Author: pxlv_adm

By Rick VanSickle New data from the LCBO shows a significant boost of 67% year-over-year growth for Ontario VQA wines. That, coupled with a 23% increase for all Ontario-made products, reflects not only the shifting customer buying habits, but also the strength and quality of Ontario- and Canadian-made products, according to the LCBO. Also in…

Our August newsletter featured news that regen viticulture pioneers Grgich Hills Estate have become one of our donors. This is so exciting for us as we have been following their work – and sharing it with you – for a long time.They epitomise the collaborative nature of regen, sharing what they are doing, including how the…

Top food and wine destinations in 2025: 22 restaurants across Canada earn recognition for outstanding food and wine experiences This year’s dining landscape in Canada has been shaped by a perfect storm: trade tensions, shrinking consumer spending, and rising competition for attention. Early in 2025, Ontario and several other provinces enacted bans on U.S. wine…

22 restaurants across 13 cities earn national recognition for excellence in food, wine, and hospitality VineRoutes is proud to announce the winners of its inaugural Restaurant Awards, recognizing 22 of Canada’s top dining destinations for delivering exceptional food and wine experiences. Launched in response to a rapidly evolving dining landscape, the awards celebrate restaurants that…

Reading Time: 4 minutes The 2025 BC grape harvest is arriving earlier than expected—and it’s bringing plenty of good news. After last year’s devastating losses, this season is shaping up as a welcome rebound. Fruit quality is exceptional, and yields are far stronger than anyone dared hope just a few months ago. In an industry…

In Toronto’s fashionable Yorkville neighbourhood, Cibo Wine Bar offers an elevated Italian dining experience that balances authenticity with modern flair. Unlike its King West counterpart’s high-energy nightlife vibe, Yorkville leans into sophistication, blending rustic Italian warmth with sleek, urban elegance. Executive Chef Francesco Di Salvo leads the kitchen, crafting seasonal menus that highlight handmade pastas,…

Cibo Wine Bar on King Street brings the heart of Italy to Toronto’s vibrant King West neighbourhood. Part of the Liberty Entertainment Group, this modern restaurant and wine bar blends rustic Italian charm with a lively, urban energy. Guests enjoy traditional classics, cherished family recipes, and contemporary Italian dishes in a warm, inviting space defined…

Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) Ontario crowns this year’s winners after province-wide blind tasting competition The Ontario chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS)—Canada’s only national non-profit sommelier association—is proud to announce the winners of its 2025 CAPS Cup tasting challenge. This year’s event was staged across three Ontario hubs—Toronto’s Vintage Conservatory…

Saturday, September 20th: Dined at home with chicken pasta and a bottle of Perez Cruz Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 from Chile’s Maipo Valley. Sunday, September 21st: Dinner: lamb chops and 13th Street Winery Syrah 2023. Monday, September 22nd: Jill Troyer dropped by to present me with a hot-off-the-press copy for her book, The Winemaker’s…

By Rick VanSickle For three years, a “secret project” wine made from grapes grown in the sweet spot of the Beamsville Bench has been silently aging in oak awaiting its big moment. Note, also in this Niagara Wine Report: The first wine from grape grower Martin Schuele, and new releases from Liebling Wines. I first…