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NEWSLETTER
Member Benefits We are always looking for ways to make your Opimian Membership more valuable than having exclusive access to world-class, magnificent wines. Here are just a few of the benefits of Membership. Getting to know the staff David Marcovitch, Head of Marketing [See image below] David is a native Montrealer and holds a Bachelor of…
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The Magic of Cinciano
Does wine taste better at the producer’s winery? I often ask myself this question when I hear people from a producer’s visit raving about how great the wine was. Is it because when travelling, your mind is on vacation mode, or the environment stimulates your senses? I decided to test this statement during my last…
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BERNARD AND BLANDINE PERRIN: AN OPIMIAN LEGACY
By Kenneth Christie MW Opimian was the largest part of my working life, especially during the 38 years when I worked as a wine finder and consultant for the society until my retirement in 2011. Before working with John Sambrook, the founder of Opimian, I had first been a wine buyer and then…
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Australia’s Golden Period
By Michael Palij, MW Shiraz may be the putative calling card of Australian wine production but – like Kiwi Sauvignon – what was once a genuinely unique style has been shambolically besmirched by the marketing departments of a few volume-led conglomerates. Do we need another ‘critter label’ when they could pin their colours to…
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MEET YOUR MASTERS OF WINE
For five decades, Opimian has recognized the extraordinary value of the Masters of Wine guidance, relying on their discerning palates and comprehensive understanding to ensure that only the finest wines reach our Members. A Master of Wine (MW) is a prestigious and internationally recognized qualification in the field of wine. It is considered one…
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New World vs Old World – New Zealand vs Burgundy
The comparison between the New World and the Old World in the context of wine production is a captivating exploration of tradition versus innovation, heritage versus experimentation. New Zealand and Burgundy, two renowned wine regions, epitomize this intriguing duality. Burgundy, nestled in the heart of France, represents the quintessential Old World wine region. Its…
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The Many Facets of Barolo and Piemonte
by Igor Ryjenkov MW The Barolo and Barbaresco area in the Langhe region of Piemonte is a hidden gem, hiding in plain sight. Nothing really prepares you for what’s in store on your drive from Turin, not at the exit ramp, not even when you get to the town of Bra, the gateway to…
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Editorial
That’s a wrap! Cellar 309 marks the final offering in a year that has celebrated Opimian’s 50th Anniversary. By the time it closes on October 23rd, you will have placed 42,424 orders that include 82,478 cases. That’s 494,868 bottles of wine and spirits finding their way into Members’ homes. We are definitely Canada’s Wine…
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VIKE VIKE : THE NEW WAVE OF WINEMAKIN
Cantina Vike Vike was founded by Simone Sedilesu, a young winemaker from Mamoiada, Sardinia, whose family has been making wine for generations. He grew up working in the vineyards with his family and learned the art of winemaking from his father and grandfather. Their approach to winemaking is straightforward and authentic:…
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Franciacorta: Italy’s Other Sparkling
By Michael Palij, MW Almost sixty years ago two friends, enologist Franco Ziliani and wine producer Guido Berlucchi hatched a plan to produce an Italian sparkler that could rival the best in the world. The result is what is now Italy’s most prestigious and progressive sparkling wine region: Franciacorta DOCG. Located north-east of Milan and…
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Up-to-the-Minute Newsletter
In-Person Events Opimian’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Dinner in Edmonton Friday, October 13, 2023 Edmonton Country Club More information to come —————— Virtual Events WSET Level 1 Award in Wines If you’ve always wanted to know how to read a wine list with confidence and understand wine and food pairing, this is for you! September…
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The Diverse World of Portuguese Wines
By Jacky Blisson MW Portugal enjoys an enviable position in southwestern Europe. Its continental coastline stretches over 800 km from north to south. Tourism is booming and it is no wonder. The scenery is stunning, the food is delicious, and the wines are better than ever. The wide diversity…
NEWSLETTER
Member Benefits We are always looking for ways to make your Opimian Membership more valuable than having exclusive access to world-class, magnificent wines. Here are just a few of the benefits of Membership. Getting to know the staff David Marcovitch, Head of Marketing [See image below] David is a native Montrealer and holds a Bachelor of […]