By Malcolm Rose, NCSG Vice President

Following our visit to Bodega Lustau which was described in the last Guild newsletter, my wife and I visited the Torres winery in Vilafranca del Penedes, about an hour south of Barcelona.

The Torres brand is well known and its wines are shipped to over 100 countries around the world. Founded in 1870, the privately owned company has been passed down from generation to generation. The winery embraces environmental sustainability and is a leader in promoting renewable energies that minimize the impact of carbon dioxide emissions, such as solar and wind energy and the use of biomass.
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The 2013 California Wine Fair Tour schedule is out and as many of you plan your wine event calendars far in advance, we have provided you with the dates.

For more information, visit the Facebook page: California Wines Canada and follow them on twitter at @CalifWines_CA. 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 »

On Tuesday, May 29, 2012, Santé Restaurant will be welcoming Jeff Aubry, winemaker from Coyote’s Run Winery!

From the world famous Niagara-on-the-Lake, this widely popular vineyard has created a name for itself by producing award-winning Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay.  As the official wine of the Tulip Festival, we are extremely grateful to showcase this amazing Canadian wine, and Wine Maker.
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By Robert White

When most people think of fine California wines, Napa and Sonoma generally come to mind; however, there are other areas in California making beautiful wine that we will likely never find in Ontario. I recently had an afternoon to explore just such an area.
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The Hellenic Canadian Board of Trade (HCBT) has awarded Steve Kriaris and the Kolonaki Group the 2012 HCBT Small Business Award. In recognition of the Koloanki Group’s long history of supporting the Hellenic Community in Canada. On February 9, 2012 Steve Kriaris was presented with the award at a gala dinner held at the Toronto Park Hyatt Hotel. Read more »

Monday, February 6, 2012 6:30 p.m. —9:00 p.m.
National Gallery of Canada 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa $55 per person

This highly anticipated taste-and- buy event is returning to the National Gallery of Canada. Thirty- four of our most passionate and talented winemakers will be pouring over 100 wines. Join us during Winterlude 2012 and discover your Ontario favourites.

To order tickets, kindly contact VINTAGES at 416-365-5767 or 1-800-266-4764 (Monday-Friday, 8.30 a.m.—6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. —6 p.m., except holidays). For more information, visit vintages.com/events/tasteOntario_event.shtml.

In order to optimize the tasting experience for all participants, please refrain from wearing any cologne or perfume. Events are restricted to guests 19 years or older. All ticket sales are final. Wines poured at this event will be measured and some wines may run out. Please do not drink and drive.

California Wines have announced the 2012 California Wine Fair Tour schedule. Visit their Facebook page: California Wines Canada and follow them on Twitter at CalifWines_CA for updates as more information becomes available.

Tickets will go on sale via www.calwine.ca on February 1, 2012. Any questions, call our California Wine Fair Hotline 905-336-8932 or 1-800-558-CORK (2675). Read more »

The Vendange Institute is offering Wine Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses starting in January. Here’s the schedule:

WSET Level 2 Intermediate Certificate in Wine & Spirit starts Tuesday, January 24, 2012 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.

WSET Level 2 Professional Certificate in Spirits starts Wednesday, January 25, 2012 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.

WSET Level 3 Advanced Advanced Certificate in Wine & Spirits starts Monday, January 23, 2012 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Note: Deadline to register for these courses is Friday, January 6, 2012.

For information please visit their website at www.vendangeinstitute.com or call (613) 562-7840.

The Charity Wine Auction sale for the benefit of Music and Beyond Music Festival will be held on December 15, 2011 at Ashbury College at 362 Mariposa Avenue starting at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit the Music and Beyond website.