Enomatic

I saw the Enomatic wine dispenser first in Tbilisi, Georgia at the 8000 Vintages store, and then at 13,5° Bar de Vins in Andorra. The patron is given a card about the size of a credit card that is inserted into the Enomatic machine. You select the wine you want and the size, usually from 125ml for a sample up to a small glass then a large glass. The amounts for each selection can be set by proprietor but the sample sizes are typically 125ml. When you are finished the card is returned to a staff member who will tally up the amount sampled on the card.

The advantage of this system is being able to sample many wines at a relatively low price and without waiting for staff to pour each sample. In each location I tried 8-10 wines.

Italian Wines

An interesting map of the wine regions of Italy

I tried 5 Italian wines at the Armagh Food & Cider Festival, particularly at the Long Meadow Cidery 5 course dinner held on Sept 6, 2024 at their very fine Bramley Barn dining room. Five wines were sampled; one with each course. I had not heard of any of the italian wines. The two whites to accompany the starter and entree were okay. Both were quit minerally but not outsatnding. Of the three reds sampled the best was the Canace Nero di Troia from Puglia.It was rich, bold and spicy with light tannins and a lingering berry flavour. Excellent! It went very well with the beef main. 8.5/10

The whites were Vesevo Falanghina from Campania (like an unoaked chardonnay but more minerally) and Pipoli Greco/Fiano from Basilicata (had more body than the Vesevo and a little more minerally – quite nice). The other two reds were Edizione (very dry and too tannic) and Il Nostro Vin Santo Chianti (which was not a good choice to accompany the dessert as it was not sweet enough)

Wine Glasses

There are so many shapes and sizes mode for wine, many of which are intended to enhance the drinking experience. From bulbous still wine glasses to the slender Champagne glasses. 

One unusual design is the sipping glass for port. It is supposed to improve the continued taste of the wine by not disturbing the surface which thought to over-oxidize the wine.

Port wine sippers

European Wine Festivals

La Paulée de Meursault – Burgundy, France
This festival is held every year in the small town of Meursault and is a celebration of Burgundy’s famous white wines. During the festival, attendees can taste a wide range of wines from the region, including some of the most famous and sought-after wines in the world. In addition to wine tastings, the festival also features live music, food, and other entertainment.

Vinea le Salon (Vinea Wine Fair), Sierre, Switzerland
Vinea is the leading event for wine lovers. On the programme: outdoor tastings and a host of events focusing on the world of wine.
VINEA was founded in 1994 with the first Rencontres vinicoles in Sierre, Valais, Switzerland. Since then, VINEA has become a major skills-based player, organising initiatives to support Swiss viticulture and wines at regional, national and international level. Location: Place de l'hotel de ville, Sierre. November 15 & 16, 2024. (It is a 2hr train ride from Geneva.)

Wine Festivals

Niagara Icewine Festival, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
January 12-14, 19-21 & 26-28, 2024

Over three weekends in January is a celebration of Icewine. Purchasing a Discovery Pass allows entry into a selection of wineries: "Uncover the wonders of Niagara's winter wine country through our Icewine Discovery Pass program! Indulge in the region's celebrated "liquid gold" dessert wine, famed for its intense flavors and unparalleled smoothness. Join us in celebrating this exquisite delicacy, as Ontario stands as one of the few places in the world where it flourishes year after year. Delight in six unforgettable seasonal tasting experiences at some of Niagara's top wineries."

There is a special Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Festival with various events from the 13th to the 28th of January.

London Wine & Food Show, London, Ontario
January 12-13, 2024

The Agriplex at Western Fair District, 845 Florence St., London ON, N5W 6G6

London Wine Festival, London, UK
Date TBD

"Join us for three unforgettable days filled with the finest vintages, tantalizing street food, beats that’ll make you move, and a line up of exciting activities that’ll turn every moment into a memory. It’s time to indulge, have a blast, and toast to the ultimate camaraderie!"

Red Wine Boldness Chart

An interesting chart showing the boldness of red wine: