Events

A New Ontario Winery

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According to an Instagram post just before Christmas, coming soon is the new “Skye Chase Winery” where you can “Discover what’s happening at St Thomas’ new social experience. Exceptional wine, culinary delights and a lounge with breathtaking views. Explore the new Skye Chase Winery and all it has to offer.”

Being intrigued, I did some research and learned that Skye Chase Winery was previously the Quai Du Vin Estate Winery. The vines of Quai Du Vin, now Skye Chase, date back to the 1970s with the original winery operating since 1990. Therefore, the vineyards that Skye Chase has assumed are well established and mature. It appears the new owner, Kyle MacDonald, took over ownership of the winery in 2025.

According to their website, Skye Chase’s objective is to create a winery that will establish Southwest Ontario as one of Canada’s great wine regions. They refer to themselves as a terroir-forward vineyard, letting the grapes be a direct expression of the natural environment, including the weather, soil and mineral content. They feel that this will let them make the highest quality, most interesting wines.

The head winemaker is Jay Johnston, a graduate from Niagara College’s Viticulture & Winemaking program. He has previous winemaking experience with Jackson-Triggs, Le Clos Jordanne, Hidden Bench, and Flat Rock Cellars.

The Skye Chase team has expanded the vineyards and dedicated their winemaking skills to focus on varietals best suited for the region’s unique terroir and climate. Thus, their focus is on cool climate varietals. The whites include Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Riesling. The reds are Cabernet, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir.

They have revamped the “Fruit & the Vine” fruit wines with the new label “Wine’d Up Wine Company”. They claim, “It’s fruit wine done better, fresher, cleaner and ready for any occasion. Same flavour forward personality, just a whole new vibe.”

Skye Chase is looking to enhance the winery by constructing a new building that will feature a retail store, tasting room and Restobar.

Best of luck to the new Skye Chase Winery.

Sláinte mhaith

Gift for the Host

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Good Housekeeping magazine now suggests to their readers that a bottle of olive oil is a much more appropriate hostess gift than a bottle of wine. Personally, I am not about to change my behaviours simply on the advice of a magazine or trends in office parties. If I am hosting or attending a social gathering, it is most likely with my friends who, like me, still enjoy a well-crafted alcoholic beverage, whether it be wine, beer or spirits.

Photo credit: cwocorp.com

I am right at home, literally, when I select a bottle of wine from the cellar to take to a dinner party. What I choose will vary based on the occasion, whether I am pairing the wine to a dinner menu, or the host’s personal wine preferences of white versus red, the grape varietal, or country of origin.

On the other hand, I would have no clue as to what olive oil I should purchase for a hostess gift. I feel that I would need to go to a food specialty store as making the purchase at my local Food Basics or No Frills grocery store seems to lack thought and character. Then comes the question – do you get regular olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, or cold pressed extra virgin olive oil? Is one better? Does the use matter? Is Italian olive oil better or different from Greek or French olive oil? Is one brand better than another?

After dealing with the stress of trying to select the most suitable oil, I would then have to witness the expression on my host’s face as the bottle is pulled from the package and the realization is made that this is not something to be poured into a glass, sipped on and enjoyed. I would be met with a polite smile and eyes of bewilderment.

During these changing times the most important thing is to understand your host’s preferences. Don’t change your gift giving practices just to correspond with current trends but match your gift giving to the preferences of your host.

Sláinte mhaith

Holiday Season Wine Pairings

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With Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Eve celebrations all quickly approaching, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing what to eat and drink during those festive gatherings. Here is a list of some of the best wines to pair with the flavours of the holidays.

Photo credit: winedevaexperiences.com

For rich, buttery foods, wines with good acidity will refresh the palate. As always, match the weight of the wine to the food: Light-bodied wines go with lighter dishes, while full-bodied wines can stand up to hearty, richer food.

If you are serving sparkling wine, be sure to keep it chilled. Sparkling wine always adds an instant celebratory feel and pairs well with everything from appetizers to desserts.

