Wine Prices for California and Other Regions – Smart Money Magazine

The glass looks half empty for lovers of California wine, as many wineries are expected to raise prices in the coming years. But experts say consumers can still hunt down a wide variety of cheap bottles. Although consumers have been drinking more wine, California wineries — which produce 90% the country’s wine — haven’t ramped up production, an imbalance that is starting to push up prices. The cost of Napa Cabernet grapes rose 35% last year, even as the region’s total grape supply fell 8% short, according to a report from Silicon Valley Bank. “We went from a glut situation […]

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BC and Niagara Wine Regions Excel on World Stage – Bill Good Talk Show

Bill Good is one of my favourite radio talk show hosts. We discussed various wine regions around the world, such as Portgual, Germany, Argentina and Canada’s own Niagara and the Okanagan in BC. We also chatted about how more and more people are learning about wine online and via mobile apps. Pairings also came up … always a subject of interest I am delighted to say! You can listen to our chat below:

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Talking Wine with CBC’s John Gushue

On the weekend, we met up with Natalie MacLean, the wine writer; I’ve interviewed her in the past, but not in person. It was great to meet, have a chat and talk about a subject she knows inside out and which I wish I knew a good bit better. On Saturday, we’re publishing my interview (which tees up the Chile and Argentina-focused A Taste of Wine show at the Convention Centre) on cbc.ca/nl … have a look for it. The article includes Natalie’s picks for the top five bargain wines available at the NLC. In the meantime, do check out […]

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Dessert Island Wine and Other Celebration Bottles

Award winning journalist go-to person for food and wine lovers and author of Red, White and Drunk All Over What are you up to in 10 minutes, 10 months and 10 years from now? 10 minutes – drinking pinot noir. 10 months – drinking pinot noir. 10 years – can you guess. Who inspires/inspired you? My mother for her patience and Dorothy Parker for her alcoholic tolerance. Who do you want to inspire? Those who love wine and words. What do you love about yourself? My Teflon liver. What would you change about yourself? My one-track mind. What is your […]

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Words and Wine for the Chief Librarian – Ottawa Citizen

As I was reading today’s paper, I discovered that Ottawa’s Chief Librarian and CEO Danielle McDonald is a woman after my own heart. She’s likes a glass of affordable wine too, and almost as important, she likes reading stories about them. What The Chief Librarian is Reading Ottawa’s library chief executive Danielle McDonald says she loves books – she reads the news on a tablet computer, but you can’t beat a book for reassuring heft in your hands. She learned from her grandfather to have three books on the go, “one for pleasure, one for learning and one for advancement,” […]

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Wine and Design Tasting Event at Corner Lot Home Decor – Toronto May 31

Looking for wine and design inspirations? Come to Corner Lots first tweetup. We will be having a great night of sharing wine, nibblies and design in my own store. Looking forward to meeting great new people who live to talk about wine and design. We will have lots of places to sit and hang out. Bring your favorite bottle of wine and some thoughts about room design. We will provide the glasses. We’re happy to announce that Peter Brooks of Bedford Brooks will be our featured designer at the party and starting Monday May 14 Peter Brooks and company will […]

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Importing Wine for Pleasure and Profit Seminar – Toronto June 16

When you were a kid, did you dream of owning a candy store? Now that you’re a little older perhaps you dream of owning a wine store or a winery or better still, travelling the world looking for great new wines. This is the job of a wine agent. Wine agents represent wine suppliers. Their role in the industry is to convince the Liquor Boards to buy wine from the suppliers they represent. It isn’t always easy; but, it definitely isn’t rocket science either and there are lots of great perks like wine travel and free samples. Thanks to your […]

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More Magazine Celebrates Fifth Anniversary with Four Women Leaders

I’ve been an avid reader of More since it first started publishing its classy, smart magazine five years ago. With the fifth anniversary, they did a complete redesign and I was happy to sign on on the wine columnist. On Thursday, I’ll join four women I admire immensely for a panel discussion that’s part of the celebratory activities: Rosey Edeh, ET Canada Host; Lisa LaFlamme, CTV National News Anchor; Suzanne Timmons, The Hudson’s Bay Company Director; and Bev Thompson, Canada AM Host. (I’ll be chatting with Bev earlier that day on her show about wines for Mother’s Day.)

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Okanagan Wine Tours with Tastings, Winery Visits, Restaurants

Visit one of the wine capitals of the world and… North America’s only harvest-time wine festival. Discover Canada’s unique desert region and… relax at a true “Desert Oasis” resort spa. Taste select award-winning wines and… explore the Okanagan’s world-class wineries! Tour Price:  $1,599.00* Canadian. Yes, wine lovers, this includes wine! Date: October 1st – 7th, 2012. Contact: Joan Simmons at [email protected]. *Land Package Only Includes: 6 nights at Okanagan Resort Entrance to all wineries tastings Tickets to Wine-fest events 2 meals daily (average) Cruise on Lake Okanagan Ground transportation & transfers *per person based on double occupancy Does not include […]

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