{"id":1220,"date":"2013-03-14T05:00:00","date_gmt":"2013-03-14T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/2013\/03\/14\/newsletter-200-the-new-adventures-of-the-old-cuvee\/"},"modified":"2013-03-14T05:00:00","modified_gmt":"2013-03-14T05:00:00","slug":"newsletter-200-the-new-adventures-of-the-old-cuvee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/2013\/03\/14\/newsletter-200-the-new-adventures-of-the-old-cuvee\/","title":{"rendered":"Newsletter #200 &#8211; The New Adventures of the Old Cuvee"},"content":{"rendered":"<table style=\"height: 38px; width: 460px;\" border=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><strong>Ontario<span style=\"color: #990000;\">Wine<\/span>Review Newsletter 200 &#8230; March 2013<br \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td align=\"right\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-full wp-image-781\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/05\/ico_side_owrglass.gif\" border=\"0\" width=\"31\" height=\"70\" \/><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Ontario<span style=\"color: #800000;\">Wine<\/span>Review:\u00a0 <em>The New Adventures of the Old Cuvee<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Grape Guy\u2019s Picks of the Bunch:\u00a0 <em>Cuvee Selections<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Bi-Weekly OWR Updates<\/strong><strong>:\u00a0 <em>On the Road, International Wine Notes and more<br \/><\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Quick Sips:\u00a0 <em>News From Around the World of Wine, March 2013<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Wine Event Spotlight:<\/strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\"><em><span style=\"font-weight: normal\"><strong> It&#8217;s All About the Taste as we head into Spring<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>\n<div><a href=\"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/owr_newsletter_0200.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">To download and print a PDF copy of this newsletter click here<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-full wp-image-782\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/05\/ico_nav_archives.gif\" border=\"0\" width=\"21\" height=\"21\" \/> <strong>Ontario<span style=\"color: #800000;\">Wine<\/span>Review:\u00a0<em> <\/em><\/strong><strong><em>The New Adventures of the Old Cuvee<\/em><\/strong><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">When I first heard what Cuvee proposed as a format change I was more than a little skeptical (Newsletter 191 \u2013 Changes to Cuvee Go Too Far) \u2013 not that I was such a huge fan of the previous Cuvee format.\u00a0 For starters I found the awards to be a downright fallacy, as the winning wines were sometimes laughable (Newsletter #176 \u2013 Cuvee, The Best Wines, Really?) \u2013 one year a Gewurztraminer-Riesling blend won as \u201cBest Riesling\u201d?\u00a0 Really?\u00a0 In speaking with many folks about Cuvee I (and they) felt that if Cuvee was going to survive it needed to undergo a change \u2026 and what they proposed back in October 2012 was bold and downright radical.\u00a0 Eliminating the awards (bold, but good move) and instead allowing wineries to pick their \u201cbest\u201d wine to pour for all in attendance \u2026 one and only one wine per winery \u2013 that was it, that was all (this down from the usual three \u2026 radical) \u2013 \u2018bring your best\u2019 is what Cuvee was saying, show what wine best represents your winery.\u00a0 This sent many a winery into a tizzy, and even prompted me to post a few on-line poll questions to take the pulse for the new face of Cuvee.<\/p>\n<p>Question #1: Has Cuvee cut back too far in its new format?\u00a0 A full 85% thought the new format was too limiting and had overstepped the boundaries \u2013 how could Cuvee go from being a showcase for many wines to a showcase of only one?\u00a0 Which brings us to Question 2: How many wines should Cuvee allow each winery under its new format?\u00a0 46% wanted three wines (the most of any of the numbers given), that number jumped significantly on either side: 2 &#038; 3 equaled 66%, 3 &#038; 4 was 60% and if you brought all three together a whopping 80.3% wanted to see between 2 &#038; 4 wines at each table \u2026 a far cry from the only 7% who thought only one wine was the proper way to go (probably all members of the Cuvee committee).\u00a0 There was also a fear of too much uniformity when it came to grape varieties \u2013 something Cuvee said they would try to get around with an expert panel, but then how could a winery call it their best if they had to opt for choice number 2 in their depth chart?<\/p>\n<p>Well here we are two weeks after the event, with plenty of time to reflect on what transpired and you can now colour me surprised and shocked, as well as a convert, to the new format of Cuvee \u2026 it actually worked and made for a better more relaxing and enjoyable evening.\u00a0 Forget about give-the-people-what-they-want (with 80% wanting more wines per table) \u2013 the Cuvee committee had a new\/old vision and they stayed true to their course of action and, in my humble opinion, came out on top.\u00a0 Bring Cuvee back to its roots of attending wineries bringing their best, like they did 25 years ago.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m sure Cuvee wanted to see more wineries come out to the 25th Anniversary, rumours had the numbers pegged somewhere around 45; the actual number was 38 wineries (according to the brochure handed out), who took the gamble on the new format, including 2 from outside Niagara (Cooper\u2019s Hawk and Colio).\u00a0 \u201cWe said we would come if they got rid of the joke of a competition and they did,\u201d said one winery principal \u2013 so they showed up true to their word.\u00a0 Another winery principal, whose long held view of the event was \u201cScrew Cuvee\u201d also appeared and loved the event vowing to come back if the format were to live on after the 25th. \u00a0<\/p>\n<p>From a purely selfish point of view, with only 38 wineries in attendance, and only one wine per table, the room was much more manageable and I could actually taste every wine in the room \u2013 as I suspect many patrons did \u2013 even 50 or 60 wineries would have been more than doable, if not slightly formidable for your average consumer.\u00a0 One wine meant that you could go to a table, get a pouring, taste and talk a little then step aside, no sipping and holding your place in order to get pours of wines 2 and 3.\u00a0 Many wineries also found that they could engage with consumers more and better with only one wine to talk about.\u00a0 As for the fear of wine uniformity, the most poured wines were red blends (10), followed by Chardonnay (6), Riesling (5), Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir (4) and Syrah (3) \u2013 five other varieties or blends also found their way onto tables including two Gewurztraminers.\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/Cuvee_2013_Gala_Wines.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">To see a list of the wines poured click here \u2013 reviewed wines are linked back to OntarioWineReview.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>That all said, there were some miss-steps: the room was divided left side white and right side red, with balloons of those colours to indicate wine colour being poured.\u00a0 This did prove to be a bit of a logistical and traffic boondoggle, most people know to start with whites and then move onto reds \u2013 so the left side of the room took the brunt of consumers for the first two hours while the right side saw most of its action in the last two hours.\u00a0 I loved the balloon indicators though, now all organizers have to do is spread them out a little \u2013 you can still differentiate white from reds but scatter them in some way around the room to alleviate that traffic.\u00a0 Glassware was also an issue \u2013 as in previous years \u2013 they start with ISO glasses then move to balloon shaped POS glasses \u2013 I have to believe that someone could step up and contact one of the major glass makers to create a special, commemorative Cuvee glass \u2013 especially for the 25th Anniversary \u2026 it\u2019s embarrassing to see Ontario\u2019s \u201cbest wines\u201d poured into the world\u2019s crappiest glassware \u2013 let\u2019s fix this for 26.\u00a0 Finally, I have to single out one winery for their wine selection: Malivoire, who makes awesome Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Gamay Noir \u2013 and yet they chose to showcase their 2012 LadyBug Rose \u2026 seems marketing got hold of the memo instead of the winemaker &#8230; it was not a &#8216;new vintage&#8217; tasting it was a &#8220;best of&#8221; tasting.<\/p>\n<p>All-in-all the event was a great success \u2013 and the after-Cuvee party, complete with live band and local brew (Silversmith, Niagara College and Oast) all Niagara-on-the-Lake based, was a welcome addition to all that wine.\u00a0 I look forward to next year\u2019s 26th Edition of Cuvee as long as they keep this new format mostly intact \u2013 and hopefully they\u2019ll get more of Ontario\u2019s best to showcase their wines as well.<\/p>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-full wp-image-783\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/05\/ico_news_grapes.gif\" border=\"0\" width=\"22\" height=\"21\" \/> <strong>Grape Guy\u2019s Picks of the Bunch: <\/strong><em>Cuvee Selections<\/em><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Turns out many of the wines being poured at Cuvee I had tried over the past year \u2026 though some wines were new to me, and so the 5 wines reviewed below as my \u201ccuvee Selections\u201d refer to wines I had previously not tasted.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Colaneri 2010 Insieme &#8211; $34.95<\/strong> (W)<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.colaneriwines.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.colaneriwines.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>If it wasn`t for the Syrah in this wine it could be called a Meritage \u2026 but at Colaneri that would be too pedestrian when it comes to naming a wine.\u00a0 Insieme is one of those dried fruit (appassimento) style wines and this time, being it a 2010, it has riper fruit to play with which delivers a fuller bodied wine.