Nestled in the heart of Macedonia, Greece, lies a hidden gem – the PDO Slopes of Meliton. With its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, this region is a haven for those seeking a journey of the senses. The symphony of terroir and grape harmonize to create wines that are nothing short of exquisite. The zone (established in 1982) is located about 120 km southeast of Greece’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki. Specifically, the decades-old wine growing region sits on the middle leg of the Sithonia peninsula, on the western slopes of Mount Meliton. Aristotelous Square – Thessaloniki, G ..read more

Combining cool, creamy ice cream and the right wine can create a heavenly experience for your taste buds. It’s time to explore the art of ice cream and wine pairings, providing you with a selection of delectable combinations that will upgrade your summer dessert game to a whole new level. The Basics of Ice Cream and Wine Pairing When pairing ice cream with wine, several key factors come into play. First and foremost, consider the flavour profiles of both the ice cream and the wine. The goal is to find a harmonious balance that enhances the overall tasting experience. Additionally, consider the ..read more

Easter is the perfect occasion to sparkle. It’s a holiday that brings together family, friends, and a table full of delectable dishes. The festive nature of Easter calls for something bubbly to celebrate. Sparkling rosé wines are the obvious choice to serve on the brunch table during Easter. Of course, their gorgeous pink colour is a natural addition to the springtime colour pallet. But the bubbly effervescence adds a celebratory tone, perfect for familial gatherings and the welcoming of warmer weather. Above all, sparkling rosé wines are versatile and hold strong with flavour and structure al ..read more

Have you ever wondered why that wine you had last night smells of blueberry or cedar? Good news! There’s a course that helps us comprehend what we’re smelling when we take a big ‘ol gulp of vino. Moreover, it also allows us to better understand WHY we’re smelling it. The Sensory Masterclass, presented by Fine Vintage in cities across North America, will have you sniffing your wine glass like you never thought possible. What Is a Sensory Masterclass? I recently participated in the Sensory Masterclass in Calgary, Alberta. The class took place at the U of C’s downtown campus and was led by one of ..read more

This year marks the 75th diamond anniversary for one of Napa Valley’s most iconic families: the CK Mondavi Family. As fourth-generation family members celebrate this iconic year, they’ve decided to celebrate in style by saying thank you to all the wine lovers who have supported them over the years. Their Diamond Sweepstakes will give seven wine lovers the chance to win gift certificates of $1,000 for use at a fine jewelry retailer.  In coordination with the Diamond Sweepstakes, sisters Riana and Angelina Mondavi will join their followers for an Instagram Live with @CKMondaviWine ..read more

A compendium of statistics about the wine industry shows that the amount Canadians spend on wine is more than any other country in the world, at least in comparison to countries of a similar size. Essentially, we’re more discerning with our wine purchases. The information gathered by the wine subscription service Firstleaf reveals which countries produce the most wine, which countries drink the most wine, and which countries spend the most on wine. The latter category is where Canada stands out. Despite being the 37th most populous country in the world, Canada is 7th in spending on wine. Unit ..read more

This year, I’ve made a concerted attempt to celebrate the special wines days that pop up on social media. From Riesling Day to Pinot Noir Day, I’m trying to have a bottle ready and waiting for each one. My efforts are so sincere that I made a 2021 Drinks Calendar to guarantee I don’t miss one. But there’s one day that I never skip, one that was such a focus during my previous role working for a wine agent, that I always celebrate every year. Malbec World Day 2021 falls on April 17th (as it does every year), and I’m doing it up big!  I recently wrote an article for SOMM TV that d ..read more

The Office is considered one of the all-time great television shows. Jim, Pam, Michael and Dwight were some of our favourite characters on the small screen from 2005 to 2013. But, have you ever noticed how much they drink on the show? It’s shocking really, considering the show is set in an office. I decided to jump down a rabbit hole and discover just how much alcohol is consumed through the seasons. Moreover, I wanted to discover how these imbibing scenarios guided the episode and pushed the storyline forward. So let’s journey together through each episode that features either wine, beer or s ..read more

We’re doing it again! Last year’s BC Wine: Spring Release Guide was such a hit, we had to repeat it this year! I’m pleased to present the Ultimate Guide to BC Wine: 2021 Spring Releases! You’ll notice this year’s guide is organized by month, which is different than last year. I’ve also separated each of the regions, which are linked in the menu below and anchored. That means when you click on a desired region, it’ll take you directly to the list of wineries you’re looking for. I should also mention that release dates are not guaranteed. Bottling dates could shift and delays might happen. Pleas ..read more

Pretty soon, vineyards across British Columbia will be welcoming Spring‘s arrival. Temperatures will rise, buds will start to break and winery dogs will be let loose among the vines to chase birds, howl at deer and greet wine-loving guests. While tours, tastings and experiences have changed drastically over the past year, the warmth and hospitality of visiting a winery have endured. Part of that comfort is knowing that employees are often treated like family. Sometimes, it’s an actual family that lends a hand in any or all aspect of the winery operations, and that includes the family dog! For ..read more