Christopher Waters
@waters-wine.bsky.social
Wine and spirits writer, The Globe and Mail.
Bill Ashburn started planning his retirement from Forty Creek two years ago by imparting knowledge gained over 38 years in distilling and transferring responsibilities as part of a succession plan.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Toasting the lasting legacy of a Canadian whisky blender
Bill Ashburn’s influence is going to shape Forty Creek’s production well into the future as he retires after 38 years in the business
www.theglobeandmail.com
December 28, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Bill Ashburn started planning his retirement from Forty Creek two years ago by imparting knowledge gained over 38 years in distilling and transferring responsibilities as part of a succession plan.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Canadian wine has enjoyed a banner year, with increased consumer interest and good-quality harvests across the country.
The real excitement was the abundance in B.C., which signalled a recovery from the 2024 frost that resulted in 95-per-cent crop loss.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
The real excitement was the abundance in B.C., which signalled a recovery from the 2024 frost that resulted in 95-per-cent crop loss.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Eight outstanding Canadian wines to toast the New Year
A strong harvest in British Columbia brought a welcome wave of optimism for an industry challenged by weather and wildfires
www.theglobeandmail.com
December 26, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Canadian wine has enjoyed a banner year, with increased consumer interest and good-quality harvests across the country.
The real excitement was the abundance in B.C., which signalled a recovery from the 2024 frost that resulted in 95-per-cent crop loss.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
The real excitement was the abundance in B.C., which signalled a recovery from the 2024 frost that resulted in 95-per-cent crop loss.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Sharing wines with real personality is one of the best ways I know to spread joy. Whether they are classic or recognizable labels or more novel and modern expressions, the right sort of wine for this moment conveys unique characteristics.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Eight impressive red wines for holiday meals
What better way to celebrate the season than by spreading joy by the glass?
www.theglobeandmail.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Sharing wines with real personality is one of the best ways I know to spread joy. Whether they are classic or recognizable labels or more novel and modern expressions, the right sort of wine for this moment conveys unique characteristics.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Reposted by Christopher Waters
Whether you opt to serve something bitter, bubbly or refreshing, a well-chosen aperitif can have a transformative effect especially during the merry mayhem of the holiday season.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Three perfect aperitif wines to enjoy this holiday season
Consider these bottles placeholders for styles of wine suitable for pre-dinner socializing
www.theglobeandmail.com
December 15, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Whether you opt to serve something bitter, bubbly or refreshing, a well-chosen aperitif can have a transformative effect especially during the merry mayhem of the holiday season.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
As the temperature drops, my interest in hearty red wine typically increases. But I’m also attracted to deeply satisfying styles of white wines that inspire cheer and conviviality during the cozy season.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Nine cozy white wines to enjoy this winter
These rich and full-bodied whites can bolster against the cold weather
www.theglobeandmail.com
December 13, 2025 at 3:58 PM
As the temperature drops, my interest in hearty red wine typically increases. But I’m also attracted to deeply satisfying styles of white wines that inspire cheer and conviviality during the cozy season.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Stone Eagle represents a huge vote of confidence in continued growth of luxury wine tourism in the Niagara.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Niagara’s newest winery dreams big
Plus, three Canadian wines to enjoy including Stone Eagle’s sauvignon blanc and semillon blend
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Stone Eagle represents a huge vote of confidence in continued growth of luxury wine tourism in the Niagara.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
For many, it can be hard to pick from the many available options of wines for holiday hosting.
Much depends on taste and budget, which is why I’m sharing recommendations for enjoyable bottles that can rise to meet different occasions.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Much depends on taste and budget, which is why I’m sharing recommendations for enjoyable bottles that can rise to meet different occasions.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Eight wines for your festive social calendar
Add these wines to your shopping list to prepare for the season of giving and gathering ahead
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:45 PM
For many, it can be hard to pick from the many available options of wines for holiday hosting.