\u00a0 Aromas of smoky plum and chocolate seem simple enough; on the palate there`s rich red fruit, spiced plum all with a lovely coffee finish \u2026 it`s still young and should develop quite nicely over the next 10 years, adding layers of aromas and flavours \u2013 so buy a few so you can hold onto some and taste its development for yourself.\u00a0 For those interested Insieme means together, and you should be glad that these grapes got together.\u00a0 Price: $34.95 \u2013 Rating: ****+<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ravine 2009 Chardonnay Reserve \u2013 Barrel Select, Unfiltered &#8211; $40.00<\/strong> (W)<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ravinevineyard.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.ravinevineyard.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>This is a five barrel selection of Chardonnay that really has nothing else in mind besides being Chardonnay.\u00a0 What I mean by that is there are some Chardonnays that seem to be masquerading as unoaked, fruity or even lightly oaked numbers \u2026 but this one is unabashedly old school Chardonnay with all its spiced caramel, apple cobbler, buttery-vanilla and spiced-pineapple on the finish \u2026 it also has quite a bite, it`s big, brashy wine with a long finish which doesn`t shy away from its use of oak.\u00a0 Only 100 cases made.\u00a0 Price: $40.00 \u2013 Rating: ****<\/p>\n<p><strong>Peninsula Ridge 2010 Merlot \u2013 Vintner`s Private Reserve &#8211; $29.95<\/strong> (W)<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.peninsularidge.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.peninsularidge.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Last year I was singing the praises of Peninsula Ridge`s straight on Merlot (Lepp Vineyard), and now the Vintner`s Reserve proves that that wine was no fluke, winemaker Jamie Evans seems to know his way around the Merlot grape and in this version he has added a little something extra (all estate fruit).\u00a0 It starts off soft and juicy, adds blueberry and blackberry then finishes up with great spice delivering it all with a raspberry seam that runs right down the middle.\u00a0 Price: $29.95 \u2013 Rating: ****+<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pillitteri 2010 Cabernet Franc \u2013 Exclamation Reserve &#8211; $35.00<\/strong> (W)<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.pillitteri.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.pillitteri.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The last time I tried this wine it was the 2007 version, it was over-manipulated, over-barreled and over the hill, even before it had reached its third birthday \u2026 in other words, it was a hot mess.\u00a0 Seems that the folks at Pillitteri have finally got a handle at what they were trying to accomplish \u2013 and proves their commitment to the Exclamation program and the Cabernet Franc grape.\u00a0 The palate and nose follow each other with tobacco, cherry, raspberry and smoke \u2013 the palate is also backed by spice, cigar ash and smoke, but all the while remains tasty and juicy.\u00a0 Price: $35.00 \u2013 Rating: ****<\/p>\n<p><strong>Strewn 2011 Gewurztraminer &#8211; Terroir &#8211; $17.95<\/strong> (W)<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.strewnwinery.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.strewnwinery.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Most people who claim not to like Gewurztraminer says it`s because it`s too sweet \u2026 the other 80% can`t pronounce it and don`t want to look foolish asking for it.\u00a0 But this Strewn number might help clean up the first complaint.\u00a0 The nose has got great Gewurzt-aromatics: lychee, tangerine, rose petal and a hint of pine nuts.\u00a0 On the palate it has a purity of fruit with rosy, lychee and spice notes \u2013 but it`s true signature is its dry finish\u2026 which manages to hang out for an extra-long while \u2013 just to prove a point that not all Gewurzt is sweet.\u00a0 Price: $17.95 \u2013 Rating: ****+<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>Availability legend:\u00a0 W (Winery) \u2013 L  (LCBO\/Vintages) \u2013\u00a0 OL (On-Line).<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-full wp-image-784\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/05\/ico_news_bottles.gif\" border=\"0\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" \/><strong> Bi-Weekly OWR Updates<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong><em>On the Road, International Wine Notes and more<\/em><\/div>\n<div><em><br \/><\/em><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Coming in April <\/strong><\/span>\u2026<strong> the return of Weekly Wine Videos<\/strong><br \/><strong>Just as the name suggest \u2026 every week I&#8217;ll introduce you to another fabulous Ontario wine that you&#8217;ve just gotta try<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>NEW &#8211;<\/strong><\/span> <strong>Ottawa Life \u2013 International Wine Selection(s) of the Week:<\/strong><br \/>Check out the<a href=\"http:\/\/www.ottawalife.com\/category\/food-and-wine\/thirst-impressions\/\" target=\"_blank\"> Ottawa Life Blog \u2013 Thirst Impressions<\/a> for my weekly selections<br \/><em><strong>This week&#8217;s posts:<\/strong><\/em><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ottawalife.com\/2013\/02\/march-wines-for-all-weather-conditions\/\" target=\"_blank\">March Wines for All Weather Conditions!