Stratus Finds Its Sparkle

We’ve had our pulse on all things effervescent in Niagara for a while now, and it goes without saying that the region is producing some exceptional, world class sparkling wines.  Stratus’ sparkling wine project has been something that we’ve heard a lot about (through the grapevine, if you will) over the years. Perhaps, you could call it Niagara’s worst kept secret. Luckily, Stratus’ foray into traditional method sparkling wine is no longer a secret with the launch of their 2013 Blanc de Blancs and its companion, the 2013 Brut Nature. The release of the 2013 Blanc de Blancs came to …

Keeping it Clairette with Poulet et Fils

Sometimes, there are wines that intrigue you.  Years ago, while on a trip to Las Vegas (of all places), we found a small wine shop that focussed on French wines and had a substantial sparkling wine section. We were quite pleased, as you could imagine, and stocked up on a variety of different wines, including a Clairette de Die from Poulet et Fils. We bought it, but did not find the time to enjoy it in situ while in Sin City and off it went on a trip to Canada.  What is it? Clairette de Die is bound by the Clairette …

It’s Official, We’ve Hit 1000 Posts on Instagram!

That’s 1000 posts, 1000 corks, and 1000 memories to reflect upon… and in retrospect, what a wild ride Sparkling Winos has been and continues to be. And, we couldn’t be happier to mention that we remain as committed as ever to the project as we continue on our quest to be a one-stop-shop for all things sparkling wine. Despite COVID, we’re the busiest we’ve even been – in a different, very virtual way! So what have we learned from 1000 posts on a social media network? We’re still curious. Well, for one thing, after over four years in the industry, we …

Bubbles Under $20 for Canadian Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving in Canada just around the corner, we’re thinking about some of our favourite things: Turkey and comfort foods, time spent with family, the fall colours and … sparkling wine! Sparkling wine is a sommelier’s secret weapon, and if you’ve seen our recent live video with the LCBO, you’ll remember that we talked about the endless possibilities when it comes to pairing food with sparkling wine. It’s particularly great for Thanksgiving, given its naturally high acidity and bubbles, which help cleanse your palate of rich, fatty and decadent flavours associated with Thanksgiving (and pretty much most holidays). From Brut to …

L’Acadie Vineyards: An East Coast Sparkling Pioneer

Ah, Nova Scotia. As one of Canada’s maritime provinces, this part of the country conjures up images of cool sea breezes, high tides, salt water taffy and delicious, buttery lobster rolls. For us, however, first and foremost are… drumroll, please… the amazing sparkling wines! 😍🍾 Today’s COVID reality has prevented us from visiting and enjoying Canada’s Atlantic Coast (which is under a sensible but taxing two week minimum quarantine for Ontario residents). Thankfully, we have some great bubbles from L’Acadie’s latest release to enjoy (more on those in a moment!), and tide us over until it’s safe to visit (or …

Rotari: Exceptional Value Bubbles from Northern Italy (…that are not Prosecco!)

⁣⁣Rotari hails from Trentodoc, a Northern Italian appellation centred around the City of Trento and known for its Traditional Method white and rosé sparkling wines.  Fizz Fact: the appellation was the second of if it’s kind (after the Champagne) to be created to ensure quality and distinction in its sparkling wines! 🥂 ⁣Early founders of what is now Trendodoc wanted to distinguish themselves from Prosecco, which is produced not too far away. And so, no Charmat Tanks nor Glera grapes are used in the making of Rotari Brut and Rotari Brut Rosé – as only the Tradtional Method and Chardonnay, …

Cave Spring’s New Digs

This week we had the pleasure of attending an intimate, and physically distanced, winery tour and dinner at Cave Spring Vineyard’s new digs in charming Beamsville, Ontario. Over the past few years, one of Ontario’s most prolific and well loved wineries has worked diligently to move their tasting room from Jordan Village to where the magic happens… their vineyard and farm! Located at 4043 Cave Spring Rd, Beamsville, the new Cave Spring Vineyard tasting room is framed by the idea that the consumer’s experience is equally as important as the wines. We couldn’t agree more! To taste the wines in the …

A Sparkling Tasting of the World’s Finest with Cru Wine Merchants

This summer, we had the pleasure of tasting through the bounty of Wine Country Ontario and we zeroed in on Niagara-on-the-Lake. From exceptional fruit, to farm fresh vegetables and, of course, incredible wine, there is plenty to taste… and write about! However, on a warm Friday afternoon with our feet firmly planted at Stratus Vineyards, we turned our minds and palates to more global flavours. With Melissa Pulvermacher and Cru Wine Merchants, we were able to travel to Valdobiaddene, the Rheingau, Barcelona’s hilly outskirts, and the Champagne. Travel with our glasses, that is, as we tasted through their diverse and exceptional portfolio of high …

Shop Our Sparkling Collection at Galleon Wines!

Galleon Launches in Ontario Galleon has arrived on the shores of Lake Ontario, and guess what? It’s full of precious cargo: some of the finest wines in the world! There are no ancient sailboats parked on Toronto’s doorstep. Rather, Galleon – a luxury wine importer supported by Philippe Dandurand Wines – recently launched in Ontario.  It’s time to celebrate, and break out some sparkling, right? With Galleon, you can shop the world one glass at a time, and they offer their customers access to exceptional wines with the promise of enjoyment and new discoveries. The Sparkling Winos Collection We couldn’t be …

Ontario Wine Country is OPEN!

The summer is here, and many experiences in Wine Country Ontario – whether in the Lake Erie North Shore, Prince Edward County or the Niagara Peninsula – are just a short drive away from the Greater Toronto Area.  With tourism greatly restricted in light of the COVID-19 pandemic (and rightfully so), a more “local” vacation in Ontario has never seemed better, even if we’re intimately familiar with the beauty of the great province and the bounty of Wine Country! On that topic, we couldn’t be happier that Wine Country Ontario is slowly and safely opening up again. Yes, Wine Country is …