What do you do when you find yourself in the predicament of desperately needing to open a bottle of wine and you don’t have a corkscrew, and the bottle is not a screw top? Several of the major wine publications have invested time and effort to find reasonable solutions to this problem. I will present those that I feel are not too farfetched, are fairly safe and hold a realistic chance of success. However, none of these methods are as reliable as using a corkscrew and could result in breaking the cork, chipping the wine bottle, or in a worst-case scenario, breaking the wine bottle.
This list of potential solutions is presented in no particular order.
Screw, Screwdriver and Hammer
Take a screw (minimum 1 ½ inches long) and screw it into the cork with a screwdriver until there is about an inch or so left showing. Then, you take the claw side of the hammer, lock it under the screw, and pull the cork out.
Push the Cork into the Bottle
Using the handle of a wooden spoon, Sharpie, highlighter or other object that is slightly smaller in diameter than the cork, push the cork down into the bottle of wine. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to remove the cork from the bottle once you push it in. If the bottle of wine is old, the cork may crumble and shed into the wine once pushed in. If this happens, use a strainer, coffee filter or sieve and pour the bottle of wine through it into a decanter to remove the cork pieces.
Wire Clothes Hanger
This method is relatively easy as long as you have an unused wire hanger taking up space in your closet. However, in our house the wire hangers were replaced with plastic hangers years ago.
To begin, bend the tip of the hanger about 30 degrees back so that it looks similar to a fishhook. Next, slide the wire down through the cork slowly until the hook is past the cork and into the wine. Rotate the wire 90 degrees so that the hook is underneath the cork. Then pull the wire up and the cork should release. Pliers can be used instead of your fingers to tug at the hanger.
Keys, Scissors or a Serrated Knife
This method is somewhat similar to the first option where a screw and hammer are used. However, this time plunge your keys, scissors or serrated knife into the cork at a 45-degree angle and move the top of the item in a circle, essentially twisting the cork out slowly. After several rotations the cork should come out. Make sure you really get the tool well into the cork otherwise the cork may crumble.
The Sole of a Shoe
Wrap the bottom of the wine bottle in a towel and place it upside down in between your legs while sitting and slap it with the sole of a shoe. Stop before the cork comes all the way out or the wine may end up all over you and the floor.
Tire Pump and Sports Ball Needle
Take a bike pump that has a needle attached that is used to inflate a basketball, football or volleyball and push it all the way through the cork where the needle reaches the air space between the cork and the wine. Then pump air into the bottle. As air is pumped in, the cork should slowly move out of the bottle due to the air pressure.
Final Thoughts
As long as you are careful and take your time, any of these alternatives should work. However, in my opinion nothing is better than a tried and true corkscrew, if one is available.
When searching for the ideal bottle of wine to compliment a meal, for a special occasion, or simply to lounge with in front of the television, many people rely on the wine’s rating number or score, as it’s often referred.
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The most commonly used scoring system is what is referred to as the 100-point scale, which was created by James Suckling in the 1980s. Wines with a score between 89 to 91 are considered good; a score between 92 and 94 is great; a score between 95 and 97 is excellent; and a score from 98 to 100 is considered outstanding.
It is important to realize however that every bottle of wine with a score of 98 is not necessarily better than every bottle of wine with a score of 92. Other factors, such as price to quality, must also be considered. Therefore, it is important to take into account other factors of a wine review before making the ultimate decision as to which bottle you are taking home.
If you see the name of a winery whose wine you have enjoyed in the past, there is a good probability that you will like other wines produced by that winery as well.
Noting the type of grapes contained in the wine is an excellent indicator as to whether you may like a wine or not. If you favour certain grape varietals, for example Riesling or Merlot, chances are wines containing those grapes will be more enjoyable for you.
Many countries, including Canada, have a quality standards system that will indicate on the bottle whether the wine has met the appellation of origin standards. These standards ensure that certain agricultural criteria are met. In Canada we have the VQA (Vintner’s Quality Alliance) system. For more information regarding quality standards see the following posts from 2019: Selecting Canadian Wines, France’s Standards of Quality, Germany’s Quality Standards and Italian Quality Standards.
A wine’s place of origin is one factor in determining its characteristics. The region where a wine comes from will indicate the style of wine as well as flavour characteristics. So, if you find you favour the flavour of a wine from a particular region, chances are you will enjoy other wines from that same region.
Not all wines are intended to be consumed right away. Although the majority of wines may be enjoyed when you take them home, some wines are best drunk after they have been laid down for a few years. The vintner’s notes or the wine store will often indicate whether a wine is intended to be enjoyed now or is best to be cellared. Drinking a wine too soon may leave you with unpleasant thoughts about that wine.