<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ottawalife.com\/2013\/03\/california-chardonnays-magic-on-the-palate\/\" target=\"_blank\">California Chardonnay: Magic on the Palate!<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ottawalife.com\/2013\/03\/through-all-the-bad-mouthing-merlot-still-makes-a-great-wine\/\" target=\"_blank\">Through All the Bad-Mouthing, Merlot Still Makes a Great Wine<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>On the Road with the Grape Guy<\/strong><br \/>(Trips, tours and tastings \u2013 join me as I review the highs, and sometimes, the lows)<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/ontheroadwithgrapeguy.blogspot.ca\/2013\/02\/report-from-pictorial-look-at-days-of.html\" target=\"_blank\">A Pictorial Look at the Days of Wine and Chocolate<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/ontheroadwithgrapeguy.blogspot.ca\/2013\/03\/report-from-pictorial-look-at-lunch-at.html\" target=\"_blank\">A Pictorial Look at Lunch at Trius<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/ontheroadwithgrapeguy.blogspot.ca\/2013\/03\/report-from-caliber-wine-agent-two.html\" target=\"_blank\">Caliber Wine Agent: Two Italian Houses<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/ontheroadwithgrapeguy.blogspot.ca\/2013\/03\/report-from-lunch-with-contessa.html\" target=\"_blank\">Lunch with Contessa Massimilla di Serego Alighieri<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/ontheroadwithgrapeguy.blogspot.ca\/2013\/03\/report-from-wines-of-grandi-marchi.html\" target=\"_blank\">Wines of the Grandi Marchi Tasting<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/ontheroadwithgrapeguy.blogspot.ca\/2013\/03\/report-from-lunch-at-cucci-in-oakville.html\" target=\"_blank\">Lunch at Cucci in Oakvile with Raffaele Boscaini<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Lost and Found (blog):<\/strong><br \/>(Wines that got &#8220;lost&#8221; in my cellar &#8211; some are Treasures others Trash \u2026 Find out what happened)<br \/><strong><em>Nothing New This Week<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Taste it Again Grape Guy (blog)<\/strong><em><br \/>Find out what has happened to some of my favourites over the years<br \/><\/em><a href=\"http:\/\/tasteitagain.blogspot.ca\/2013\/03\/hillebrand-2009-trius-sauvignon-blanc.html\" target=\"_blank\">Hillebrand 2009 Trius Sauvignon Blanc<\/a><br \/><strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>What I\u2019m Drinking Tonight (blog)<\/strong><em><br \/>When it\u2019s not an Ontario wine, here\u2019s what I\u2019m pulling out of the cellar<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/michaelpinkusgg.blogspot.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>New Posts Added<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><\/em><strong>Vintages Release (blog)<\/strong><em><br \/><\/em>March 16, 2013 \u2013 unavailable<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/grapeguyvintages.blogspot.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\">March 30, 2013 \u2013 coming soon <\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #990000;\">Where I&#8217;ll Be<br \/><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-full wp-image-1175\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/good-food-and-wine.jpg\" border=\"0\" width=\"624\" height=\"120\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/good-food-and-wine.jpg 624w, https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/good-food-and-wine-480x92.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 624px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>The Good Food &#038; Drinks Festival \u2013 April 5-7, 2013<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The festival has paired up with the now defunct Wine and Cheese Show to bring you something bigger and better \u2026 and now in a new location \u2013 The Direct Energy Centre<\/p>\n<p>Michael Pinkus \u2013 The Grape Guy will be giving a number of seminars from glassware demonstrations to Ontario themed seminars, click below to see how to get your tickets. \u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.goodfoodanddrinkfestival.com\/events\/121-schott-zwiesel-tasting-room-schedule-april-05-2013\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.goodfoodanddrinkfestival.com\/events\/121-schott-zwiesel-tasting-room-schedule-april-05-2013<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #990000;\">Where I&#8217;ll Be<br \/><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<p><em><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-full wp-image-785\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/05\/owr_icon_news.gif\" border=\"0\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" \/> <\/em><strong>Quick Sips:<\/strong> <em>News From Around the World of Wine, March 2013<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Canadian Wine and Grape Industry Contributes $6.8 Billion in Economic Impact to Canadian Economy \u2026<\/strong> I think the headline says it all.\u00a0 I will have plenty more to say about it in an upcoming newsletter but you might as well get a head start by reading the finding.