Author: pxlv_adm

This study by Ryschawy, J et al., (2025) published in Agronomy for Sustainable Development, found that reintegrating livestock into vineyards in southern France provides ecological benefits such as improved soil and vegetation management, but adoption is limited by weak coordination, economic constraints, and mixed stakeholder support. Headline Findings Agroecological benefits: Livestock improve soil quality and…

So far 2026 has been a year of new discoveries. Last month an introduction to the wines of Victoria, Australia | Home of Diversity. So far this month has been all about French wines, almost all of which were new to me. France: Terroir & Trends seminar that included very good wines that were tasted for…

By Rick VanSickle When Niagara’s newest winery celebrates its grand opening on April 2, it will also mark a special milestone for the couple who founded and own the estate. Lilia and Alexei Bodistean (below), owners of the new Dandor Estate Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, arrived in Canada from Moldova 25 years ago on April 2,…

MORE THAN ONE YEAR LATER: BAN ON CALIFORNIA WINES HURTING BRITISH COLUMBIANS March 10, 2026 represented a full year the ban on the importation of California wines has been in place In British Columbia the result of the province’s response to US tariffs on BC forest, aluminum, and other exports. The tariff response is being felt…

Charisma wines Gold Hill Winery, located in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, produces the “Charisma” line, known for being approachable, fruit-forward, and well-priced, including Pinot Noir Rosé, Cabernet Merlot, Malbec, and Pinot Gris. Monday, March 23rd: Dinner: Lamb chops with Aliança Bairrada Reserva 2023 (a Portuguese blend of Baga, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional). Tuesday, March…

How long is too long to keep a wine? Based on my search a B.C. Sauvignon Blanc is best enjoyed within one to two years. Under ideal storage, darkness and a consistent low temperature maybe up to three years. So what happens if you accidently forget it’s on the shelf? Well of course you should…

Hospitality veterans join to lend expertise and steer industry’s association for three-year term The Ontario chapter  of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) – Canada’s only non-profit association that funds educational programs and competitions for the country’s sommelier community – has announced its new 2026-2027 Board, elected last week at the chapter’s annual general meeting…

In addition to the weekly wine review and the various other, usually wine-related, articles I write for My Van City, I am going to include a new one that will appear from time to time.  I’m calling it, ‘From the Cellar’. It will be similar to the wine reviews, except that it will feature aged…

Tonight’s white wine review is a delicious, vegan-friendly, and off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet) white wine blend from Niagara that is crafted with mainly Riesling. It is a VINTAGES Essentials product that was featured in Local Talent in last weekend’s March 21 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, and this vintage should be readily available at most…

At Augusta National Golf Club’s most exclusive table, Rory McIlroy will soon deliver a Champions Dinner that is as thoughtful in its wine pairings as it is in its storytelling There are few traditions in sport that feel both mythic and oddly intimate at the same time. The Masters Champions Dinner—held each year as a…