{"id":1313,"date":"2013-05-23T05:00:00","date_gmt":"2013-05-23T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/2013\/05\/23\/newsletter-205-taken-in-taken-in-again\/"},"modified":"2026-03-13T03:55:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T03:55:45","slug":"newsletter-205-taken-in-taken-in-again","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/2013\/05\/23\/newsletter-205-taken-in-taken-in-again\/","title":{"rendered":"Newsletter #205 &#8211; Taken In, Taken In Again"},"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 205 &#8230; June 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>Taken In, Taken In Again<br \/><\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Grape Guy\u2019s Picks of the Bunch:\u00a0<em> 5 Wines from 3 Regions<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Bi-Weekly OWR Updates<\/strong><strong>:\u00a0 <em>Welcome Back Weekly Wine Video + More<br \/><\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Uncorked and Decanted:\u00a0 <em>Nifty Gadget \u2013 Ravi Instant White Wine Chiller<\/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> <\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/span><em><strong>5 Big Time Events<br \/><\/strong><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>\n<div><a href=\"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/05\/owr_newsletter_0205.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><em>Taken In, Taken In Again<br \/><\/em><\/strong><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">How many of you were actually taken by surprise that the LCBO settled their threatened strike action before the long weekend deadline?\u00a0 I want to believe that none of you were fooled by the LCBO\u2019s marketing\/threat campaign \u2013 and while the final numbers aren\u2019t in, I have no doubt enough Ontarians were that it was like a second Christmas for the crown corporation.\u00a0 Earlier last week I had spoken with some LCBO employees who were pretty sure a deal was already in place but that the LCBO was keeping it under wraps to goose sales on the days leading up to the deadline &#8211; those who recall the past should know the LCBO had record days in 2005 and 2009 before threatened strike action those years.\u00a0 The LCBO model of selling booze might be antiquated and mis-guided in 2013 but they aren\u2019t stupid when it comes to ripping off, and lying to, the public \u2013 they\u2019ve turned that into an art form over the years.\u00a0 They\u2019ve never gone on strike in their 86 year history and they weren\u2019t about to now \u2013 after all, how much sympathy would they really garner from the public if they walked off the job the Friday before a long weekend?\u00a0 The whole thing didn\u2019t add up, the dates lead them to the proper circumstances \u2026 this was pure calculated marketing by the boys and girls of the \u2018BO \u2013 and yes it does stink to high heaven.<\/p>\n<p>I think we missed a golden opportunity to open up the debate (again) about privatization, in some form or another.\u00a0 In fact, OntarioWineReview\u2019s latest on-line poll showed you agree with this assessment.\u00a0 67% of you wanted to see the LCBO walk off the job, while a combined 73.7% of readers thought privatization would rear its head during a strike: 40% thought immediately while almost 16% thought it would happen within a week. <\/p>\n<p>In the same week the LCBO was holding Ontario hostage with strike talk, inflammatory radio commercials and threats, a gentleman by the name of Ian Baillie walked into town to fan the flames about a BC-style privatization model for this province.\u00a0 Ian is the Executive Director of the Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC) and he works on the side of the private enterprises in that province (bars, pubs and stores).\u00a0 The talk he gave was for the Economic Club of Canada and was sponsored by Wine Country Ontario (WCO).\u00a0 Plenty of WCO members were there, along with beer and liquor store interests (whose sole purpose was to shoot this guy\u2019s ideas down with their questions and comments).\u00a0 There are no open minds in this province when it comes to the sale of alcohol, only vested interests and entrenched interests and neither the two shall wander from what they want or have.\u00a0 In Ontario power corrupts absolutely.<\/p>\n<p>Ian, while not the most elegant, engaging or dynamic speaker, did raise the idea of a two tiered system working side-by-side with one another as complimenting entities, and in many cases, filling the gap that the other leaves open.