\u00a0 Get the website and all the goodies by <a href=\"http:\/\/www.canadianvintners.com\/?p=294\" target=\"_blank\">clicking here<\/a>.\u00a0 <\/p>\n<p><strong>Gamay Competition.\u00a0 Really? \u2026<\/strong> I have to be honest with you \u2013 although I am a big fan of Gamay and think some of our wineries here in Ontario so a bang-up job with it, I was surprised to hear of the International Gamay Competition.\u00a0 Now you have.\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.harpers.co.uk\/news\/news-headlines\/13507-international-gamay-competition-announces-2013-winners\" target=\"_blank\">For details click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Beaujolais in Jeopardy \u2026 <\/strong>hot on the heels of finding out there is an International Gamay competition comes the news that many Beaujolais houses are in dire straits because of the pour harvest in their region.\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.decanter.com\/news\/wine-news\/530830\/200-beaujolais-properties-to-close-says-french-media\" target=\"_blank\">More details can be found here<\/a>.\u00a0 <\/p>\n<p><strong>Pink Wine Finally Getting Respect \u2026<\/strong> Aretha would be proud to learn that the also ran wine of rosee is finally getting some much needed R-E-S-P-E-C-T, with no sign of slowing down.\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/wine-business-international.com\/156-bWVtb2lyX2lkPTQ4NSZtZW51ZV9jYXRfaWQ9--en-magazine-magazine_detail.html\" target=\"_blank\">Check out the deets here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Jolie-Pitt Wines Coming to a Retailer Near You \u2026<\/strong> If you thought they were just good at adopting kids, think again\u00a0 Brad and Angelina have paired up with Perrin to bring you something to sit around your table.\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/2013-02-14\/pitt-jolie-release-rose-wine-once-called-pink-floyd.html\" target=\"_blank\">Find out how you can adopt some<\/a>.\u00a0 <\/p>\n<p><strong>Foreign Investment is Not Just for Niagara \u2026<\/strong> \u201cA gated community of million-dollar homes surrounding a world-class golf course \u2026 it could happen within three or four years if wealthy Chinese investors go ahead with a plan to spend more than $100 million creating such a community near the Thousand Islands.\u201d\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.obj.ca\/Opinion\/2013-03-07\/article-3184913\/The-Chinese-are-coming-to-a-winery-near-you\/1\" target=\"_blank\">Now read the whole story<\/a>. <\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><em><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-full wp-image-786\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/05\/ico_nav_events.gif\" border=\"0\" width=\"21\" height=\"21\" \/> <\/em><strong>Wine Event Spotlight: <\/strong><span style=\"font-family: Arial,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-small;\"><em><span style=\"font-weight: normal\">It&#8217;s All About the Taste as we head into Spring<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>BAAH! The Great Lamby Cook-Off 2013 \u2026 <\/strong>Grapes for Humanity will present BAAH! The Great Lamby Cook-Off 2013 at Toronto\u2019s Premier Hotel, The Fairmont Royal York, The Imperial Room on Thursday, March 21st, 2013, 6 pm \u2013 8:30 pm, featuring Toronto\u2019s leading chefs.\u00a0 Watch Toronto\u2019s leading chefs go head-to-head competing for the title of King\/Queen of Ontario Lamb. Sample a dozen different lamb dishes, accompaniments and the wines to match. Vote on your favourites and see if they are in line with our panel of culinary experts and celebrity judges. See if your palate is in sync with our team of sommeliers, who will determine the best wine matches. We can\u2019t live on lamb alone, so there will be other food to enjoy, including sweets.\u00a0 Tickets: $150 per person. To purchase, call Annette Quitevis at 416-445-9920.\u00a0 More details can be found here:\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.grapesforhumanity.com\/?p=576\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.grapesforhumanity.com\/?p=576<br \/><\/a><br \/><strong>Discover the Flavours of the Kawarthas and Northumberland County \u2026<\/strong> Come celebrate\u00a0 the somewhereness of the Kawarthas and Northumberland County at the 2013 Flavour Festival.\u00a0 Nibble on gourmet cuisine prepared with local, fresh and seasonal ingredients, crafted by the hands of award winning and talented chefs, caterers and gourmands.\u00a0 Chefs will be using local ingredients to prepare and celebrate Canada\u2019s ethnic diversity, celebrating the flavours of Italy, France, China, Japan, India, Thailand and more!\u00a0 Also sip your way around the world, enjoying wines from Ontario, Italy, Spain, Germany, Chile, South Africa and Australia, to name but a few.\u00a0 And what would a Canadian celebration be without beer &#8211; quench your thirst by sampling Ontario artisan beers or discover some local spirits for the first time!\u00a0 It all happens Sunday, April 28, 2013 \u2013 visit <a href=\"http:\/\/flavourfestival.net\/\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/flavourfestival.net\/<\/a> for details.