Waters & Wine Articles

Niagara's 2007 vintage is living up to the hopes expressed by winemakers last fall. Last year's harvest had all of the weather conditions to push grapes into impressive levels of ripeness — the raw materials were there to produce truly exceptional wines. The early results are looking promising, indeed. read more >

Six favourites from a recent tasting of the 2007 line-ups from the Peller family of Niagara wineries. Look out.  read more >

New Zealand’s Villa Maria thrives on a passion for excellence read more >

We're staying with the bargain wine theme as good options continue to crop up for warm weather sipping. These aren't necessary wines that will bowl you over with their complexity (although you might be surprised), but they do deliver enjoyment and pleasure in the glass. read more >

At this time of year, my e-mail box runneth over with requests for good-value wines. People are looking to have wines on hand for their long weekends or outdoor entertaining needs, but are quick to add that they're looking for bargains. read more >

As someone who likes rose, I tend to buy a good deal at this time of year, knowing the LCBO has typecast them as something that are only of interest to consumers during the summer. These bottles will be served throughout the summer and fall (pink wines are a great option to serve at Thanksgiving). read more >

It's sometimes difficult to recall that Hidden Bench only emerged last year, releasing a stellar portfolio that winemaker Jean-Martin Bouchard had been quietly producing in a tidy little corner of Beamsville. It's hard to discuss fine Ontario wine today without referencing this operation. read more >

There is no science to confirm that the mineral character of a vineyard's soils can be taken up by the roots of the vines. That said, precious few studies have been attempted on the matter because of the expense and the many factors involved. I'm not about to give up my notion just because the white coats say it ain't so read more >

A new batch of wines is coming out from Tawse Winery, which continues to show improvement as the estate bottled wines in particular gain more finesse and elegance. The new Sketches of Niagara label is an value-priced introductory brand that makes for a good introduction to the quality-driven wines being made by this Vineland producer. read more >

The largest California wine push ever staged outside of the United States is on right now at the LCBO. It seems that vintners from the Golden State have got a barn and are lookin' to put on a show! read more >

One of the teases on the cover of the current issue of Wine Spectator is "Exploring Canada's wine country." Listed under captions about New Zealand (Exciting Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir) and Chile (Great Values and More), those four words draw attention to the American wine bible's first report on Niagara's food and wine scene. read more >

The worst drought in a century and this year's record-breaking heatwave is expected to yield a smaller than expected harvest for the second straight year, forcing the Australian wine industry to rethink the styles of wine they can produce and the regions they can grow in. read more >