I am siting on my back porch, drinking from a bottle of Muscedere Vineyards Baco Noir Reserve 2007 and it just feels like summer is here already. Forgive me for starting my celebration a day early.

It rained heavy last night and the weatherman promised a rainy day but this is Essex County so never believe what the weather man has to say. Right now it sunny, warm, lot od those big white fuffy clouds in the sky, there is also a nice breeze out of the west. I wish all summer days were like this.

Wanda and I took a little drive around the county to visit a few vineyards. The vines have been pruned and new growth is well underway. At Aleksander Estate Winery we tasted their new Cabernet Franc which will be released soon. It was so good that preordered a case of it.

I am looking forward to the summer of 2009. I took a lot of time off of work and already have a few plans to keep me busy. Also I am looking forward to all of the new wine releases. It is going to be an wonderful summer.

Now is a good time to get out and visit the local wineries. They are not too busy and can spend some extra time with you to answer all of your questions.

Cheers .. to summer 2009!
Gary

The “Best of the Best” trophy winners were:

Best Red Wine of the Year
Church and State Wines, BC 2006 Quintessential $50.00

Best White Wine of the Year
Lang Vineyards, BC 2007 Riesling Farm Reserve $19.90

Best Sparkling Wine of the Year
Peller Estates Winery, ON Peller Estates Ice Cuvee Rose $35.00

Best Dessert Wine of the Year Sponsored by Ontario Viniculture Association
Pentage Winery, BC 2007 Ice Wine $55.45

Best Fruit Wine of the Year Sponsored by Ontario Viniculture Association
La Face Cache de la Pomme, PQ 2007 Frimas Ice Cider $39.87

Wineries in Southwest Ontario appellations (Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island) won 29 Medals of Merit.

GOLD
Colchester Ridge Estate Winery – 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
Colio Estate Wines Inc. - 2008 CEV Pinot Grigio
Pelee Island Winery – 2007 Pinot Noir
Pelee Island Winery – 2008 Riesling Dry
Viewpointe Estate Winery – 2005 Balance Pointe
Viewpointe Estate Winery – 2006 Ideal Pointe

SILVER
Colchester Ridge Estate Winery – 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Colio Estate Wines Inc. - 2007 CEV Pinot Noir
Colio Estate Wines Inc. - 2008 Girl’s Night Out Chardonnay
D’Angelo Vineyards Estate Winery – 2006 Vidal Icewine
Pelee Island Winery – 2007 Pinot Noir Reserve
Pelee Island Winery – 2008 Cabernet Franc
Pelee Island Winery – 2008 Late Harvest Riesling

BRONZE
Colchester Ridge Estate Winery – 2006 Cabernet Franc
Colchester Ridge Estate Winery – 2007 Riesling
Colio Estate Wines Inc. – 2008 CEV Pinot Grigio
Muscedere Vineyards – 2004 Vidal Icewine
Muscedere Vineyards – 2007 Syrah
Muscedere Vineyards – 2007 Baco Noir Reserve
Pelee Island Winery – 2006 Cabernet Merlot Reserve
Pelee Island Winery – 2008 Eco Trail White
Smith & Wilson Estate Wines – 2008 Riesling
Smith & Wilson Estate Wines – 2008 Smith’s Vidal
Viewpointe Estate Winery – 2005 Focal Pointe