Classic Wines of the World


Canada, especially the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia are becoming world renown for the wines they create. Since entering the Vinexpo competitions, (a bi-annual competition Vinexpo) wineries from these two provinces, continue to come home with gold, silver and bronze medals for their wines.

Ontario has seen a surge of new wineries emerge in the past five years yet the ones that brought Ontario wines to the forefront continue to enjoy their successes. Chateau des Charmes, the pioneer in Canada to grow the vitas vinifera grape, Konzelmann, an interesting winery that has a rich German heritage who follow traditional German winemaking techniques which have been passed on from generation to generation, Cave Spring, Henry of Pelham, Inniskillin and Rief Wines are all worthy of a visit when in the Niagara area.

Of note are the "young lions" in Niagara, Pennisula Ridge Estate, Daniel Lenko, East Dell Estate and Creekside Estate are a few of the new wineries to look into.

The wines from British Columbia are continue to rise in stature popular throughout Canada and the world. Popular vintners are Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, Sumac Ridge, Grey Monk, Hainle Vineyard Estate Winery and Château Wolff Wines.


France is known as the Wine Capital of the World. Some of the finest wines are created through out France. Wine regions have been established for centuries and the fruits of their labour has been the distinction of creating the best Cabernet Sauvignon's, Chardonnay's, Pinot Noir's, Champagne's, Sauterne's Merlot's and much more. Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Loire Valley, Epernay, these are some of the finest grape growning and wine making regions to explore when in France. Château Pichon Lalonde, Château Margaux, Château Lynch-Bages, Château Latour, Maison Joseph Drouhin, Maison Louis Latour, are a few of the top vintners.

California is also known for their great Chardonnay's, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel. Some of the finest wine makers are Robert Mondavi, Benzinger, Guenoc, Grigich Hills, and Geyser Peak.


The wine world is truly an expansive playground. I, personally, continue to try and experience as much from around the world as possible. The wines listed above are some of my favorites yet there are many more from Australia, Germany, Chile, Oregon, Midi, Spain, and of course the Ports from Oporto which are to be enjoyed.


WLTV

Here is a jeroboam of sites which I hope will tantalize your taste buds.

 
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Wines of Canada

Purpleball Wines of Canada

An excellent starting point when it comes to exploring the depth of wines from Canada. Well worth visiting.

Purpleball Angel's Gate Winery

A new addition to the Beamsville Bench, Angel's Gate has already made it's presence know with it's quality wines.

Purpleball Burrowing Owl Vineyards

Located in the southern Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada, this exciting new winery is create wonderful Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Purpleball Calamus Estate Wines

Residing in the heart of Niagara wine country, CALAMUS ESTATE WINERY is adjacent to the Balls Falls conservation area. The historic charm of our 1800's era heritage barns is the setting for the production area and retail outlet. Fragments of rock used for arrowheads were discovered in the area. The Latin word for arrow is "CALAMUS" Our 20-acre ravine behind the winery is a scenic spot for hikes, picnics and outdoor functions, as it is adjacent to the famous Bruce Trail. With a total of 32 acres of vineyards located on two sites, CALAMUS ESTATE WINERY grows Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Vidal, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir.

Purpleball Cattail Creek Wines

In 1957, the history of the Cattail Creek Estate Winery began when our maternal grandfather, Opa Epp, planted our first grape vines in the Niagara Peninsula. Ken and Renate Dyck followed his passion for viticulture and purchased their first vineyard in 1971. It definitely was a different industry back then, but years of hard work, dedication and passion have created what we have today - a vineyard respected for producing top-quality wine grapes. Check out "Catastrophe", a riesling icewine infused with chocolate and orange. Barrel Ferment Chardonnay, Gamay Noir and Cabernet/Merlot Reserve are excellent creations.

Purpleball Cave Springs Cellars

Cave Spring Cellars was founded in 1986 by grape grower Leonard Pennachetti and wine maker Angelo Pavan. From the beginning, they have vinified vitis vinifera grapes - the noblest grape varieties of the Old World - from vineyards along Niagara's Beamsville Bench. Nestled at the heart of this narrow, fifteen kilometre shelf of the Niagara Escarpment, Pennachetti's Cave Spring Vineyard is one of Niagara's oldest vinifera plantings.

Purpleball Cedar Creek Estate Wines

A family owned and operated winery located just south of Kelowna in British Columbia’s spectacular Okanagan Valley. Cedar Creek, is committed to producing premium British Columbia wines.Winner of the Canadian Wine Awards 2005 Winery of the Year

Purpleball Château des Charmes

This family owned estate winery in Niagara on the Lake, Ontario celebrated their 30th year in 2008. The Bosc family are proud vintners of award winning Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Sparkling wines and Riesling Icewine and many more varieties. Their magnificent château is known as the Jewel of Niagara. A Must Visit Site! here on the net and in person.

Purpleball Cherry Point Vineyards

Located in Cobble Hill, British Columbia, Cherry Point Vineyards produce award winning varietal wines from our main varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, and Ortega.

Purpleball Cox Creek Cellar Estate Wines

Located in Guelph Ontario, Cox Creek create a variety of grape and fruit wines.

Purpleball Coyote's Run Estate Wines

One of the new wineries in the niagara region. Reviews of their wines are very promising for the new kid on the block.

Purpleball Creekside Estate Winery

Creekside Estate Winery is located near the small Niagara village of Jordan Station boasting carefully-tended vineyards covering just more than 8 hectares of fertile soil. The property is planted with Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc.