\u00a0 He\u2019s not talking about the corner store system, which seems to be talked about a lot these days, he didn\u2019t see how 10,000 new outlets selling the same crap (my words) as the LCBO really added anything to the mix.\u00a0 Instead he talked about capping a set number of private stores that would bring in wines, beers and spirits that the LCBO won\u2019t touch because the volume at which they are made are cost prohibitive for the LCBO to stock \u2026 after all if you don\u2019t make enough you can\u2019t feed the LCBO 600+ store beast.<\/p>\n<p>He talked about revenues being up in BC from liquor sales.\u00a0 What he didn\u2019t mention, nor was ever brought up was the rampant alcoholism private stores produced or the instances of kids-buying-booze-forming-gangs-and-car-jacking-innocent-citizens for their next hit of Screaming Eagle Cabernet (or Crystal Skull Vodka) \u2026 because that\u2019s just not happening.\u00a0 His message is simple: to have privatization you don\u2019t have to ditch your current system \u2026 you can create something that compliments and works alongside what you currently have (<a href=\"http:\/\/stream1.newswire.ca\/media\/2013\/05\/08\/20130508_C4236_DOC_EN_26541.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">you can read the speech here<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>So how does this all fit in for Ontario\u2019s wineries looking for greater market access?\u00a0 According to Ian\u2019s numbers Ontario\u2019s wineries make approximately 3000 wines annually (each vintage) \u2013 this is different labels (brands) not cases.\u00a0 The LCBO system takes in about 200 of those wines \u2026 that leaves lots of room for the other 2800 wines to make their way into a system that private stores could easily fill.\u00a0 An LCBO spokesperson in attendance stood up and commented that Ian\u2019s numbers were way off \u2013 with all their different channels and programs (Vintages, Classics Catalogue, LAW program, Small Lot etc) the LCBO brings in some 1400 Ontario wines in total per year \u2026 what the spokesperson failed to grasp is that\u2019s still under half of all the wines made in Ontario which have no other outlet besides their on premises store on the winery property (and currently, that\u2019s it).\u00a0 The LCBO thinks they are helping but they are actually standing in the way of progress and a chance for these winery owners getting their product to market.\u00a0 Between the LCBO and the VQA I\u2019m not sure who hurts small wineries more \u2026 but together they are a juggernaut of progress-killing bureaucracy.<\/p>\n<p>It continues to boggle my mind that in 2013 we still feel alcohol (read: wine and beer) are the evils they were back in the early 1900\u2019s, I\u2019m not saying there aren\u2019t alcoholics and problems drinkers anymore, but the vast majority of us also don\u2019t believe the devil actually resides in the bottle.\u00a0 This province should seriously look at Ian Baillie\u2019s and the BC model for liquor sales, if they don\u2019t want to dismantle the LCBO it\u2019s the next best thing and the revenue would be greater for a province in desperate need of money.\u00a0 (<a href=\"http:\/\/stream1.newswire.ca\/media\/2013\/05\/08\/20130508_C4236_DOC_EN_26541.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">read all of Ian Baillie\u2019s thoughts, ideas and about the BC model here<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p>Have your say on the way Ontario should sell booze in the new OntarioWineReview poll at the bottom of the homepage \u2013 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ontariowinereview.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.ontariowinereview.com<\/a><\/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>5 Wines from 3 Regions<br \/><\/em><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Burning Kiln 2011 Cab Frank &#8211; $24.95<\/strong> (W)<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.burningkilnwinery.ca\" target=\"_blank\">www.burningkilnwinery.ca<\/a><\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s nothing I like more than a wines with a good double-entente, except maybe a wine that has even catchier word play.\u00a0 This Burning Kiln version of Cabernet Franc \u2013 of which 100% of the fruit is dried (in the kiln method), changes the \u2018c\u2019 at the end of Franc for a \u2018k\u2019 \u2026 they have lovingly named the wine after their farmer, Frank; thus for this wine grower meets winemaker to make a real nice wine.\u00a0 A nose of tobacco, black cherry with a hit of raspberry is followed up by a dry palate that\u2019s hugely tobacco oriented.\u00a0 The fruit should come later \u2013 as for now rest is what this bottle needs \u2013 in your cellar preferably.