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Wine &#038; Herb Touring Pass Event (Wine &#038; Herb) \u2026<\/strong> returns this May 2013 and brings with it 27 unique VQA wine and food pairings created by the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake.\u00a0 Wine &#038; Herb takes place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in May 2013 (May 3\/4\/5, 10\/11\/12, 17\/18\/19, 24\/25\/26) from 11 am to 5 pm.\u00a0\u00a0 Touring passes are $43 per person (plus HST), entitling the holder to a VQA wine and food pairing at each winery, passports are valid for every weekend.\u00a0 Visit <a href=\"http:\/\/wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com\/wine-and-herb\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com\/wine-and-herb<\/a> for details.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Ontario<span style=\"color: #990000;\">Wine<\/span>Review\u2019s                        bi-weekly newsletter is devoted to the love,      enjoyment     and           promotion    of  the wines of Ontario and      the wineries     that  make    them. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em> <\/em><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-full wp-image-787\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/05\/ico_nav_askgg.gif\" border=\"0\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" \/> <strong>What can  the Grape Guy do for you \u2026 <\/strong>Michael                        Pinkus (Grape Guy) provides a variety of wine     related          services      that     you  might be interested in     taking   advantage    of:\u00a0     he gives      lectures,     leads      seminars,   conducts  tastings,   sets    up  tours;      consults,     selects   and      judges.\u00a0  He also   gives     interviews,          broadcasts, podcasts  and    writes.\u00a0  <a href=\"component\/option,com_contact\/task,view\/contact_id,1\/Itemid,90\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Contact the Grape Guy if you require any of  these services or have any questions<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-full wp-image-788\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/05\/ico_news_passiton.gif\" border=\"0\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" \/> <strong>Psst, Pass It On<\/strong><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> \u2026 keep the good wine flowing. Forward this newsletter to your mom in                        Milton, your son in Smith Falls, or any other family        member    or       loved     one    that you know needs good wine        advice.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-full wp-image-789\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/05\/ico_nav_lingo.gif\" border=\"0\" width=\"21\" height=\"21\" \/> <strong>Socially Speaking \u2026 <\/strong><br \/> Follow Michael Pinkus, the Grape Guy\u2019s (almost) daily <strong><em>Tweets<\/em><\/strong> at <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/TheGrapeGuy\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">http:\/\/twitter.com\/TheGrapeGuy<\/span><\/a> . <br \/> You can become a friend on <em><strong>facebook<\/strong><\/em>: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/?ref=home#%21\/mepinkus\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/?ref=home#!\/mepinkus<\/span><\/a> .\u00a0 <br \/> Those who are \u201c<em><strong>Linked In<\/strong><\/em>\u201d can find Michael at <a href=\"http:\/\/ca.linkedin.com\/pub\/michael-pinkus\/14\/704\/4b8\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">http:\/\/ca.linkedin.com\/pub\/michael-pinkus\/14\/704\/4b8<\/span><\/a> .<\/p>\n<p>To contact us with feedback, article ideas, comments, concerns or  questions \u2013 email <a href=\"mailto:michael@ontariowinereview.com\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">michael@ontariowinereview.com<\/span><\/a> We look forward to hearing from you!<\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-size: xx-small;\">\u00a9                        OntarioWineReview.com 2013. All  rights reserved.     You     may     use     the        content of this newsletter by     including   full    credit    to     Michael    Pinkus,     Grape Guy     and a link to <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ontariowinereview.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">www.ontariowinereview.com<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>OntarioWineReview Newsletter 200 &#8230; March 2013 \u00a0 OntarioWineReview:\u00a0 The New Adventures of the Old Cuvee Grape Guy\u2019s Picks of the Bunch:\u00a0 Cuvee Selections Bi-Weekly OWR Updates:\u00a0 On the Road, International Wine Notes and more Quick Sips:\u00a0 News From Around the World of Wine, March 2013 Wine Event Spotlight: It&#8217;s All About the Taste as we [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1220","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-owr-newsletter-archives"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1220","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1220"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1220\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1220"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1220"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1220"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}