Our culinary road trip takes us to Ontario to explore wines made by Canadians for Canadians…and they are winning awards! Luke Whittall’s The Sipster’s Pocket Guide to 50 More Must-Try Ontario Wines: Volume 2 is a refreshing departure from traditional wine literature. Eschewing the often-pretentious jargon of the wine world, Whittall adopts a conversational tone that resonates with both novices and seasoned enthusiasts. His approach is less about dissecting tannins and more about capturing the experience each wine offers. The map below shows the hubs of wineries in Ontario but explore beyond these areas to local micro-wines that are popping up all over the province. The Sipster’s Guides with Luke Whittall – Enjoying the many experiences of wine and sensory experiences.
Structured into chapters covering sparkling, white, rosé, red, and dessert wines, the guide presents 50 Ontario wines, each priced under $50. Whittall’s descriptions are infused with humor and cultural references, likening wines to everything from The Simpsons episodes to the quirks of spellcheck. This imaginative pairing of wines with moods and moments—be it a toddler’s birthday party or a nostalgic music album—adds a relatable touch that sets the book apart.
Harvest time means fresh ripe fruit picked from the trees. Blend fruit and wine to make a Red Wine Plum Compote in our Recipe section and then start enjoying a sweet addition to your next breakfast or dessert.
Beyond the wine profiles, Whittall delves into broader themes. He reflects on the nuances of wine writing versus reviewing and addresses contemporary movements like neo-temperance, encouraging readers to find personal meaning in their wine experiences. His emphasis on trusting one’s palate over expert opinions is both empowering and refreshing.
As a seasoned wine educator and author, Whittall brings depth to his writing without alienating readers. His previous works, including Valleys of Wine and The Okanagan Wine Tour Guide, showcase his commitment to making wine accessible and enjoyable. We met Luke through his exploration of BC wines at https://canadiancookbooks.ca/the-sipsters-pocket-guide-to-bc-wines/ Purchase his books at https://touchwoodeditions.com/products/the-sipsters-pocket-guide-to-50-more-musttry-ontario-wines-volume-2 or win your Ontario wine guide in our Giveaway section. Then check out Luke’s podcast on everything vino at https://sipsterswinepodcast.ca/tag/podcasting/
For those seeking a guide that demystifies wine without compromising on insight, The Sipster’s Pocket Guide to 50 More Must-Try Ontario Wines is an invaluable companion. It’s not just a list of recommendations; it’s an invitation to explore, enjoy, and find personal connections in every sip.
Contents and images used with permission by TouchWood Editions. https://touchwoodeditions.com/products/the-sipsters-pocket-guide-to-50-more-musttry-ontario-wines-volume-2