California’s Last Hurrah

 I’ll be quite honest with you here. I’m a little tired of California and her wines at the moment.  That’s because, at this time of year, they do a big push at the LCBO leading up to the California Wine Fair held across Canada. The California wine fairs in Ottawa

California Chardonnays: Magic on the Palate!

 It’s going to be all California all the time at the LCBO this month. You’ll hear radio ads, see billboards and be confronted by all things California at your local liquor store. It’s a good thing for all you California wine fans, bad if you like drinking your wine from

Thirst Impressions: Piedmont or Bust

 As usual, we'll look back at a few releases before we sample the newest bottles on Vintages’ shelves. The October 13 release had one for those of you who like sparkling wine but aren't big fans of the price of Champagne. Head a little south of Champagne to Burgundy for

How a Trip to California Opened My Eyes – Part 2

 California, for those who have not been, is a different beast when it comes to wine culture, much more different than my beloved Ontario. First, Californians are fiercely proud of what they make and it shows everywhere you go.  Second, California wines appear prominently on wine lists: in restaurants you

How a Trip to California Opened My Eyes – Part 1

 Just recently I returned from California, the Mecca of wine in North America and I am still pining over the amount of wine I left behind that I would have loved to bring home.  As you may or may not know you are not restricted from buying wine abroad, I

Monterey, California – Part 2

 Hopefully you have all read part one of my tour through the Carmel Valley in California.  This second part took place after lunch at a place called Will's Fargo in Carmel Valley Village - we visited another four tasting rooms but this time we had to do a little driving,

Monterey, California – Part 1

 For those of you who think about touring California (or any other) wine countries, but find the task too daunting, here is some advice: take it slow,  you'll never get all of California done in a week but you can get a good overview of a region or two if