It sounds like the title of a sickly romantic novel, but the vintners of Niagara-on-the-Lake have so declared the weekends of February. Food pairing enthusiasts usually think in terms of savoury fare, but you're not crazy to pair certain wines with chocolate.

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The home of the world's best chardonnay is also the home of the heartbreak grape: pinot noir. It's the most infuriating of varietals, but Vintages will give you - in exchange for $95 - the opportunity to not only try lots, but also to meet some people who make or sell the wines on March 11.

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It's the country's premier source for fine collectable wines, so it behooves Ritchies auction house to do a little community outreach work every now and then. Ritchies, you'll be pleased to hear, has once again risen to the challenge.

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Woodman Wines & Spirits represent fine champagnes like Henriot and Burgundies like Corton Charlemagne. But they also sell affordable wines and there are a couple of great deals on right now.

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If you fancy yourself an expert on the heartbreak grape - or even just an enthusiast - you could head over to Campbell House Museum in February and join in the search for Ontario's best pinot noir.

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The mid-winter chill of late-January is Niagara Icewine Festival time. Promenade around the peninsula visiting wine bars made of ice, ice sculptures and taking snowy vineyard tours - it all starts this weekend.

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You've got to hand it to Tim Hudak - the Niagara MPP continues to push for expanded retail distribution for VQA wines. This time, his rationale hinges on helping out the little guys and the imminent recession.

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Part Two of Canada's biggest wine auction was held Dec. 6th and 7th. Run by Ritchie's in conjunction with Vintages, Final figures for the annual auction of "Finest and Rarest Wines" should be record-breaking - the final figures aren't out yet.

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