\u00a0 Price: $24.95 \u2013 Rating: *** \u00bd<\/p>\n<p><strong>Charles Baker 2012 Riesling \u2013 Ivan Vineyard &#8211; $27.00<\/strong> (OL)<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbaker.ca\" target=\"_blank\">www.charlesbaker.ca<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Charles Baker\u2019s cheating ways continue.\u00a0 His once blind loyalty to Mark Picone\u2019s fruit has now met with a wondering eye as he finds himself plowing and digging in the fields of the Ivan Vineyard.\u00a0 Charles finds himself with younger more tender fruit (13 years) to contend with.\u00a0 This one has a nice zippy character with a mix of mac\/green apple, nice lemony notes and along slightly floral finish \u2026 drier than what you expect for Charles, but ultimately worth every sip \u2026as a good affair should be, after all, it\u2019s got to be worth the risk or there\u2019s no reward.\u00a0 Price: $27.00 \u2013 Rating: ****<\/p>\n<p><strong>BONUS:<\/strong> <em><a href=\"wine-reviews\/by-winery\/charles-baker-wines\/charles-baker-2011-riesling--picone-vineyard\" target=\"_blank\">Charles Baker 2011 Riesling \u2013 Picone Vineyard <\/a>(35.00)<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Norman Hardie 2011 Chardonnay, County &#8211; $35.00<\/strong> (W)<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.normanhardie.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.normanhardie.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Norman\u2019s latest County Pinot Noir (2011) is a huge step up for Norman and is probably his best County yet, so its sibling, the County Chardonnay, has got a lot to live up to.\u00a0 Nice mineral and limestone show up on the nose, which is to be expected as these vines get older and start to dig a little deeper into the limestone soils of the County.\u00a0 Lime and apple appear on the palate along with clean vibrant acidity.\u00a0 There\u2019s also a creamy texture in the mouth which is quickly washed away by all that lovely acidity.\u00a0 Price: $35.00 \u2013 Rating: ****<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tawse 2012 Riesling \u2013 Quarry Road &#8211; $23.95<\/strong> (W)<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.tawsewinery.ca\" target=\"_blank\">www.tawsewinery.ca<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Well kick me in the head and call me Charlie \u2013 not literally please \u2013 I\u2019ve tasted a couple of 2012 Rieslings already and for a hot vintage they have surprisingly high acidity \u2026 longevity might be their downfall (as is the case with 2007 versions), but only time will tell that.\u00a0 This offering is from Tawse and is downright mouth-puckering: lemon-lime leads the charge with a peach softness and good minerality \u2026 that acidity is spot on with freshness and there\u2019s a beautiful green apple-like tart finish.\u00a0 Put simply it\u2019s exciting for Riesling fans to see Riesling like this out of such a hot vintage.\u00a0 Price; $23.95 \u2013 Rating: **** \u00bd<\/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>The Return of the<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"> <\/span><\/strong><\/span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Weekly Wine Videos<\/strong><\/span><br \/>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 \u2013 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC102i-SF5A-4AHhH79TiVqg\" target=\"_blank\">Check out the YouTube Channel  Now<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Video #4 \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/2013\/05\/15\/video-chateau-des-charmes-2010-equuleus-may-15-2013\/\" target=\"_blank\">Chateau des Charmes 2010 Equuleus<\/a><br \/>Video #5 \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/2013\/05\/22\/video-norman-hardie-2011-county-pinot-noir-unfiltered-may-22-2013\/\" target=\"_blank\">Norman Hardie 2011 County Pinot Noir, Unfiltered<\/a><\/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\/05\/another-spanish-kiss\/\" target=\"_blank\">Another Kiss from Spain<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ottawalife.com\/2013\/05\/a-kiss-from-spain\/\" target=\"_blank\">A Kiss from Spain<\/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\/05\/report-from-ontario-wine-awards-2013.html\" target=\"_blank\">Ontario Wine Awards 2013<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/ontheroadwithgrapeguy.blogspot.ca\/2013\/05\/report-from-3050-imports-agent-tasting.html\" target=\"_blank\">30.50 Imports (Agent) Tasting<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/ontheroadwithgrapeguy.blogspot.ca\/2013\/05\/report-from-malbec-world-day-tasting-at.html\" target=\"_blank\">Malbec