Events

24 Hours in Lyon

During my trip to France in November I had the chance to make a stopover in Lyon.  It’s hard not to fall in love at first sight with the food mecca of France.  The hard part once we were in the city was realizing we only had 24 hours to...

Niagara Chilled – Icewine in Wine Country!

3 weekends, 58 wineries, 15 events… this is Icewine in January in Niagara.  Everything you need to plan your visit can be found at www.niagarachilled.com.  The weather this week dipped below the magic number of -8°C when winemakers descend into the vineyards to harvest the frozen berries to extract their...

It’s Time to Bring a Bottle of Wine to Your Host!

Over the holidays there is more to worry about than just figuring out what wines to serve at your own Christmas parties.  Inevitably you will be invited to your friends house or even the boss may be throwing their own Christmas party.  How do you figure out what exactly to...

Beaujolais Nouveau is Alive and Well.

“This is the best party of the year at this bar” these words were uttered to me by a very drunk French patron of Le Barricou (1 Boulevard Du Temple, Paris) at 11pm on November 20th the release of the 2014 Beaujolais Nouveau.  Walking down the streets of Paris you...

They make Unoaked Malbec?

September 25th I had to answer the question whether I was Pure or Extravagant at the iYellow Wine Cave.  I had the chance to taste two wines from Argentinian winery Trapiche.  One was an unoaked Malbec and the second was a Malbec based Red blend.  Both wines are very good...

September 20th Braai Day – South African Wines!

September 20th Braai Day – South African Wines!

At the beginning of Summer I had the opportunity to talk to winemakers from Fleur du Cap and Nederburg, two wineries in South Africa.  There were more than a few gems in the wines that I tasted but the standout to me still remains the Fleur du Cap Chardonnay ($12.80,...

I4C – MAIN EVENT:  World Tour Grand Tasting and Dinner

I4C – MAIN EVENT: World Tour Grand Tasting and Dinner

It seems that the rain follows me when I make my way down the QEW for the Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration.  Last year I attended the kickoff barbeque that was hit by major torrential rain.  This year I made sure to check out the Grand Tasting and Dinner held at...

Chanson Père et Fils Pinot Noir – 2008-2013

Chanson Père et Fils Pinot Noir – 2008-2013

Last week I had the opportunity to taste five years worth of Pinot Noir from Chanson.  This is a vintages essential that is currently available for $21.95 (50575).  If you’re one of those people who like to buy a few bottles of a wine your really like and save it...

No Love for Wine in Saskatchewan…

No Love for Wine in Saskatchewan…

According to Statscan, there is a lack of love for wine in my home province of Saskatchewan.  It’s easy to shrug off that a province full of farmers are just loyal beer and spirit drinkers, but I believe there is something different at play here.  One only needs to see...

Wine Preview – Get Fresh in the Valley 2014

Wine Preview – Get Fresh in the Valley 2014

There are a few events that fall into my yearly wine calendar as “must attend”.  Get Fresh is one of those events.  I am a big fan of visiting wine country in the off season.  When Get Fresh rolls around, it leaves me with mixed feelings … I’m happy because...

iYellow Muscadet Night

iYellow Muscadet Night

A couple weeks ago I got a chance to check out the Muscadet night hosted by the iYellow Wine Club as part of their Wines of France Wine School events they have been hosting since late January.  The iYellow events are perfect if you’re looking to get into wine… but...

Cuvée 2014 – We’re Going to Need a Bigger Boat!

Cuvée 2014 – We’re Going to Need a Bigger Boat!

Last year was the first time I had a chance to attend the Cuvée Grand Tasting Gala and I decided then and there it was something worth marking the calendar for.  After a format change last year where the event went from an award ceremony to each winery bringing their...