If you want to keep it simple, you can offer a red, white, and a sparkling option to cover the diverse flavours on the dinner table. Guests can then choose which wine they prefer. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling are all good general options.

Here are some classic holiday pairing selections:

Main DishesRed WineWhite Wine
Roast turkeyPinot NoirChardonnay (oaked or unoaked)
Glazed hamPinot NoirPinot Gris, Riesling
Prime Rib / Roast BeefCabernet SauvignonChardonnay  
Roast ChickenPinot NoirChardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
Salmon / Baked FishPinot NoirSauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris
Beef BrisketSyrah, MalbecRiesling
Spicy Gumbo Off-Dry Riesling
Side Dishes / AppetizersRed WineWhite Wine
Charcuterie Sparkling
Crab cakes          Sparkling
Creamy dishes Pinot Gris, Chardonnay
Vegetable dishesPinot Noir          Sauvignon Blanc
Collard Greens Dry Riesling
Sweet Potatoes Chardonnay
Mashed potatoesPinot NoirChardonnay
Potato latkes     Sauvignon Blanc
Squash soup      Chardonnay
Pasta salad        Beaujolais, GamayPinot Gris
DessertsRed WineWhite Wine
Peach cobbler Late Harvest Riesling
Apple PieTawny PortDemi-Sec or Doux Sparkling Wine
Bread puddingTawny Port, SherrySémillon
Sticky toffee pudding   Tawny Port, SherrySémillon
Pecan pieTawny Port, Gamay 
Crème brûléeTawny PortDemi-Sec Champagne
Christmas cakeTawny Port, SherryChampagne or Prosecco

Enjoy the festive season!

Sláinte mhaith

The Office Holiday Party

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Drinking one’s face off at a party or social gathering is becoming a less acceptable behaviour. The younger generations, Millennials and Gen Z, are now the most likely groups to attend holiday parties. They tend to find alcohol less desirable and thus, its use in social settings is changing. Getting into the holiday spirit no longer requires spirits, with mocktails and alcohol-free bars now becoming very popular. 

Photo credit: homrest.com

Gen Z and Millennials are also the ones most likely to make an early exit from the party. About 28% of Gen Z say they stay just long enough for the food, while 39% of millennials admit to quietly slipping away without even saying goodbye.

Zero-proof cocktails and menus featuring gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are reflective of a broader focus for these events. However, for those that continue to provide alcoholic options, cocktail menus are more curated and upscale and aim to incorporate local ingredients or have a more direct relationship with the company or event. 

A poll conducted in Great Britain suggested that over twenty percent of office Christmas parties in 2024 were alcohol-free events. This is an increase of two percent over just one year previous, suggesting that this is an increasing trend.

For me, being retired, gone are the days of attending work-related events steeped in their traditions and corporate politics that were often fueled by alcohol, especially during the later hours. Having emceed one of these events attended by a couple of hundred people, I appreciate the benefits of the alcohol-free approach. It can be entertaining to sometimes watch the alcohol fueled antics of some attendees and stressful to see others say or do something totally inappropriate and potentially career-limiting. It can be both tragic and embarrassing for these individuals after they sober up and realize what they had done.

Gatherings are becoming smaller as well. Less companies are hosting single large gatherings attended by all employees. Instead, they are opting for smaller intimate settings pertaining to the interests of specific groups. The events tend to focus more on food and less on spirits.

Gone are the days of wearing lampshades at a party.

Sláinte mhaith

The 2025 National Wine Awards

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Photo credit: winealign.com

This year Penticton, British Columbia hosted the 25th anniversary of the WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada (NWAC). The NWAC is the country’s largest competition, involving only 100 percent Canadian-grown and produced wines.

This year a new category was introduced – Library Wines. This classification includes wines that are 5 years or older. These aged wines were not compared against each other but instead, each wine was independently assessed as to where it was in its lifecycle and how well it was ageing and tasting.

The Replacement wines or Crafted in B.C. wines were not included as part of The WineAlign National Wine Awards.

Winery of the Year

The 2025 Winery of the Year is Penticton, British Columbia’s Mission Hill Family Estate. This is the sixth time Anthony von Mandl has been awarded this prestigious honour.

This year, Mission Hill entered 11 top-tier wines, earning two Platinum medals, five Golds and one Silver medal.

The balance of the top 10 wineries are:

  • Laughing Stock Vineyards, Penticton, British Columbia
  • Meyer Family Vineyards, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • SpearHead Winery, Kelowna, British Columbia
  • The Organized Crime Winery, Beamsville, Ontario
  • Quails’ Gate Winery, Kelowna, British Columbia
  • Peller Estates, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
  • Fielding Estate Winery, Lincoln, Ontario
  • Trius Winery, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
  • Tantalus Vineyards, Kelowna, British Columbia

Best Performing Small Winery

This year’s Best Performing Small Winery is Penticton, British Columbia’s Laughing Stock Vineyards. Laughing Stock earned eight medals at this year’s event: two Platinum, three Gold, one Silver, and two Bronze. 

When the winery was acquired by Arterra Wines in 2017, some experts had concerns as to whether Laughing Stock would maintain its boutique identity under its new corporate umbrella. However, the winery continues to operate with a small, focused team and remains fully independent in its winemaking approach.

The balance of the top 10 small wineries are:

  • Meyer Family Vineyards, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • SpearHead Winery, Kelowna, British Columbia
  • The Organized Crime Winery, Beamsville, Ontario
  • Tantalus Vineyards, Kelowna, British Columbia
  • Township 7 Vineyards and Winery, Penticton, British Columbia
  • Stag’s Hollow Winery, Okanagan Falls, British Columbia
  • Moon Cruiser Vineyards, Osoyoos, British Columbia
  • Orofino Vineyards, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia
  • Thirty Bench Wine Makers, Beamsville, Ontario

Platinum Awards

A Platinum medal is the highest award possible. Less than 2% of the 1,700 wines and ciders entered received this award.

The award process involves a minimum of eight judges, three or four in the first round, and five or six in the second round. Each wine must have achieved an aggregate score of 93 points by five of those judges. 93 points or better is considered entering the realm of “outstanding.” Thus, not every judging category had a Platinum recipient.

This year’s Platinum Award winners are listed below:

Library Wines

  • Moon Curser 2020 Malbec, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Red Blends

  • Black Hills 2023 Bona Fide, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Laughing Stock 2022 Blind Trust Red, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Nomad at Hinterbrook Winery 2021 Wanderlust, Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Palatine Hills Ramblers 2024 Schmoozer Cabernet Merlot, Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • The Organized Crime 2022 The Download, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Trius 2022 Grand Red, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Pinot Noir

  • 1 Mill Road 2022 Pinot Noir Home Block, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Lightning Rock Winery 2022 Pinot Noir Canyonview Vineyard, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Meyer 2022 Old Block Pinot Noir   McLean Creek Road Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • SpearHead 2022 Okanagan Valley Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • SpearHead 2022 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Chardonnay

  • 1 Mill Road 2023 Chardonnay, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Meyer 2022 Chardonnay McLean Creek Road Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Mission Hill Family Estate 2022 Perpetua, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Quails’ Gate Winery 2022 Rosemary’s Block Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Syrah

  • Laughing Stock 2022 Syrah, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Sandhill 2022 Syrah Terroir Driven Wine, British Columbia
  • Stag’s Hollow 2022 Syrah, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Riesling

  • CedarCreek 2022 Aspect Collection Riesling, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Peller Estates 2023 Signature Series Riesling, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Thirty Bench 2022 Small Lot Riesling, Triangle Vineyard, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario Trius 2023 Showcase Riesling, Ghost Creek, Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Icewine and Late Harvest

  • Inniskillin 2023 Riesling Icewine Niagara Estate, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Byland 2023 Riesling Icewine, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Cabernet Franc

  • Black Bank Hill 2022 Cabernet Franc, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Fielding 2023 Cabernet Franc, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Kismet 2022 Cabernet Franc Reserve, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Mission Hill Family Estate 2022 Terroir Cabernet Franc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Niagara College Teaching Winery 2022 Dean’s List Cabernet Franc, St. David’s Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Tinhorn Creek 2022 Cabernet Franc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Merlot

The complete list of award winners can be found at www.winealign/awards.

