The new season of 24 has started with a bang. Wine lovers are wondering not so much how Jack Bauer will get out of his latest predicament, but rather, which wine(s) to drink while watching the series. Until that’s settled, there’s no way we can focus on the plot. So here are some fun suggestions to kick things off from my wine friends on Twitter, Facebook and elsewhere online: A tasty, and a challenging pairing! Probably something bianco & indigenous to Italy. Falanghina perhaps? @CityWineJournal I’m also thinking an Oregon Pinot might work… unassuming yet powerful (as in a Bauer […]
Wine Articles
Two spectacular BC wines in my Globe & Mail column
In my most recent Globe & Mail column, I’ve featured two Okanagan Valley blockbuster blends that are both coveted and collectible. You might open one tonight, but save the other for a few years. The first is … 2006 Burrowing Owl Meritage ($56) With enticing aromas of cassis, black plum, blackberries and coffeed oak, this one’s destined to become a cult classic. The plush layers of dark fruit will easily transform a dreary winter work-night into a celebration. It’s beautifully structured, with a finish that’s as long as the yacht you’re planning to buy. Score: 93/100 2006 Mission […]
Holiday Wines on CBC
Join me on CBC radio Tuesday, December 22 when we’ll be chatting about wines for the holidays with the hosts of the drive-home shows from coast to coast. Here are some more details. I’ll be posting theschedule of interviews as soon as they’re confirmed today, but we’ll be chatting about how to pair wines with holiday dishes and treats, from mince meat pie to chocolate Santas. We’ll also discuss how to choose the perfect wine as a gift for the wine lovers in your life. Join us! 3:00 QUEBEC CITY 3:20 VICTORIA 3:40 REGINA 4:20 WINDSOR 4:40 WINNIPEG 5:30 WHITEHORSE […]
Take the Holiday Wine Quiz and Win 1 of 5 Signed Books
Try your luck with this holiday wine quiz: only 5 questions and you could win 1 of 5 signed copies of my book Red, White and Drunk All Over. I’ll be drawing randomly from those who complete the quiz correctly so there’s still time to enter before December 24 at 5 pm! You don’t have to be a wine expert, pour yourself a glass and have fun with this wine quiz. There are only 5 questions: you can do it! E-mail me your answers at [email protected]. (You need only send me your list of 5 answers as your letter choices so […]
‘Tis the Eating Season
Of course, with all the holiday feasting, it’s easy to let your good eating and exercise habits fall by the wayside. Here are some neat ways you can enjoy without ruining your good habits. First, try eating something before you go to the dinner party and make sure you drink plenty of water. If there’s an open service area, or buffet, try taking only one thing at a time, going back to your place and going back for another choice afterwards (you’ll fill up more quickly). Another tip – if you just have to indulge, make it on something worthwhile, […]
Food & Wine Pairing Rules Aren’t What They to Be
It used to be so simple: Red wine went with red meat, white wine went with white meat, and that, essentially, was that when it came to pairing food and wine. These days, it’s a bit more complex. For one thing, wines are being made in more styles and more regions than ever before. For another, our diets now include flavours from all over the world as well as casual fare that once we would never have dreamed of enjoying with wine. By Joanne Sasvari The old rules don’t always apply. But what has replaced them? Are there any rules […]
Frolicking with Sheep and Hawks in Niagara
One of the highlights of my recent visit to Niagara was meeting husband-and-wife Louis Engel and David Johnson at Featherstone Winery. They, in turn, introduced me to one of their hawks, Zeke. He was an adorable little fellow that we took out into the vineyard with us. I noticed that as we walked down the rows of vines, the birds went silent. That’s because Zeke is a hunter, trained to go after the number one enemy of ripened grapes: starlings. Other birds, such as robins and orioles, also attack the fruit, but starlings cost the industry hundreds of thousands of […]
Join Me at the Ottawa Food & Wine Show Nov 7
I’ll be at the Ottawa Wine & Food Show Saturday November 7th from 5 pm to 7 pm in the Tasting Alley, the area of the show where you can meet winemakers, taste some special wines and there are no lineups guaranteed. Please come to say hello. You can also get some holiday shopping done early as I’ll have my books on hand and will sign them personally to whomever you like. E-mail me in advance if you want me to reserve copies for you. I’m also happy to do this for anyone who can’t make it to the […]
Louis Roederer Wine Writing Awards Video
Here’s a short video and some pics from the Louis Roederer Wine Writing Awards last month. It was incredible meeting many of my favorite wine writers from various countries. I wasn’t holding my breath since my fellow nominees included the sites of Jancis Robinson, Kate Thal and Robert Parker So I was a little dumbstruck when they announced my name. I wanted to thank you, my readers, for making my web site what it is today with all of your helpful suggestions and great ideas! One of my favorite all-time writers is Jancis Robinson, the editor of The […]
Drinking Wine in the Mountains
This weekend, I’m heading to Banff for the annual food and wine festival at the Fairmont Hotel. I’m looking forward to breathing in the crisp air of the Canadian Rockies, while sipping on some mouth-waterings wines. I’ve heard great things about this festival, but have never attended. On the agenda this year: Hennessy Bertrand Steip, General Manager of Hennessy Canada, takes you through a very exclusive tasting of five of the famed Cognac house’s cognacs including Richard Hennessy. Vintners Reception Enjoy six interactive food stations showcasing the talents of The Fairmont Banff Springs Culinary team. The evening would not be […]
