canadian wine geek

To privatize or not to privatize; is that question?

sandy — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 07:48:05 +0000

$10 BILLON is too little for the LCBO! There I said it…in fact, it would be crazy for the Ontario Government to try and privatize the LCBO. (This statement will make sense soon) But that doesn’t stop the provincial government from researching it.

The Ontario Government is, once again, investigating the potential sale price of the LCBO and Hydro One (other Crown Corporations are part of this but none are as interesting).

The Globe and Mail had a great article talking about the way the province is going about the process…both now and in the past.

The article mentions a possible sale price of $10B for the LCBO! That would be a great chunk of change for the province but would be VERY difficult as the Globe points out:

Any plan to sell Crown corporations that touch the lives of every Ontario voter would likely run into opposition on a number of fronts, including from unionized employees. In 2001, Ontario’s then-Conservative government planned a $5-billion initial public offering of Hydro One, which owns many of the power lines crisscrossing Ontario, but that was derailed, in part by a union-backed court challenge.

The article goes on to mention how parts of HyroOne could be sold off to get around the union-backed problems. But there was no suggestion about what to do with the LCBO…here is my suggestion.

Since moving to Ontario five years ago, the ‘privatize LCBO’ debate has always been an ‘all-or-nothing’ discussion. My question has always been: “WHY?” Like the Globe mentioned in their article “lets sell off some parts”. Maybe sell off 30 LCBO stores (about 5%) around the province as a test! Or better yet, leave all the LCBOs private but sell off ‘private liquor store licenses’ this won’t raise $10B but could easily bring in $500M! And would bring the money in FAST!

So, lets change the discussion, the LCBO discussion should no longer be:

To privatize or not to privatize

Instead it should be:

One small step for provincial coffers, one giant leap for Ontario consumers!

Over the next three-five years something has to give with regards to the LCBO…lets hope the government listens to the public.

Pangea offers free corkage for VQA wines!

sandy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:35:57 +0000

Reading this tweet from Martin Kouprie brought a smile to my face. One of Toronto’s best restaurants, IMHO, Pangea is offering FREE corkage on VQA wines. That is a fantastic deal and a huge sign of support for Ontario wines. Now if only more restaurants would follow Pangea’s lead.

Mammian’s (now closed) received alot of press when the BYOW law was passed here in Ontario for offering $5 corkage on Ontario wines and $10 on all other wines. Let hope that Pangea will get the same support…spread the word about ‘Free corkage on VQA wines’.

BTW: if the lobster risotto is on special at Pangea…order the appetizer size…it is CrAzY rich.

Wine List Warning: Bogel 2007 Petite Syrah

sandy — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:06:39 +0000

This is a new category that I hope helps a few wine-loving diners. The Wine List Warning points out overpriced wines found on wine lists…most restaurants featured will be located in Toronto. (If you know of some Wine List Warning, comment here or feel free to send us a post.)

The first overpriced wine, that is on alot of menus in Toronto, is: Bogel 2007
Petite Syrah

Today, I had a fantastic dinner at the Harbord Room (crazy high corkage of $35) and noticed Bogel listed at $44 per bottle. This is crazy marketed up! In California Bogel 2006 Petite Syrah sells for $8.49! That is right $8.49.

This Bogel Petite Syrah seems to be a big money maker for restaurants; note, I love restaurants and want many to be around and making money. But this markup seems CRAZY to me.
If you see Bogel on the menu, then skip it and try a glass of an Ontario or British Columbia Wine.

Wine & Charity: a match made with cheese

sandy — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 22:45:56 +0000

This past June 24th I was part of organizing a charity wine auction so, of course, I choose to pick to have only Ontario wines. There were six Ontario wineries each pouring two wines. The most popular wines being a Sauviogon Blanc from Dan Akyord Wines and Prince Edward County’s Black Prince’s Chardonnay.

This charity wine event supports the Fred Victor Centre and held its second annual tasting event at the C-Lounge. The venue was fantastic because it was a beautiful day and people could really take advantage of their larget outside space. Having a warm sunny day ‘might’ have affected the most popular wines…because I was surprised that two white wines were the most popular.

Here is a list of the wineries and wines that were poured:

(1) Black Prince

(2) Lailey Vineyard

(3) Strewn Winery

Justyn (of WineryToHome.com) and Nathan Arnold (amatuer wine maker who works at Yahoo!)

(4) Dan Akyrod

(5) Wayne Gretzky Winery

(same table as Creekside)

(6) Creekside Estate Winery

The huge table of cheese was provided by the Leslieville Cheese Shop and they had a TON of cheese.

This now yearly charity event raises money for the Fred Victor Centre’s Art program. This program used art to help people recover from many different problems (addiction, personal thearpy, etc) and is a great ‘out of the box’ way for an organization whose end goal is to help…regardless of the method.

Next year, we will be inviting back four of the six wineries and adding two more new Ontario wineries. Do you have any suggestions? Lets us know who we should have pouring for our event next year.

LCBO strike irony…

sandy — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:27:09 +0000

The potential ‘LCBO strike of 2009′ basically comes down to the union fighting for more ‘permanent employees’ and ‘less casual employees’. While the LCBO management, see the LCBO executive salaries here, wants to increase casual workers to reduce benefits and drive up profits.

The irony that in 2005 the LCBO workers set a strike date of July 28. In 2005, the workers were going on strike to ‘protest privatization of the LCBO’ and ‘protect the profits for Ontario residents’. Now in 2009, the LCBO workers want to protect their paychecks and benefits over profits for all Ontarians.

Now, I am not a fan of any government granted monopoly because they always have TERRIBLE customer service. But I can’t have any sympathy for employees of a monopoly to go on strike! If the industry was privatized there would be a lot more jobs for the trained folks of the LCBO.

LCBO workers you wanted to keep the LCBO private in 2005. Because you were short sighted then, you hurt all of Ontario now. A few words of advice: “LCBO workers stop being so selfish.”

LCBO Strike Update

sandy — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:11:59 +0000

Unless a last ditch effort is made, the LCBO will be going on strike tonight at 12:01am Wednesday morning.

Note: The Beer Store nor Wine Racks will be affected by this strike.

June 24th is the deadline set by the LCBO employees to walk off the job, and have the first every LCBO strike, if they don’t get a new contract. That give you just a couple of days to stock up on everything you need for what could be a long ‘dry’ summer.

I tend to be a union supporter but in this case I am torn…how can I support a strike by employees of a ‘god-given monopoly’ that does nothing to make things better for the consumer.

