OK! Bill C-311 has received Royal Assent and Canadian provinces now free to set their own policies for wine trade without the federal government imposing any rules of its own. So what’s changed? Well, ummm, and this is a bit awkward, but nothing really. “It really hasn’t opened up anything,” said one Ontario winery owner...
With only a few weeks before the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration comes to Niagara, we’ve focused on a Chardonnay for a good portion of the reviewed wines, but if you still want more, check out our blog on i4c and the Chard recommendations we’ve listed there. Flat Rock Cellars “The Rusty Shed” Chardonnay,...
The Westerly is a bustling new west end restaurant on the Roncesvalles strip, setting up shop where The River used to be. A mix of warm and inviting neighbourhood resto, and innovative foodie destination, The Westerly’s creative dishes and efficient, friendly service keep this place packed most nights. We tried the shrimp tempura a few...
It’s summer in the city. Even though weather experts are calling for one of the hottest summer on record, it couldn’t be cooler in Niagara. On July 20 – 22, Ontario’s largest wine region will again play host the International Cool Climate Celebration, or, i4c for short. Taking inspiration from Oregon’s now famed Pinot Camp,...
Finally! June is here! This is the month we’ve been waiting for — though not as much for summer’s arrival as for the release of the first wines to come out of the partnership between Stratus winemaker JL Groux and consulting winemaker Paul Hobbs. Some of you may remember back in November 2009 when Stratus...
This month’s recipe comes from Chef Nathan Young of Ravine Vineyards. You can probably tell from Young’s unassuming photo that he’s a man with a healthy respect for the earth, and his passion for wholesome, unadulterated food is clear in his innovative and elegant dishes. Young, after having spent five years as Sous Chef at...
Here’s a brief list of what we’ve tasted over the last few weeks, and plan to drink throughout June (and beyond)! Kir Yianni Akakies Rosé, PDO Amyndeo, Greece, 2011, $11.95 Vintages 71050 (Arriving May 26) A spectacular blush wine made from 100% Xinomavro grapes. Almost Gamay-like on the nose with Swedish berry, strawberry jam and...
This week has been one of the busiest in recent memory for trade wine tastings. If you follow us on Facebook, we promised frequent blogs about our vinous adventures, but there has been absolutely no time. So if you’ve been checking this blog and coming up empty, we are sorry, but hopefully the oncoming onslaught...
You gotta love a culture that has its own God of Wine. Yes, we’re talking about the Greeks, who, in ancient times, worshipped Dionysus. Believed to be responsible for turning grapes into wine, the Greeks would hold large and raucous religious festivals every year in Dionysus’ honour, in hopes of securing a good harvest. For...
