Author Archives: tonyaspler

A Wine Lover’s Diary, part 1019: Tuscan Anniversary Trip

Posted on May 17, 2026 by tonyaspler

Monday, May 4th: This is the 20th year of the Pauwels-Aspler food & wine tour in Europe. Deborah and I flew to Florence airport to rendezvous with our group for the bus transfer to Siena. Our initial base was the … Continue reading →

Posted in Wine Lover's Diary | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Wine Lover’s Diary, part 1018: Strewn, Stonebridge and a Marathon Gamay Tasting

Posted on May 2, 2026 by tonyaspler

Monday, April 27th: Tasted the following Strewn wines: Strewn Sparkling Blush (Charmat process) Equal parts Cabernet Franc and Riesling. Deep coppery-pink in colour; lightly floral nose of strawberries. Petillant, medium-bodied, dry, strawberry and yellow cherry flavours; well-balanced and easy drinking … Continue reading →

Posted in Wine Lover's Diary | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A Wine Lover’s Diary, part 1017: Hester Creek, Winemaker’s Cut and a Winemaker’s Dinner

Posted on April 27, 2026 by tonyaspler

Monday, April 20th: Here are the notes on the Hester Creek wines I tasted last week, which are now released. Hester Creek Character White 2025 (Okanagan Valley) A blend of Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris. Pale straw in colour; aromatic, spicy, … Continue reading →

Posted in Wine Lover's Diary | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Wine Lover’s Diary, part 1016: Harlan Estate, Hester Creek, and Stone Eagle

Posted on April 20, 2026 by tonyaspler

Monday, April 13th: A meeting at Ted Van Geest’s house regarding the Niagara wine project we’ve been working on. Ted always brings out good wines: Cloudsley Cellars Pinot Noir 2017 and Hidden Bench Roman’s Block Riesling 2017. Tuesday, April 14th: … Continue reading →

Posted in Wine Lover's Diary | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Wine Lover’s Diary, part 1015: Magnetic Hill and Grapes for Humanity Auction

Posted on April 13, 2026 by tonyaspler

Monday, April 6th: Tasted the following wines from Magnetic Hill Winery in Moncton, New Brunswick. They have a second label, Loose Wire. Magnetic Hill Terroir Generator Osceola Brut Sparkling 2022 (Osceola Muscat, also known as Muscat de Swenson, is a … Continue reading →

Posted in Wine Lover's Diary | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment