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Here are my top wine picks from the November 22, 2025 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here), which has Giftable Wines as the feature story of the release, while Sparkling Wines from Niagara is the mini-thematic, as well as the topic in Local Talent. This is a fairly large release with almost 130…

For anyone passionate about British Columbia wines, John Schreiner is a name that resonates deeply. A true icon of our local industry, John’s dedication to chronicling the evolving landscape of BC wine is unparalleled. His regular dispatches offer invaluable insights, and today, we’re taking a moment to highlight some of his recent reports that showcase…

The email from Franco’s Liquor Store read: “Compare two iconic styles from Italy’s Veneto region. Discover the bold, velvety richness of Amarone and the approachable, fruit-forward Ripasso as Luigi walks you through their differences, histories, and unique characteristics.” This was one tasting I wasn’t going to miss. Ripasso and Amarone are red wines from Italy’s…

Photo: Winemaker Rowan Stewart The newest sparkling wine producer in the Okanagan is Ailm Estate, a label that has been launched by the Stewart family, owners of Quails’ Gate Estate Winery. Ailm is shooting high. “Our intention is to compete with the best sparkling wine in the world,” winemaker Rowan Stewart says. “As people taste…

Submission Deadline: Monday, December 15 at 11:59 PM. The post BC Wine Industry Recognition Awards first appeared on My VanCity. Read BC Wine Industry Recognition Awards at MyVanCity

Ontario’s leading Sommelier discusses his journey, rising influence, and the evolving wine experience at Harbour Sixty Few figures in Ontario’s wine and hospitality landscape are ascending quite as quickly—or as meaningfully—as Christian Perreault Hamel, Wine Director and Head Sommelier at Harbour Sixty in Toronto, Co-founder of Pelican Wines Import, and the newly appointed Technical Director…

Tonight’s red wine review is a lovely Cabernet Franc-based blend from the volcanic soils of Sicily. It is brand-new to the LCBO, arriving in last month’s October 11 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection as an Online & Flagship Exclusive, with some quantities still available, mostly in the Ottawa area (with store transfers likely possible). It…

2025 is shaping up to be an excellent vintage. The post Rhône Valley Vineyards – Vintage 2025 first appeared on My VanCity. Read Rhône Valley Vineyards – Vintage 2025 at MyVanCity

In addition to Naçional’s uniqueness, is its scarcity. The post Quinta do Noval Naçional Port Tasting first appeared on My VanCity. Read Quinta do Noval Naçional Port Tasting at MyVanCity

2021 Gewürztraminer Upper Bench Penticton, BC $25.00 Lemon yellow with medium-light intensity.  This aromatic nose offers lychee, mango, red apple peel, delicate lime zest, and floral notes.  Nicely balanced acidity and sugar.  Pleasing fruit on the palate with flavours mirroring the nose, followed by a medium-plus finish.  Interestingly, this wine improved significantly with time to…