I. Am. A Canadian Wine Drinker. And I have no idea what that means. Searching for clarity in a murky sea of diverging identities from coast to coast

I am a Canadian wine drinker. Yes, I drink Canadian Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, that’s a given, but L’Acadie Blanc, Léon Millot, Marechal Foch and even Zweigelt all find their way into my glass from time to time. Hell yes, I am Canadian and I never discriminate, so if I see a Nebbiolo, Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara or anything appassimento, fill me up. I am nothing if not polite, because I am Canadian. Continue reading →

The shocking stance that the boss of WGAO is taking on privatizing the booze business in Ontario. It’s downright scary

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Anyone else alarmed by the comments made by the boss of the Winery and Grower Alliance of Ontario, which represents, according to them, 85% of all Ontario wines that are produced and sold in Ontario? Continue reading →

#OldNiagara, Part IV: An amazingly fresh late harvest Riesling 1989 from one of Niagara’s most famous and historic properties: Vineland’s St. Urban Vineyard

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One thing is becoming abundantly clear as I explore the older vintages of Niagara’s classic wines. The memories of those who made them aren’t as clear as they once were and detailed winemaking notes just don’t exist like they do with today’s wines. Continue reading →

LCBO gearing up for big September local release, but there are a few gems available Saturday, plus a great Pinot Noir from Sperling Vineyards (B.C.)

The last release of August at Vintages features a sparse selection of Ontario wines as our government monopoly mega-retailer gears up for it largest promotion of Ontario wines coming in September. Continue reading →

The International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration in review: ‘In one sense we are all Burgundians now,’

It’s been around since the Middle Ages, a long-standing member of the wine aristocracy, and it has held its noble head up high through the centuries despite periods of downright mediocrity. Continue reading →