Fortified wine is wine that has had a distilled spirit added during the winemaking process. There are several types of fortified wines, each classified by its own unique set of regulations. These regulations include the type of base wine, type of spirit that is added to the wine, the amount of alcohol by volume (ABV), the amount of sugar and the period that it is aged. While fortified wines can be made anywhere, specific geographic regions are often regulated for a distinct category. For example, Madeira is only produced in Portugal’s Madeira Islands.
The basic process for making fortified wine involves fermenting the wine and adding distilled spirits, such as brandy. The winemaker determines the amount of sweetness in the fortified wine depending at which stage of the process the distilled spirits are added. If the spirit is introduced before fermentation is complete, the resulting wine will be sweet. However, it the spirits are added after fermentation is complete, the resulting fortified wine will be dry.
Wine fermentation occurs when yeast breaks down sugar molecules in grapes and produces ethyl alcohol. Adding a spirit during the fermentation process reduces the yeast content and results in a sweeter fortified wine because a larger amount of residual sugar is left behind. On the other hand, if fermentation ends before the spirit is added, the yeast will break down a higher percentage of the sugar, resulting in a drier fortified wine.
Both sweet and dry varieties are often served as aperitifs or digestifs before or after meals to help stimulate appetite and digestion. Some types of fortified wines are also used in cooking to add a delicious twist to a favourite recipe.
The regulations for making fortified wine vary by region. Here are some of the most popular types presented alphabetically:
Commandaria
Commandaria comes from Cyprus and is predominately a sweet dessert wine. It’s made with only two types of grapes, Xynisteri and Mavro, which are indigenous to the island. The maximum alcohol content is 20 percent ABV. Commandaria is rich and sweet with a fruity taste.
Madeira
This type of fortified wine derives its name from Portugal’s Madeira Islands. Brandy is added at different times during fermentation causing variations in flavours. Types of Madeira range from dry wines served as an aperitif to sweet wines served with dessert. An aging process known as estufagem is used to create the wine and give it its unique taste. Madeira can be produced in two ways: either over a period of months with hot water tanks or steam, or naturally over a period of decades.
Marsala
Marsala is a fortified wine from the Italian island of Sicily. It is available in both dry and sweet varieties and is produced using white Italian grapes and depending on its type, contains between 15 and 20 percent alcohol by volume. The various types of Marsala are determined based on their sweetness, age and colour.
Styles of Marsala range from dry aperitivos to sweet dessert-style wines. Marsala is a common cooking wine that’s fortified after fermentation, giving it a distinct dry flavour. It’s also sometimes sweetened, making it a great addition to dessert recipes.
Moscatel de Setúbal
This a Portuguese fortified wine that comes from the municipality of Setúbal. It must be made with at least 85 percent white Muscat grapes and contain between 16 and 22 percent ABV. Moscatel de Setúbal is one of the sweeter fortified wines and frequently has notes of apricot and orange zest.
Port
Port wine comes from the Douro Valley region of Portugal. Grapes must be grown and processed in the region to be considered as Port. Unaged brandy is added to the wine before it has finished fermenting, resulting in a sweeter flavour. The ABV will be in the 20 percent range.
There are many styles of Port, but its most popular form is a sweet red wine, such as Ruby Port or Tawny Port. Those seeking a different type of dessert wine might consider a White Port or Rosé Port.
Sherry
This fortified wine is produced in from Palomino, Muscat or Pedro Ximénez grapes in the Jerez region of Spain. Sherry production is unique in that the winemaker intentionally exposes the wine to oxygen, which imparts nutty and briny flavours. Before bottling, entire barrels are blended with portions of older wines. This process is referred to as the solera method and is almost entirely exclusive to the production of sherry.
Sherry is fortified with brandy and will contain between 15 to 18 percent ABV. Like any wine, after opening it should be refrigerated but will retain its freshness about four times as long as a typical wine. There are many styles of sherry, ranging from the lighter Fino style to the darker Oloroso style.
Vermouth
Vermouth is fortified wine that is aromatized with flavours of fruits, herbs, spices and florals. Dry Vermouth, also referred to as French Vermouth, has a distinctly crisp and floral character. Dry Vermouth is produced by blending white wine with herbs and spices before adding brandy for fortification. Sweet Vermouth, also known as Italian Vermouth, has a heavier mouthfeel and a more caramelized, fruity character than Dry Vermouth. It doesn’t have to be made from red wine, although some producers insist on it.
Where Dry Vermouth is often the basis for a Dry Martini, sweet vermouth is used to create cocktails such as Manhattan and Negroni. However, Sweet Vermouth can also be enjoyed on its own with a bit of ice or soda.