Purpleball East Dell Estates

Located in Beamsville, Ontario, East Dell Estates is a new venture creating an array of wonderful grape and fruit wines. Chardonnay, Vidal, Riesling and Gewürztraminer are a few white wines available. Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Baco Noir represent the reds. Summer Cherry, Winter Apple, Winter Peach and Winter Pear are a few of the fruit wines offered.

Purpleball Featherstone Estate Winery & Vineyard

A new winery located in Beamsville. 23 acres of vines featuring chardonnay, Johannesberg Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Vidal and Seyval. David Johnson and Louise Engel are proud to create a fine line of wines.

Purpleball Fielding Estate Winery

A new winery on the Beamsville Bench featuring Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Gris.

Purpleball Flat Rock Cellars

One of many new wineries that have opened in the Niagara region of Ontario. Riesling, Pinot Noir and Vidal Icewine are proudly features at Flat Rock Cellars.

Purpleball Frogpond Farm

Oecology deals with the relation of living organisms to their environment and to each other. At Frogpond Farm we do not use insecticides, herbicides, synthetic fungicides or chemical fertilizers. All our wines are organically grown, processed and certified by Organic Crop Producers & Processors. Frogpong is the only certified organic winery in Ontario

Purpleball Granite Creek Winery

Granite Creek Estate Wines is a family owned and operated winery and vineyard located in the heart of beautiful Shuswap country. Surrounded by lush forests, mountains and of course Shuswap Lake, it all ads to the experience when dropping by for a wine tasting and tour. All of our wines are produced right here at our winery from 100% BC grapes, producing exquisite award winning handcrafted wines.

Purpleball Gray Monk Estate Wines

26 years ago George and Trudy Heiss established B.C.'s most successful and earliest family estate wineries in Okanagan Center.

Purpleball Deep Creek Wine Estates and Hainle Vineyard

Deep Creek Wine Estate & Hainle Vineyards is located in the sunny Okanagan wine region of British Columbia, Canada. The winery has a strong commitment to organic viticulture and winemaking. Our own vineyards are managed organically and all of our cellar practices are to organic winemaking standards. We are dedicated to producing the highest possible quality, naturally dry, fully fermented wines.

Purpleball Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery

Located on the Beamsville Bench, beside the Niagara Escarpment, Henry of Pelham is renown for creating wonderful wines, with their Baco Noir being one of the best.

Purpleball Hernder Estate Wines

Another winery located on the Beamsville Bench, the Hernder family create good quality reds and whites.

Purpleball Hillebrand Estate Wines

A well known winery in the Niagara on the Lake area creating a great array of reds and white.

Purpleball Huff Estates

Huff Estates is committed to producing wines that will express the finest in terroir from Prince Edward County. With two separate vineyards plantings in South Bay and Hallowell, our goal is to produce wines that capture the essence of the soils and mesoclimates of this unique region of Ontario, Canada.

Purpleball Inniskillin Wines

A prominent vintner of classic reds and whites in the Niagara region.

Purpleball Le Clos Jordanne

A joint venture between Vincor Canada and Boisset, La Famille des Grands Vins et Spiritueux. The new winery is in Jordan and is now open. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are there main efforts.

Purpleball Jackson-Triggs

As co-founder of Jackson-Triggs, Don Triggs has been a tireless promoter of Canadian wine both at home and abroad, a role for which he has received industry-wide recognition. Allan Jackson, co-founder of Jackson-Triggs, has over 30 years of outstanding service to the Canadian wine industry and heads the research and development team at Jackson-Triggs. The success of Jackson-Triggs stems from the proprietors' vision of making outstanding Canadian wine, and they emphasize that strong teamwork has been key to their achievements in both the domestic and international marketplace.

Purpleball Joseph's Estate Winery

Joseph Pohorly has been creating fine Niagara wines since 1979. His first venture was Newark Wines, located in the town of Virgil. In 1982 Joseph sold the winery and it soon became to be known as Hillebrand Estates Winery. In 1992 Joseph returned to the wine scene making his presence known by opening Joseph's Estate Winery. Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and a variety of fruit wines are proudly offered here.

Purpleball Kittling Ridge Estate Wines & Spirits

This interesting creator of wines, liquors and brandies is located in Grimsby, Ontario. This informative site lists their products and additional information.

Purpleball Konzelmann Estate Wines

The Konzelmann family have a proud heritage that goes back to 1893. Wonderful Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Noir are some of the fine wines they create.Visit their newly renovated building and store.

Purpleball Lakeview Cellars

Lakeview Cellars was founded in 1991, by Eddy Gurinskas and his wife Lorraine, creating one of Niagara’s first cottage wineries. The production for that year was 2,300 cases. Eddy established a name for Lakeview early in the Niagara wine industry, by crafting big, bold reds and aromatic whites. In 2003, Eddy took retirement and passed the winemaking duties on to his apprentice at the time, Thomas Green. Tom has followed in Eddy’s footsteps, continuing to craft great wines on which Lakeview bases its reputation

Purpleball Daniel Lenko Estate Winery

Originally one of Niagara's premier grape growers supplying their grapes to many wineries, Daniel Lenko is now making his own wines from these grapes. Vines that are over 40 years old producing some of the best Chardonnay and Merlot grapes in the region are now receiving high accolades and awards. Another rising star in Ontario wines.

Purpleball Malivoire

Located in the Beamsville Bench, Malivoire is known for a excellent collection of red white wine.

Purpleball Marynissen Estates

At Marynissen Estates, we believe that exceptional wines come from exceptional grapes. With this in mind, the Marynissen family established the winery in 1990 in Niagara-on-the-Lake to bring to you our own estate grown and bottled wines.

Purpleball Mission Hill Family Estate

At Mission Hill Family Estate, our grape-growing and winemaking philosophy is simple. We believe that what happens in the vineyard determines what happens in the bottle. It’s about growing the best grapes under the best possible conditions. It’s about being relentless in the pursuit of quality.

