WHEREmail

// September 2008

Dear Subscriber

This month discover the best wine spots in Canada, whether you like a delicate Pinot Noir or full-bodied Shiraz. We also discuss the pros and cons of travelling south during hurricane season, reveal the location of the world's oldest bottle of wine, and tell you how to win a Garmin nüvi 350, a GPS navigator and digital entertainment system all-in-one.

WHAT'S HOT IN SEPTEMBER:

Ottawa

From September 22 to 28, Ottawa's Little Italy comes to life to celebrate a noble cause: Italian wine and food. La Vendemmia, one of Preston Street's most anticipated annual events, gets festive with a week of food and fun that pays homage to the annual Italian grape harvest. Wine tasting seminars, signature dining experiences, a chance to participate in a Grape Stomp for Charity, and more will allow revellers to explore all that this spirited Ottawa community—and Italy itself—has to offer.

Vancouver

It's not easy being the youngest of nine children–and it's even harder when five of those siblings happen to be the Motown supergroup The Jackson 5. But, Janet Jackson long ago emerged from her family's shadow, singing and dancing her way to the top of the pop charts and becoming a superstar in her own right. She kicks off her latest world tour right here in Vancouver, at GM Place on September 10. For tickets call 604-280-4444.

Calgary

Artistic, exotic and offbeat, the Calgary International Film Festival is a refuge for those looking for an alternative to Hollywood blockbusters. It runs this year from September 19 to 28, at various theatres throughout the city. Laughter and Reflection with Carol Burnett makes its way to the Jubilee Auditorium on September 21, giving the audience a chance to ask the Emmy Award-winning star questions and hear her humorous responses.

Victoria

Victoria's past takes centre stage when ten of the city's top historical attractions present the Victoria Heritage Festival, September 13 to 21. Mark the province of British Columbia's 150th anniversary with a variety of special events and a concert series presented by Parks Canada at the Capital Region's National Historic Sites.

Edmonton

Elton John's personal Yellow Brick Road leads him here for a September 13 show at Rexall Place. On September 27, Alice Cooper slithers into town; those of us who grew up belting out I'm Eighteen will be thrilled to know the Coop still sings this anthem and his other hits with passion and fervour.

Toronto

Torontonians are rolling out the red carpet for the hotly anticipated 33rd Toronto International Film Festival, September 4 to 13, when celebrities turn up to show off their latest flicks. From September 9 to October 5 ham it up with Spamalot, the Tony Award-winning musical inspired by the cult film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, as King Arthur and his merry men embark on a romping journey.

Halifax

Running from September 11 to 20, the Atlantic Film Festival is the East Coast's biggest celebration of cinema, with various venues around Halifax hosting screenings, industry events and parties galore. Blindness (directed by Academy Award-nominee Fernando Meirelles) headlines the Opening Night Gala on September 11.

Canadian Rockies

The eclectic and informative exhibit Bears in the Alley, Among other Places continues through September at the Jasper Yellowhead Museum. Over in Banff, The Group of Seven to Takao Tanbe: Inspiring Landscapes, showing to October 13, is a feature exhibition of great Canadian paintings at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies.

The WHERE List:

BEST WINE SPOTS

Where editors from coast to coast have chosen their picks for the country's best wine spots. Whether you're looking for the perfect accompaniment to an intimate meal, or a wine list to stump even the most seasoned connoisseur, these are gems you won't want to miss.

Ottawa

John Taylor at Domus' Canadian, regional, seasonal cuisine is complemented by a constantly evolving wine list. Sommelier Sylvia Taylor's laudable efforts to support Canadian winemakers have secured her the Wine Promoter of the Year Award from VQA's prestigious 2008 Cuvée Wine Awards. Try the "full foie" experience: pan–roasted Perigord Quebec foie gras paired with award–winning Canadian ice wine.

Vancouver

As the name suggests, at UnWine'd Wine & Tapas Lounge it's all about the vino–but the nibblies are great, too. Try the maple chicken Caesar, baked elephant garlic and Brie, or chili spot prawn dumplings.

Calgary

Divino Wine & Cheese Bistro boasts one of the most sophisticated wine lists in the city. Their menu features local ingredients such as bison and Alberta beef, but for connoisseurs the real attraction is the cheese selection; we recommend a glass of Chardonnay with Shropshire blue, or a Pinot Blanc paired with Brie. Divino's century–old brick walls, dark woods and dim lighting also create an intimate, urbane setting, perfect for an evening of wine and fine dining.

Victoria

Vancouver Island's burgeoning wine industry puts Victoria in a great position to enjoy a host of locally produced wines, available at some of the area's best restaurants. Among the highlights is the cellar, recently opened at Bear Mountain Resort and featuring a 12,500-bottle collection, including quality wines from the Pacific Northwest and regions around the globe. The wine selection is a fine complement to the fine dining experiences at Bear Mountain, which include Panache Restaurant and the Copper Rock Grill.

Edmonton

You won't believe how good it feels to sip into something a little more comfortable at 4th and Vine Wine Bar & Bistro. As one of Edmonton's premiere wine bars and bistros, this downtown eatery offers a casual and friendly atmosphere, extensive wine menu and eclectic Alberta cuisine to pair with the over-the-top selection.

Toronto

Delight in delicious morsel-sized courses at Jamie Kennedy's Wine Bar. Savour hot smoked whitefish and the chef's signature dish, Yukon gold fries, at his eponymous resto located in the historic St. Lawrence Market district. Sip a glass of wine perfectly paired by the sommelier as you sit at the long communal table and watch the star chef prepare your feast.

Canadian Rockies

Housing over 32,000 bottles and more than 2,200 labels, the wine cellar at the Post Hotel Dining Room in Lake Louise is the most impressive in the Canadian Rockies (and the pride of hotel owner George Schwarz). The wine list has earned Wine Spectator Magazine's Grand Award–one of five restaurants in Canada to achieve this recognition. The restaurant's six-course, market cuisine tasting menu is highly recommended.

Halifax

Seven, on Grafton Street in Halifax, is all about the wine. Sommelier and co-owner Costa Elles has carefully crafted a wine list that features vintages from around the globe, with more than 30 wines available by the glass. The menu complements the selection perfectly, with a variety of small–plate dishes to share with friends over a bottle.

TRAVEL SPECIALS

As a service to readers and our tourism partners, here's a selection of special travel deals. For more information or to book, please contact the providers directly.

Cross-Canada flights for $100 and under

Sunwing Airlines is having a sale on Canadian flights departing from Toronto or Montreal. Base rates include Montreal-Toronto $10, Toronto-Halifax $49, Montreal-Vancouver $50, and Toronto-Calgary $100. Valid until the end of October, subject to availability.

Anne of Green Gables special at the Delta PEI

Visitors to Lucy Maud Montgomery's beloved PEI can take advantage of the Delta's Anne Experience. Package includes two nights accommodation, tickets to Anne of Green Gables-The Musical, a three-course dinner at Mavors Bistro & Bar, and tickets to the Land of Anne Tour. $660 couples, $768-$858 family, available until September 27.

Save with the Toronto CityPass

Guests in town for the Toronto International Film Festival can check out what else the city has to offer with the Toronto CityPass, valid at the Hockey Hall of Fame, Casa Loma, CN Tower, Ontario Science Centre, Royal Ontario Museum and Toronto Zoo. $64 adults, $43 youth, valid for nine days.

(All prices in Canadian dollars. WHERE accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or availability of these packages. Please contact package supplier directly.)