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Reading Time: 4 minutes Ex Nihilo Estate Vineyard – Lake Country BC A reality check — and a roadmap forward Each year, the State of the U.S. Wine Industry Report from Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) serves as a reality check for the global wine business. The 2026 report, authored by Rob McMillan, is especially important…

Tonight’s red wine review is the latest vintage of a beautiful, vegan-friendly Nebbiolo from Langhe DOC in Piedmont that arrived at LCBO outlets across Ontario in last month’s LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on December 6th – with bottles still available for purchase across the province. It is produced by Vietti, a prestigious and historic…

A critical tasting of Jackson-Triggs’ latest light and 0% wines reveals progress, limitations, and the lingering question of whether moderation still comes at a cost Moderation is no longer a fringe behaviour among Canadian wine drinkers. Dry January, alcohol-free weekdays, and more intentional drinking habits have firmly entered the mainstream. What hasn’t changed, however, is…

Happy New Year! Here are my top wine picks from the January 10, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here). As the first release of the year, this is the annual Smart Buys release, which tends to be smaller and cheaper when compared to the releases we saw over the last 2–3 months.…

Saturday’s steak Monday, January 5th: With dinner (lamb chops) tasted Cave de Lugny Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2023 (LCBO #33667, $24.95). Ruby colour; cedary, raspberry bouquet; medium-bodied, dry, raspberry flavour with well-integrated oak and evident but supple tannins. (90) Friday, January 9th: Dinner at the Port Dalhousie Legion. Every Friday they offer a fish and chip…

Tonight’s red wine review is a lovely organic and vegan-friendly Agiorgitiko from Nemea in Greece. It arrived at the LCBO in last month’s December 6th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection. It is produced by Estate Papaioannou, a small, family-owned Greek winery situated in Ancient Nemea, within the Peloponnese wine region of southern Greece. While the…

  2024 Albarino Raimat Saira Costers del Segre, Spain $21.99 This organic wine is lemon yellow with medium intensity.  The nose displays aromas of lemon zest, pear, melon, white flowers, chamomile, and slate.  Good balance.  The flavours follow the nose.  A medium-plus finish.  Lovely at 12.5% ABV and a great food wine to serve with…

By Rick VanSickle I did not know it at the time, but my career as a wine junket writer was about to come to crushing halt. It was in November of 2012. I had just returned from a 10-day junket to world’s holy grail of wine in the heart of Burgundy. My story was filed…

Tonight’s sparkling wine review is a delicious, premium Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG that made its debut at the LCBO last month. It was included as part of the feature on Finest Festive Wines in the December 6 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection. It is produced by Bottega SpA, a family-owned winery and distillery with deep…

How educators, enthusiasts, and curious drinkers can use these days to explore new grapes, styles, and regions all year long The Wine International Association and the Wine & Spirit and Education Trust both deserve a big round of applause because they’ve given wine enthusiasts a gift that will keep on giving throughout 2026. Their gift…