In Closing…
Many people are either unfamiliar or intimidated by fortified wines. They should not be feared and the best way to become familiar with them is to try them. I would suggest starting with a mid-priced Tawny or Ruby Port, or a sweet or dry Sherry.
This year was the 22nd addition of the WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada (NWAC), which took place in Penticton, British Columbia. There were 1,930 entries from 255 wineries. All entries to the competition are 100 percent grown and produced in Canada.
Photo credit: winealign.com
The National Wine Awards presents four major awards: The Canadian Winery of the Year, The Best Performing Small Winery, Icewine of the Year and Cider of the Year. Within each of the 37 categories, wines are eligible to compete for Gold, Silver or Bronze medals, all topped by Platinum medals, which are presented to the highest one percent of wines across all competition categories.
The major award winners and the Platinum and Gold medal winners from the top 25 wineries are presented below:
The Winery of the Year is Hidden Bench Estate Winery in Beamsville, Ontario. Being one of the most respected Niagara wineries since its inception 20 years ago, Hidden Bench has finally won Winery of the Year honours by earning 12 medals – two Platinum, five Gold and five Silver. Congratulations to proprietor Harald Thiel and his team, including winemaker Alex Baines and viticulturalist Joel Williams.
The Platinum and Gold winning wines were:
Platinum
Hidden Bench Pinot Noir Felseck Vineyard 2020
Hidden Bench Chardonnay Tete De Cuvée Rosomel Vineyard 2020
Peller Estates Niagara 2021 Andrew Peller Signature Series Rieslin
The 2023 Best Performing Small Winery of the Year was presented to Deep Roots Winery of Naramata, British Columbia. Deep Roots had the best-scoring top five wines in the competition among wineries producing fewer than 10,000 cases. Their 2020 Reserve Chardonnay earned a platinum medal, one of only three Chardonnays to do so, as well as four gold medals for:
Deep Roots Parentage Red 2020
Deep Roots Gamay 2022
Deep Roots Syrah 2020
Deep Roots Sauvignon Blanc 2022
British Columbia wineries dominated the Small Winery category, claiming nine of the top ten rankings. The remaining top 10 small wineries are as follows:
2. Corcelettes Estate Winery, British Columbia
3. SpearHead Winery, British Columbia
4. Township 7 Vineyards & Winery, British Columbia
5. Painted Rock Estate Winery, British Columbia
6. Van Westen Vineyards, British Columbia
7. Orofino Vineyards, British Columbia
8. River Stone Estate Winery, British Columbia
9. Moon Curser Vineyards, British Columbia
10. The Organized Crime Winery, Ontario
Note: A minimum of five wines must have been entered to be eligible for Winery of the Year and the Top Wineries lists. Ranking was determined by the total score of their top five wines, not total number of medals.
The complete listing of all the winning wines from this year’s event is available on the Canadian Wine Awards website, www.winealign.com/awards.
According to new guidelines from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), which were published earlier this year, consuming more than six alcoholic drinks a week leads to high health risks, including cancer, especially for women.
The CCSA led the initiative to update Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines (LRDGs). This Health Canada initiative was initiated in July 2020. The result of this project was the creation of Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health, which now replaces the LRDGs.
The CCSA states that no matter the kind of alcohol, whether it is wine, beer, cider or spirits, even a small amount is damaging, regardless of age, sex, gender, ethnicity, tolerance for alcohol or lifestyle. Thus, if you drink, it’s better to drink less.
According to the CCSA, the guide provides people with the information necessary to make well-informed and responsible decisions about their alcohol consumption. The guidelines state that there is a continuum of risk associated with weekly alcohol use.
No risk = 0 drinks per week — Not drinking has benefits, such as better health and better sleep.
Low risk = 2 standard drinks or less per week — Most likely to avoid alcohol-related consequences.
Moderate risk = 3 to 6 standard drinks per week — There is risk of developing several types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer.
Increasingly high risk = 7 standard drinks or more per week — The risk of heart disease or stroke increases significantly at this level.
Each additional standard drink radically increases the risk of alcohol-related consequences.
In addition, consuming more than 2 standard drinks on any occasion is associated with an increased risk of harms to oneself and others.
As with the previous guidelines, alcohol should not be consumed when pregnant or while breastfeeding.
On the other hand …
Contradicting at least a portion of the new Guidance on Alcohol and Health is another study, also published this year, this time in the Nutrients Journal where researchers completed a study aimed at understanding the association between wine consumption and cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD).
