Sweet Hands and Sweet Wine – Nourish Catering and Winery

BY: LEANNE BENN

Sometimes in life, you just got to have that “sweet hand” in the kitchen to produce dishes that fulfill and nourish your tummy and your soul. This is exactly the story of Jennifer Lochan, the CEO of Toronto based, Nourish Catering and Winery.

It was Lochan’s father that constantly reminded her, as she got older that she has a so-called sweet hand when it comes to cooking. This love of cooking started in the cultured and loving walls of her parent’s kitchen who were inspired by the cultural roots of Trinidad and Tobago.

“Growing up in a Caribbean cultured household has really paved the way for me and my endeavors today. I grew up in Scarborough most of my life and was raised by a well-rounded family. My father was passionate about the sweet sounds of Calypso music and made sure to educate my sister and me about how valuable it was to know our history.  “

As a result, cooking always felt like you were on a tropical vacation, through the cold and bitter Canadian winters. The West Indian inspired tastes only grew as Lochan became fascinated with observing her mother cook in the kitchen while helping out and expanding her palate along the way of course.

As an adult, Lochan became a naturally trained cook of Caribbean dishes and what goes well with a meal other than a great glass of wine. In July of 2017, the “Nourishing” office was formed. It was Lochan’s manifestation of the desire to start her own business that can become rooted and recognized in the food and wine industry in Canada.

Getting there was not as simple as it sounds, but things became aligned without Lochan even noticing at first. For twelve years she worked at the LCBO in Toronto and during this time Lochan was surrounded by wines and spirits from around the world that allowed her to expand her taste.

“Through numerous trainings such as ‘Product Knowledge Training’ and various tastings, I learned about many grape varieties and more so, my appreciation for pairing good food with great wine.”

Nourish wine is now noted as the first winery by a Caribbean-Canadian woman. The wines are inspired by African, Indian, Caribbean and Canadian fusions that blend together just like the carefully selected and unique grape varieties that make up the Nourish wine family. There are currently four variations of Nourish wines available, a Pinot Grigio, Rosé, Moscato and Pinot Noir. There is also the special option of a Nourish Solo pack, which is a 200ml wine pouch designed for that special single serving. In addition to the wines, Lochan can carefully curate a custom catering menu to produce a well-rounded event offering delicious food and wine.

However, branching out in the wine and food industry comes with the usual challenges and some carefully learned life lessons for Lochan. “Starting my own business has not been easy. I have had some backlash from those closest to me. I`ve learned that not everyone will be happy for you, but thankfully, my father always taught me, `not to sweat the small stuff’, and so, I press on.  I am grateful for all the feedback that I received, as it helps me better my craft so that I can share more of my passion with others.  “

Despite this, Nourish continues to grow through all the recognition and positive feedback that Lochan receives from her customers. Nourish wines was recently featured as the official beverage partner for a 5-day play that took place in Toronto at the Canadian Stage, entitled A Little Black Lie by Crossfield House Productions wherein one of the acts, Lochan’s wine bottle even made an appearance.

Lochan is a very visual person and is always thinking of creative aspects to link with her food and wine production. Even down to the brand Nourish and the concept of Nourishing, Lochan relates the name to the effects of good food and good wine on a person. Nourish wines are hard to miss, with an eye-catching and appealing logo, inspired by her Trinidadian roots a reflection of food, music, art, and culture represented visually through a splash of color. The use of the hibiscus flower on the bottles symbolizes the fleeting beauty of fame and personal growth, which Lochan will forever inscribe through her brand. The fruits and essence behind each flower also hints at the notes that each wine flavor exudes.

As Lochan continues on this exciting journey she can never forget how she started and the steps she has to take in order to successfully go after her dream. With a growing team that encourages and supports Lochan, including customers she builds along the way, it won’t be odd to imagine her wines ending up on the shelves of the Wine Shop or the LCBO to complete this “nourishing” adventure. For more information on Nourish Catering and Winery, visit Lochan’s Instagram @TheNourishing.