If you lived outside of Ontario you know the LCBO isn’t good for consumers like we are told. Instead the LCBO is full of patranage positions that are filled by every political party (red, blue, orange are all the same) and cost the tax payers tons of money. And don’t give me ‘the LCBO brings in so much money BS’ because even if the industry was privatized the government would still get the tax dollars…but us tax payers wouldn’t be paying for the patronage positions.

Interested in what execs at the LCBO make? Check out this LCBO salary breakdown by Little Fat Wino.

If the LCBO employees go on strike…I hope they are out for a long time…because maybe then people will see the real faults with Ontario giving away a monopoly on booze.

What do you think about the strike? Should a monopoly’s employees be allowed to strike? Do you care?

Corkage fees dropping as EI claims rising

sandy — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:55:07 +0000

Many restaurants across Toronto are slashing their corkage fees to get ‘bums in the seats’. During economic times like this, people need more of an excuse to leave the house. ‘Free, Cheaper or lowered’ corkage fees can definately help get people out.

During my time in San Francisco, I went through the dotcom crash. SF’s vacancy rate went from 0.1% to %10 in about 4 months…people were leaving down at an amazing rate. Restaruants were empty every night but a reduction in corkage fees helped get people out. Q Restaraunt, one of my favorites, had the lowest corkage in San Francisco at $8 and was packed every night. The best thing they did was offer $5 glasses of bubby to everyone while their wine was being open…who can turn down $5 bubbly!

In Toronto, we are lucky to have lots of restaurants offers ‘Free’ or ‘$1′ corkage on many nights of the week. Table 17, in Queen Est, was one of the first to have free corkage on Sundays, they have recently added Monday as well.

Now Toronto has bunch more:

• Table 17: No corkage fee Sunday and Monday

• Paese: No corkage fee Sun to Fri for first bottle; regular charge $25.

• Cava: No corkage fee Sunday, regular charge $30.

• Centro: No corkage fee Mon to Wed; regular charge $35.

• Nota Bene: No corkage fee after 9 p.m.; regular charge $40.

• Crush Wine Bar: Corkage $1 on Mondays; regular charge $25.

• Lee: Corkage $1 Mon to Wed; regular charge $30.

• Madeline’s: Corkage $1 Mon to Wed; regular charge $30.

Some additions to the list:

Pangea, free corkage on VGA wines

Thanks to Toronto Life for the list…

This change in prices is a huge shift from 2005 when restaurant thought BYOW was going to bankrupt them…now they are using it to say afloat in a tough economy. This recession isn’t helping many people… but it is certainly helping people “Bring Your Own Wine’.

LCBO strike? Stop your wining…

sandy — Tue, 26 May 2009 14:01:01 +0000

There was another headline I threw around, “Government granted monopoly threatens strike” but that seemed a bit harsh. Even if it is true…while I am a supported of unions having the LCBO ‘monopoly’ go on strike would be bit annoying since there are no other alternatives… or are there?

Luckily if the LCBO goes on strike we can still get our libations at a few places:

Beer Store ….hmmmmm beeerrrrrr
WineryToHome.com – buy all your wine here; your chance to try Ontario wine
Ontario Wineries – take drive to Niagara and stock up

The LCBO is doing a better job promoting Ontario wines but it is easy to improve on doing nothing. I actually hope the LCBO goes on a prolonged strike…because in the end it can only help Ontario Wineries.

2009 All Canadian Wine Championships Results

sandy — Sat, 16 May 2009 23:09:01 +0000

Will provide some commentary soon but for now I thought everyone would enjoy seeing the list

Trophy Winners

Best Red Wine of the Year

Church and State Wines, BC 2006 Quintessential $50.00

Best White Wine of the Year

Lang Vineyards, BC 2007 Riesling Farm Reserve $19.90

Best Sparkling Wine of the Year

Peller Estates Winery, ON Peller Estates Ice Cuvee Rose $35.00

Best Dessert Wine of the Year Sponsored by Ontario Viniculture Association

Pentage Winery, BC 2007 Ice Wine $55.45

Best Fruit Wine of the Year Sponsored by Ontario Viniculture Association

La Face Cache de la Pomme, PQ 2007 Frimas Ice Cider $39.87

Best of Category Medals Double Gold

Sparkling

Peller Estates Winery, ON Peller Estates Ice Cuvee Rose $35.00

(Trophy, Best Sparkling Wine)

Chardonnay, Unoaked

Joie Farm, BC 2008 Unoaked Chardonnay $20.40

Chardonnay Under $20

Hillebrand Estates Winery, ON 2007 Trius Chardonnay Barrel Fermented $18.95

Chardonnay Over $20

Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, BC 2007 Select Lot Collection Chardonnay $26.99

Riesling Dry

Lang Vineyards, BC 2007 Riesling Farm Reserve $19.90

(Trophy, Best White Wine)

Riesling Off Dry

La Frenz Winery, BC 2008 Small Lots Riesling $19.00

Sauvignon Blanc

La Frenz Winery, BC 2008 Small Lots Sauvignon Blanc $22.00

Gewurztraminer

Thornhaven Estates Winery,BC 2008 Gewurztraminer $17.90

Pinot Gris/Grigio

Wild Goose Vineyards and Winery, BC 2008 Pinot Gris $22.99

Other Single White Hybrid

Smith & Wilson Estate Wines, ON 2008 Smith’s Vidal $13.00

White Hybrid Blends

Jost Vineyards Ltd., NS 2008 Habitant Blanc $9.99

Other Single V.V. Whites

La Frenz Winery, BC 2008 Semillon $18.00

White V.V. Blends

Thornhaven Estates Winery, BC 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay $15.90

Rose

Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, BC 2008 Five Vineyards Rose $14.99

Cabernet Sauvignon Under $25

Magnotta Winery, ON 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Limited Edition $19.99

Cabernet Sauvignon Over $25

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, BC 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon $36.00

Merlot Under $25

Gray Monk Estate Winery, BC 2005 Odyssey Merlot $23.99

Merlot Over $25

Poplar Grove Winery, BC 2005 Poplar Grove Merlot $29.90

Pinot Noir Under $25

Lake Breeze Vineyards, BC 2006 Seven Poplars Pinot Noir $24.90

Pinot Noir Over $25

Nk’Mip Cellars, BC 2007 Qwam Qwmt Pinot Noir $29.99

Cabernet Franc Under $25

Vineland Estates Winery, ON 2007 Cabernet Franc $12.75

Cabernet Franc Over $25

Pentage Winery, BC 2006 Cabernet Franc $26.90

Syrah / Shiraz

Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate, ON 2006 Delaine Vineyard Syrah $29.95