This investigation states that wine consumption has an inverse relationship to cardiovascular mortality. According to the journal, “Researchers performed a systematic review and meta-analysis using longitudinal studies, including cohort and case-control studies retrieved from multiple databases which they searched from their inception to March 2023”.
The researchers stand by the belief that light to moderate alcohol consumption positively affects general health; for instance, it acts on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to prevent atherosclerosis, lowers the incidence of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and helps with the prognosis of people at higher risk of coronary complications leading to myocardial infarction.
However, these researchers agree that excessive drinking causes over 200 diseases, which makes it a leading cause of deaths globally. They also warn that alcohol interacts with multiple drugs, altering its metabolism. Decreased alcohol metabolism could lead to increased blood alcohol levels. For example, a component in wine, resveratrol, interacts with certain drugs and modifies their metabolism.
Polyphenols in red wine, such as tannins, provide multiple cardiovascular health benefits. It is also an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimutagenic thus reducing potentially harmful chemicals from the body. Nonetheless, all cardiologist agrees that light to moderate alcohol consumption has a positive effect on cardiovascular health, whereas excessive alcohol drinking elevates the risk of CHD mortality, cancers, etc. At least both studies agree on this point.
The participant’s age, sex or smoking status apparently had no effect on the study’s results. Both red and white wines displayed positive affects but the impact varied by the type of wine.
Though health benefits were noted with both red and white wine, the variations in the strength of this association were attributable to the different concentrations of some components. Red wine, in particular, has phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, catechin, and epicatechin (flavonols), which gives it antioxidant properties. These wines also reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, thrombosis risk, plasma and lipid peroxide.
Alcoholic components of wine reduce the risk of thrombosis and levels of fibrinogen, as well as induce collagen and platelet aggregation. Thus, higher consumption of red wine is more beneficial for combating CVDs than white wine other alcoholic beverages.
The study concluded that moderate wine consumption is good for cardiac health. However, researchers should interpret these findings with caution. Increasing wine consumption could harm patients susceptible to alcohol due to age, preexisting pathologies or medications.
In closing …
I leave it to you to make your own decision with regards to the merits of both studies. Complete information regarding Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health is available at https://ccsa.ca/. The complete study, Association between Wine Consumption with Cardiovascular Disease and Cardiovascular Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, is available at https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/12/2785.
Other than mulled wine, are any wines truly spicy? The short answer is ‘yes’ but there are great differences in individual interpretation. To listen to or read some reviewers impressions you would be led to believe drinking some wines would be similar to eating a chili pepper. For example, “You can taste a red wine and suddenly discover your mouth is sizzling – that spicy red wine has a whole world of delicious, zesty compounds that light up your palate and senses.”
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Wine can, however, have a certain amount of spiciness to it, though it is much more subtle than the above quote would suggest. There are several reasons for this.
Some wines do have the aroma of freshly ground black or white pepper. Wines made from Syrah grapes have a high level of pepperiness. This is because the grapes actually have one of the same compounds in the skin as is found in black peppercorns, a compound called Rotundone. However, one in five people are unable to detect the smell of Rotundone and thus do not find Syrah or Shiraz to be peppery.
Some red wines, such as Italian Chianti Classico, will provide a warming or burning sensation when they are drunk. This is a result of a high level of acidity in the wine. The same type of sensation may occur when drinking a wine with an alcohol content of around 15% or greater. Amarone is an example of such a wine.
There are wines with the aroma of spices such as vanilla, cloves or baking spices. A California Zinfandel or South African Pinotage will have the aroma of these types of spices. Part of this is due to the wine being aged in oak barrels. Lactones from the barrels create a coconut smell, and vanilla flavours come from vanillin. Spicy, toasted and clove aromas are generated by eugenol and guaiacol respectively, which are also found in the oak barrels.
There are some white wines as well that have flavours and aromas of spice; for example, a Gewürztraminer from Alsace. Grüner Veltliner from Austria can also be spicy as it, like Syrah, has Rotundone in its skin. As a result, it can have a peppery character.
So, although there are some peppery and spicy wines to be found on the shelves of your local wine store, I truly doubt that any of them will leave you fanning your mouth from the intensity of the flavour.
Streaks and water spots can make your stemware look dirty even when it’s not. It can be frustrating and difficult to get wine glasses clean and worse, if not done properly, odors can penetrate the crystal and interfere with the aroma and flavour of your wine.
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According to many experts it is perfectly safe to put your crystal stemware in the dishwasher. They claim that the reason people fear doing it is because traditionally crystal often had a gold rim or other decorations that made it unsafe for machine washing and that reputation has stuck. However, it is still important to remain cognizant of the length of any stems on your glasses. Many a glass has been “de-stemmed” by either the machine’s rotating spray mechanism or the top of the dishwasher when the tray has been slid back in.