Sláinte mhaith

The 2025 All Canadian Wine Championships

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The All Canadian Wine Championships (ACWC) is open to all Canadian licensed wineries, cideries and meaderies and content must normally be grown and made in Canada. However, for this year, a new section was added, the international “Cellared in Canada” segment. These wines contain imported grapes or juice. The “Cellared in Canada” program was introduced in 2024 in response to the environmental disasters that severely impacted many British Columbia vineyards. No trophies were awarded for this special category.

As with previous years, the judges come from across Canada and include wine writers, sommeliers, and professional wine judges from the Wine Judges of Ontario. Some judges have been with the competition for more than twenty years.

Awards are presented for Gold, Silver and Bronze winners but the top scoring wine in each category is awarded Double Gold.

This year there were a total of 911 wines entered from 163 wineries.

The Trophy and Double Gold winners for grape wines are presented below. For the complete listing of award winners, visit the ACWC website at www.allcanadianwinechampionships.com/acwc-2025-results/. All prices are expressed in Canadian dollars.

The 2025 Trophy Awards were presented to:

Best Sparkling Wine of the Year

Time Family of Wines, British Columbia – 2018 Evolve Brut Nature – $49.99

Best Red Wine of the Year

Creekside Estate Winery (Diamond Estate Wines and Spirits), Ontario – 2020 Shiraz – $15.95

Best White Wine of the Year

Solvero Wines, British Columbia – 2022 Chardonnay – $40.25

Best Dessert Wine of the Year

Pillitteri Estates Winery Inc., Ontario – 2019 Racina Riesling Icewine – $40.00

Best Rosé Wine of the Year

Keint-he Winery and Vineyards Ltd., Ontario – 2023 Portage Rosé – $24.80

Best Fruit Wine of the Year

Maan Farms Estate Winery, British Columbia – N/V Strawberry Dessert – $29.41

Best Cider of the Year

Archibald Orchards & Winery, Ontario – N/V Hard Ginger – $13.80

Best Mead of the Year

Miel Nature Inc., Quebec – N/V Pomme et miel – $20.00

The 2025 Double Gold medal winners were the following:

Sparkling Wine-Traditional Method

Time Family of Wines, British Columbia – 2018 Evolve Brut Rosé – $49.99

Sparkling Wine–Charmat Method

Monte Creek Winery, British Columbia – 2022 Living Land Sparkling – $27.59

Sparkling Wine–Frizzante Method

Cherry Point Estate Wines, British Columbia – 2024 Spritzy Rosé – $33.40

Chardonnay, Unoaked

Strewn, Ontario – 2023 Distinctive Small Lot Chardonnay Musque – $24.92

Chardonnay Under $35.00

Deep Roots Winery, British Columbia – 2023 Reserve Chardonnay – $34.90

Chardonnay Over $35.00

Solvero Wines, British Columbia – 2022 Chardonnay – $40.25 “Best White Wine of the Year”

Riesling Dry

Three Sisters Winery, British Columbia – 2023 Riesling – $28.75

Riesling Off Dry

Huff Estates Winery, Ontario – 2023 Day Tripping Riesling – $20.00

Sauvignon Blanc

Featherstone Winery, Ontario – 2024 Sauvignon Blanc – $17.95

Gewürztraminer

Baillie-Grohman Estate Winery, British Columbia – 2023 Gewürztraminer – $26.00

Pinot Gris Style

Alderlea Vineyards, British Columbia – 2024 Pinot Gris – $26.45

Pinot Grigio Style

Volcanic Hills Estate Winery, British Columbia – 2024 Pinot Gris – $28.74

Viognier

Rainmaker Wines, British Columbia – 2022 Viognier Rainmaker – $30.00

Other Single Vitis Vinifera Whites

Chaberton Estate Winery, British Columbia – 2024 Estate Grown Siegerrebe – $19.95