Purpleball Nk'Mip Cellars

Nk'Mip {pronounced "in-ka-meep"} Cellars, North America's first aboriginal owned and operated winery, is a joint venture between the Osoyoos Indian Band and Vincor International, scheduled to open in August 2002.

Purpleball The Organized Crime Winery

Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Chardonnay Musque are just a few of the great wines crafted by Andrzej Lipinski here at The Organized Crime Winery, located on the Beamsville Bench.

Purpleball Palatine Estate Winery

Owners John and Barbara Neufeld have been grape growers for over 30 years. Little surprise that they know a thing or two about wine. Their keen ability to nurture grapes eventually grew to a desire to run a winery as well.
Check out their luscious Fume Blanc. their Merlot is outstanding and a sinfully good Gewurztraminer Icewine.

Purpleball Pelee Island Winery

Canada's largest estate winery and is in the nation's most southerly grape-growing region. Operating since 1979, Pelee Island Winery strives to offer the most unique wine varieties available as a result of the distinctive microclimate and geographical location of the island.

Purpleball Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery

A new winery producing fine Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. Their 1999 Cabernet is a awesome find. This winery is one of Ontario's rising stars.

Purpleball Pillitteri Estate Winery

Established in 1993, Pillitteri Estate Winery has grown to become a prominent creator of fine wines in the Niagara region. Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Grigo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot are just some of the wines to be enjoyed.

Purpleball Reif Wines

Creators of fine Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Vidal, Seyval Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines this Niagara winery has enjoyed success since 1983.

Purpleball Rosewood Estate Winery & Meadery

A small batch artisanal winery and meadery located on the Beamsville Bench who are creating some of Ontario's outstanding wines. Natalie Spytkowsky, one of Niagara's premier winemakers has created a beautiful array of reds, whites and mead wines.

Purpleball Rossignol Estate Wines

In 1990, John Rossignol left Ontario to build a house in Little Sands, Prince Edward Island, which is now known as the Rossignol Winery. At first there was uncertainty about which career John wanted to take, as his career in Ontario, if continued here, would involve traveling to many different plants across the Maritimes. John was in no hurry to pursue that option because he would then be spending most of his time on the road. So while deciding on his career choice, John began making his own wine. Wine making, to John's surprise, brought out creative energy in him. John found himself able to experiment with different methods, as well as creating new mixtures of grapes and other fruit into wonderful tasting wine. Not only was this hobby fun, John would be the first commercial winery on the Island; and so began Rossignol Winery.

Purpleball Sandbanks Estate Winery

Located in Prince Edward County, our wines are crafted in small batches from grapes that are handpicked from our own vineyard. The combination of sand, clay and limestone in the vineyard provides ideal grape growing conditions and adds unique minerality to our wines. Our winemaking technique includes ageing our wines in French and American oak. Sandbanks Estate wines are a labour of love and created for your enjoyment!

Purpleball See Ya Later Ranch

Located in the Okanagan Valley, near the town of Okanagan Falls, British Columbia, LeComte Estate Winery have be creating award winning Pinot Meunier, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer and many more varieties.

Purpleball Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery

Situated on 52 acres of land, the retail centre is a beautiful Tuscany style "old world" building with extensive balconies that overlook breathtaking views of both our vineyard and Lake Erie. The Winery is surrounded by 35 acres of flourishing 18 year old vines. Grape varieties that have proven themselves worthy of our soil and climates remain planted in this vineyard: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Vidal, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Gamay.

Purpleball Stonechurch Vineyards

Cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, baco noir, pinot noir, chardonnay, vidal and riesling are some of the wines this Niagara-on-the-lake winery nestled between the shores of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie create.

Purpleball Stratus Vineyards

A new winery scheduled to open in June 2005, Stratus brings winemaker J.L. Groux to the forefront.

Purpleball Strewn Winery

Located just outside the Old Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Strewn is a very special destination. Discover our award winning VQA wines, our knowledgeable and friendly staff, and our monthly wine education events. Enjoy lunch or dinner at the restaurant at Strewn or participate in a hands-on cooking class at Canada's only winery cooking school.

Purpleball Sumac Ridge Estate Wines

Located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley in Summerland, British Columbia, this top producing winery has a very good site to see. Well worth checking out.

Purpleball Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Located in British Columbia, Summerhill is Canad's largest certified organic winery. The Summerhill Pyramid Vineyard comprises over 65 acres of which approximately 45 are planted. The organically grown grape varieties include; Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Ehrenfelser and Pinot Meunier. They are flourishing here in the northernmost desert viticulture region of the world. A unique feature at Summerhill is the pyramid wine cellar used to age their wines. An interesting wine offered is a pinot noir icewine.

Purpleball Tawse Winery

Located on the lower slopes of the Vineland Double Bench, Tawse Winery opened its doors in the spring of 2005. Blessed with a hillside terrain, our winery features a unique six-level, gravity-fed processing system. Using traditional artisanal techniques, combined with our state-of-the-art technology and natural geo-thermal energy, we carefully and skillfully process our fruit to bring out its individual characteristics.Much of this fruit comes from old-growth, low-yield vines, giving our wines great depth, richness and character. While our primary focus is Chardonnay, we also vinify small amounts of Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Riesling. We take pride in the fact that our wines are handcrafted and limited in production

Purpleball Thomas & Vaughan Vintners

Thomas & Vaughan Vintners is a family owned estate winery located in the Niagara Peninsula, Ontario. The Niagara Peninsula is a unique grape growing region producing quality wines with international recognition. Niagara vineyards lie at the centre of the world's northern wine-growing belt and conditions rank favorably with other wine regions of the world.

