The International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration took place in Niagara and Toronto in late July. It was a great chance to taste some fine chards - and not a full-bodied, flabby oak bomb among them.

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Tim Hudak has confirmed that he intends to shake up VQA wine distribution in Ontario if elected. The private option, as found in BC, "just takes political will" according to VQA pioneer Harry McWatters.

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Smaller wineries in Ontario complain about lack of access to market and point to the success of private VQA-only stores in British Columbia. Trade rules mean private stores likely won't work here, but what if the LCBO did it?

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Stratus is dedicated to producing high quality wines, even if that means lower vineyard yields and higher production costs. The approach continues to pay off - I recently tasted six of the currently available wines. As usual, they're very good.

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After taking over the premium savignon blanc market with its unique style, New Zealand is now making a mark with its pinot noirs. Especially good are those from Central Otago.

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In America, it's the Summer of Riesling. A good way to join in the fun would be to get a riesling that's more like all the other whites you drink. One word, Canada: Dry.

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As with “Bootycamp”, the vigorous exercise program for women, the military training echo in the name captures the intensity of Tastecamp. It was a busy weekend of wine in May.

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The Vintages release for mid-May features the wines of the Southern Rhone, aka Rhone Meridional.  The valley is seen here from - literally - the Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The climate and soils make it one of France's most reliable wine regions. 2009 was another of several "good years" and a there's a selection of Rhones out now.

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