Michael Pinkus Wine Review - On the Road with the Grape Guy

Report from - Fiesta Buckhorn - 10th Anniversary - July 18, 2006

03 Jan 2007

Details: Category: On the Road with the Grape Guy

What a day ... I read the forecast in the morning and it said rain all day - my family in Toronto called me and chuckled slightly when asking me how the wine tasting is the rain was coming along ... but thankfully it was only them that got rained upon. Up in Buckhorn it may not have been the brightest and sunniest of days, but it was a beautiful day none the less. 89 (or so) exhibitors of beer, wine, food and other delights sampled their wares for all to taste and see. Another delightful year ... and they'll do all again next year, bigger and better ... but let's let the organizers catch their breath, for a little while anyway. I'll see you July 18-20, 2007.

I trust alll who attended had a great time - let's hear your remarks.

Report from - 2006 Vintage Tasting Viewpointe Estates, Harrow - August 12, 2006

03 Jan 2007

Details: Category: On the Road with the Grape Guy

August 12, 2006 - Viewpointe Estates - Harrow - Lake Erie North Shore

I'm not sure where to begin this report because you could not have asked for a better day for an event, but let's start here. The day was beautiful, the location stunning, the wines were superb, the food looked delicious (because I was runing around tasting wines I forgot to eat - though I am told it was all delicious and plentiful). Under a tent overlooking the water behind Viewpointe we couldn't have asked for a better day - I don't even think there was a cloud in the sky ... the sun beat down on this exquisite affair.

All 14 wineries from the area were in attendance pouring their newest vintages that would soon hit their store shelves. Some highlights from the afternoon included: Wagner's Fire House Red (cherry wine); Spruce Shores soon to be released Pinot Noir; Smith and Wilson's Double Barrel - a blend of Cab Franc and Merlot; Sanson's always awesome Autumn Harvest Vidal - a steal at $10.95; Viewpointe's award winning Auxerrois; Erie Shore's exotic fruit tasting and citrus smelling 2005 Riesling ... along with scores of other great wines from this region.

Lake Erie North Shore continues to be a high point in the Canadian, and especially, the Ontario wine-world; and this event just highlighted that fact even more. Kudos to everyone involved.

Michael Pinkus - Grape Guy