If you do elect to use the dishwasher it is suggested that you wash the stemware on its own to minimize the risk that a dish or utensil may shift during the wash and crack a glass. Also use the air-dry setting as heat drying can dull glasses over time due to miniscule detergent particles that will be contained in the steam.
Those who oppose cleaning crystal stemware in the dishwasher claim dishwashers can cause hard water stains to appear on the glass. They also say that some detergents can etch the surface of the glass. Lastly, there is a possibility that vibration of the dishwasher can cause a piece to shatter.
If you wash your glasses by hand the experts recommend you hold each glass by the bowl, not by the stem, which is the most fragile part of the glass and may easily break. Using hot water, swirl the water over the whole glass and use only a minuscule amount of dishwashing liquid on the outside, including the rim. Then rinse inside and out with hot water to remove any soap.
Once done, dry the glasses immediately in order to avoid water spots. For best results it is recommended that you use microfibre towels, one in each hand. This will void any spots, lint or finger marks being left on the glass. Use two towels; hold onto the glass’s base with one towel-covered hand and the bottom of the glass’s bowl with the other. Then turn gently in one direction and rub lightly on any water spots.
No matter which method you choose for washing your glassware, immediately following use be sure to rinse the glassware in hot water to remove any leftover wine or sediment.
My own experience has been that wine glasses can get broken using either method. My only word of caution is I would avoid putting any family heirlooms in the dishwasher. Most of today’s crystal manufacturers will indicate whether their product is dishwasher safe.
Given the severe winter storm that is expected to arrive later today and the power outages that are anticipated to accompany it, I am publishing the blog earlier this week.
The world of wine can be intimidating, appear complicated and very mysterious. Understanding the flavours of the large number of grape varieties and complicated regional appellations can be somewhat daunting.
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If you’ve been firmly staying within your comfort zone and continually drinking the same type of wine, it’s time for a change. Although it’s great to have a safe choice or two, it is good to explore new horizons. There is an exciting world of wine ready to be discovered.
If you insist on staying with the same grape variety, then try wines from different regions and styles. For example, if you normally drink a California Chardonnay, try an Australian one or a French Chablis. If an Australian Shiraz is your preference, sample a French Syrah. For great Merlot, consider lesser-known varieties with similar flavour profiles, such as Spanish Mencía or Saperavi, an ancient red grape from Georgia. Pinot Noir enthusiasts should explore those wines of Burgundy France, Oregon, New Zealand, Australia or Argentina. Region can have a great influence on character and flavour.
The total experience, from purchase to consumption, can affect your perception of the wine you are drinking. Grocery stores are great for picking up a few cans or bottles of your favourite coolers or beer, but not a great option when purchasing wine. To best ensure that you have a good buying experience, always go to a good quality liquor store or specialty wine shop that has knowledgeable staff. You can ask for advice and receive suggestions, especially if you become a regular at a place with experienced and well-trained employees.
To help you select a good bottle, don’t be afraid to ask about new products or releases, innovative winemakers and local wines, or ask for pairing suggestions for an upcoming dinner. You can help the staff understand your likes by revealing your favourite varieties and styles. One thing to remember is that there are good wines in every price range so don’t be intimidated by wanting to stay within a specific price range.
Regarding price, it is one of the most common misconceptions about wine. People often have the perception that more expensive wines taste better. Purchasing wine varietals that you like from less familiar locations can save you money. Instead of buying wine from the most popular regions, discover reasonably priced quality wines from new, smaller or less popular regions. For example, Chardonnay (Chablis) from France or California tends to be more costly than a wine of the same varietal from Australia or South Africa.
When reading the label on the bottle, resist the urge to simply purchase one with an attractive label or an intriguing name. Neither of these are an indicator of the quality and character of the wine.
The label will tell you whether it is an Old World or New World wine. Old World wines are from Europe whereas New World wines are from anywhere but Europe. New World wine labels will generally identify the actual varietal or varietals that the wine consists of. In contrast, Old World European wines indicate the regional appellation where it was produced. Examples would include Bordeaux or Burgundy from France, Chianti from Italy or Rioja from Spain. However, there are many more appellations. Back in the blog archives are posts on the various wine regions of France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, etc. that identify which grape varietals are produced in each region.
Recognizing the name of the wine producer or importer may give you a hint about the quality of the wine, but location and grape variety will provide the best idea of what to expect in a bottle.
The labels will also display the vintage, which indicates the year the grapes were harvested. When purchasing a wine to be enjoyed in the immediate or near future, the vintage doesn’t reveal much about quality. There is a common misconception that older wines are always better. Though this applies to some bold wines that need time to rest before reaching their full potential, it represents only about ten percent of wines produced.