Meritage Blends Under $25

Church and State Wines, BC 2007 Cabernet Merlot $22.00

Meritage Blends Over $25

Church and State Wines, BC 2006 Quintessential $50.00 (Trophy, Best Red Wine)

Marechal Foch

Jost Vineyards Ltd., NS 2007 Valley Road Marechal Foch $9.99

Baco Noir

Jost Vineyards Ltd., NS 2005 Baco Noir $19.99

Other Single Hybrid Reds

Gaspereau Vineyards, NS 2007 Barrel Select Lucie Kuhlmann $24.99

Other Red Hybrid Blends

Gaspereau Vineyards, NS N/V Vitis $21.99

Other Single V.V. Reds

Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards, BC 2006 Discovery Series Zinfandel $29.99

Other V.V. Blends

Dan Aykroyd Wines, ON 2007 Discovery Cabernet Shiraz $14.95

Late Harvest

Caroline Cellars Winery, ON 2007 Late Harvest Vidal $18.00

Select Late Harvest

Featherstone Vineyards, ON 2008 Select Late Harvest Cabernet Franc $23.95

Riesling Icewine

Jackson Triggs Okanagan Estate, BC

2007 Proprietor’s Grand Reserve Riesling Icewine $60.00

Vidal Icewine

Caroline Cellars Winery, ON 2006 Vidal Icewine $30.00

Red Icewine

Niagara College Teaching Winery, ON

2007 Dean’s List Cabernet Franc Icewine $54.95

Other Icewine

Pentage Winery, BC 2007 Ice Wine $55.45 (Trophy, Best Dessert Wine)

**Sponsored by Ontario Viniculture Association

Soft Fruit Dry

Scotch Block Winery, ON 2008 Regal Black Currant $12.95

Soft Fruit Off-Dry

Muskoka Lakes Winery, ON 2007 Cranberry Blueberry $16.75

Soft Fruit Dessert

Scotch Block Winery, ON 2008 Black Currant Truffle $14.95

Tree Fruit Dry

Verge Belliveau Orchard, NB 2007 Poire $12.99

Tree Fruit Off-Dry

Sunnybrook Farm Estate Winery, ON N/V Golden Plum $19.75

Tree Fruit Dessert

La Face Cachee de la Pomme, PQ 2007 Frimas Ice Cider $39.87

(Trophy, Best Fruit Wine)

**Sponsored by Ontario Viniculture Association

Fruit Fortifieds

Les Vergers de la Colline, PQ 2006 L’Ensorceleuse $23.70

Fruit Sparkling *NEW Category

Cidrerie du Minot, PQ N/V Cremant de Glace $23.90

Meades

Applewood Farm Winery, ON 2008 Mac Meade $12.45

Grape Fortifieds & Other Desserts

L’Acadie Vineyards, NS 2008 Soleil $29.38

Medals of Merit

Sparkling

Gold:

Peller Estates Winery, ON N/V Peller Estates Ice Cuvee $31.75

Silver:

L’Acadie Vineyards, NS 2006 Traditional Method Brut $39.55

Hillebrand Winery, ON N/V Trius Brut $24.95

Bronze:

Jost Vineyards Ltd., NS N/V Prost $17.99

Gaspereau Vineyards, NS 2008 Gaspereau Sparkling $21.99

Vignoble de l’Orpailleur, PQ N/V L’Orpailleur Brut $16.00

Chardonnay, Unoaked

Gold:

Colio Estate Wines Inc., ON 2007 CEV Chardonnay Musque $15.35

Marynissen Estates Winery, ON 2007 Chardonnay Unoaked $14.80

Silver:

Colio Estate Wines Inc., ON 2008 Girl’s Night Out Chardonnay $12.75

Gray Monk Estate Winery, BC 2007 Chardonnay, Unoaked $16.99

Calona Vineyards, BC 2007 Artist Series Unoaked Chardonnay $13.99

Bronze:

Crowsnest Winery, BC 2008 Chardonnay Family Reserve $18.00

Arrowleaf Cellars, BC 2007 Unoaked Chardonnay $14.99

Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate, ON

2007 Proprietors Reserve Unoaked Chardonnay $12.95

Desert Hills Estate Winery, BC 2007 Unoaked Chardonnay $16.90

Chardonnay, Under $20

Gold:

Township 7 Vineyards & Winery, BC 2007 Chardonnay $19.99

Inniskillin Niagara, ON 2006 Montague Vineyard Chardonnay $17.75

See Ya Later Ranch, BC 2007 Chardonnay $19.99

La Frenz Winery, BC 2008 Chardonnay $20.00

Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, BC 2007 Reserve Chardonnay $18.99

Calamus Estate Winery, ON 2007 Barrel Aged Chardonnay $18.90

Silver:

EastDell Estate Winery, ON 2006 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay $16.95

Mountain Road Wine Company, ON

2005 cHARD TIMES Barrel Fermented Chardonnay $12.95

Artisan Wine Co., BC 2007 Sonora Ranch Chardonnay $9.49

Peller Estates Winery,BC 2007 Private Reserve Chardonnay $17.99

Wayne Gretzky Estate Wines ON 2007 Estate Series Chardonnay $16.95

Bronze:

Blomidon Estate Winery, NS 2007 Chardonnay Reserve $19.98

Magnotta Winery, ON 2007 Chardonnay Limited Edition $16.95

Quail’s Gate Estate Winery, BC 2007 Quail’s Gate Chardonnay $18.99

Inniskillin,ON 2007 Winemakers Series Three Vineyards Chardonnay $17.75

Jackson Triggs Okanagan Estate BC

2006 Proprietor’s Grand Reserve Chardonnay $19.99

Chardonnay Over $20

Gold:

Arrowleaf Cellars, BC 2006 Solstice Chardonnay $23.00

Seven Stones Winery, BC 2007 Chardonnay $34.99

Viewpointe Estate Winery,ON 2006 Ideal Pointe $24.95

Hillebrand Winery, ON 2007 Showcase Chardonnay Wild Ferment $35.00

Church and State Wines, BC 2007 C&S Chardonnay $25.00

Silver:

Riverview Cellars Winery, ON 2007 Angelina’s Reserve Chardonnay $31.95

Nk’Mip Cellars, BC 2007 Qwam Qwmt Chardonnay $24.99

Desert Hills Estate Winery, BC 2006 Chardonnay $29.90

Bronze:

Twisted Tree Vineyards and Winery, BC 2007 Chardonnay $21.90

Joie Farm, BC 2007 Chardonnay $35.00

Poplar Grove Winery, BC 2007 Chardonnay $22.00

Flat Rock Cellars, ON 2006 The Rusty Shed Chardonnay $24.95

Dirty Laundry Vineyard, BC 2007 Naughty Chardonnay $24.95

Riesling Dry

Gold:

Stoney Ridge Winery, ON 2008 Riesling Semi-Dry $12.95

Orofino , BC 2008 Riesling $17.90

8th Generation Vineyard, BC 2008 Riesling Classic $19.90

Pelee Island Winery, ON 2008 Riesling Dry $11.95

Silver:

Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, BC 2008 Dry Riesling $12.99

Peller Estates Winery, ON 2007 Private Reserve Riesling $15.95

Magnotta Winery, ON 2007 Riesling Medium Dry $9.25

Bronze:

See Ya Later Ranch, BC 2007 Riesling $16.99

Hillebrand Winery, ON 2008 Trius Riesling $13.75

Riesling Off Dry

Gold:

Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, BC 2008 Riesling $13.99

Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, BC 2008 Private Reserve Riesling $14.99

Fielding Estate Winery, ON 2008 Riesling $16.00

Red Rooster Winery, BC 2008 Riesling $22.90

Wayne Gretzky Estate Wines, ON 2007 Estate Series Riesling $17.95

Blasted Church Vineyards, BC 2008 Riesling $18.99

Silver:

Coffin Ridge Vineyard & Winery, ON 2008 Riesling Sur Lies $19.80

Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate, ON 2007 Delaine Vineyard Riesling $19.75

Calamus Estate Winery, ON 2007 Vinemount Ridge Riesling $17.20

Pelee Island Winery, ON 2008 Late Harvest Riesling $11.50

Bronze:

Kacaba Vineyards, ON 2008 Reserve Riesling $17.95

Joie Farm, BC 2008 Off-Dry Riesling $20.40

Smith & Wilson Estate Wines, ON 2008 Riesling $13.00

Colchester Ridge Estate Winery, ON 2007 Riesling $15.80

Harbour Estates Winery, ON 2007 Riesling $11.50

Sauvignon Blanc

Gold:

Le Vieux Pin, BC 2008 Sauvignon Blanc $30.43

Lake Breeze Vineyards, BC 2008 Seven Poplars Sauvignon Blanc $22.00

Peller Estates Winery, BC 2008 Private Reserve Sauvignon Blanc $17.99

Silver:

Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, BC 2007 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc $18.99

Artisan Wine Co., BC 2008 Sonora Ranch Sauvignon Blanc $9.49

Jackson Triggs Okanagan Estate, BC

2007 Proprietor’s Reserve Sauvignon Blanc $14.99

Bronze:

Forbidden Fruit Winery, BC 2007 Earth Series Sauvignon Blanc $21.00

Church and State Wines, BC 2008 C & S Sauvignon Blanc $20.00

Magnotta Winery, ON 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Special Reserve $13.95

Gewurztraminer

Gold:

Wild Goose Vineyards and Winery, BC 2008 Gewurztraminer $18.99

See Ya Later Ranch, BC 2007 Gewurztraminer $16.99

Wild Goose Vineyards and Winery, BC 2008 Mystic River Gewurztraminer $18.99

Pentage Winery , BC 2008 Gewurztraminer $17.90

Silver:

Stoney Ridge Winery, ON 2008 Gewurztraminer $16.95

Calona Vineyards, BC 2008 Artist Series Gewurztraminer $13.99

Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate, ON

2007 Proprietors Grand Reserve Gewurztraminer $19.75

Desert Hills Estate Winery, BC 2008 Gewurztraminer $19.90

Red Rooster Winery, BC 2008 Reserve Gewurztraminer $18.99

Skimmerhorn Winery&Vineyard , BC 2008 Gewurztraminer $14.90

Bronze:

Magnotta Winery, ON 2007 Gewurztraminer Spec. Reserve Med Dry $13.95

Le Vieux Pin, BC 2008 Gewurztraminer $21.74

Therapy Vineyards, BC 2008 Gewurztraminer $19.99

Magnotta Winery, ON 2007 Gewurztraminer Spec. Reserve Dry $13.95

Pinot Gris

Gold:

Therapy Vineyards, BC 2008 Pinot Gris $23.99

Muse Winery, BC 2008 Pinot Gris $17.00

Rocky Creek Winery, BC 2008 Pinot Gris $17.90

Averill Creek Vineyard, BC 2008 Pinot Grigio $18.00

Huff Estate Winery, ON 2007 Pinot Gris $19.95

Silver:

Cedar Creek Estate Winery, BC 2008 Pinot Gris $18.00

Lake Breeze Vineyards, BC 2008 Pinot Gris $18.90

Domaine de Chaberton Estate Winery, BC 2008 Pinot Gris $16.55

DeSousa Wine Cellars, ON 2008 Pinot Grigio $10.95

Rivers Bend Winery, BC 2007 Pinot Gris $17.90

Bronze:

Peller Estates Winery, ON 2008 Private Reserve Pinot Gris $16.95

Poplar Grove Winery, BC 2008 Poplar Grove Pinot Gris $21.90

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, BC 2007 Pinot Gris $20.00

Wild Goose Vineyards and Winery, BC 2008 Mystic River Pinot Gris $22.99

Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, BC 2007 Reserve Pinot Gris $18.99

Hester Creek Estate Winery, BC 2008 Pinot Gris $16.99

Colio Estate Wines Inc., ON 2008 CEV Pinot Grigio $15.25

Single White Hybrid

Gold:

Stag’s Hollow Winery & Vineyard, BC 2006 Tragically Vidal $19.99

Arrowleaf Cellars, BC 2007 The Snow Tropics Vidal $15.99

Silver:

Gaspereau Vineyards, NS 2008 Seyval Blanc $16.99

Hernder Estate Wines, ON 2006 Vidal $5.95

Jost Vineyards Ltd., NS 2007 Cote St. George L’Acadie Blanc $15.99

Bronze:

Lailey Vineyard Winery, ON 2008 Vidal $14.00

Blomidon Estate Winery, NS 2008 L’Acadie $14.50

Jost Vineyards Ltd., NS 2008 Valley Road L’Acadie Blanc $9.99

Other Single V.V. Whites

Gold:

Mt. Boucherie Family Estate Winery, BC 2007 Estate Collection Semillon $14.99

Cedar Creek Estate Winery, BC 2008 Ehrenfelser $18.00

Domaine de Chaberton Estate Winery, BC 2008 Bacchus $14.25

Joie Farm, BC 2008 Muscat $18.90

Silver:

Lake Breeze Vineyards, BC 2008 Pinot Blanc $16.90

Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, BC 2008 Auxerrois $13.99

Calona Vineyards, BC 2008 Artist Series Sovereign Opal $13.99

Jost Vineyards Ltd., NS 2007 Eagle Tree Muscat $14.99

Fielding Estate Winery, ON 2007 Viognier $30.00

Bronze:

Arrowleaf Cellars, BC 2008 Bacchus $14.99

Red Rooster Winery, BC 2008 Viognier $19.99

Mt. Boucherie Family Estate Winery, BC 2005 Summit Reserve Semillon $19.99

Pentage Winery , BC 2007 Viognier $22.90

Wild Goose Vineyards and Winery, BC 2008 Mystic River Pinot Blanc $18.99

White V.V. Blends

Gold:

Pentage Winery, BC 2008 Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon $19.90

Flat Rock Cellars, ON 2008 Twisted $16.95

Beaufort Vineyard & Estate, BC 2008 PANACEA $17.50

Joie Farm, BC 2008 A Noble Blend $21.40

Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery, BC 2008 Mistura Branca $19.90

Silver:

Silkscarf Winery, BC 2008 Silkscarf Riesling Muscat $22.00

Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate, ON

2007 Proprietors Grand Reserve White Meritage $24.75

Inniskillin, ON 2007 Reserve Series Brae Blanc $14.75

See Ya Later Ranch, BC 2007 See Ya Later Ranch Jimmy My Pal $29.99

Van Westen Vineyards, BC 2007 Vivacious $18.90

Bronze:

Thornhaven Estates Winery, BC 2008 Nectar del Sol $17.90

Featherstone, ON 2008 Four Feathers $12.95

Strewn Winery, ON 2007 Riesling/Gewurztraminer $11.75

Hillebrand Winery, ON 2008 Trius White $18.95

Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, BC

2007 Select Lot Collection Sauvignon-Semillon $26.99

Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, BC 2007 White Meritage $24.99

Crowsnest Winery, BC 2008 Cuvee No. 3 $17.00

Twisted Tree Vineyards and Winery, BC 2008 Viognier Roussanne $21.90

Pelee Island Winery, ON 2008 Eco Trail White $9.95

Skimmerhorn Winery&Vineyard , BC 2008 Skimmerhorn Autumn Tryst $14.90

Blasted Church Vineyards, BC 2008 Hatfield’s Fuse $16.99

La Frenz Winery, BC 2008 Alexandria $18.00

Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, BC 2008 Desert Sun $12.99

White Hybrid Blends

Gold:

Scotch Block Winery, ON 2008 Halton White $14.95

Domaine&Vins Gelinas, PQ 2008 Cavalier du Versant “A” $13.50

Silver:

Ridge Road Estate Winery, ON 2007 Vineridge Blend $14.95

Vignoble Isle de Bacchus, PQ 2007 le 1535 $15.00

Jost Vineyards Ltd., NS 2007 L’Acadie Chardonnay $11.99

Bronze:

Jost Vineyards Ltd., NS 2008 L’Acadie Pinot Grigio $12.99

Jost Vineyards Ltd., NS N/V Chablis Blanc de Blanc $11.49

Rose

Gold:

Artisan Wine Co., BC 2008 Rigamarole Rose $15.99

Kacaba Vineyards, ON 2008 Summertime Series Rebecca Rose $12.95

Peller Estates Winery, ON 2007 Private Reserve Rose $16.95

Sandhill Wines, BC 2008 Rose $17.99

Silver:

Township 7 Vineyards & Winery, BC 2007 Rose $15.99

Blasted Church Vineyards, BC 2008 Rose $17.99

Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate, ON

2007 Proprietors Reserve Cabernet Franc Rose $13.75

Silkscarf Winery, BC 2008 Shiraz Saignee $24.99

St Hubertus&Oak Bay Estate Winery, BC 2008 St Hubertus Frizzante Rose $14.95

Bronze:

Church and State Wines, BC 2008 Cabernet Blanc $19.90

Rocky Creek Winery, BC 2008 Robin’s Rose $18.90

Joie Farm , BC 2008 Rose $18.90

Pentage Winery, BC 2008 Rose $18.90

Cabernet Sauvignon Under $25

Gold:

Colchester Ridge Estate Winery, ON 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon $17.80

Silver:

Harbour Estates Winery,ON 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon $12.95

Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, BC 2006 Black Sage Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon $19.99

Bronze:

Hernder Estate Wines, ON 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon $14.95

Cabernet Sauvignon Over $25

Gold:

Kacaba Vineyards, ON 2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $42.95

Silver:

Colchester Ridge Estate Winery, ON 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve $29.80

Bronze:

Jackson Triggs Okanagan Estate, BC

2006 Proprietor’s Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $25.99

Hester Creek Estate Winery, BC 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $34.99

Merlot Under $25

Gold:

Lakeview Cellars Estate Winery, ON 2006 Merlot $9.95

Township 7 Vineyards & Winery, BC 2006 Merlot $24.99

Hernder Estate Wines, ON 2006 Merlot $14.95

Poplar Grove Winery, BC 2007 Monster Merlot $19.90

Silver:

Arrowleaf Cellars, BC 2007 Merlot $16.99

Red Rooster Winery, BC 2007 Merlot $18.99

Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate, ON 2006 Proprietors Grand Reserve Merlot $24.99

Niagara College Teaching Winery, ON 2007 Merlot $18.95

Bronze:

Inniskillin, ON 2007 Varietal Series Merlot $15.30

Dunham & Froese Estate Winery, BC 2007 Merlot $22.90

Angels Gate Winery, ON 2007 Merlot $15.95

Harbour Estates Winery, ON 2007 Merlot $14.95

Palatine Hills Estate Winery, ON 2006 Merlot Proprietors Reserve $20.00

Merlot Over $25

Gold:

Silkscarf Winery, BC 2006 Silkscarf Merlot Reserve $35.00

Silver:

Mistral Estate Winery, BC 2006 Merlot $29.90

Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery, BC 2006 Merlot $29.90

Blasted Church Vineyards, BC 2007 Merlot $25.99

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, BC 2006 Merlot $30.00

Bronze:

Church and State Wines, BC 2007 Coyote Bowl Merlot $30.00

Jackson Triggs Okanagan Estate, BC 2006 Sunrock Vineyard Merlot $35.00

Pinot Noir Under $25

Gold:

Pelee Island Winery, ON 2007 Pinot Noir $12.45

St Hubertus&Oak Bay Estate Winery, BC 2007 Oak Bay Pinot Noir $14.99

Thornhaven Estates Winery, BC 2007 Pinot Noir $17.90

See Ya Later Ranch, BC 2006 Pinot Noir $19.99

Silver:

Pelee Island Winery, ON 2007 Pinot Noir Reserve $14.95

Colio Estate Wines Inc., ON 2007 CEV Pinot Noir $19.75

Inniskillin, ON 2007 Reserve Series Pinot Noir $18.05

Flat Rock Cellars, ON 2007 Pinot Noir $19.95

Rocky Creek Winery, BC 2007 Pinot Noir $17.90

Stoney Ridge Winery, ON 2006 Warren Classic Pinot Noir $14.95

Bronze:

Angels Gate Winery, ON 2007 Mountainview Pinot Noir $24.00

Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, BC 2007 Private Reserve Pinot Noir $13.99

Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, BC 2007 Optimum Pinot Noir $20.99

Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, BC 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir $21.99

Pinot Noir Over $25

Gold:

Quail’s Gate Estate Winery, BC

2006 Quail’s Gate Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir $45.00

Silver:

La Frenz Winery, BC 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir $32.00

Bronze:

Niagara College Teaching Winery, ON 2007 Dean’s List Pinot Noir $32.95

Cabernet Franc Under $25

Gold:

Sandbanks Estate Winery, ON 2007 Cabernet Franc $19.95

Aleksander Estate Winery, ON 2007 Cabernet Franc $14.00

Silver:

Inniskillin, ON 2007 Varietal Series Cabernet Franc $13.30

Hernder Estate Wines, ON 2004 Cabernet Franc $14.95

Pelee Island Winery, ON 2008 Cabernet Franc $10.95

Bronze:

Viewpointe Estate Winery, ON 2005 Focal Pointe $24.95

Colchester Ridge Estate Winery, ON 2006 Cabernet Franc $14.80

DeSousa Wine Cellars, ON 2006 Cabernet Franc $10.95

EastDell Estate Winery, ON 2006 Cabernet Franc Reserve $22.95

Caroline Cellars Winery, ON 2006 Cabernet Franc $14.00

Cabernet Franc Over $25

Gold:

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, BC 2006 Cabernet Franc $33.00

Silver:

Thirty Bench Wine Makers, ON 2006 Small Lot Cabernet Franc $35.00

Bronze:

Hester Creek Estate Winery, BC 2005 Reserve Cabernet Franc $25.99

Syrah / Shiraz

Gold:

Pentage Winery, BC 2006 Syrah $25.90

Nk’Mip Cellars, BC 2006 Qwam Qwmt Syrah $34.99

Silver:

Jackson Triggs Okanagan Estate, BC 2006 Proprietor’s Grand Reserve Shiraz $25.99

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, BC 2006 Oldfield’s Collection Syrah $35.00

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, BC 2006 Syrah $35.00

Bronze:

Jackson Triggs Okanagan Estate, BC 2006 Sunrock Vineyard Shiraz $35.00

Jackson Triggs Okanagan Estate, BC 2006 Proprietor’s Reserve Shiraz $19.99

Stonechurch Vineyards, ON 2007 Syrah Reserve $24.95

Muscedere Vineyards, ON 2007 Syrah $40.00

Meritage Blends Under $25

Gold:

Twisted Tree Vineyards and Winery, BC 2007 Six Vines $21.90

Wayne Gretzky Estate Wines, ON 2006 Estate Series Cabernet Merlot $18.95

Seven Stones Winery, BC 2006 Meritage $24.99

See Ya Later Ranch, BC 2006 Ping $24.99

Viewpointe Estate Winery, ON 2005 Balance Pointe $24.95

Silver:

Rivers Bend Winery, BC 2006 Merlot/Cabernet $17.80

Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate, ON 2006 Proprietors Grand Reserve Meritage $24.55

Calamus Estate Winery, ON 2006 Meritage $20.20

Hillside Estate Winery, BC 2007 Cabernet-Merlot $19.99

Bronze:

Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, BC 2006 Private Reserve Merlot Cabernet $14.99

Dirty Laundry Vineyard, BC 2007 Cab/Merlot $24.95

Lailey Vineyard Winery, ON 2007 Cabernet-Merlot $20.00

Peller Estates Winery, BC 2007 Family Series Cabernet Merlot $14.49

Pelee Island Winery, ON 2006 Cabernet Merlot Reserve $14.95

Meritage Blends Over $25

Gold:

Vineland Estates Winery, ON 2005 Cab Merlot Reserve $49.00

Fielding Estate Winery, ON 2006 Meritage $35.00

Hillside Estate Winery, BC 2006 Mosaic $37.99

Silver:

Van Westen Vineyards, BC 2006 Voluptuous $29.90

Reif Estate Winery, ON 2007 Cabernet Merlot $46.95

Bronze:

Alvento Winery, ON 2006 Elige Bordeaux Blend $29.80

Seven Stones Winery, BC 2007 Meritage $31.99

Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate, ON 2006 Delaine Vineyard Cabernet Merlot $29.95

Lailey Vineyard Winery, ON 2007 Meritage $30.00

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, BC 2006 Meritage $45.00

Marechal Foch

Gold:

Jost Vineyards Ltd., NS 2007 Cote St. George Marechal Foch $13.99

Silver:

Caroline Cellars Winery, ON 2006 Marechal Foch $10.00

Bronze:

Jost Vineyards Ltd., NS 2007 Marechal Foch $10.98

Domaine de Grand Pre, NS 2007 Vintner’s Reserve Foch $24.50

Baco Noir

Gold:

Sandbanks Estate Winery, ON 2007 Baco Noir Reserve $24.95

Aleksander Estate Winery, ON 2007 Baco Noir $11.95

Silver:

Rockway Glen, ON 2007 Fergie Jenkins Baco Noir $13.95

Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery, ON 2006 Baco Noir Reserve $24.95

Bronze:

Stoney Ridge Winery, ON 2007 Reserve Baco Noir $14.95

Muscedere Vineyards, ON 2007 Baco Noir Reserve $20.00

Coffin Ridge Vineyard & Winery, ON 2007 Baco Noir Canadian Oak $24.80

Other Single V.V. Reds

Gold:

Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards, BC 2006 Discovery Series Malbec $29.99

Hillside Estate Winery, BC 2007 Pinotage $24.99

Silver:

Red Rooster Winery, BC 2007 Malbec $15.99

Stonehill Estate Winery, BC 2006 Stonehill Zweigelt Reserve $19.90

Bronze:

Twisted Tree Vineyards and Winery, BC 2007 Tempranillo $27.90

Arrowleaf Cellars, BC 2007 Zweigelt $17.99

Other Single Hybrid Reds

Gold:

