About the Sommelier
Marieke Gow, the daughter of owners John and Tineke Gow is not only the Inn’s manager but is also the Twine Loft restaurant’s sommelier. She became passionate about wine as an undergrad studying in St. Pierre. Following graduation from Memorial (BA) her passion became her career path when she was accepted into Algonquin College’s Sommelier Program in 2008. The Algonquin Sommelier Program is an internationally-recognized program whose graduates include nationally celebrated wine writer Natalie Mclean as well as Stacey Metulynsky, host of the Food Network’s show “This Food That Wine”.
During her studies Marieke was one of a few chosen for an internship at Divino Wine Studio in Ottawa’s Little Italy. Antonio Mauriello, recently named “Wine Person of the Year” by the National Capital Sommelier Guild, personally trained Marieke during a 3 month program. After the internship she became the establishment’s sommelier and stayed on until graduating from the Sommelier Program with honours in 2009.
Since graduating Marieke has returned to Newfoundland and the family business as one of the province’s most highly trained sommeliers.
Her philosophy regarding her work is simple, create a list that works with the menu, pleases any type of palate and offer excellent choices no matter how much one wishes to spend or drink. Marieke can be found in the dining room on most nights, so don’t be shy to ask for her advice when you see her even if the only thing you know about wine is what you like and what you don’t!
During the six months the Inn is closed (Nov 1-May 1) Marieke takes time to visit and study wine regions of the world. During the winter of 2010-11 she visited the many great Canadian vineyards in Niagara, ON as well as wineries in New York State and Australia.
The Wine List
The list has been designed to offer a wide variety of wines from regions worldwide with bottle prices ranging from $28 to $295. White, red, rose, sparkling and dessert wines make their way onto the well considered list.
6 wines (3 whites and 3 reds) are available by the glass, each selected with the Twine Loft’s delicious menu items in mind. Smaller 350ml bottles of quality wines such as Bordeaux, premium Australian wines and sparkling wines such as Henkle Trochen and Veuve Cliquot are also found in our cellar, perfect for sharing between couples.
Unlike many other provinces in Canada, restaurants in Newfoundland may not re-cork unfinished wine bottles and allow diners to leave with them. However, our sommelier believes that one should enjoy their wine to the last drop while still consuming responsibly. As a result, a unique practice has been developed for couples and parties who wish to enjoy a wine only available by the bottle, but are unable to finish it. Guests may ask their server to hold and properly store their bottle for 24 hours so that they may return to enjoy it at a later time. This might mean returning on a sunny afternoon and enjoying the last glass on the deck or having it served at the dinner table if guests return for another meal. As there is no taxi service in the Trinity area this practice is especially helpful to diners who must drive back to surrounding communities at the end of the night.
The Newfoundland Liquor Cooperation does not allow for BYOB in restaurants. However, if you are planning a very special occasion and would like to enjoy a specific wine with your meal, please contact us ahead of time and ask for our sommelier. If it is not already on our list, but available in Eastern Newfoundland, our sommelier will do what she can to find it for you and have it ready to serve when you arrive for your meal! Please give at least two weeks notice for such requests as it might require sourcing from St. John’s.
Scotch
The Scotch list features over 10 fine scotches including 15yr Highland Park, 12yr Lagavulin and Johnny Walker Blue Label. Our most expensive scotches are served to guests in our whisky glasses made by the World Famous Ridle Glass Company, perfectly shaped to enhance aromas and flavours as you drink. Irish, Canadian and American whiskies are also listed.
Cocktails
There is nothing better than sitting on the deck with a Martini, Cosmopolitan or Caesar mixed with Newfoundland made Iceberg Vodka.
Beer
The Twine Loft is proud to support local product and offers 6 beers from the Quidi Vidi Brewing Company brewed right here in Newfoundland. These beers come in a variety of styles including lagers, traditional ales, and cream ales and are an excellent match to Newfoundland cuisine.
Specialty Coffees,Teas & Liqueurs
Dinner shouldn’t end with dessert, but a good aperitif! Wind down from a long day of exploring the Trinity area with one of the Twine Loft’s many specialty hot drinks including Irish Coffee and Blueberry Tea or sip on a liqueur.