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Magnotta - The Premium Side - April 29 (Monday), 2002 You'll hear the Magnotta story first hand from Rosanna Magnotta, owner, and Ceasar Valenti, product consultant, who will also lead us through a tasting of their VQA wines and some other surprises.

The Best of Canada - May 6 (Monday), 2002 Compare Ontario's best to B.C.'s and others'. David Lawrason will lead us in the tasting.

Wine Tour in the Niagara Peninsula - May 26 (Sunday), 2002  We will visit Pillitteri, Inniskillin and Creekside. This will be a joint adventure with the Australian Wine Society!

Tasting Gold - June 19 (Wednesday), 2002 Featuring the gold medal winners from the Ontario Wine, formerly Air Ontario, Awards. Tony Aspler will lead the tasting.

Barbecue - August 2002  This will be at La Maquette restaurant this year.

Before and After Dinner Wines - September 2002  

Riedel Glass Tasting - October 2002  

Viva Vincor - November 2002  This will be a wine fair of Vincor's Ontario and British Columbia Estates - Inniskillin, Jackson-Triggs, Hawthorn Mountain and Sumac Ridge.

Mail: P.O. Box 519, Station K
Toronto, Ontario
M4P 2G9

Voice Mail: 416 921 9798

E-mail: contact@ontariowinesociety.com

Web: www.ontariowinesociety.com

The Ontario Wine Society has an unwritten rule that we never repeat the same restaurant for our annual dinner. Fortunately, the rule does not extend to general managers. Therefore, we were able to take advantage of the wonderful hospitality of Scott Willows, formerly of Auberg Du Pommier, our destination two years ago, now owner of the Patriot.

The Patriot is very conveniently located upstairs in the Colonnade near Bloor and Avenue Road. The Patriot features both Canadian cuisine and Canadian wine. Twenty-five years ago that could have meant an evening of Baby Duck and grilled cheese sandwiches. It now means a superb evening of delicate and delicious food flavours beautifully matched by very fine wines.

Cave Spring, a long time friend of the OWS, supplied the wine. We were very lucky as part owner, manager and all around good guy, Tom Pennachetti was present to explain the matching. In fact, Tom was the wine industry's first representative to the Ontario Wine Society Board.

The evening began with a reception featuring the 2000 Chardonnay Musqué. We then took a real gander at the foie gras poached in red wine with caramelized pears matched with the 2000 off-dry Riesling. Not only did the caramelized pears cut the richness of the foie gras but the Riesling matched the combination.

Next up was the Alberta Nautrica goat cheese baked on Cookstown greens served with the 2000 Sauvignon Blanc. The natural richness of the goat cheese was beautifully matched with the slight bitterness of the greens while the wine proved that Sauvignon Blanc is quickly coming of age in Ontario.

The main course was either prune stuffed pork, which I did not have, or pan seared Arctic Char, smoked bacon, lentils, chanterelles and balsamic glaze served with a 1999 Gamay Reserve. The smoky flavour of the bacon offset the richness of the Char with the lentils and the Gamay Noir providing the background flavours.

The evening finished with a lemon curd tart (be careful pronouncing those last two words quickly) with fresh fruit and the 2000 Indian Summer Riesling. The mild astringency of the tart was nicely balanced by the sweetness of the late harvest wine.

Overall, a beautiful evening of wine, food and fellowship. The only problem is, how do we top this next year?

The Premium Wines Of Cave Spring Vineyards, April 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2:00pm
This seminar will focus on the Cave Spring Vineyards and the unique terroir of the Beamsville Bench. Wines will include the '99 and '00 CSV Riesling and '97, '98 and '99 CSV Chardonnay. Please call 905 562 3581 for reservations. $5.00 per person.

Vintage Angelo, Classic Jamie, Wednesday, May 1, JK ROM, 100 Queen's Park, Fourth Floor. Reception: 6:30pm, Dinner: 7:00pm
Many years ago, JK ROM Chef Jamie Kennedy was among the very first to endorse the emerging Niagara wine region and today his restaurant continues to champion local winemakers. Join Jamie and Cave Spring Cellars winemaker, Angelo Pavan, as they present a classic and thoroughly educational wine and food experience. Each of Jamie's four courses will be accompanied by both a young and a mature version of a Cave Spring wine illustrating the ageability of Niagara's finest vintages. The cost is $115.00 per person, taxes and gratuities included. For reservations please call the JK ROM restaurant at XXX-XXX-XXXX Please Note - this number removed February 2006

New Grapes on the Block, Saturday, May 4, Patriot Restaurant & Brasserie, 131 Bloor St., W. Reception: 6:30pm, Dinner: 7:00pm
One year ago, Patriot Chef, David Chrystian, and Cave Spring Cellars' winemaker, Angelo Pavan, brought the house down with an unforgettable feast matched to the signature wines of Cave Spring. Join us again as Chef Chrystian meets winemaker Pavan's emerging fighting varieties, including the much anticipated Syrah and Chenin Blanc. The cost is $115.00 per person, taxes and gratuities included. For reservations call the Patriot Restaurant at 416 922 0025

Look Out For Laura, Saturdays & Sundays in April, 11:00am to 4:00pm
It's time to release the 2000 Laura, our version of the famed Bordeaux blend or Meritage. This vintage shows the deft touch of winemaker Marcus Ansems who will be on hand Saturdays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm to answer questions. Limited space available. Reservations are recommended. $5.00 per person.