World Day Tasting at RTH<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/ontheroadwithgrapeguy.blogspot.ca\/2013\/05\/report-from-wines-of-portugal-world-of.html\" target=\"_blank\">Wines of Portugal: A World of Difference Tasting<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/ontheroadwithgrapeguy.blogspot.ca\/2013\/05\/report-from-hobbs-co-agent-tasting.html\" target=\"_blank\">Hobbs &#038; Co. Agent Tasting<\/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>Nothing New This Week<\/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\/05\/cave-spring-2006-riesling-dolomite.html\" target=\"_blank\">Cave Spring 2006 \u201cDolomite\u201d Riesling<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/tasteitagain.blogspot.ca\/2013\/05\/cave-spring-2005-cabernet-franc-estate.html\" target=\"_blank\">Cave Spring 2005 Cabernet Franc Estate Bottled<\/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><a href=\"http:\/\/grapeguyvintages.blogspot.ca\/2013\/05\/saturday-may-25-2013-vintages-release.html\" target=\"_blank\">May 25 2013 \u2013 Vintages Release<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/grapeguyvintages.blogspot.ca\/2013\/05\/vintages-shop-online-may-16-2013-release.html\" target=\"_blank\">Vintages Shop On-Line May 16, 2013<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/grapeguyvintages.blogspot.ca\/2013\/05\/in-store-discoveries-appearing-on.html\" target=\"_blank\">In-Store Discoveries \u2013 May 25, 2013<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #990000;\">Advertising<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #990000;\"><br \/><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-full wp-image-1312\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/05\/i4c.jpg\" border=\"0\" width=\"318\" height=\"144\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>What&#8217;s all the Hype About ??? <\/strong><br \/><strong>Visit the Website to \u201cC\u201d &#8230;<\/strong><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.coolchardonnay.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">www.coolchardonnay.org <\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #990000;\">Advertising<br \/><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<p><em><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-full wp-image-791\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/05\/ico_nav_wine.gif\" border=\"0\" width=\"21\" height=\"21\" \/> <strong> <\/strong><\/em><strong>Uncorked and Decanted: <\/strong><em>Nifty Gadget \u2013 Ravi Instant White Wine Chiller<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">There are some wine related products I fully endorse, some I half-heartedly give a nod to and some I downright disdain as an act of Charlatanism (the tannin removing magnet comes to mind instantly).\u00a0 A few years back I tired and wrote about something called \u201cthe Ravi\u201d \u2013 it was a wine chiller for reds and whites.\u00a0 I found some merit to the product and some detraction.\u00a0 I thought it okay for whites but a total flavour killer for reds.\u00a0 Now Ravi has asked me to look at their product again as they rebrand it as an Instant White Wine Chiller \u2013 and yes it does the job.\u00a0 Take a metal cylinder that you put in the freezer, house it in a plastic casing \u2013 put a bottle sized inserter at the bottom and in simplistic language you have your Ravi Instant White Wine Chiller.\u00a0 The three pieces come apart so that the metal goes into the freezer and comes out when you\u2019re ready for it \u2026 you fit them all together (as long as you remember where you put the housing) fit it onto the end of the bottle and voila, from room temperature to chilled in the time it takes to tip and pour a bottle. \u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Now, it doesn\u2019t look pretty, it makes the bottle very top heavy and you\u2019ll need two hands to control the apparatus once installed (one hand on the bottle the other to stabilize the Ravi itself) \u2026 but it does work, it chills the wine and if that\u2019s what it was designed to do then it clearly does what it says.\u00a0 The one real drawback to the unit is that it is hard to get all the water out once you have rinsed it thoroughly, even with the provided pump that helps blow air through the unit to evacuate the water.\u00a0 It also might take a few tips of the Ravi to get the wine pouring if you have some excess water (read: ice) blocking the internal coils \u2013 easy way around that is to set the Ravi on its side in the freezer that way any trapped water will spread out when it forms into ice.<\/p>\n<p>While it\u2019s not the most beautiful thing, the Ravi Instant White Wine Chiller does work at what it claims \u2026 I just think I\u2019d pour in the kitchen instead of at the table at your next dinner party.\u00a0 Perfect for those times you forget to put white in the fridge, or for when a second or third (unexpected) bottle is required.\u00a0 If you decide to try it with red wine you\u2019ll want to store the Ravi in the fridge \u2026 the freezer is just too cold and will strip out your flavours.<\/p>\n<p>For more information visit: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ravisolution.com\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.ravisolution.com<\/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><em>5 Big Time Events<br \/><\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>New from the Pinot Affair:\u00a0 A Springtime Affair \u2026<\/strong> May 29th at Spencer&#8217;s on the Waterfront in Burlington you\u2019ll enjoy a spectacular four course menu, deliciously paired with 10 tantalizing Pinot Noir&#8217;s (including a new Sparkling Pinot Noir), from ten of Niagara&#8217;s most delectable wineries.\u00a0 Wednesday, May 29th from 6:00 pm- 10:00 pm all for just $120\/per person (including HST and gratuity) \u2026 details can be found at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.thepinotaffair.com\/springtime.html\" target=\"_blank\">www.thepinotaffair.com <br \/><\/a><br \/><strong>Graze the Bench returns \u2026<\/strong> Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm seven wineries of the Beamsville Bench are blending the perfect combination of wine, food and live entertainment for the fifth annual Graze the Bench.\u00a0 Wineries include Peninsula Ridge Estate Winery, Rosewood Estate Winery, Angels Gate Winery, Thirty Bench Winemakers, The Organized Crime Winery, Fielding Estate Winery and Hidden Bench Vineyards and Winery.\u00a0 Cost is only $25 and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.grazethebench.com\" target=\"_blank\">detail can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wine enthusiasts invited to experience Riesling \u2026<\/strong> On June 11-12, Riesling lovers get a rare chance to join winemakers, grape growers, wine experts and media when the 2013 Riesling Experience conference is hosted by Brock University\u2019s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI).\u00a0 The event is an unabashed celebration of Riesling\u2019s style, structure and purity.\u00a0 The event includes discussions with top experts, followed by a journey through some of Niagara\u2019s oldest Riesling vineyards on the second day.\u00a0 For more info and registration details, go to <a href=\"http:\/\/www.rieslingexperience.com\" target=\"_blank\">rieslingexperience.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Mastronardi announces three nights of Concerts in the Vineyard starting June 14 and running to the 16 \u2026<\/strong> see who\u2019s gonna be there by <a href=\"http:\/\/www.mastronardiwines.com\/content\/upcoming-events\" target=\"_blank\">clicking here<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Trius Jazz Line-Up Announced! \u2026<\/strong> the line-up of premier Canadian jazz artists for Trius Jazz at the Winery on July 13, 2013!\u00a0\u00a0 Ranee Lee. Michael Occhipinti: Shine On &#8211; The Universe of John Lennon, Ron Davis, Heillig Manoeuvre.\u00a0 This year you can Choose from a variety of ticket options and experiences that include Vineyard Lawn Seating, Trius Red Lounge, Trius Winery Restaurant Patio Seating and Backstage Pass.\u00a0 You can buy <a href=\"http:\/\/reservations.andrewpeller.com\/events\/jb-event.html\" target=\"_blank\">Buy Tickets Online<\/a> or call 1.800.582.8412 ext. 2<\/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 205 &#8230; June 2013 \u00a0 OntarioWineReview:\u00a0 Taken In, Taken In Again Grape Guy\u2019s Picks of the Bunch:\u00a0 5 Wines from 3 Regions Bi-Weekly OWR Updates:\u00a0 Welcome Back Weekly Wine Video + More Uncorked and Decanted:\u00a0 Nifty Gadget \u2013 Ravi Instant White Wine Chiller Wine Event Spotlight: 5 Big Time Events To download and [&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-1313","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\/1313","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=1313"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1313\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7378,"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1313\/revisions\/7378"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1313"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1313"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1313"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}