White Vitis Vinifera Blends

Alderlea Vineyards, British Columbia – 2024 Valerie – $26.45

Single White Hybrids

Magnetic Hill Winery, New Brunswick – 2024 The OC Osceola by the Sea – $20.00

White Hybrid Blends

Bear River Vineyards, Nova Scotia – 2024 Greater Yellowlegs – $25.00

Orange Wines

The Good Earth Food and Wine Co., Ontario – 2023 Chardonnay Musque Orange – $23.80

Rosé Dry

Keint-he Winery and Vineyards Ltd., Ontario – 2023 Portage Rosé – $24.80 “Best Rosé of the Year”

Rosé Off Dry

Kismet Estate Winery, British Columbia – 2024 Phulkari Rosé – $29.89

Cabernet Sauvignon $35 and Under

Black Sage Vineyard, British Columbia – 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon – $32.99

Cabernet Sauvignon Over $35.00

Laughing Stock Vineyards, British Columbia – 2022 Market Darling – $60.00

Merlot $35 and Under

Bordertown Vineyard & Estate Winery, British Columbia – 2020 Merlot – $25.00

Merlot Over $35.00

Pillitteri Estates Winery Inc., Ontario – 2020 Exclamation Merlot – $60.00

Pinot Noir $35 and Under

Keint-he Winery and Vineyards Ltd., Ontario – 2022 Portage Pinot Noir – $24.80

Pinot Noir Over $35.00

16 Mile Cellar, Ontario – 2022 Tenacity Pinot Noir – $59.80

Cabernet Franc $35 and Under

Pillitteri Estates Winery Inc., Ontario – 2020 Carretto Cabernet Franc – $28.00

Cabernet Franc Over $35.00

Bella Terra Vineyards, Ontario – 2022 Cabernet Franc – $49.72

Bordeaux Blends $35 and Under

Magnotta Winery, Ontario – 2019 Magnotta Meritage Gran Riserva VQA – $31.95

Bordeaux Blends Over $35.00

Dirty Laundry Winery, British Columbia – 2020 Bordello – $44.99

Syrah/Shiraz $35 and Under

Creekside Estate Winery (Diamond Estate Wines and Spirits), Ontario – 2020 Shiraz – $15.95 “Best Red Wine of the Year”

Syrah/Shiraz Over $35.00

Moraine Estate Winery, British Columbia – 2022 Syrah – $39.00

Single Red Hybrids

Magnetic Hill Winery, New Brunswick, – N/V Terroir Generator New World Cali Style – $30.00

Red Hybrid Blends

Planters Ridge Winery, Nova Scotia – 2022 Quintessence Red – $25.36

Other Single Red Vitis Vinifera

Colchester Ridge Estate Winery, Ontario – 2022 Petit Verdot – $39.95

Other Red Vitis Vinifera Blends

Nk’Mip Cellars   British Columbia, – 2022 Winemakers Talon – $32.99

Marechal Foch

Alderlea Vineyards, British Columbia – 2023 Clarinet – $27.60

Malbec

Rainmaker Wines, British Columbia – 2022 Malbec – $40.00

Gamay

Hillside Winery & Bistro, British Columbia – 2021 Founder’s Block Gamay Noir – $45.00

Appassimento Style

Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery, Ontario – 2023 Appassimento Cabernet Franc Hawks Flight Reserve – $44.80

NEW SEGMENT FOR 2025 – INTERNATIONAL “CELLARED IN CANADA”

Single Red Vitus Vinifera

Devonian Coast Wineries, Nova Scotia – N/V Ducks Crossing Cabernet Sauvignon – $13.67

