It’s been an exciting year at Featherstone. The winery celebrated their 20th anniversary, and winemaker/owner David Johnson was named winemaker of the year at the Ontario Wine Awards. David had previously been named Grape King in 2003 – which I believe makes him the only winemaker to hold both coveted...
It has been a few years since the wines at Closson Chase really left me speechless. I was left so on my last visit to the winery. The portfolio is small and focused but over-delivers on every level. In fact, this current batch of wines may bed the best they...
I can’t remember the last time I had a chance to sit down and really digest the entire portfolio at Trail Estates. It’s definitely a challenge to walk into this winery, and not walk out without finding a bottle or two that’s to your liking. It’s also great when you...
It’s been far too long since I’ve given some love to the County. My much overdue visit took me to a few places – but one issue that seems to be an epidemic in the county is a shortage of wine. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad thing...
About a month ago I got one of the most interesting media packages from a winery in Ontario. Flat Rock Cellars sent me a small package with 3 100ml bottles of what will eventually become the 2017 Rusty Shed Chardonnay. It was interesting to get a package like this. I...
It’s been a little while since I have re-proclaimed my love for Organized Crime. I have to admit that I still have dreams about the 2016 Pipe Down – it’s hard to top any bottle in Ontario in terms of quality and value across the board for a wine like...
2017 Pelee Island Cabernet Franc – LCBO 433714 – $13.45 – ***½+ – If I had to give one criticism to this bottle it’s the packaging that is in bad need of a facelift. I have a rule in my house that I won’t cook with anything I won’t drink...
2017 Drea’s Sauvignon Blanc – (Available at Reif) – $26.70 – **** – It’s great when a wine can tell a great story. This bottle is made in memory of Karl Kaiser by his daughter Andrea. She tells the story on the bottle of her father making this wine in...
Our last winery visit in Beaujolais was at Domaine de Thulon. We made the stop on a recommendation from another producer. When I took a look at their website (http://thulon.com) I was once again sucked in by a great label – with names like “La Cerise Sur Le Gateau” and...
On my second visit to Beaujolais I made sure to stop at Chateau Thivin. I know it probably surprises people – but I chose to visit them because of their labels. I had a list of great suggestions from a few people on who to visit in Beaujolais, but there...
I recently took some time to visit Sue-Ann Staff’s winery. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen Brix – the friendliest door greeter at any winery in Niagara – and this fact is undisputed. It has been great to see the Fancy Farm Girl bottles on the shelves of local LCBO’s...
I have been a fan of Kevin Panagapka’s wines since the first time I tasted them. His Chardonnay – from any of the vineyards he works with – is always among the best in Ontario. The best part about the portfolio at 2027 Cellars is that it is so affordable....