Whether a wine bottle has a cork stopper or screw cap is not an indicator of a wine’s quality. Though cork has been the traditional method for sealing bottles, it is not necessarily the best way. There are both pros and cons to both methods and neither comes out as a clear winner. My blog, Cork versus Screw Cap from January 8, 2022, presents the arguments for both.
Lastly, when selecting a wine at a restaurant, don’t be afraid to ask the wine steward or sommelier for advice. These are typically well-informed individuals who are there to share their knowledge so take advantage of their presence to receive expert advice. They will help you select a wine that will both suit your palate and complement the food.
Here is my list of what I consider to be British Columbia’s most noteworthy wineries for 2022. My opinions are based on several factors: the winery’s performance at both the National Wine Awards and the All Canadian Wine Championships, environmental and sustainability practices of each winery and my own personal impressions.
However, there are many more great wineries in the province. These are just the ones that I paid particular attention to this year.
I have listed my choices in alphabetical order and have included several of each winery’s 2022 award winning wines.
Black Hills Estate Winery
Black Hills Estate Winery vineyards have some of the most favourable grape growing conditions in the country, located in the middle of Canada’s only official desert. The resulting microclimate provides one of the hottest, driest and sunniest sites in the country.
Black Hills irrigation techniques and viticulture practices provide ideal growing conditions for the Bordeaux and Rhone varietals.
Black Hills grows four clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, two clones of Cabernet Franc and four clones of Merlot. Each clone has a unique flavour profile. When they are blended together, this Clonal diversity gives multi-faceted depth and complexity to the wine.
Black Hills is committed to sustainable, environmentally friendly farming and winemaking practices. All the vines are hand picked, hand pruned and manually maintained. They have been awarded Environmental Farm Plan Status by the British Columbia Environmental Farm Plan, which is administered by the Federal and Provincial Departments of Agriculture, as well as the BC Agriculture Council and the Investment Agriculture Foundation.
Black Hill’s 2022 award winning wines include:
Black Hills 2020 Addendum
Black Hills 2020 Chardonnay
Black Hills 2020 Ipso Facto
Black Hills 2020 Per Se
Black Hills 2020 Roussanne
Black Hills 2021 Alibi
CedarCreek Estate Winery (Ranked 1st at The National Wine Awards)
CedarCreek was named Winery of the Year at the 2022 National Wine Awards. The award was earned based on the number of wines receiving awards as well as for their approach to growing grapes and producing their wine.
CedarCreek works to build a healthy ecosystem, utilizing animals and plants to naturally combat disease or pests. Cover crops, like alfalfa and crimson, keep the soil healthy while animals bring a diversity and balance to the land.
Bees pollinate cover crops and wildflowers contributing to the diversity of the vineyard and helping eliminate the need for synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Chickens eat many unwanted pests and help scratch and aerate the soil and their eggs are served in the winery’s restaurant.
There are three Scottish Highland cows that wander the vineyard rows breaking up the soil. Also, their manure is good for compost and attracting beneficial bugs and birds. Their Scottish roots make them a hearty stock, comfortable in the cool Okanagan winters and known for their friendly temperament.
La Frenz Estate Winery (5th at The National Wine Awards)
La Frenz was the Small Winery of the Year at the 2017 National Wine Awards. They are located on the Naramata Bench in the heart of the Okanagan Valley. Over time the winery has grown to encompass 17 hectares across four different vineyard sites, each with its own distinctive soils and aspects.
Their 2022 award winning wines include:
La Frenz 2018 Aster Brut
La Frenz 2019 Cabernets Rockyfeller Vineyard
La Frenz 2019 Grand Total Reserve
La Frenz 2019 Malbec Rockyfeller Vineyard
La Frenz 2019 Syrah Rockyfeller Vineyard
La Frenz 2020 Pinot Noir Desperation Hill Vineyard
La Frenz 2020 Reserve Vivant
La Frenz 2021 Riesling Cl. 49 Rockyfeller Vineyard
La Frenz 2021 Semillon Knorr Vineyard
La Frenz Liqueur Muscat
Mission Hill Family Estate (4th at The National Wine Awards)
Mission Hill is the only winery to appear on both my 2020 and 2021 Movers and Shakers list.
Mission Hill follows organic farming practices. Bees, falcon, and chickens replace pesticides and insecticides. Cover crops, earthworms and compost are used in place of chemical fertilizers.
Their practices are fundamentally rooted in Old World techniques supported with modern technology. The winemaking team continuously innovates, combining fermentation and maturation vessel traditions with future trends.