Purpleball View Pointe Winery

Viewpointe was conceived through careful and considerate planning, embracing a vision from a truly regional perspective. Viewpointe's mission is to showcase Essex County's fine wine and culinary diversity. With a breathtaking view of Lake Erie's North Shore, Viewpointe makes for an ideal destination for any occasion.

Purpleball Vineland Estate Wines

Another Ontario winery located on the Niagara Bench. Wines featured are Riesling, Chardonnay, Icewine, and Cabernets.

Purpleball Mike Weir Wine

Greg Norman, Ernie Els, David Frost and now Mike Weir. These four golfers also have a passion for wine. So much so that they have their own wineries. Cabernet/Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are Mike's featured wines. Recently a Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris were introduced to his portfolio. The grapes are grown on the St. Davids Bench in Niagara on the Lake.

Purpleball Wild Goose Winery

Adolf Kruger purchased a barren piece of land east of Okanagan Falls. Upon his return to his newly purchased property it was here that he discovered a large flock of Canada geese feeding in amongst the tumbleweeds, boulders, and rubble. As he approached flock the birds took flight. From this time on the property became known as Wild Goose Vineyards!!

Purpleball Vintages

A division of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, Vintages offers the wine enthusiast the finest wines and spirits available from around the world. Monthly releases, bordeaux futures, and tasting notes can be found here.

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Wine Tours

Purpleball BK Wine

Britt Karlsson offers wine tours to the French wine regions, wine tasting classes for beginners and for experienced tasters, wine tastings, wine writing, a monthly news letter, wine consulting (individuals, restaurants, import/export)

Purpleball The Bordeaux Wine Experience

The Bordeaux Wine Experience is a Dutch company specializing in wine and culinary tours in the Bordeaux region for an English speaking international clientele.

Purpleball California Wine Country

This site gives an excellent tour of the wine regions in California. Not only will you find information on wineries, you'll also find facts on restaurants, lodging, shopping and other activities in the area. Atlas Peak, Mondavi, Rutherfords, and many many more wineries are featured here.

Purpleball Chautauqua Wine Trail

Chautauqua County is the western-most region of New York State, and is the gateway to the wine and grape country which blankets the southern shore of Lake Erie. While recognized as one of the newest wine districts of the state, Chautauqua County has a grape and wine heritage that lies deep in the history of the area.

Purpleball French Wine Explorer

French Wine Explorers is an American company offering outstanding wine and gastronomy tours of France and Italy to an international clientele.

Purpleball Iowa Wine and Beer

The state of Iowa is forging a new frontier in the american wine scene. There are already 39 estblished wineries in the state. Three wine trails have been established. Both fruit and grape wines are produced.

Purpleball Long Island Wine Country

In little over quarter of a century the Long Island wine industry has grown from one small vineyard to 3,000 acres of vines and over thirty wineries producing world-class wines. Located in New York State, on the East Coast of the United States, Long Island extends some 120 miles into the Atlantic Ocean. Its maritime climate, geography and soil characteristics provide ideal conditions for producing wines of exceptional quality.

Purpleball Michigan Wines

The vineyards of Michigan are nestled in the most scenic areas of the state. Plan a weekend or a day trip touring these lovely sites and discover the diversity of Michigan wines by visiting winery tasting rooms around the state.

Purpleball North Carolina Grape Growers Association

Incorporated in the state of North Carolina as a non-profit, the goal of the North Carolina Winegrower's Association is to help our members grow better grapes, make better wine and market the final product more effectively. Current membership of the NCWA is more than 350.

Purpleball Wines of Oregon

A concise and detailed look at the wonderful wines that are created in the state of Oregon. There are 136 wineries located in the state. Take a moment and explore this great wine region.

Purpleball Prince Edward County

Canada's fast growing wine region, Prince Edward County, approximentally one hour's drive east of Toronto is steadily growing with new wineries coming on board. The region seems to be best adapted to Pinot Noir.

Purpleball Wine of Ontario

Your online guide to Ontario wine country. Explore Ontario wineries, special event listing, news and information about the wines of Ontario are featured here.


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WLTV

Wine Publications, Blogs, E-zines, Mail Lists & Reviews

Purpleball Tony Aspler - The Wine Guy

One of Canada's foremost oenophiles, Tony Aspler has written books about the wine industry in Canada and has had the opportunity to taste and review the wealth of wines from around the world.

Purpleball Champagne Magic

The internet magazine for lovers of french champagne. Alot of great links and information regarding champagne. Worth checking out.

Purpleball Cork'd

Cork’d is a free service for reviewing, sharing and discovering wine.

Purpleball Corkscrewed:Adventures in the New French Wine Country

Robert V. Camuto’s interest in wine turned into a passion when he moved to France and began digging into local soils and cellars. Corkscrewed recounts Camuto’s journey through France’s myriad regions—and how the journey brought about a profound change in everything he believed about wine.

Purpleball Decanter Magazine

This magazine from England is one of the foremost authorities about wines in Europe. Indepth articlesand reviews of the finest wine regions in France, Italy, Spain, Germany and the many other european wineproducing countries can be found here.

Purpleball For the Love of Port

An excellent source for information on port and maderia. Forums, travel information, reviews and more can be found here.

Purpleball Jancis Robinson

One of the foremost and knowledgable authorities on wine. Jancis has been reviewing and writing about wines for over 32 years. She has written a number of books and her "Oxford Companion to Wine" is a must have reference book. Good information with even more if you become a paid member.

Purpleball Les CARNETS de DEGUSTATIONS

Jean-Marc Quarin, an independent guide for the discerning wine lovers.

