spring
Our Top 20 Wines from the May 28 Vintages Release
The LCBO released a “summer trends” report this week showing what historically have been popular items during the warm months. Not surprisingly, white and rosé wines surge in popularity, and overall all wine sales in general increase by nearly 10% for a total last year of more than $440 million. Not to be outdone, California reds...
Our Top 20 Picks from This Week’s Vintages Release
We don’t think we’ve had such a diverse selection of top wines in, well, ever. Running the gamut from $17 to $70, from America to Argentina there is a wide selection to pick from in these 20 wines. As usual, we have a hefty representation from Canada, including a 6-year-old fabulous Cab Franc from Lake Erie...
Top 10 Wines Under $20 for Spring
We’ve been playing slap and tickle with Mother Nature so far this season. Tantalizingly warm and sunny days followed by brisk rainy ones, but it seems now that we’re nearly half way through May, that we’re on the tipping point to better, more civilized, weather. As you dust off the patios and open the cottages, you’ll...
A Bouquet of Rosé for Mother’s Day
At the time of this writing, we’re drinking rosé. Not that that should come as a surprise. We’re always drinking rosé. Just check our Instagram if you need proof. Spring is the season for rosé – bridal showers, baby showers and Mother’s Day all inspire the pink wine cravings. Now, we think a decent rosé...
Our Top 20 Picks from the April 30 Vintages Release
As much as we look forward to Spring, the frustrating about this season is how it can tease you with warm – nearly hot – sunny days, and then just when you’re feeling the comforting, Jacuzzi-effect of nice weather, Mother Nature slaps you into submission with rainy, cool days that barely hover above freezing let alone crack...
Our Top 20 Picks from the April 16 Vintages Release
We saw a clever tweet recently that read, “Whoever said April is the cruellest month, must have lived in Southern Ontario.” And man, is that true. The weather stations said it was the first time it snowed in April since 2005 … but now Spring is finally in the air! If the Weatherman is t be trusted,...
Our Top 20 Picks from the April 2 Vintages Release
One of the most popular wine tastings we offer is “New World vs. Old World,” a comparison of the same varietals produced in two different areas – one in Europe (Old World) and one outside (New World). It’s been immensely well received and, as mentioned, one of our most requested. Vintages is playing on that...
8 Terrific Spring Wine & Food Pairings
As much as we love winter-hearty comfort food, when the sun starts warming things up we are bursting to throw off the layers of sauces, creams, gravies and starches in favour of foods that are a bit brighter, lighter and fresher. Same with our wines; while we’ll happily drink reds, whites and rosés all year long,...
Sunday Supper: Spring Potato Gruyère Soup
The inspiration for tonight’s Sunday Supper comes from simply needing to use up what’s in the fridge. That may not be elegant, but it’s real life. In the aftermath of Easter, Erin had probably about three pounds of potatoes and easily a half pound of Gruyère leftover from a fabulous potato gratin dish she made for...
The March Break Sunday Supper that will Save Your Sanity
Kid Approved Lemon Ricotta Stuffed Won Ton Ravioli (with adult approved wine) If you have kids – or maybe even if you don’t – you know that this week has been March Break. And here in Toronto it rained. Almost. Every. Day. Faced with kids who were locked up all day long with no real...