May and June will be a good time for our membership to take a look at the diversity of events that are representative of our mandate. In these two months, we will have a single varietal tasting (Riesling), a Vintages Pre-Release (VPR) featuring German and Pinot Noir wines, a special evening with Paul Speck from Henry of Pelham and Family Wines as well as another VPR featuring Southern Rhone and South African wines. Read more »

Cancellations must be made by informing the Registrar at least five days before the event at eventssommelierguildcom. If you do so within this time frame, you will receive a refund. If you cancel less than five (5) days before the event, you will be responsible for finding an alternate to fill your seat and for advising the registrar of your alternate?s name at least 12 hours prior to the event.

The year 2012 was packed with exciting events: BBQ Wines and Small Plates, Aged Bordeaux and Canadian Wine Awards. 2013 will include an equally interesting array of events. All you have to do is click here to renew on-line. You will receive an acknowledgment from the Membership Director and will continue to receive our monthly newsletter and event notices.

We look forward to raising a glass with you in 2013!

A sure sign that spring is around the corner is the announcement for the California Wine Show. When you register for the event, let them know that you are a Guild member to get a discount on your admission. The California show always offers a good selection of wines, although some are not immediately available. Remember, if you find something you enjoy, ask the representative when it will be available. Sometimes the product may be in the queue for an upcoming Vintages or SAQ release and they can let you know when to look for it. Read more »

The National Capital Sommelier Guild is delighted to honour Mr. Dan Albas, Member of Parliament for Okanagan–Coquihalla, as its 2012 Wine Person of the Year. The award was presented at the Guild’s annual gala dinner at the National Arts Center on January 19.

Mr. Albas introduced and was the driving force behind Private Members Bill C-311, which passed with unanimous support of the House of Commons and Senate on June 28, 2012. The bill amended the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act and removed federal restrictions prohibiting Canadians from moving wine purchased for personal use from one province to another. Read more »

2012 was packed with exciting events: BBQ Wines and Small Plates, Aged Bordeaux and Canadian Wine Awards. 2013 will include an equally interesting array of events. All you have to do is click on the link to renew on-line.

You will receive an acknowledgment from the Membership Director and will continue to receive our monthly newsletter and event notices.We look forward to raising a glass with you in 2013!

We have our annual “Festive Fizz” VPR this week wrapping up a diverse and successful tasting season for 2012. As I look back at the events this past year there was everything from VPR’s and dinners to some pretty unique higher end tastings. We are pleased at the feedback we are getting from the membership and as always we are eager to entertain any suggestions that you may have for events for 2013. Read more »

Our Board of Directors had a meeting recently and we decided that, to serve our members better, we will continue to run monthly VPRs, our signature event, as well as striving to provide more informative and educational events. All of our premium tastings, such as Robert White’s Premium Shiraz and Cabernet events, sold out quickly. Our Festive Fizz event and the Holiday Gala at the NAC continue to draw capacity crowds. Not even I could anticipate the uptake on the Aged Bordeaux event announced on Sunday morning and sold out by Sunday night. Read more »

Living in Ottawa we are fortunate to have a number of wine events to choose from. There are a number of region specific events as well as restaurants that offer tutored tastings that include food and wine pairings. The classes at Algonquin College continue to have large numbers register to enjoy their learning experience and the Vendange Institute continues to offer Wine and Spirit Education Trust courses at different levels. In short, Ottawa is a great place to continuously upgrade your wine knowledge and enjoyment. Read more »

Happy New Year! Here’s hoping that you all have had a wonderful holiday season and the chance to enjoy some great wines with good friends and family.

Judy, my wife and I came in from a long walk in the crisp cold winter weather and afterwards it was time to go into the cellar and look for the perfect wine for the afternoon. The decision (finally) was to have a nice Manzanilla Sherry and enjoy it in front of a roaring fire. Phil Nicholson is right—there is a type of Sherry that pairs with everything and it is often overlooked. Best of all, it is a great value! Read more »