Mushroom Strudel The Magician, an unusual blend of Shiraz and Pinot Noir, is Reif Estate’s first appassimento style red wine. In 2009 the winery purchased two tobacco kilns and refurbished them for a number of research projects including the drying of grapes prior to fermentation. The grapes were hand harvested and slowly dried in the [...]

By Gaby Israel 2005 Baron de Ley Reserva – $19.95 I had this wine from its 1998 vintage. Never failed. Very consistent. Typical Rioja Reserva. From the successful 2005 vintage expect one of the best $20 you’ll spend this release. Goes very well with lamb. 2008 D’arenberg Grenache The Custodian, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia [...]

  If you have an unquenchable thirst to learn, and an unquenchable thirst as I do, you might enjoy this wine book. I am incredibly grateful to my readers who have made the book #1 on Amazon 6 weeks before it’s even published! Doubleday Canada • Indigo/Chapters • Amazon.ca Penguin USA • Amazon.com • Barnes [...]

Here we are, already mid-month with 58 of the best wines and value wines from the September 17 Vintages Release. As usual, I’m just spotlighting my top picks here, but you can get the complete list of wine reviews. Drop any of the Top Wine Picks into your virtual shopping basket to create your own [...]

By Tracey Black Tapas-style hors d’oeuvres and casual platters are hands down, my favourite way to entertain and spend time with friends.  My experience as a caterer also tells me this style of entertaining almost guarantees a relaxed and lively vibe at a party and is perfect for casual early fall soirées. I like to [...]

With autumn swiftly approaching, it’s time to finalize plans for one of our very favorite wintertime events – our Truffle Getaway in Provence. It is coming up on January 29th-February 4th, 2012.  This event focuses on the king of truffles – the fragrant black melanosporum truffles that are found in the Provence region of France between [...]