The 2022 award winning wines includes:
Mission Hill 2020 Perpetua Chardonnay
Mission Hill 2020 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Mission Hill 2020 Reserve Merlot
Mission Hill 2020 Terroir Collection Jagged Rock Syrah
Mission Hill 2021 Reserve Riesling
SpearHead Winery (3rd at The National Wine Awards)
SpearHead was named Best Performing Small Winery at this year’s National Wine Awards. Their focus is on premium quality wine produced from grapes grown on their estate vineyard and from selected Okanagan Valley vineyards. The hand harvested grapes are sorted at the winery and fermented in small lots.
Approximately 80% of the 15 acres of vines is comprised of Pinot Noir, including four different Dijon clones, 2 California heritage clones and Pommard. This combination of plantings enables their wine maker to select from the different characteristics exhibited by the clones in order to create a harmonious, complex Pinot Noir from the home vineyard. They also draw from several other vineyards in the Okanagan including Golden Retreat in Summerland and Coyote Vineyard in West Kelowna.
They have extended their wine making methods to other varietals including Chardonnay, which is made from a single clone.
Spearhead’s 2022 award winning wines include:
SpearHead 2019 Botrytis Affected Late Harvest Riesling
Here is my list of who I consider to be the Ontario wineries of notoriety for 2022. My opinions are based on several factors: the winery’s performance at both the National Wine Awards and the All Canadian Wine Championships, environmental and sustainability practices of each winery, and my own personal impressions.
By far these are not the only good wineries in the province, they are merely the ones that especially caught my attention this year.
I have listed my choices in alphabetical order and have included several of each winery’s 2022 award winning wines.
Hidden Bench Vineyards and Winery (Ranked 17th at National Wine Awards)
Since 2010, Hidden Bench has followed organic practices, and since 2013, all their estate vineyards have been certified as organic.
At Hidden Bench they believe that the highest quality of grapes and wine can only be achieved by avoiding the use of systemic chemical insecticides and fungicides. Since 2015 they have extended their organic certification into the winemaking processes and as of 2016, most wines carry the Pro-cert certification on their labels. Although becoming an organic certified winery has raised costs significantly, they believe the peace of mind and health of those who enjoy the wines and vineyard is well worth the additional costs they embrace.
Part of their philosophy is to have the smallest impact possible on the environment. They have instituted several initiatives to help reduce the footprint and assist with the recovery of the environment.
Hidden Bench uses geothermal energy to provide heating and cooling for both their building and winemaking processes. They have also installed a 105 panel/23.5kW solar array on the storage building which reduces their reliance on the electrical grid and works to be energy cost neutral on an annual basis.
Recycled materials are used in product packaging wherever possible. They also only package their wines at the point of sale to reduce the associated environmental impact.
Hidden Bench’s 2022 award winning wines include the following:
Hidden Bench last appeared on my annual list in 2020.
Malivoire Wine Company (15th at National Wine Awards)
Malivoire was named Winery of the Year at last year’s National Wine Awards and earned 6 Gold, 6 Silver and 8 Bronze medals at this year’s event.
For over 20 years Malivoire has become a base for innovation, creativity and sustainability. They are proud to be Certified under Ontario’s Sustainable Winemaking Program. They promote biodiversity and a healthy living vineyard that protects wildlife habitat. They conserve water and energy in both the vineyard and winery, recognizing the vital importance of natural resources.
While always receptive to new practices or tools to improve their wine, Malivoire recognizes that as a quality-of-life product, wine’s traditions are treasured by many as essential to their fullest enjoyment of the experience. Malivoire has evaluated emerging farm, vinification and bottling techniques, while remaining dedicated to the concept of wine as a natural product.
Malivoire chooses not to use quick-fix chemical solutions to vineyard challenges. Experience has shown that synthetic treatments, while effective in the short term, can cause long-term complications. Natural obstacles can be remedied effectively with natural solutions so the vineyards will thrive without causing deterioration to their surrounding habitat.
Malivoire’s 2022 award winning wines include:
Malivoire 2021 Farmstead Gamay
Malivoire 2021 Gamay Concrete
Malivoire 2021 Le Coeur Gamay
Malivoire N/V Bisous Brut
Malivoire NV Bisous Rose
Peller Estate Winery (14th at National Wine Awards)
Peller Estates consistently produces fine quality wines. They earned 7 Gold, 4 Silver and 3 Bronze medals at this year’s National Wine Awards. Their wine portfolio features four collections: Andrew Peller Signature Series, Private Reserve, Family Series and French Cross.