Sparkling

Moraine Estate Winery, British Columbia – 2024 Shipuchka Frizzante – $28.00

Single White Vitus Vinifera

See ya Later Ranch, British Columbia – 2024 Pinot Gris – $19.99

White Vitus Vinifera Blends

Sunnybrae Vineyards & Winery, British Columbia – 2024 Twisted Path Washington – $24.73

Rosé

Arterra Wines Canada, British Columbia – 2024 Saintly Rosé – $20.99

DESSERT WINES

Late Harvests

Vignoble Rivière du Chêne, Quebec – 2024 Cuvée Glacée des Laurentides – $28.05

White Icewines (Riesling, Vidal, Other)

Pillitteri Estates Winery Inc., Ontario – 2019 Racina Riesling Icewine – $40.00 “Best Dessert Wine of the Year”

Red Icewines

Magnotta Winery, Ontario – 2019 Magnotta Cabernet Franc Icewine Limited Edition VQA – $44.95

Grape Fortifieds

Moraine Estate Winery, British Columbia – 2022 O’port – $47.00

Next up on the championship list will be the National Wine Awards. The results should be released around mid-July.

Sláinte mhaith

Wine Service

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What is ‘wine service’? Experts define it as the way a bottle of wine is served to a gathering of guests. Wine service must include the handling of the bottle itself. Based on this definition, if you were to order a glass of wine in a restaurant, this would not be included under the definition of wine service. Instead, it is considered in the definition of ‘bar service’, perhaps a discussion for another day.

Photo credit: vivatysons.com

The wine service process begins with the selection of the wine, either from a list or by the recommendation of the restaurant wine steward or sommelier, or in the case of a private gathering, your host.

The first step is for the server or host to open the bottle of wine. They begin by removing the foil or capsule covering the cork using a knife or foil cutter. Then they make a clean cut just below the lower lip of the bottle to expose the cork fully.

When serving flat wine (wine with no bubbles), they insert the corkscrew by positioning the tip of the corkscrew at the center of the cork. Gentle pressure is applied and the corkscrew is twisted clockwise until the screw is fully embedded in the cork.

With the corkscrew securely in place, it is rotated approximately six half turns to ensure a firm grip on the cork. Then utilizing the lever arm of the corkscrew, the cork is slowly and steadily lifted upwards. Even pressure should be applied to prevent the cork from breaking or crumbling.

After removing the cork, the neck of the bottle should be inspected for any cork leftovers. A clean napkin or cloth should be used to gently wipe away any residue to ensure a pristine pour.

With the wine glass sitting on the table, the server’s dominant hand should grasp the bottom half of the wine bottle. The other hand holds a cloth napkin below the lip of the bottle to avoid dripping.  The bottle should be placed over the wine glass and slowly and steadily turned down over the glass and the wine poured in the center or all along the side. The label should be turned forward, making it visible to the person being served in order to identify the wine that is being poured.

In the typical wine glass, the spread between the rim and the stem is generally the widest at the line for serving 150 millilitres (5 ounces). When the pour is complete, the bottle should be tilted up with a twist and the lip wiped with the napkin.

If serving a sparkling wine, it should be served chilled. An ice bucket is useful in this situation. The bottle needs to be opened gently and slowly, pressing the cork with the thumb while it is gradually being removed due to the pressure inside the bottle. The bottle should be tilted at a 45-degree angle to ensure that wine does not escape from the bottle. Pour the wine slowly and uniformly while holding the glass slightly tilted. This will help prevent the wine from spilling over the rim of the glass.

Once the last of the guests’ glasses are filled the wine service is complete.

Sláinte mhaith

April is Wine Month in British Columbia

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For the eighth year, the British Columbia government has declared April as Wine Month in recognition of the vital role that the B.C. wine industry plays in the province’s economy, tourism and culture. Given the effects of the current economic uncertainty combined with the devastating environmental impacts of the past couple of years, this recognition is very timely.