Purpleball Nat Decants

Wine picks, articles and humor from Natalie MacLean, recently named the World's Best Drink Writer at the World Food Media Awards in Australia. There are no ads and all e-mail addresses are kept confidential. A Must See Site!

Purpleball Oz Clarke

In the world of wine, four people have become to be known as the authorities of wine, Hugh Johnson, Jancis Robinson, Robert Parker and Oz Clarke. Oz is one of the world's leading wine experts, whose formidable reputation is based on his extensive wine knowledge and accessible, no-nonsense approach. His passion for the subject dates from his student days at Oxford University, where he won tasting competitions at a precociously early age. Since then his tasting skills have won him an international reputation and he is acknowledged as having one of the finest palates of anyone writing about wine today.

Purpleball The Burgundy Report

A wealth of information about Burgandy and the many wines from this famous region is highlighted at this site.

Purpleball The Pour

A blog written by New York Times wine columnist Eric Asimov.

Purpleball Robert Parker Online

Robert Parker is one of the formost wine writers. At his site thousands of wine reviews are offered.

Purpleball The Frugal Oenophile

Richard Best is the wine columnist for Oakville Today.He also offers a monthly newsletter. Here at his site you will find wine reviews, articles and more.

Purpleball Vines Magazine

A very exciting wine magazine from the Niagara region that looks at wines from around the world. Dedicated to the art of enjoying wine and food without the pretension often associated with wine

Purpleball Vinography: A Wine Blog

Wine and food adventures in San Francisco and around the world.

Purpleball Vines.org

The Complete Encyclopedia and Database of Wines and Tastings, Grape Varieties, Viticulture and Vinification, Producers, Auction Prices, Books, and Weblinks.

Purpleball Wine Access

Canada's essential guide to good wine and spirits. With good articles by wine critics Don Lawrason and Anthony Gismondi, Wine Access also offers an extensive database with over 9,000 reviews.

Purpleball The Wine Enthusiast

The number 1 wine magazine in America is now online. Featuring the latest news in the wine industry, wine tours, vintage wine charts, their latest issue along with back issues and much more. A Must See Site!.

Purpleball Wine Library TV

Here is an awesome site to visit. Gary Vaynerchuk is the host of a daily review of wines from around the world. Aimed at anyone interested in truly learning about wine, from beginners to experts, young (above 21 of course) to old, Gary and the WLTV community embrace the notion that wine can be enjoyed by all. In each episode, Gary tastes wines on the fly-it is unrehearsed, unscripted, and off-the-cuff.

Purpleball WineRelease.com

An interesting site which informs wine enthusiasts about upcoming North American wine release dates.

Purpleball The Wine Spectator Online

One of the most informative and influential wine magazines is now online. Over 50,000 wine tastings available along with a comprehensive listings of wineries, wine regions and wines from around the world. You can even create a Virtual Wine Cellar.

Purpleball Wine Writers Circle of Canada

The Wine Writers' Circle of Canada is the professional association of Canadian beverage alcohol writers. Our members are dedicated to communicating the responsible enjoyment of wines, beers and spirits, a joy that affords intellectual and sensory pleasure, bringing people together in friendship and affection, especially over good food.


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Wines of Australia & New Zealand

Purpleball WineBiz:Australia's Wine Industries Portal

A new site being developed featuring a virtual tour of Australia and highlights of their proud wineries.

Purpleball Wine Australia

The great southern land. Home to more than 60 wine regions and over 1,900 wineries. So if you've tried one Australian wine, thank you. You've still got another 1,899 to discover. Start your journey here.

Purpleball Bremerton Wines

Established in 1985 in the Langhorne Creek, Craig and Mignonne Wilson created a family run winery. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Verdelho are some of the grape varietiesgrown. An interesting wine featured here is Tamblyn, a red which is a blend of Shiraz, Cabernet, Malbec and Merlot.

Purpleball Clarendon Hills

Clarendon Hills, 25 miles south of Adelaide, was established in 1989 by Roman Bratasiuk, the owner/winemaker. Since its establishment just over a decade ago Clarendon Hills has had amazing success.

Purpleball Diamond Creek Estate

Established in 1997, Diamond Creek Estate is an award winning family owned and operated vineyard and olive grove. Diamond Creek Estate is situated on the northern slopes of Mittagong, around 120 kms south of Sydney, in the Southern Highlands region of New South Wales. The property for many years was dairy country, enjoys rich basalt soil, northern sun and although at an altitude of 680 metres, it has an unique topography, which leaves it relatively immune from frost. This creates an ideal microclimate for cultivating premium quality, cool climate wine grapes and the finest olives for extra virgin olive oil.

Purpleball First Creek/Chatto Wines

First Creek/Chatto Wines has been established to create small yet outstanding parcels of wine from distinguished regions where the particular variety excels, hence our motto, 'varietal definition - regional distinction'. Pinot Noir, Semillion and Rielsing are the grapes highlighted by winemaker Jim Chatto.

Purpleball Greg Norman Estates

Australia is home to some of the world's greatest wines and I always take pride in serving them to friends and family in all corners of the globe. In fact you could say that fine wine is one of the great passions in my life behind my family and golf. So it is with great excitement I have struck up a partnership with Australia's leading wine producer, Mildara Blass, to produce the first vintages of Greg Norman Estates.

Purpleball Henschke

The Henschke family is one of the longest-established wine names in the Barossa. Johann Christian Henschke purchased land for a farm at Keyneton in 1861, after fleeing religious persecution in Kutschlau, Silesia (Germany). He planted a small vineyard and an orchard, and after initially making wine for family consumption produced his first commercial vintage in 1868, believed to be principally riesling and shiraz. His son, Paul Gotthard, continued farming and winemaking and planted more vines to increase wine production. Upon his father's death in 1914, third-generation Paul Alfred took over the property and as demand for fortified wines grew, winemaking assumed greater significance.