Harbour Views - High End Reds, Saturday, April 13, 5:00pm to 6:00pm
Jeff Innes will lead you through our premium red wines from vine to wine with the techniques he uses in order to create a premium wine. There will be samplings of each. $5.00 per person. Call us for reservations.

Wine & Food - Discovering the "Cause and Effect", Saturday, April 13, 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Sweet, salty, rich, and sour. You will have the opportunity to sample foods from each of these categories paired with a selection of Inniskillin VQA wines, and create your "Perfect Matches". No reservations required. Minimal fees apply.

Spring Is In The Air!, Saturday, April 20, 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Join Izabela Kalabis, Inniskillin Resident Chef, & Maria Moessner, Inniskillin Estate Sommelier, for a selection of fresh grilled spring vegetables and regional cheese fondue paired with a selection of Inniskillin VQA Wines. No reservations required. Minimal fees apply.

Get In Touch With The Feelings Of Wine And Cheese, Saturday, April 27
Cheese Merchant Martin Withenshaw and Sommelier Tonya Lailey will talk about texture. Lailey wines will be paired with a special selection of Canadian Cheese. $15 per person inclusive. Reservations: tonya@laileyvineyard.com or 905 468 0503.

Jazz on the Ridge, Wine, Dine and Jazz Gala, Friday, April 26, 7:00pm
Organized by The Peninsula Ridge Founders Club to benefit the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation in support of an essential health care facility for the Niagara West community.

Featured celebrity musicians include: Michael Danso, The Frank DiFelice Quartet, Richard Whitehouse and Adagio.

The entire winery property will be transformed into a 'jazz club' setting with jazz artists performing throughout the evening in the winery, retail shop and Coach House.

Spectacular wine and food pairings to accompany each of the diverse music styles of the jazz performers.

Silent and live auctions.

Tickets are $150 per person. Black tie optional. A $75 tax receipt will be provided.

To purchase tickets, please call 905 563 0900 ext. 25. For more information, or to donate an item for the silent or live auctions, please contact Johanna Burkhard at 905 563 0900 ext. 28 or jburkhard@peninsularidge.com. The location is 5600 King Street West, Beamsville.

In Celebration of Santé, The Bloor-Yorkville Wine Festival, Wednesday May 1 & Saturday May 4
The Corner House and Strewn Winery are hosting an unforgettable evening that will marry the rich, flavourful cuisine of Provence with some of the most enjoyable wines that Strewn Winery has to offer. For reservations and times, please contact The Corner House at 416-923-2604.

Wednesday May 1 $90.00 per person, taxes and gratuities extra.

Saturday May 4 $100.00 per person, taxes and gratuities extra.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, March 1, 2002.

AND THE WINNERS ARE...!

• Red Wine: Daniel Lenko Estate Winery, Old Vines Merlot 1999
• Limited Edition Red Wine: Creekside Estate Winery, Signature Merlot 1999
• White Wine: Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery, Sauvignon Blanc 2001
• Limited Edition White Wine: Thirteenth Street Wine Co., Chardonnay Reserve Sandstone Vineyard 2000
• General List Red Wine: Inniskillin Wines, Pinot Noir 2000
• General List White Wine: Inniskillin Wines, Riesling 2000
• Sparkling Wine: Pillitteri Estates Winery, Duemila 2000
• Sweet Wine: Rief Estate Winery, Vidal Icewine 2000
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Lakeview Cellars Estate Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
• Cabernet Franc: Peninsula Ridge Estate Winery, Cabernet Franc Reserve 2000
• Red Hybrid: Malivoire Wine Company, Old Vines Foch 1999
• Riesling: Cilento Wines, Riesling Reserve 2000
• Gamay: Thirteenth Street Wine Co., Gamay Reserve Sandstone Vineyard 1999
• Chardonnay: Stoney Ridge Cellars, Reserve Chardonnay Kew Vineyard 2000
• Pinot Noir: Inniskillin Wines, Founder's Series Reserve Pinot Noir 1999
• Aromatic White Wine: Lakeview Cellars Estate Winery, Gewurztraminer Butler Grant's Vineyard 2000

Cuvée 2002 - Double Winner For Best General List Red & Best General List White, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, March 4, 2002

On Friday March 1, 2002 Inniskillin General Manager and Winemaker, Philip Dowell, achieved what no other Ontario winemaker has done so far at Cuvée. He received the top honours for both red and white wine in the LCBO General List categories sponsored by Andrew Brandt, Chairman of the LCBO.

