Fun-sounding exercise from Malbec producers in 3 Cdn cities. Here (well, Etobicoke) an afternoon of grape-crushing, drinking and tango, plus empanadas and asado on Sunday April 17. Or get down with iYellow & Co. in Yorkville on the 16th.

>>>

Icewine makers are getting ever more adept at showcasing the food pairings that really make it sparkle. Check out the Niagara Icewine Festival starting Friday... with the world's biggest icewine flute.

>>>

US heavyweight Constellation, which took over Vincor a few years back, has put most of its UK and Australian operations up for sale. Cdn operations (Vincor) are doing fine & will not be sold.

>>>

The 20th anniversary Toronto Symphony Orchestra auction happened November 25. It was a blowout - with over 300 lots and plenty of rare and older vintages, no wonder it raised a quarter million for the orchestra.

>>>

The serious oenophiles of Toronto will be at Waddingtons this weekend, along with high end restaurant sommeliers with chequebooks. It's time for the annual Vintages Auction.

>>>

Niagara grape growers have been celebrating their high achievers by crowning a "Grape King" to preside over the September harvest festival every year since 1952. This year, the King isn't male.

>>>

GoLocal ran from mid-Sept to mid-Oct and was the LCBO's biggest  promotion ever of VQA wines, with "148 wines from 50 wineries". And Suresh Doss hosted a violent after party.

>>>

Grapes for Humanity raises money for humanitarian relief efforts of all sorts and fine wine is the bait to lure donors. Re-stock your cellar and help Haiti on October 7!

>>>