Purpleball Jane Brook Estate Wines

Located in Swan Valley, Western Australia, Jane Brook Estate Wines is owned and operated by the Atkinson family. Two wines of interest are their White Port and their Sparkling Burgundy wines.

Purpleball Kingston Estate Wines

Kingston Estate is a family owned wine company that has grown to become a Top 10 Australian wine producer. Premium fruit is sourced from our own vineyards and growers, capturing South Australia's unique regional qualities. Kingston wines are enjoyed throughout Australia and overseas, being admired for their consistent quality and drinkability.

Purpleball Peter Lehmann Wines

Peter Lehmann Wines is one of Australia’s most respected and innovative winemakers, creating wines that delight wine lovers around the globe. Winemaking operations are carried out at a single site located near Tanunda, in the heart of the internationally famous Barossa Valley, South Australia.

Purpleball Lindemans

One of Australia's finest wineries. Established in 1858, Lindemans create some of the finest Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and an interesting Port.

Purpleball McGuigan Wines

McGuigan Wines is the culmination of the McGuigan family’s involvement in the Australian wine industry for more than fifty years. Our commitment to best viticultural practice and winemaking expertise linked to a dedicated team of professionals will see our business grow and develop well into the 21st century.

Purpleball Penfolds

Established in 1844, Penfolds is regarded as Australia's premier winery. Excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, Grange, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Semillon and Port are created.A Must See Site.

Purpleball Rosemount Estate Wines

One of Australia's leading family winery, producing a selection of fine wines that reflect the riches of the Australian climate and an unswerving dedication to winemaking quality, innovation and style.

Purpleball Sepplet Wines

Since 1851, The House of Seppelt has built a reputation for innovation and quality Australian wine. With products ranging from sparkling to our award winning red, white and fortifieds, there is a Seppelt wine for every occasion.

NewLink Taylors of Clare Valley

Situated in the heart of South Australia’s beautiful Clare Valley, Taylors has become one of Australia’s best loved and most trusted wineries. The tale of Taylors wine-making goes back a few years – three generations in fact, and all began with Bill Taylor Senior, and his love of a certain Bordeaux wine. Originally wine merchants in Sydney, a passion for wine was all part of being a Taylor, and in particular, for the famous French Clarets such as Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux’s Medoc region. It was this long held fascination for these wines which inspired the family’s foray into winemaking, and provides the inspiration and winemaking philosophy behind all Taylors winemaking today – to produce premium wines of exceptional and comparable quality in Australia.

Purpleball Tiers Wine Company

McLaren Vale, the home of the Tiers Wine Company, is just 45 minutes' drive south of South Australia's capital of Adelaide, has been making wine for one and a half centuries. That's not as long as wine has been made in Italy, but the results are just as encouraging. And how a family with its ancestry dating back to the 15th Century has brought its expertise to McLaren vale with a new range of wines with an impressive European lineage.

Purpleball New Zealand Wines

New Zealand has long been famed for its stunning, unspoiled landscape. Equal to the international acclaim for its beauty is that for its fine wines. Climate, geography and human skill have combined to produce highly distinctive, premium quality wines, which are 'the riches of a clean, green land.'

Purpleball Cooper's Creek

Coopers Creek sits in the heart of the Huapai and Kumeu wine region, about 35km north west of Auckland. It is an area steeped in tradition and home to some of the oldest established vines in New Zealand. It was here, in 1980, that Andrew and Cynthia Hendry first established the Coopers Creek winery with the aim of producing the very highest quality wines, principally dry in style and reflecting New Zealand's outstanding cool climate viticultural conditions.

Purpleball Corbans Winemakers

"Our family of wines includes a huge range of wine styles - there's something for everyone......from handcrafted limited edition wines to widely available wines to enjoy every day. Our dedicated winemaking and viticultural teams are committed to quality at every stage of the winemaking process. The results speak for themselves - both in the high quality of wine regardless of price and in the accolades our wines receive regularly, both in New Zealand and internationally."

Purpleball Kim Crawford Wines

The wines created here are some of the very best from New Zealand. Winemaker Kim Crawford grew up on a farm in the Waikato region of New Zealand’s North Island . The Waikato is a fertile stretch of country but it’s not one of New Zealand’s great grape-growing areas. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find many vineyards in it’s rolling green meadowlands, which are much more celebrated for their dairy products than their wine.Kim left the farm to study Microbiology and Botany at Massey University. He graduated with a B.Sc. in 1983 and, like many a new graduate, found himself wondering how to make use of his education in carving-out an interesting career. It was at this point that one of Kim’s lecturers came up with the inspired suggestion that he take a look at New Zealand’s infant wine industry. The rest, as they say, is history.

Purpleball Dry River Winery

The name Dry River carries an historical significance as the name of one of the earliest Wairarapa sheep stations (ca. 1877). This was later sold off in 1906 by the Seddon government and renamed Dyerville, leaving the renamed Waihora River (circa 1900) and the renamed Dyerville Rd (1994) - both after Dry River - as the only reminders of this part of our pastoral farming history. In 1979 Neil and Dawn McCallum planted a vineyard a few kilometres from Dyerville in a very dry and free-draining area now called the 'Martinborough Terrace' and they took the name Dry River for the vineyard and wines in what was to become another chapter of Martinborough's farming history. Their dream was to produce individual, high quality regional wines which faithfully reflect the 'terroir', vintage and are suitable for cellaring.

