Shari's Picks

Written by Shari Mogk-Edwards on December 7, 2025 December marks the start of winter, the festive season, and for me, one of the busiest months of the year. If you’re looking for a wine for our cold evenings, planning a holiday dinner, hunting for the perfect gift, or searching for an ideal sparkling wine for New Year’s Eve, this month’s Picks highlight the types of wines that suit every taste and occasion — along with my pairing tips. And I have one standout Pick this month

Written by Shari Mogk-Edwards on November 2, 2025 The Toronto Blue Jays have united fans and Canadians from across the country! Despite falling short of the big win, they played one of the best World Series in baseball history. This team reminded us what national pride feels like. What a ride! Baseball in November is unusual. In Ontario, it is the month when the air turns crisp, the last of the farmer’s markets close for the season, and the fireplace has a resurgence. The ce

Written by Shari Mogk-Edwards on October 5, 2025 It’s harvest season for Ontario’s wine regions — from Niagara Peninsula to Prince Edward County and Lake Erie North Shore. Winemakers are balancing timing and weather to achieve the perfect time to pick their crop. A good harvest is expected this year, despite the summer drought and heat. October is an ideal time to visit a winery and witness the action firsthand. Many wineries offer harvest-themed events, tastings, and even h

Written by Shari Mogk-Edwards on September 7, 2025 I am just back from a three-week holiday in England and Croatia. The trip was fabulous!  Catching up with friends and family in Frome, Somerset and Birmingham in England is always great fun. And on this trip, there was a special birthday celebration in the famous medieval city of Norwich, northeast of London. Historically, it was one of the most important cities in England after London, particularly during the middle ages. W

Written by Shari Mogk-Edwards on August 3, 2025 It is peak summer! August days are long and warm, with lazy afternoons, backyard barbecues, daytime picnics and of course, impromptu gatherings. When the heat is on, few things are as satisfying as a chilled glass of wine! When the sun’s out and temperatures rise, I reach for wines that are refreshing, crisp, and easygoing. I have been on the lookout for zesty quintessential summer wines, particularly white, that are outside th

Written by Shari Mogk-Edwards on June 29, 2025 Happy Canada Day! 🇨🇦 July’s sunshine sets the stage for celebration and casual sipping with family and friends. Easygoing wines are perfect for sharing with a crowd, whether you’re enjoying the beach, camping, hosting a backyard BBQ, or watching fireworks. Good news! Party wines don’t have to be overpriced. For July, I have picked four brands from across the world. All are crowd-friendly and over-deliver for their price.  Onta

Written by Shari Mogk-Edwards on June 1, 2025 Summer is here! June is the start of grilling season, and a time to honour our dads, grandfathers, and father figures. Father’s Day falls in the heart of BBQ season, making it the perfect occasion to combine flame-grilled feasts with bold, backyard-worthy wines. Instead of the predictable socks, tech gadgets, and books, select a nice wine and toast Dad! Whether he is flipping burgers, grilling veggies or enjoying the sunshine, th

Written by Shari Mogk-Edwards on April 27, 2025 Are you ready to conquer the wine aisles like a pro? I’ve got some fun and practical tips to help you navigate those shelves with confidence. Let’s dive into my top suggestions! When it comes to wine selection, I recommend starting with the occasion. Are you pairing with dinner, bringing a gift, or just relaxing? For example, you can choose a bold red for steak night, a crisp white for seafood, Champagne for a gift or a chilled

Written by Shari Mogk-Edwards on March 30, 2025 Given this time of change, put your elbows up and show your pride with your wine glass!  I have proudly watched the Canadian wine industry blossom and grow since the late 1980s, when the VQA classification was introduced. Canada’s cool climate and diverse terroir allow for a wide range of styles of wines in British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Ontario in the Niagara, Prince Edward County, and Lake Erie North Shore regions. Did yo

Written by Shari Mogk-Edwards on March 2, 2025 The winds of change are blowing. While American wines, especially from renowned regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma, are beloved by many, the world of wine is vast, offering countless exciting options you may not have explored. With the on-again, off-again, and now on, tariff war, U.S. products are off the shelves at LCBO and unavailable to grocery and convenience stores. With that, let’s broaden our palates and discover new win

Written by Shari Mogk-Edwards on February 9, 2025 Best Couple Ever? Food and Wine! While grey, cold January may have felt like a long month of reflection and resolutions, February is the month of love. And what better way to celebrate than with a glass of wine?  Are you planning a romantic Valentine’s Dinner for two, a cozy night in with a bottle of something delicious, deciding what to share with your friends for Galentine’s, enjoying some self-indulgence, or savouring a sw

Written by Shari Mogk-Edwards • on December 8, 2024 The holiday season is here! Are you planning a cozy evening by the fire, a lavish Christmas holiday dinner, or ringing in the New Year with friends? Let’s explore a few wines, including sparkling, white, red, sweet and even mulled, to sip, savour, and celebrate with. Festive and Versatile Sparkling Wines Sparkling wines are a must, from holiday toasts to New Year’s Eve celebrations. They are among the most versatile food wi