Much depends on taste and budget, which is why I’m sharing recommendations for enjoyable bottles that can rise to meet different occasions.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Much depends on taste and budget, which is why I’m sharing recommendations for enjoyable bottles that can rise to meet different occasions.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
The popularity of drinks-themed advent calendars continues to grow, as festive packs of wine, spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails add to the merriment of the season.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Festive packs of spirits and wines to celebrate the season
These drinks-themed advent calendars add to the merriment of the season
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 16, 2025 at 3:10 PM
The popularity of drinks-themed advent calendars continues to grow, as festive packs of wine, spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails add to the merriment of the season.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Chief winemaker Peter Gago not only carries on the research, experimentation and wine development that define Penfolds’ legacy, but also serves as the company’s public face.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
A revolutionary spirit continues to drive winemaker Penfolds forward
Critics have questioned Peter Gago’s embrace of unconventional blending practices, but flying in the face of adversity comes with the top job
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 15, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Chief winemaker Peter Gago not only carries on the research, experimentation and wine development that define Penfolds’ legacy, but also serves as the company’s public face.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
A cold, wet fall night begs for comfort, which can come in the form of thick knit socks or something substantial and warming for dinner accompanied by a rich and complex wine to sip on. There are some solid examples recommended in this week’s column.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Nine comforting wine options to drink in November
Bring on the chilly air with several choices that can be enjoyed right away
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:09 PM
A cold, wet fall night begs for comfort, which can come in the form of thick knit socks or something substantial and warming for dinner accompanied by a rich and complex wine to sip on. There are some solid examples recommended in this week’s column.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
The changing climate in Bordeaux has led the industry to welcome new grape varieties to maintain quality winemaking in the future, but Château Mouton Rothschild and other properties in Pauillac welcome “the golden age of cabernet sauvignon.”
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Rising temperatures in Bordeaux usher in a golden age for cabernet sauvignon
Grape growers are changing their approaches to adapt to the warming climate
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 2, 2025 at 7:37 PM
The changing climate in Bordeaux has led the industry to welcome new grape varieties to maintain quality winemaking in the future, but Château Mouton Rothschild and other properties in Pauillac welcome “the golden age of cabernet sauvignon.”
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
A limited-edition bottle from J.P. Wiser’s marks another milestone for Canadian whisky. A 27-year-old whisky finished in Japanese Mizunara oak casks was introduced by the Hiram Walker & Sons distillery in Windsor this month and retails for $599.95 per bottle.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
A limited-edition Canadian whisky with a taste of luxury
Japanese Mizunara oak casks add to the flavour of this J.P. Wiser’s bottle – and the price
www.theglobeandmail.com
October 26, 2025 at 5:16 PM
A limited-edition bottle from J.P. Wiser’s marks another milestone for Canadian whisky. A 27-year-old whisky finished in Japanese Mizunara oak casks was introduced by the Hiram Walker & Sons distillery in Windsor this month and retails for $599.95 per bottle.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
The festive onslaught seems premature this year, with an early start for Hallmark holiday programming and surprise sightings of seasonal gift packs in liquor stores this week. Ready or not, the countdown is on.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Eight exciting wines that announce the onset of the festive season
This week’s picks include wines with established reputations, such as Torres Salmos, as well as some emerging labels
www.theglobeandmail.com
October 25, 2025 at 2:25 PM
The festive onslaught seems premature this year, with an early start for Hallmark holiday programming and surprise sightings of seasonal gift packs in liquor stores this week. Ready or not, the countdown is on.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Laura Catena travels the world to pour the latest releases of stylish chardonnays and robust reds from her family’s winery in Mendoza. She landed in Toronto with a different agenda this week: to show how those wines mature in the bottle.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
We know wines from Argentina can be great, but will they age?
A tasting in Toronto shows the aging potential of Argentina’s chardonnays, malbecs and cabernet-based wines
www.theglobeandmail.com
October 19, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Laura Catena travels the world to pour the latest releases of stylish chardonnays and robust reds from her family’s winery in Mendoza. She landed in Toronto with a different agenda this week: to show how those wines mature in the bottle.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Reposted by Christopher Waters
California accounts for 78.5% of U.S. wine production, followed by New York (4.2%), Washington (4.0%), and Oregon (2.8%). Behind that are many surprises (e.g., Kentucky #5, New Jersey #8).
October 18, 2025 at 1:47 PM
California accounts for 78.5% of U.S. wine production, followed by New York (4.2%), Washington (4.0%), and Oregon (2.8%). Behind that are many surprises (e.g., Kentucky #5, New Jersey #8).
While Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc continues to represent New Zealand wine around the world with telltale zesty and jubilant flavours, the couple behind that runaway success have shifted their focus toward more sustainable and refined wines from Marlborough.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
With Loveblock, Erica and Kim Crawford seek to revolutionize New Zealand wine
The couple’s natural wine venture is rooted on a rugged piece of land in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley
www.theglobeandmail.com
October 18, 2025 at 11:18 AM
While Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc continues to represent New Zealand wine around the world with telltale zesty and jubilant flavours, the couple behind that runaway success have shifted their focus toward more sustainable and refined wines from Marlborough.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Reposted by Christopher Waters
The Arts team @theglobeandmail.com worked on this fantastic #culture #Canada #culture package. 1/3
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/129d895...
