The May long weekend draws near and for Canadians this signals the start of summer!  Well, cottage and patio season.  So in preparation for endless weekends with friends, barbecues and pool parties, you're going to need to stock the cellar with some go-to wines that you can pop anytime as well as  some for those special evenings with friends and family.

Here is a selection from our catalogue of almost 300 wines from over 100 wineries that we think are excellent choices.  Please visit us on the web for the catalogues, new wines, new reviews, and blogs.

I hope to hear from you.

My best,

In 1985 the Glover family saw what was happening in their corner of the wine world and decided to plant their 3rd generation farm to wine grapes, most notably Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.  Thirty years later their gamble clearly has paid off as they are among the most respected producers in the industry. 

Expect nothing short of flamboyant aromatics from this "sauvage" beauty - citrus, coriander, lemonade, grapefruit.  On the palate it brings gentle minerality, refreshing acidity and a fleshy mouthfeel.  Aren't you tired of the same old brands from New Zealand? - try something new today.

"This is impressively fruited and fabulously good drinking. It's filled tasty stone fruit, lemon zest and rockmelon with subtle herbal influence. The palate is full, generous and long with plenty of succulent flavours. At its best: now to 2018."

Ridge Vineyards is simply one of California's great wineries.  The names Monte Bello, Lytton Springs and Geyserville transcend wine-speak. 

"Three Valleys" is the only multi-vineyard wine they produce.  It is sourced from vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley and Alexander Valleys of Sonoma County.  Each appellation brings its own palate of flavours and textures to the wine and by blending in a little Carignane,  Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet the winemakers add even more aromatics and weight. 

Though the masses of dark juicy fruit are apparent and very "Californian", the wine finishes like a dry Rhone-valley red.   This wine is my go-to Zinfandel.

Ventoux is an exciting region in the south of France where old-vine Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault grow organically and where some vignerons like Philippe Gimel allow the ancient terroir to sing loudly. This wine sees no oak, simply being raised in cement tanks.  The natural acidity, tannins and richness comes straight from the grapes and makes for a perfumed, full bodied red with grip and drinkability. I highly recommend this wine to any Chateauneuf-du-Pape or Priorato fan.