Photo credit: winetourhub.com

B.C. Wine Month is intended to be a celebration of everything related to B.C. wine, including new 2024 vintage releases, including B.C. VQA wines, which consist of wines that are 100% produced in B.C., and for a limited time because of the 2024 environmental situation, Crafted in BC wines produced under the 2024 vintage relief and support program. See my post from November 9, 2024, “2024: A Year to Remember” for details regarding the events of 2024.

Wine Month is intended to recognize the people working in the wine and hospitality sectors who create memorable experiences for visitors from around the world that come to enjoy the wines and flavours of the region. This supports grape growers, winemakers and winery operations, increasing the market exposure to their excellent wines.

According to Wines BC (winesbc.com), there are 929 vineyards in British Columbia along with 369 licensed wineries. The B.C.  wine industry generates about 3.75 billion dollars annually, contributes over 440 million dollars in federal and provincial tax revenues, and employs over 14,000 full-time workers. An estimated one million tourists are drawn to the region each year resulting in 452 million dollars in tourism-related revenue, along with 147 million dollars in tourism-related wages from over 2,600 associated jobs. This all boils down to 105 dollars being generated for the economy from every bottle of wine sold.

B.C.’s Wine Month is something worth celebrating.

Sláinte mhaith

In Response to Donald Trump

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During the past six years that I have been writing this blog I have always steered away from political issues. However, today I feel compelled to speak out against Canada’s one time ally, the United States. With the return of Donald Trump to the White House’s Oval Office, Canada’s economy was placed under direct attack by Trump when he decided to impose twenty-five percent tariffs on Canadian imports to the U.S., without just cause. Similar sanctions have been imposed on Mexico and China and are being threatened against the European Union.

Photo credit: Manitoba Liquor Mart

In response to these bullying tactics by Trump, and as a proud Canadian, I will no longer purchase or write about American wine until such time as Trump refrains from his attack on Canada.

Canada has been the top export market for U.S. wines and Ontario’s provincial liquor board (the LCBO) has been among the largest purchasers of U.S. alcohol. In Ontario, imported wines are primarily sold through provincially owned and operated retail outlets, although recent regulatory changes have authorized 157 private grocery retail locations to distribute wine and beer.

The first phase of Canada’s response to the U.S. imposed tariffs includes tariffs on wine and spirits, in addition to many other products. Ontario is banning American liquor and the LCBO is removing American wine, spirits and beer from its shelves. This will represent about a billion dollars worth of American alcohol.

British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland are also removing U.S. liquor from their store shelves. At last word Quebec is considering the idea. On the bright side these bans will serve to enhance the sale of Canadian wines in Canada, as well as European, Australian, South American and South African wines.

Hopefully the American people will convince Trump that the imposition of his tariffs will not only hurt international economies but his own economy as well. It is a sad situation.

Sláinte mhaith

Holiday Gift Giving

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Photo credit: chatelaine.com

Looking for ideas on what wine or whisky to give this year?  Here are some of my favourite suggestions that should be available at your local liquor store or online.

FOR THE WINE FANS

Under $20

Fantini Sangiovese $11.45 CDN – Expressive ripe fruit, supple tannins, and well-balanced acidity contribute to an inviting and versatile wine, making it an easy choice any night of the week. Serve it alongside braised meat dishes or with tomato-based pasta dishes.

This is a wine my wife discovered while browsing the aisles of our local liquor store and it is now our go-to house wine.

Famille Perrin Réserve Côtes du Rhône $16.95 CDN – With floral, red plum, chocolate and spice notes, this wine goes well with Mediterranean-style pizza or hearty lamb stew.

France’s Côtes du Rhône region is one of my personal favourites.

Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling $19.95 CDN – Vibrant, with honey, fresh fig, herbs and citrus, this wine consistently delivers the fine, pure mineral for which both great Riesling and Ontario are so renowned. It may be cellared for up to 5 years and will be superb with lightly grilled or smoked fish.

This has been one of my standards when guests come over or to pair with barbecued fish.