Gaspereau Vineyards, NS 2007 Lucie Kuhlmann $21.99

Silver:

Gaspereau Vineyards, NS 2007 Castel $19.99

Bronze:

Aleksander Estate Winery, ON 2008 Chambourcin $14.00

Other V.V. Blends

Gold:

Stonechurch Vineyards, ON 2007 Quintet $24.95

Fielding Estate Winery, ON 2007 Red Conception $19.00

Silver:

Jackson Triggs Okanagan Estate, BC

2006 Proprietor’s Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz $26.99

Rivers Bend Winery, BC 2007 Estate Red Scarlet $12.90

Bronze:

Wayne Gretzky Estate Wines, ON 2007 Estate Series Shiraz Cabernet $22.95

Other Red Hybrid Blends

Gold:

EastDell Estate Winery, ON 2007 Black Cab $12.95

Silver:

Mountain Road Wine Company, ON 2003 Mountain Road Red $15.95

Domaine de Grand Pre, NS N/V Cabernet Foch $18.50

Bronze:

Vignoble Isle de Bacchus, PQ 2007 Village des entres cotes $16.00

Jost Vineyards Ltd., NS 2006 Trilogy $17.99

Waupoos Estates Winery, ON 2008 Pearl Noir $13.95

Vignoble Les Petits Cailloux, PQ 2006 Zephir $23.95

Averill Creek Vineyard, BC 2007 Prevost $22.00

Late Harvest Wines:

Gold:

Peller Estates Winery, ON 2006 Private Reserve Late Harvest Vidal $19.95

Silver:

Birchwood Estate Winery, ON 2006 Late Harvest Vidal $14.95

Bronze:

Vignoble du Marathonien, PQ 2007 Vidal Late Harvest $26.00

Select Late Harvest Wines:

Gold:

Reif Estate Winery, ON 2007 Vidal Select Late Harvest $25.00

Riesling Icewines:

Gold:

Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards, BC 2007 Riesling Icewine $60.00

Inniskillin, ON 2007 Riesling Icewine $69.85

Jackson Triggs Okanagan Estate, BC

2007 Proprietor’s Grand Reserve Sparkling Riesling Icewine $99.99

Silver:

Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate, ON 2007 Delaine Vineyard Riesling Icewine $74.85

Jackson Triggs Okanagan Estate, BC

2007 Proprietor’s Reserve Riesling Icewine $52.99

Bronze:

Hillebrand Winery, ON 2007 Showcase Riesling Icewine $60.00

Peller Estates Winery, ON 2007 Peller Estates Riesling Icewine $70.00

Vidal Icewines:

Gold:

Inniskillin, ON 2006 Oak Aged Vidal icewine $89.95

Reif Estate Winery, ON 2006 Vidal Icewine $18.99

Inniskillin, ON 2006 Sparkling Vidal Icewine $69.85

Mountain Road Wine Company, ON 2004 Vidal Icewine $34.95

Silver:

D’Angelo Vineyards Estate Winery, ON 2006 Vidal Icewine $40.00

Inniskillin, ON 2007 Vidal Icewine $54.85

Dan Aykroyd Wines, ON 2007 Discovery Vidal Icewine $39.95

Bronze:

Muscedere Vineyards, ON 2004 Vidal Icewine $40.00

Peller Estates Winery, ON 2006 Peller Estates Oak Aged Vidal Icewine $60.00

Niagara College Teaching Winery, ON 2007 Dean’s List Vidal Icewine $49.95

Red Icewines:

Gold:

Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards, BC 2007 Tempranillo Icewine $99.99

De Sousa Wine Cellars , ON 2007 Cabernet Franc Icewine Price N/A

Silver:

Dan Aykroyd Wines, ON 2007 Discovery Cabernet Franc Icewine $39.95

Peller Estates Winery, ON 2007 Peller Estates Cabernet Franc Icewine $90.00

Bronze:

Inniskillin, ON 2007 Cabernet Franc Icewine $109.95

Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate, ON

2007 Proprietors Grand Reserve Cabernet Franc Icewine $74.85

Other Icewines:

Gold:

Sonoran Estate Winery, BC 2006 13 Moons Oraniensteiner $34.90

Silver:

Domaine de Grand Pre, NS 2008 Muscat Icewine $49.50

Bronze:

Vignoble Isle de Bacchus, PQ 2007 Jardin de Givre $34.00

Grape Fortifieds & Other Desserts

Gold:

Domaine de Grand Pre, NS No.41 $40.00

Silver:

Rivers Bend Winery, BC N/V Indigo $25.00

Bronze:

Strewn, ON 2007 Cabernet Franc Winter Red $24.95

Soft Fruit Dry

· No Gold was awarded in this category

Silver:

Kawartha Country Wines, ON 2008 Rhubarb $13.80

Bronze:

Sanduz Estate Wines BC N/V Dry Blueberry Wine $15.83

Soft Fruit Off Dry

Gold:

Sunnybrook Farm Estate Winery, ON N/V Black Currant $28.35

Muskoka Lakes Winery, ON 2007 Cranberry $13.75

Rush Creek Wines, ON 2008 Rockin Raspberry $10.50

Silver:

Muskoka Lakes Winery, ON 2007 White Cranberry $18.75

The Fort Wine Company, BC 2007 Mighty Fraser $19.90

Westham Island Estate Wineries Inc., BC 2008 Raspberry $18.95

Bronze:

Sunnybrook Farm Estate Winery, ON N/V Red Raspberry $26.85

Sunnybrook Farm Estate Winery, ON N/V Chocolate Embrace $33.25

Scotch Block Winery, ON 2008 Black Raspberry $14.95

Soft Fruit Dessert

Gold:

The Fort Wine Company, BC 2007 Sweet Nothings $19.90

Scotch Block Winery, ON 2008 Framboise Truffle $12.95

Black Bear Farms, ON 2007 Papa’s Special Reserve $18.00

Silver:

Kawartha Country Wines, ON 2007 Black Currant $14.80

Bronze:

Black Bear Farms, ON 2007 Purple Raspberry $18.00

Tree Fruit Dry

Gold:

Les Vergers de la Colline, PQ 2008 L’Ancestral $10.00

Silver:

Rush Creek Wines, ON 2008 Harmony Peach $19.90

Bronze:

Kawartha Country Wines, ON 2008 Shiro Plum $9.80

Tree Fruit Off Dry

Gold:

The Fort Wine Company, BC 2007 Keremeos Fruit Stand $13.90

Silver:

Sunnybrook Farm Estate Winery, ON N/V Spiced Apple $19.95

Bronze:

Sunnybrook Farm Estate Winery, ON N/V Bosc Pear $26.85

Sunnybrook Farm Estate Winery, ON N/V Ironwood Hard Cider $16.75

Tree Fruit Dessert

Gold:

Verger Cidrerie Lariviere, PQ 2007 Bonhomme Hiver $9.99

La Face Cachee de la Pomme, PQ 2006 Neige eternelle ice cider $28.35

Verger Lacroix & Cidrerie, PQ 2007 L’Art du Givre $20.38

Silver:

Applewood Farm Winery, ON 2007 Iced Apple Cider $14.95

Forbidden Fruit Winery, BC 2007 Pomme Desiree Iced Apple $29.95

Bronze:

Cidrerie du Minot, PQ 2007 Du Minot des Glaces $23.85

Les Vergers de la Colline, PQ 2007 L’Exotique $28.00

Domaine des Salamandres, PQ 2007 Pear Ice Wine Limited $28.00

Fruit Fortified:

Gold:

Forbidden Fruit Winery, BC 2007 Cerise D’Eve red cherry port style $29.95

Field Stone Fruit Wines, AB N/V Wild Black Cherry Dessert $18.95

Silver:

Forbidden Fruit Winery, BC 2008 Plumiscuous Plum Mistelle $26.95

Westham Island Estate Wineries Inc., BC 2008 Sinfully Boysen Dessert Wine $19.95

Bronze:

Gaspereau Vineyards, NS N/V Maple wine $14.99

Meades

Gold:

Applewood Farm Winery, ON 2008 Madrigal Meade $12.95

· No Silver or Bronze were awarded in this category

Fruit Sparkling :

Gold :

Cidrerie du Minot, PQ 2006 Cremant de Glace Tete de Cuvee $29.00

Silver :

Domaine Pinnacle, PQ N/V Summit Selection Sparkling Ice Apple Wine $49.95

Cidrerie du Minot, PQ 2008 Du Minot Brut $13.95

Verge Belliveau Orchard, NB 2008 Pre d’en Haut $12.99

Bronze :

Domaine Pinnacle, PQ 2006 Domaine Pinnacle Sparkling Ice Cider $29.95

2009 Ontario Wine Awards winner announced…

sandy — Mon, 11 May 2009 00:35:29 +0000

Here is a quick look at the gold metal winners at this years 2009 Ontario Wine Awards. Once the official list of all the award winners I will update the silver and bronze winners as well.

One of the biggest shocks for me was that Lailey’s 2007 Syrah did not wine at the Ontario Wine Awards, I assume it was entered, because it is amazing. At WineCamp it was the most popular wine and in everybody’s #1 or #2.

If you try these wines… let me know what you think…

Ontario White Wine of the Year

30 Bench Wine Makers 2007 Riesling

Ontario Red Wine of the Year

Vineland 2005 Reserve Cabernet Merlot

Sparkling Wine Winner

Maleta 2006 Old Vines Brut

Dry Riesling

30 Bench Wine Makers 2007 Riesling

Semi Dry Riesling

Tawse Winery 2008 Misek Vineyard

Dry White Varietal

Fielding Estate Winery 2007 Viognier

Gewurztraminer & Aromatic Varietal

Tawse Winery 2006 Quary Rd Gewurztraminer

Pinot Gris

Pelee Island 2008 Pinto Grigio

Oaked Chardonnay under $20

Mike Weir Estate 2007 Chardonnay

Oaked Chardonnay over $20

Peninsula Ridge 2007 Reserve Chardonnay

Unoaked Chardoonay

Vineland 2007 Chardonnay

Rose

Legends Estates Winery 2008 Malbec Rose

Gamay

Malivoire 2007 Gamay

Pinot Noir

Tawse Winery 2007 Cheery Ave Vineyard

Red Hybrid

Creekside Estate 2005 Butler’s Grant Vineyard Reserve Merlot

Syrah/Shiraz

Stonechurch Vineyards 2007 Reserve Syrah

Meritage and Cabernet/Merlot Blends

Vineland Estates 2005 Reserve Cabernet Merlot

Late Harvest

Château des Charmes 2007 Estate Bottled Late Harvest Riesling

Vidal Icewine

Wayne Gretzky Estates 2005 Vidal Icewine

Vinifera Icewine

Riverview Cellars Estate 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine

Sparkling Icewine

Inniskillin 2006 Sparkling Vidal Icewine

Blended White Award

Caroline Cellars 2006 Momentum Enchantment

Blended Red Award

Wayne Gretzky Estates 2006 Estate Series Shiraz Cabernet

The consumer tasting for the Ontario Wine Awards is coming up on June

16th and is a great chance to try some fantastic wines. Hope to see you there…

canadian wine geek

To privatize or not to privatize; is that question?

Pangea offers free corkage for VQA wines!

Wine List Warning: Bogel 2007 Petite Syrah

Wine & Charity: a match made with cheese

LCBO strike irony…

LCBO Strike Update

Corkage fees dropping as EI claims rising

LCBO strike? Stop your wining…

2009 All Canadian Wine Championships Results

2009 Ontario Wine Awards winner announced…

30 Bench Wine Makers 2007 Riesling

Vineland 2005 Reserve Cabernet Merlot

Maleta 2006 Old Vines Brut

30 Bench Wine Makers 2007 Riesling

Tawse Winery 2008 Misek Vineyard

Fielding Estate Winery 2007 Viognier

Tawse Winery 2006 Quary Rd Gewurztraminer

Pelee Island 2008 Pinto Grigio

Mike Weir Estate 2007 Chardonnay

Peninsula Ridge 2007 Reserve Chardonnay

Vineland 2007 Chardonnay

Legends Estates Winery 2008 Malbec Rose

Malivoire 2007 Gamay

Tawse Winery 2007 Cheery Ave Vineyard

Malivoire 2007 Old Vine Foch

Creekside Estate Winery 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Colio Estate Wines 2005 Reserve Cabernet Franc

Creekside Estate 2005 Butler’s Grant Vineyard Reserve Merlot

Stonechurch Vineyards 2007 Reserve Syrah

Vineland Estates 2005 Reserve Cabernet Merlot

Château des Charmes 2007 Estate Bottled Late Harvest Riesling

Wayne Gretzky Estates 2005 Vidal Icewine

Riverview Cellars Estate 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine

Inniskillin 2006 Sparkling Vidal Icewine

Caroline Cellars 2006 Momentum Enchantment

Wayne Gretzky Estates 2006 Estate Series Shiraz Cabernet