This year’s award winners include:
Peller Estates Winery 2018 Cabernet Franc Icewine
Peller Estates Winery 2018 Signature Series Vidal Blanc Icewine
Peller Estates Winery 2019 Oak Aged Vidal Blanc Icewine
Peller Estates Winery 2019 Signature Series Riesling
Peller Estates Winery 2020 Signature Series Sauvignon Blanc
Peller Estates Winery Signature Series Sur Lie Chardonnay
Potter Settlement Artisan Winery
Potter Settlement is very small but it has been making great strides to create high-end, quality wines. They produce more than a dozen different wines, most of which are made with grapes grown on the Tweed property. The winery only purchases grape varieties that can’t be grown onsite (because of the cool climate) and they never buy finished wine. If the grapes are not grown on site, the wine label will indicate where they were grown.
It is one of the northernmost vineyards in Canada, where the temperature is known to drop to -27o C during the winter. However, being further north has its benefits, as the soil is rich in minerals.
Potter Settlement is a marriage of rustic, old-world charm with up-to-date winemaking techniques. They respect tradition but strive for progression when creating their wines. The winery promotes organic farming, as well as the use of solar and geothermal energy. They strive to be considerate and respectful of their surroundings. Potter Settlement consists of 10 planted acres of vinifera, hybrid, and VQA-recognized grapes.
Several of Potter Settlement wines are uniquely crafted adhering to historic processes, specific European yeast, or barrels made of uncommon woods.
This year’s award winners include:
Potter Settlement 2019 Cabernet Franc
Potter Settlement 2020 Cordova
Potter Settlement 2017 Marquette
Potter Settlement 2017 Pinot Noir
Potter Settlement 2020 Pinot Noir Rosé
Redstone Winery (18th at National Wine Awards)
Redstone is a new addition to my Movers and Shakers list. They earned a Platinum, 2 Gold, 3 Silver and 4 Bronze medals at this year’s National Wine Awards.
In 2009, Moray Tawse, owner of Tawse Winery, purchased what was formerly the Thomas and Vaughan Estate Winery. Redstone got its name from the red clay soil and large stones that exists throughout the vineyard.
The 38-acre estate vineyard is farmed organically and is perfect for maturing late-ripening varietals including Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. There is also Pinot Gris on the property. Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay varietals are grown on the recently acquired Limestone vineyard.
Fostering the health of their vines and the soil they grow on requires a labour-intensive and hands-on approach. The yields are kept low by cluster thinning to ensure that all the energy of the vine is focused in fewer grape clusters which then become more concentrated in flavour. The grapes are hand-picked to select the very best fruit.
They practice organic farming, which feeds the vines and controls diseases without the use of synthetic insecticides, fungicides and fertilizers. They have chickens that feed on bugs, sheep that eat the lower vine leaves to expose the grapes to the ripening sun and use horses instead of tractors whenever possible to help prevent soil compaction.
Redstone’s list of award-winning wines for 2022 include:
Redstone 2018 Cabernet Franc Redstone Vineyard
Redstone 2019 Bistro Gamay Noir
Redstone 2019 Bistro Riesling
Redstone 2019 Brickyard Riesling
Redstone 2019 The Club Riesling
Thirty Bench Wine Makers (10th at National Wine Awards)
Thirty Bench Wines was awarded Best White Wine of the Year at the All Canadian Wine Awards for their 2019 Small Lot Riesling Triangle Vineyard wine. At the National Wine Awards they received 6 Gold, 7 Silver and 1 Bronze medal.
The vineyard’s location beneath the Niagara Escarpment provides a longer season that allows grapes more time to ripen and cooler nights that help intensify flavours. All Thirty Bench wines are made exclusively with grapes from their own vineyards. Their vines are hand cropped and thinned to produce very low yields to create exceptional quality and an intensity of fruit flavour.
The commitment to “Small Lot” winemaking means many of their wines are made in extremely limited numbers.
2022 award winners include the following wines:
Thirty Bench 2019 Small Lot Riesling Triangle Vineyard
Thirty Bench 2019 Small Lot Riesling Wild Cask ($32.00)
Thirty Bench 2019 Small Lot Riesling Wood Post Vineyard
Thirty Bench 2019 Special Select Late Harvest
Thirty Bench 2020 Small Lot Pinot Noir
Thirty Bench 2020 Small Lot Riesling Steel Post Vineyard
Thirty Bench 2020 Winemaker’s Blend Cabernet Franc
Thirty Bench 2020 Winemaker’s Blend Riesling
Thirty Bench 2021 Winemaker’s Blend Rosé
Next week I will present this year’s list for British Columbia wineries.
A Layman's Wine Musings 