Under $50

Fontanafredda Barolo DOCG $34.95 CDN – With aromas and flavours of red fruit, floral tones, berry, plum and a touch of licorice, this wine is extra-dry with balanced acidity, firm tannins and fruit flavours that linger on the finish. Barolo pairs well with game meats and mushroom risotto.

Barolo is my favourite type of Italian wine and to find one with a price tag under $50 is uncommon.

Famille Perrin Les Sinards Châteauneuf-du-Pape $43.95 CDN – Perrin is among the finest producers in the southern Rhône. Some grapes for this rich, age-worthy red come from their legendary Château de Beaucastel estate. Drink over the next decade with roast duck, roast lamb or grilled game meats.

I have been intrigued by Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine ever since a close friend brought me a bottle from the French district quite a few years ago. After visiting there myself earlier this year and sampling the wines I am even more smitten with them. To find a bottle for less than $50 is a true find.

For That Special Someone

Mazzetti Grappa di Nebbiolo da Barolo in Decanter $199.95 CDN – Crafted from the pomace of Nebbiolo from Barolo, Italy, this is pure quality and elegance. The decanter and stylish gift box make it as breathtaking on the outside as it is on the inside. It is the perfect gift for any grappa enthusiast.

FOR THE WHISKY DRINKERS

Under $50

Jameson Irish Whiskey $39.95 CDN – Jameson Irish Whiskey is a versatile, smooth blend of pot still and fine grain whiskeys. Bright, pale amber with subtle aromas of white flower, nectarine, ripe pear and clove. Mellow and approachable on the palate, with spicy vanilla, wildflower honey and ginger flavours.

This is a great introduction for anyone who is being introduced to the world of whisky. It was one of my initial favourites.

Under $100

Bowmore 12 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky $65.95 CDN – This Islay whisky expresses the essence of Bowmore with rich amber colour; subtle notes of citrus and honey with typical peaty smokiness; the flavours are sweet and delicious with heather and honey; a soft peat smoke note lingers on a long and mellow finish.

My initiation to Bowmore 12 was at a friend’s cottage. It provides a wonderful Islay experience at a better price point than many of its competitors.

Green Spot Irish Whiskey $89.95 CDN – This single pot still whiskey from Ireland uses malted and unmalted barley to give it a unique spiciness. Clove, apricot and oak toast aromas evolve to flavours of cedar, clove, apple and ginger. The long finish echoes spicy notes of clove, nutmeg, and ginger.

This is my go-to Irish Whiskey and I try to always have some on my bar shelf.

Under $200

Lagavulin 16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky $174.95 CDN – Considered by many to be the benchmark for Islay malts, this classic pours a golden amber colour and wafts from your glass with intense smoky peat and iodine. The palate is full flavour, rich and smooth with peat, figs, dates and vanilla followed by an enduring smoky and dry finish.

I was introduced to Lagavulin 16 by my wife’s uncle during a trip to the distillery several years ago. Even though he was a descendant of the original owners of the Laphroaig distillery he wanted me to try Lagavulin, his favourite whisky. I tried it and it has been a staple on my bar ever since.

The Glenlivet French Oak Reserve 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky $114.95 CDN – The unique use of French Oak increases the intensity of the whisky, resulting in a richer and creamier finish along with a distinctive spiciness. Deep golden in colour, expect aromas and flavours of crème brûlée, sweet apple, gentle smokiness and peat alongside of lavender notes followed by a rich and complex finish.

This is another whisky that I like to always have on hand as one of my regular Scotch whisky choices.

For That Special Someone

The Glenlivet 18Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky $214.95 CDN – Distiller Alan Winchester takes this malt through a combination of cask types, including both first and second-fill American oak (for tropical fruitiness) and ex-sherry oak (for spiciness). The result is this golden-coloured dram with rich spicy aromas, toasty grain, vanilla and almond flavours and a long smooth finish.

This whisky I save for special occasions or when I want to treat myself.

Sláinte mhaith