This interview with columnist Andrew Facey was published in the Newfoundland Liquor Commission magazine Occasions. I interviewed Natalie MacLean, author of the bestselling book: Red, White and Drunk All Over, when she was in St. John’s on tour for her second book: Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World’s Best Bargain Wines. MacLean was named [...]

The Faculty Club – University of Toronto 41 Willcocks St., Toronto Monday, May 14, 2012 Reception – 6:00pm Tasting – 6:30pm Interest in producing appassimento-style wines in Ontario is growing rapidly. This grape-drying process, used in Northern Italy to produce famed Amarone wines, is now producing rich and full-bodied wines here in Ontario. Donald Ziraldo [...]

While most people still reserve a glass of Champagne or sparkling wine for New Year’s Eve and the occasional toast while out for dinner, you really don’t need a formal reason to pour yourself a glass of bubbly.  In fact, Champagne is one of the most food friendly wines available and I encourage you to [...]

We have recently returned from holidaying on the shores of Lake Erie where our family’s roots run deep into the sandy banks of Long Point Bay.  This has become an annual event for us and it’s always a pleasure to relax on the quiet beach amidst the rolling waves while the shorebirds gracefully soar high [...]

By Gaby Israel 2002 Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling Spätlese, Prädikatswein, Erbacher Schlossberg, Rheingau, Germany – $19.95. 2002 was a great vintage for Riesling in Germany. Experiencing a 10 year old Riesling for only $20 is a no brainer when it comes to buying decision. I would buy 3 bottles, try one now and try the other [...]

  “Now ladies and gentlemen, if you will each raise your wine glass to your nose I’m sure that you will agree that the scent of black cherry, cinnamon, truffle and the slightest hint of wet stone quite typically displays the varietal character of this wine.” What the hell!  Am I the only person in [...]

I find myself slightly envious of those who live downtown, surrounded by an endless supply of restaurants, patios, and other potential dining opportunities.  Need a glass of wine? Just text a friend and hook-up in, say 20 minutes at the bistro around the corner.   On occasion though, even these folks ask themselves: What would it [...]

Whether you are looking to impress your next date, to be the wine expert in the family or for a serious career change, Ottawa’s Algonquin College has you covered. The college’s reputable Sommelier Certificate Program was initially developed in response to an increased demand for properly trained wine professionals. Enrico DeFrancesco, the academic co-ordinator of [...]

A small child was being admonished by his piano teacher, who asked, “Why is it you always forget your homework? I never forget to correct it and bring it to class.” The boy looked the teacher straight in the eye and with a certain amount of awe in his voice replied,”You must have a mind [...]

In the new decade, we’ll know much more about what we eat The 10 years just past could have been dubbed the “foodie decade” – when “artisan” was attached to everything from bread to chocolates, when cupcakes went gourmet and food blogs gained big fan bases. It also was a decade of peanut butter recalls, [...]