Sablet. A sensuous Southern Rhone wine from one of the most romantic villages in France.

The vineyards of Sablet, in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, are built on a mound of sand, from which its name derives. The town and its surrounding vineyards are located at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The terroir is of sandy soils and decalcified red clays mixed with pebbles of

Bordeaux Wine Region (king of them all)

Bordeaux is the top wine region in the world. Not just  legendary and cultural, it also produces the top wines. These wines serve as the benchmark for all others. Bordeaux is an Eighteenth Century architectural and cultural gem. The city by that name has 600,000 residents and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It

Rabl Grüner Veltliner always a winner every time I have it. This Austrian varietal a best-kept-secret among white wines!

Rabl Grüner Veltliner Spiegel from Kamptal. Fresh, crisp, and luscious. Great mouth-feel. Astounding bouquet. I highly recommend any good Austrian Grüner Veltliner. And this is one of the best in the affordable to mid-price range. Rabl’s vineyard management mission is that only the best grapes make high quality wines. They use meticulous foliage treatment to ensure this. Tasting

Off to Wine Country in a Mercedes sport coupe

I contributed this article to the summer issue of Mercedes-Benz Club Canada‘s magazine. This is a reprint. I’m dreaming! Dreaming of hopping into a gleaming white sport Coupe, with a few ponies under the hood, tooling through south of France wine country. In my fantasy, I’m negotiating winding roads through the dazzling countryside along the

Cabernet Sauvignon, Franc and Merlot

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot The most famous trio of Bordeaux red wine varietals. Originally from the iconic wine region of Bordeaux, the three have arguably become the most famous red wines around the world. As a blend, either from the original region or elsewhere, these 3 exude robust, bold aromas and tasting notes,

Sauvignon Blanc – the white wine

Sauvignon Blanc   (classic tasting notes of cut grass, lemon, herbs and a hint of gooseberry)   Sauvignon Blanc is a popular alternative to Chardonnay. It makes a crisp, light wine. It originated in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley. Tasting Notes: Herbal flavors, olive and a soft, smoky flavor. It can range from sweet to

Canvas Brewing of Huntsville off to a great start with refreshingly delicious Kölsch

I just met up with Steven and Jeff of Canvas Brewing. Their significantly large brewery is being built now beside Boston Pizza in downtown Huntsville. The boys already have their first product up and running. Until the tanks are installed, the beer is lovingly brewed nearby by Jeff, who truly knows how to make a

The good life at Windermere House on Lake Rosseau, #Muskoka – Craft beer of course

Want to feel peaceful, away from it all, and in the lap of luxury? This spot does the trick. Lake Rosseau is one of the gems of cottage country north of Toronto. Windermere House does it right. I’m dining here at the resort and enjoying a lager from @muskokabrewery . Refreshing and pure. Ahhhhh, the

Gigondas means historic, beautiful wine!

I simply adore Gigondas, Rhône, France. The place. The wines. I have pleasant memories of visiting a while back. Beautiful Gigondas village, in the Southern Rhône, is a cute and historic village with stone edifices, narrow lanes and steep hills. The wines are charming and iconic. Area wine regions include Gigondas, Vacqueyras, & Beaumes de

Astronomy is an awe-inspiring subject, highly recommended with a sparkling wine!

Enjoying the beauty of the heavens This is about the biggest stretch for a wine writer, but bear with me. It’s a leisure activity just like wine (sort of). But do let me bring wine into the picture. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine as you peer into the heavens with binoculars, telescope or via