where the wind comes whipping down the... ocean. A team from Cali's would-be cool climate zone came to town to pour some great wines at Harbour Castle. Cool, yes; climate? Uh uh.

>>>

Of the big buildings, Royal Bank Plaza has had the worst mall for years. But it's been snazzing up: Brooks Brothers, MAC, Starbucks... and, soon, a gleaming new LCBO.  

>>>

The globe-girdling luxury hotel chain Ritz-Carlton will open its first Toronto outpost in just a couple of months. Wine director Taylor Thompson will be putting a seriously Canadian spin on the wine list, both in the rooms and the restos.

>>>

You've noticed that it's been a good summer. Well remember that it was a good spring too. As we hit mid-September, a lot of Niagara's grapes are pretty much ready. All this rain is not good though...

>>>

Canoe's Will Predhomme recently beat out three other finalists to win the title of Best Ontario Sommelier. Each candidate had an hour in front of the judges. But what happened after was cool too.

>>>

Sommelier and wine writer Lindsay Groves hosted a Champagne vs. Ontario Sparkling challenge at the Fine Wine Reserve. Once again, Ontario took the top spot.

>>>

Common in Bordeaux and SW France until the late 1950s, malbec's French presence is now largely confined to Cahors. Conversely,  Argentina has taken the malbec reins and run. So what's the difference?

>>>

Well if virtual tastings are now starting to happen, why not virtual tasting rooms? One California winery is experimenting with airline-liquor sized miniature bottles as samples.

>>>