Purpleball Hunter's Wines

Jane Hunter, OBE, has been owner, viticulturist and managing director of one of New Zealand's better known wineries - Hunter's Wines - since 1987.

Purpleball Kemblefield Wines

From our beginnings in July 1992, Kemblefield has grown and developed, turning a 200 hectare farm into the successful vineyard and winery it is today. Our wines are a superb combination of quality Hawke's Bay grapes and our skills as experienced winemakers.

Purpleball Montana Wines

Montana is New Zealand's leading wine range. With vineyards in Gisborne, Marlborough and Hawke's Bay, Montana produces a matchless range of quality still wines.

Purpleball Neudorf Vineyards

"Taste any of Neudorf wines and its immediately obvious why many people consider Tim Finn to be among New Zealand's very best winemakers. He offers complexity and interest where others settle for intense but monochromatic flavours."

Purpleball Te Awa Winery

Established in 1992 by the Lawson family, Te Awa is situated in the renowned Gimblett Gravels premium winegrowing region of Hawkes Bay. The land had traditionally been used for grazing and was part of the original Longlands Station, however, the Lawson's intention was not to farm sheep but to grow premium grapes for making fine wine.


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Wines of the United States of America

Purpleball California Wineries Mall

The Largest Directory and Locator of California Web Wineries on the Internet. Today there are over 1,200 wineries and vineyards in California producing wine. You will find over 600 listed here on the Mall. Enjoy an extensive look at wines in California.

Purpleball Wine Institute. The Voice for California Wine

A public policy advocacy association of California wineries, the Wine Institute brings together the resources of 550 wineries and affiliated businesses to support legislative and regulatory advocacy, international market development, media relations, scientific research, and education programs that benefit the entire California wine industry.

Purpleball Glenora Wine Cellars

Located in the Finger Lakes of New York state, Glenora create such premium wines as Blanc de BlancsSparkling, Brut Sparkling, Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cayuga and Seyval. Established in 1977 Glenora is one of the Finger Lakes prominent producers of fine wine.

Purpleball Pellegrini Vineyards

Located in the North Fork of Long Island, New York , Pellegrini create some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay on the east coast.

Purpleball Penoach Vineyard

Both a winery and nursery, Penoach specializes in creating non vitis vinivera wines. Classics such as Marchel Foch, Catawaba, Edelweiss and other grapes are grown on the five acre vineyard.

Purpleball Summerset Inn and Winery

Welcome to the Wine Region of Central Iowa. The vines that grow on Summerset Ridge produce the quality wines made to be enjoyed in such a beautiful setting. Located in the rolling hills south of Des Moines, Iowa, the Summerset Winery is an inviting place to relax and enjoy the fruits of the harvest and the natural beauty of the Summerset Winery.

Purpleball Andretti Winery

For many years race fans around the world followed the illustrious career of Mario Andretti. At Indianapolis, at LeMans, at Silverstone, at Mosport we watched as he won many races and was a force behind racing. During this career Mario adopted a passion for wine. He is now proud to produce his own wines in Napa Valley

Purpleball Arrowood Vineyards and Winery

Located in Sonoma, Arrowood is renown for its excellent Cabernet Sauvignon and creamy Chardonnay. Also featured are their merlot, malbec, pinot blanc and viognier. A wine worth enjoying.

Purpleball Beaulieu Vineyards

One of California's finest wineries. An extensive collection of Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay along with their Signet Collectiona and Napa Series of wines are offered from this winery which is over 100 years old.

Purpleball Benziger Vineyards

One of the best wine makers in Sonoma county, their Cabernet, Chardonnay and Fume Blanc are well worth experiencing. A personal favorite.

Purpleball Cakebread Cellars

Over 30 years ago, Jack Cakebread came to photograph the Napa Valley for a book and while here, he casually mentioned his interest in one day owning a vineyard to some family friends who had a ranch in Rutherford. When he returned home that afternoon, the phone rang and it was the family friends offering to sell their property. He headed back up to the valley that same afternoon to make his best offer, and Cakebread Cellars was born. Since that time Cakebread has become one of Napa's premier wineries.

Purpleball Charles Krug

Founded in 1861 by Charles Krug, the 27-year old Prussian immigrant came to America with little besides willpower and a willingness to work hard to build the cornerstone of the first winery in the Napa Valley. He became the major local winery figure of his era, greatly influencing Napa Valley's development as a world-renown wine producing region.

Purpleball Chateau Montelena

Chateau Montelena's rich history began on a chilly fall morning when Alfred L. Tubbs spaded over and inspected the soil where he thought of planting estate vineyards. He'd heard the Napa Valley was the best place to grow grapes in California. A deal was struck and in January of 1882 the San Francisco entrepreneur owned 254 acres of rugged land just two miles north of Calistoga at the base of Mount Saint Helena. The soils are well drained, stony and loose – perfect for the vine cuttings he would plant.

Purpleball Clos du Bois

Located in Sonoma, California, here is one of the legendary producers of fine chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and merlot.A Must See Site!

Purpleball Duck Shack Wines

Just as duck shack adventures and memories are special, one-of-a-kind experiences, our winery is also unique. David and Betsy Lawer begin the process by searching, sampling and selecting only Napa Valley’s finest grapes worthy of the Duck Shack label…worthy of good friends and family, fine food and great wine.

Purpleball Fetzer Vineyards

One of California's best wineries. A highlight of this site is a very good wine and food page which pairs their wines with foods. In addition their winemakers notes are also included.

Purpleball Grigich Hills Cellar

At our world-famous winery here in the heart of Napa Valley, we have one defining passion: to make the best wines in the world. As winemaker Miljenko “Mike†Grgich likes to say, "We treat our six different wines like special children, and we pour all of our love, attention and artistry into nourishing their exceptional character and flavor".

