored suit to think like a sommelier. This day is all about celebrating the art of wine pairing, exceptional service, and expanding your palate. It’s the perfect excuse to step out of your comfort zone, try a completely new varietal, and discover how a thoughtful pairing can transform a simple weeknight meal into a full culinary experience. Trust your tastebuds and pour something special!  

June 4: National Cheese Day

Is there any partnership in the culinary world more iconic than wine and cheese? Whether you lean toward a sharp, aged cheddar, a creamy brie, or a tangy goat cheese, today is the day to build the ultimate charcuterie board. To make your pairings sing, remember the golden rule: match intensities. Pair light, crisp white wines with soft, fresh cheeses, and save your bold, robust reds for those rich, hard cheeses.

June 12: National Jerky Day

Jerky isn’t just for road trips anymore—it’s actually a fantastic, savory partner for a bold glass of red wine. The smoky, salty, and intensely savory flavors of dried beef or game meats call for a wine with enough structure and fruit to cut through the salt. Next time you’re looking for a quick, low-fuss evening snack, pour a glass of a hearty red like a Cabernet or Syrah and see how beautifully it complements a handful of high-quality jerky.

June 13: National Rosé Day

It simply isn’t summer until the first bottle of pink wine is chilled and poured. Rosé represents the absolute best of seasonal sipping: it gives you the bright, refreshing acidity of a white wine combined with the gorgeous red-fruit aromas of a red. Whether you prefer yours bone-dry or bursting with fresh fruit flavor, fill up your glass, head out to the deck, and raise a toast to the official start of patio season.

June 18: International Picnic Day

There is something magical about packing a basket, grabbing a blanket, and dining alfresco. Today is all about slowing down and enjoying a meal out in the fresh air. When planning your perfect picnic menu, opt for easy-to-pack finger foods, fresh fruits, and most importantly, a light, crisp wine that tastes incredible served cold. Just pack the cooler, find a sunny patch of grass, and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.

---

---

Wine Kitz Brantford offers 100% Hassle Free Satisfaction Guarantee

Copyright ©  2020 Wine Kitz Brantford, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 358 King George Rd / Brantford / Ontario / N3P 0A1