Welcome to Quaintrelle.
Hello! I’m Erin Henderson, the sommelier-writer behind Quaintrelle. I’m a journalist-turned-sommelier-turned-entrepreneur. I’ve worked in restaurants; I’ve worked in newsrooms. I still write, and teach, and show up on television. A decade(+) ago, I started The Wine Sisters, a wine tasting and events company. You could say I’m a wino by trade, a cook at heart, and a restless late bloomer. You can read more about me below, but first, here’s a little bit about what you can expect from Quaintrelle.
About Quaintrelle
The easy know how that is blending style with functionality. That’s Quaintrelle.
On Saturdays, I send a weekly round up of things I am loving to make life and hosting easier. These lists are a compilation of finds I want to share: housewares, books, travel tips, cocktail recipes, wine recommendations … you name it, if I think it’s great it goes in there.
On Wednesdays, I send a deep-dive newsletter to inspire, excite, and elevate your social gatherings, whether it’s for two or 200. It could be ideas for an effortless cocktail party with delicious items picked up on the way home. A warming family lunch after a winter’s hike in the woods. A dinner with friends, the table scattered with plates of fresh pasta and grilled vegetables and bottles of wine. Impromptu drinks on the front porch shared with neighbours on the first warm day of spring.
I will also include stories from my travels with ideas for reimagining the foreign at home, and, of course, tips on making everyday life easier – how to deep clean a butcher’s block, how to remove red wine stains with thrilling ease, or pantry items to keep on hand for when unexpected guests pop by (this seriously happened to me when a friend had a few extra hours on a layover and called en route from the airport.)
There might even be a few behind-the-scenes dispatches about the fate of my city balcony vegetable garden (trigger warning: feelings of failure and ugly cries often ensue), my seemingly endless renovations (trigger warning: feelings of going broke and ugly cries often ensue), or tales from my outdoor adventures (tigger warning: feelings of needing to pee in the woods and ugly cries often ensue.)
The Subscription
The Quiantrelle newsletter is currently free for everyone.
Once I get this train on the tracks, figure out how things work around here, and introduce myself properly to all those interested, there will be a paid version as well as an option to become a founding member, which will include a few fun perks including online meet ups and seasonal consultations with me about anything you wish: cocktail lessons, ideas for stocking a wine cellar, tips on throwing a whimsical NYE bash…. feedback on the how that bottle of Metus your uncle gave you for your wedding in 1989 is doing. Oh heck – I’ll simply tell everyone. It’s no longer good. In fact, it might never have been.
About me, the TL;DR version:
I’m a certified sommelier and hospitality expert who’s worked in some of Toronto’s best restaurants. In 2012, I opened The Wine Sisters, my sommelier services and wine events company, and have created customized food and beverage experiences for leading companies.
I’ve taught wine courses at George Brown College (one of Canada’s top culinary and hospitality schools) since 2015. As an enthusiastic home cook, I take full advantage of the school’s amazing chef program, having completed nearly a dozen courses (I’ve also taken cooking classes in Beaune, France and Bologna and Umbria, Italy.)
My first career was as a reporter (I have a honours degree in journalism), and perhaps because of that, I am still involved in the media as a regular guest expert speaking on wine, cocktails, and entertaining for national television shows like CTV’s The Social and Your Morning. My writing has also appeared in a slew of publications and websites including The Huffington Post, Maclean’s, Canadian Special Events magazine, Vines, Meeting Planners International, and Adamo Nest.
I am honoured you have given me your attention. I promise to always respect your time by holding up my end of the bargain to deliver “news you can use” to make your days, meals, and parties better, easier, and tastier.
Sounds good? Hit subscribe and read on for my very best tips and tricks to throwing effortless and stylish soirees to make your neighbours jealous.
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