Enjoy Wine, Food, and Travel with Karl MyWinePal
I received two Cabernet Franc wines from Pillitteri Estates Winery as part of my discovery and discussion about how this grape expresses itself in the Niagara region of southern Ontario. These two wines are from the 2020 vintage, with one, the Exclamation Cellar Series, being the top tier, which is only made in exceptional years. It should be interesting to…
Enjoying a bottle of wine from a specific date tells you about that time in harvest and the growing season. But what is even more interesting is if you have a vertical of the same wine so that you can taste beyond the growing season to see what unique qualities there are for that grape growing in a specific vineyard…
As I mentioned in a recent Instagram post, with inter-trade barriers coming to a close in Canada by Canada Day and Canadians wanting to support Canadians, I contacted some Ontario wineries about sending me samples of their Cabernet Franc wines to review. Cabernet Franc has found a remarkable home in the diverse terroirs of Ontario, producing wines that are both…
This is my seventh year interviewing winemakers or winery principals in Ontario about their latest grape harvest and wine production. Now that it is early December and the wines are all in tanks or barrels, how did the Ontario grape growing season and harvest fare? I interviewed three winemakers/winery principals this year: Chris Thompson, Winemaker at Lighthall Vineyards in Prince Edward…
When it comes to selecting the ideal gift for a party or special occasion, Canadian red wines stand out as a delightful choice that combines quality, versatility, and a touch of patriotism. With our unique characteristics shaped by cooler climates and a growing appreciation for local produce, Canadian red wines offer an exceptional experience that’s worth sharing. Here’s why Canadian…
This year I had many terrific wines to taste and review. Wines that I rate as 5 star I deem as needing nothing to add or subtract. They are perfect as-is. I had one wine that reached that status this year so instead of making a separate article for that wine, I am including it in this article. My 4.5-5…
This is my sixth year interviewing winemakers or winery principals in Ontario about their latest grape harvest and wine production. I visited the Niagara-on-the-Lake area in September and heard many positive comments from winemakers about the upcoming harvest season. Now that it is early December and the wines are all in tanks or barrels, how did the Ontario grape growing…
Ontario’s Stratus Vineyards is a 55-acre farm, set in the Niagara Lakeshore appellation of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and is planted to 16 grape varieties. All the grapes are grown sustainably. Their winery is the first in the world to be fully Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) – certified, which embodies their commitment to sustainability. The winery uses geothermal heating and…
Southbrook Vineyards in the Niagara-on-the-Lake region of Ontario undertakes biodynamic and organic vineyard agriculture, plus is LEED Gold Certified for their energy and environmental design in green buildings. Southbrook is Canada’s first certified Organic and Biodynamic Winery. They have everything from native meadows and a Monarch butterfly waystation to using lighter wine bottles to lower their carbon footprint. I looked…
This weekend is Canadian Thanksgiving. I looked back at the past few months this year to see what current BC and Ontario wines might be a good match for a roast turkey or ham dinner. Below are wines from both provinces that I think would be good pairings. BC Wines High Note Estate Winery Soubrette Pinot Grigio 2022 – this…
