A Fool and Forty Acres: by Geoff Heinricks Heinricks has been described as a Renaissance man, and that certainly comes though in his book, both in his interests and his compelling style of writing. Not only is he fascinated with making wine, but he also digs into the history of Ontario’s Prince Edward County where he planted his vines, its architecture, food and people. This is a delightful memoir with great insights into the backbreaking work involved in starting your own winery. Buy it from Amazon Canada: CDN $21.99 Buy it from Chapters/Indigo Canada: CDN $24.49 Buy it from Barnes […]
An early taste of summer
We’ve all noticed the days getting longer and warmer. Very slowly. Instead of waiting for Mother Nature to give us a taste of summer, why don’t we treat ourselves to a generous dose of sunshine right now? Let’s pair southern warmth with the Canadian spring equinox and enjoy some fruity wines, exotic cheeses and great company. How can friends refuse an offer of good food and good wine? They won’t, which takes us to step one, food. Allow me to propose a sunny entree of almond-crusted maple salmon fillet and follow it up with an exotic cheese platter. The theme […]
March 19, 2011 Vintages Wine Reviews
Number of Wines Recommended: 67 Review date: March 19, 2011 There are some amazing reds from Spain and Portugal in this release, plus Californian cult wines and more bargains to stock for parties … White Wine 2009 Colmello Di Grotta Pinot Grigio, D.O.C., Isonzo Del Friuli, Italy: VC: Pinot Grigio from the tiny region of Friuli has rightly become renowned, and Colmello di Grotta’s version features many of this variety’s great strengths. Light straw in colour, this is crisp and light with melon and apple tones. Traces of candied fruit, accented by mushroom and nut, add complexity and depth. […]
March 5, 2011 Vintages Wine Reviews
Number of Wines Recommended: 74 Review date: March 5, 2011 In this release, we have many wines under $15 from Chile and Argentina that I’ve scored 89-90 points, robust reds from northern Italy that are perfect for pasta and lots of mouth-watering, zippy whites for St. Patrick’s Day … White Wine 2008 Charles Baker Riesling Picone Vineyard, V.Q.A., Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: I love this wine: it’s an elevation of what Niagara does best among white wines: Riesling! Deep minerality with lime and green apple. Superbly made by one of Canada’s superstar winemakers. Drink: 2011-2018. 126433 […]
Cellar Tips
Cellar Tips: Have you dreamed of building a cellar? Here are some tips on choosing the right size, structure and budget for you. Listen
Interview
Interview: Don Genova and I chat about buying wine in his All You Can Eat podcast as we walk through a local liquor store. Listen
Queasy Like Sunday Morning
Queasy Like Sunday Morning: What causes hangovers? Are there any cures? A tongue-in-cheek look at the bane of those who enjoy a good glass (or six). Listen
When Food Fights with Wine
When Food Fights with Wine: Matching wine with food can be particularly tough when it comes to the “problem children” of cuisine: vegetables, spicy dishes and fast food. Here are some tips to help you transform these matches into star performers on the table. Listen
Winery Visiting Tips
Winery Visiting Tips: Here are tips on how to get the most from your visits to wineries, from what to take with you to how to taste wine. Listen