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Paul Bulas wrote:
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<div>Lately I've been thinking that some of the obstacles to getting
a true artisanal wine culture started across Ontario might stem from
the overall views toward alcohol - in addition to the regulatory
obstacles we discussed last week (e.g. 5-acre minimum, etc.). We now
have grape varieties that work across much of Central Ontario - so the
viticultural difficulties are being fast addressed. But what about the
cultural aspects in general? Would an overall liberalization of views
about public alcohol consumption help a fledgling artisanal wine
industry?</div>
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I had an interesting experience last night. We went to an Italian style
restaurant and ended up buying a wine from NOTL. There were a few
Ontario wines on the list, but this one was the cheapest at $32
(remember that tax is added on to this). It was a cab-merlot, typical
of Niagara Cab: green, weedy, unripe. Not bad but something your
average cab buyer would never touch again -- nor any other Ontario cab
I bet.<br>
<br>
Job one is to make sure the grapes are suitable to the land. Job two is
to educate the public that there's more to life than Cabernet. I also
think that everyone would benefit from less abusive markups in
restaurants. $32 plus tax for a mediocre $12 wine is not helping to
promote wine.<br>
<br>
As for encouraging more drinking ... isn't that the LCBO's job?<br>
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Regards,
Richard Best - The Frugal Oenophile
"Use it up; wear it out; make it last"
And please don't leave your vehicle idling. </pre>
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