Category: Uncategorized

A reminder that the most meaningful bottles aren’t meant to be saved forever—and that sometimes the moment is simply now There’s a good chance you have a few wine bottles tucked away somewhere safe, waiting patiently for the right moment. You saved them for a reason. Maybe they’re tied to a place, a person, or…

By Rick VanSickle Inside a hidden room at Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute it is eerily silent but for the odd slurp, swish, gurgle and splash of spent wine hitting the spit bucket. It is here, on another chilly winter’s day in Niagara, that a newly formed tasting group is assessing the first…

This wine, Southbrook Chardonnay Estate 2023, was a Top 50 winner at Selections Mondiales des Vins this year Monday, February 2nd: Dinner tonight, chili con carne with Don David Malbec Reserve 2024 from Argentina. Tuesday, February 3rd: Dinner: pan-seared steak with Angus the Bull Cabernet Sauvignon 2024 from Central Victoria, Australia. Wednesday, February 4th: Dinner:…

Recent editorial shifts reflect VineRoutes’ evolving coverage priorities and support next phase of growth As VineRoutes continues to evolve its editorial focus, deepening its coverage of wine culture, collecting, and place, we’re pleased to announce several key editorial appointments and role expansions that reflect where the publication is headed next. Matt Steeves (officially) joins VineRoutes…

Tonight’s red wine review is a lovely blend of mainly Tempranillo with Garnacha in support from Rioja, Spain, that landed at the LCBO as a brand-new arrival in last month’s January 10 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection. It is produced by Marqués de la Concordia Family of Wines, a fairly influential Spanish wine group that…

Here are my top wine picks from the February 7, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here). Titled “Our Most Romantic Wines”, this is the annual Valentine’s release and also includes a new batch of Online & Flagship Exclusive (OFE) wines. A good-sized release with just over 90 products offered, all of which…

Tonight’s white wine review is a lovely, certified sustainable, and vegan Sauvignon Blanc from Waihopai Valley in Marlborough. It arrived at the LCBO as the Wine of the Month in the January 10 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection. It is produced by Spy Valley Wines, a family-owned winery located deep in the Waihopai Valley, within…

Dark in color with a dark, dried fruit nose. On the mid palate the wine shows some fruity dark dried plums that match the nose along with some mild oak and tobacco notes. The finish is on the lighter side with noticeable sugar, and fruit notes dominating. Acidity and tannins are mild at best. Personally,…

“In this series I am bringing you an exclusive list of wines for Valentine’s” Once you’ve passed the early stages of a relationship, the Romance, and when you’ve gotten to know each other, exploring your love of wine together may add a spark to your Passion for Valentine’s Day. Passion, a feeling of strong and…