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/129d895...
Elbows up, thumbs down: Why we’re blowing a generational moment for Canadian culture
We’re checking the origins of our groceries, but where’s the love for the sector that truly defines who we are?
www.theglobeandmail.com
October 17, 2025 at 3:21 PM
The Arts team @theglobeandmail.com worked on this fantastic #culture #Canada #culture package. 1/3
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/129d895...
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/129d895...
Canadian winemakers have joined forces with Come Over October, a community-driven movement that asks consumers to meet and share a glass of wine with someone this month. The campaign is expanding across Canada with the support of Wine Growers Canada.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
A toast to wine’s ability to inspire social and family celebrations
Wine Growers Canada gets behind Come Over October campaign to promote togetherness – and wine, of course
www.theglobeandmail.com
October 12, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Canadian winemakers have joined forces with Come Over October, a community-driven movement that asks consumers to meet and share a glass of wine with someone this month. The campaign is expanding across Canada with the support of Wine Growers Canada.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Reposted by Christopher Waters
Between 2021 and 2023, U.S. per capita table wine consumption fell by 0.55 liters. However, the decline shows significant regional disparities. For instance, Florida’s consumption (-1.00 liter) decreased much more than New York’s (-0.21 liter).
October 11, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Between 2021 and 2023, U.S. per capita table wine consumption fell by 0.55 liters. However, the decline shows significant regional disparities. For instance, Florida’s consumption (-1.00 liter) decreased much more than New York’s (-0.21 liter).
Reposted by Christopher Waters
No Safe level? Little scientific support.
JOURNAL OF WINE ECONOMICS, 2025, 20(3), forthcoming
“How Much Is Too Much? A Methodological Investigation of the Literature on Alcohol Consumption and Health”
by Stefano Castriota, Paolo Frumento, and Francesco Suppressa
www.cambridge.org/core/service...
JOURNAL OF WINE ECONOMICS, 2025, 20(3), forthcoming
“How Much Is Too Much? A Methodological Investigation of the Literature on Alcohol Consumption and Health”
by Stefano Castriota, Paolo Frumento, and Francesco Suppressa
www.cambridge.org/core/service...
October 8, 2025 at 5:46 PM
No Safe level? Little scientific support.
JOURNAL OF WINE ECONOMICS, 2025, 20(3), forthcoming
“How Much Is Too Much? A Methodological Investigation of the Literature on Alcohol Consumption and Health”
by Stefano Castriota, Paolo Frumento, and Francesco Suppressa
www.cambridge.org/core/service...
JOURNAL OF WINE ECONOMICS, 2025, 20(3), forthcoming
“How Much Is Too Much? A Methodological Investigation of the Literature on Alcohol Consumption and Health”
by Stefano Castriota, Paolo Frumento, and Francesco Suppressa
www.cambridge.org/core/service...
The thirst-quenching wines that helped beat the summer’s heat don’t satiate the same way in October. The changing season calls for multidimensional wines with richer, rounder texture that contributes depth, complexity and personality to our glass.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Nine satisfying wines for cheerful fall entertaining
Texture becomes integral to wine appreciation as the days and nights become cooler
www.theglobeandmail.com
October 8, 2025 at 5:34 PM
The thirst-quenching wines that helped beat the summer’s heat don’t satiate the same way in October. The changing season calls for multidimensional wines with richer, rounder texture that contributes depth, complexity and personality to our glass.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
“We develop our entire portfolio of wine around what the site gives us. If that wine reminds you of someplace else, we’re not doing our job,” says Cave Spring winemaker Gabriel Demarco.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
For this Niagara winemaker, the local terroir can stand on its own
Gabriel Demarco of Cave Springs isn’t interested in making copycat wines
www.theglobeandmail.com
September 27, 2025 at 1:01 PM
“We develop our entire portfolio of wine around what the site gives us. If that wine reminds you of someplace else, we’re not doing our job,” says Cave Spring winemaker Gabriel Demarco.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Reposted by Christopher Waters
“I think Canadian consumers are getting more educated and want to try a more diverse selection of wines from across the country,” says Mark Sheridan, president of pioneering Okanagan winery, Hester Creek. www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-an...
A long-standing Okanagan winemaker makes its Ontario debut, and three other Canadian wines to try
Hester Creek Estate Winery is looking to increase production to meet demand as it also eyes sales outside of B.C.
www.theglobeandmail.com
July 30, 2025 at 4:56 PM
“I think Canadian consumers are getting more educated and want to try a more diverse selection of wines from across the country,” says Mark Sheridan, president of pioneering Okanagan winery, Hester Creek. www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-an...