Andrew Brandt was on hand to present the award Friday night at the Gala Event at Queen's Landing Inn for the 2000 Riesling and 2000 Pinot Noir. Dowell accepted the award along with his Assistant Winemaker David Sheppard and Inniskillin President Donald Ziraldo. It was a very proud moment for all.

ANDREW S. BRANDT AWARD FOR BEST GENERAL LIST RED WINE for the Pinot Noir 2000 - VQA, #261099, $12.95

ANDREW S. BRANDT AWARD FOR BEST GENERAL LIST WHITE WINE for the Riesling 2000 - VQA, #83790, $9.95

As the award indicates, these two wines are readily available in LCBO stores throughout the province as well as Wine Rack Stores and the Inniskillin Wine Boutique in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

A further accolade at Cuvée 2002 came with the 1999 Founders' Pinot Noir winning the Best Pinot Noir category.

This particular category has been won by Inniskillin at three previous Cuvées.

• Cuvée 1998 for the 1995 Founders' Pinot Noir
• Cuvée 2000 for the 1997 Founders' Pinot Noir
• Cuvée 2001 for the 1998 Founders' Pinot Noir

The 1999 Founders' Pinot Noir is a limited edition wine available now at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Boutique and in the future at Vintages.

BEST PINOT NOIR 1999 FOUNDERS' PINOT NOIR - VQA, #558130, $34.95

May 1 to 4, Bloor-Yorkville Area, Toronto

Twenty-five Ontario wineries will be participating this year throughout the four days. They will be partnering with shops and restaurants and showcasing their wines at the Santé International Tasting on Friday, May 3 from 7:30pm to 10:30pm in the Great Hall, Hart House, University of Toronto. For details visit the Santé web site at www.santewinefestival.net or call 416 928 3553 Ext. 27.

A Cuvée Tradition Continues... Stoney Ridge Cellars Wins Best Chardonnay of Show Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, March 2, 2002

Last evening, hundreds of beautifully garbed oenophiles gathered at Niagara-on-the-Lakes' elegant Queen's Landing Inn to celebrate Grey Gables Cuvée Gala evening. This annual event has become one of Canada's premiere wine and food events.

The evening's festivities began with the eagerly anticipated Awards' Ceremony. In January winemakers gather for a structured tasting where their task is to judge the industry's very best efforts in winemaking. From the hundreds of submissions, only a few wines are deemed worthy of the Cuvée honour role at the Gala.

Stoney Ridge Cellars has had a very strong presence during past Cuvées; with Best White Wine of the Show in 2001 for the 2000 Chenin Blanc and in 2000 for the 1997 Old Vines Chardonnay.

This year, award winning winemaker, Liubomir Popovici, modestly announced that he felt his 2000 Reserve Chardonnay stood a very good chance of winning, but hesitated to think that the winning streak at Stoney Ridge would continue. At last night's ceremonies the excitement could not have been more evident as Liubomir basked in the moment.

The year is off to a great start and this win is the build up to a strong showing at the Toronto Wine and Cheese Show.

Toronto, Ontario, March 22, 2002.

This annual competition is conducted by the Food & Beverage Testing Institute of Canada (FBTI), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to consumer/trade education and enlightenment. This is Canada's largest competition where Canadian wines have a window to compete one-on-one with imports.

The Ontario winners from the show are:

Vines Magazine, Canada's leading wine magazine, has a special offer for members of the Ontario Wine Society.

As a member of the OWS, you can subscribe to Vines Magazine for only $8.00 for a year (6 issues), compared to our regular price of $12.00. If you are already a subscriber, you can renew your subscription at the discounted rate.

Don't miss another issue of Vines. You can subscribe by calling 1 888 883 3372 or e-mail wsendzik1@cogeco.ca. Be sure to mention that you are a member of the OWS.

"We'd like to take this opportunity to offer Ontario Wine Society members the chance join the Cave Spring mailing list and receive our twice annual mailings updating our newest releases. Members can e-mail kaffeld@cavespringcellars.com, phone 905 562 3581, or write to Cave Spring Cellars, 3836 Main Street, Jordan, Ontario L0R 1S0 to be added to our mailing list."

In an effort to increase the membership in the Ontario Wine Society, the executive is undertaking several initiatives. One of those initiatives is an incentive program for new members and existing members.

Here are the details.

• Every new member will be entitled to one free tasting event.
• An existing member will be entitled to one free tasting event for every two new member referrals.

So, here's an opportunity for you to help us promote the Society. Good Luck! Make sure that the people you refer note your name on the form when they submit their application. Applications can be obtained by leaving a voice message at 416 921 9798, or writing to The Ontario Wine Society, P.O. Box 519, Station K, Toronto, Ontario, M4P 2G9. Or, you can apply through the web site at www.ontariowinesociety.com.

The Ontario Wine Society's board of directors needs more board members to help run the organization. If you have some time to help in marketing or planning events, please get in touch with Bruce Barber, President of the Ontario Wine Society, at 416 239 3835.

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