Purpleball Kendall-Jackson Wines

Wonderful California Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Fume Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel are just some of the wines that are created here.

Purpleball Larkmead Vineyards

The Salmina family arrived in the Napa Valley from Switzerland in the 1860s, and in 1892, bought a wooden winery and vineyards. Felix Salmina had learned to make wine in Switzerland and set about converting the old wooden winery into a much larger winemaking facility, built of stone quarried from the nearby hills and expanding the vineyard into Larkmead Vineyards

Purpleball J Lohr

Located in San Jose, J Lohr is noted for creating fine Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Blanc and Riesling wines.

Purpleball Mayacamas Vineyards

One of Napa's premier wineries, Mayacamas proudly create fine Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.

Purpleball Robert Mondavi

California's premier wine family. Creators of some of California's finest cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and fume blanc. Opus One, a great cabernet sauvignon, created in part with Chateau Mouton Rothschild. Luce, a partnership with the Frescobaldi family in Italy. Caliterra, a cooperative in Chile, these are just a few of the many wines created by Robert Mondavi.

Purpleball R H Phillips Wines

Established in 1986, R H Phillips is a wine of great value and quality. Located in Dunnigan Hills which is east of Napa,a great selection of reds and whites are to be explored. An added attraction is this interactive web site.

Purpleball Stag's Leap Winery

Stag's Leap Winery's history dates back to 1843. Today it is one of Napa Valley's premier producers of award winning Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Petit Syrah.

NewLink Wine Spots Wines

Wine Spots offers an exploration into the finest wine regions around the world and the varietals they are known for. By working with some of the best vineyards and top winemakers, we are able to capture the distinctive qualities and terroir that make the regions unique.

NewLink Zinfandelic

From California wine industry veteran Daniel LeFrancois, with the help of consulting winemaker Phillip Zorn, Zinfandelic is a collection of Zinfandel wines that capture the varying personalities of California's grape.

NewLink Sokol Blosser Winery

When our parents Bill Blosser and Susan Sokol Blosser planted their first vines in 1971, they needed all of their youthful self-confidence, energy and determination to make their way because there was no wine industry in Oregon. Today, with over 300 wineries and more than 13,000 acres of vineyards, Oregon wines are available throughout the world. Sokol Blosser has survived, grown and prospered as a family-owned and run operation, and we are proud to have been part of developing and shaping Oregon's now prominent wine industry.

Purpleball Chateau Ste Michelle

One of the best wineries in the state of Washington. Their Cabernet is world renown. Enjoy visiting this great winery.


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Wines of France

Purpleball Champagne Gardet

A fine champagne that I recently enjoyed. Champagne GARDET began at the end of the 19th Century with Charles GARDET (1870-1913). His son, Georges(1895-1952), revived the House during the Twenties and moved his cellars to Chigny les Roses in the heart of the Montagne de Reims to facilitate the development of the business.

Purpleball Moët & Chandon
The House of Moët & Chandon was found in 1743 by wine merchant Claude Moët. Intrigued by the development of champagne by benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon, Claude Moët began to produce the rich sparkling wine. In 1750 he introduced Moët to the world. Here you'll find out how champagne is made, the various champagnes they create and much more.

Purpleball GH Mumm &Cie
One of the most popular champagnes in the world, here you'll see how champagne is created, the history of Mumm and the many varieties they make.

Purpleball Champagne Perrier-Jouët
Champagne Perrier-Jouët is world renown for creating some of the finest champagne world wide. Found in 1811 in Epernay, France Perrier-Jouët has long dedicated itself to creating a champagne that is truly unique. So unique that its eye catching "Belle Epoque" art noveau bottle stands out as a symbol behind Champagne Perrier-Jouët.

Purpleball Veuve-Clicquot
Producers of some of the finest wines from around the world. Champagne Veuve Clicquot and Bouchard Père & Fils, are two of their finest from France. Also featured are wines from the U.S. and Australia.

Purpleball Maison Joseph Drouhin
A leading family owned négociant found in 1880, with one of the biggest domaines in Burgundy. As a négociant they handle a wide range of well chosen wines from all over Burgundy.

Purpleball Domaine Leroy

One of the finest wineries in Burgandy. "At Domaine LEROY, we have been cultivating our vines under biodynamic conditions since 1989. This means that our wines are free of all chemical treatments, weed killers, pesticides, fungicides, insecticides and artificial fertilizers. Instead, we have stepped back in time and use cosmic rhythms to ensure correct soil tilling and recuperation as well as effective vine care through all phases of the year's cycle."

Purpleball Maison Louis Latour
One of Burgundies finest wineries. Celebrating their bi-centennial in 1997, Louis Latour offer more than 70 wines made primarily in the Burgundy region of France. Their insightful tour of Burgundy is a A Must See Site!.

Purpleball Bordeaux

This exciting site features a wonderful slide show highlighting the bordeaux region. Lots of good information about the various appellations, the grapes grown, current vintage updates and more. There is a vintage chart which you can download to make your shopping easier. A Must See Site!

Purpleball Everyday Bordeaux

An inmpressive site featuring a wide array of bordeaux tasting notes.

Purpleball Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou

Established in 1885 in the Saint Julian appellation the chateau have offered a wonderful cabernet sauvignon with a grand history. At the site you can download a video detailing the blending of the 2004 vintage.

Purpleball Chateau Haut-Brion

One of Bordeax's top vintners of excellent cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc. Established in 1663 it is accorded a First Growth status. It has all the potential longevity and weight of the Medoc first growths. A wine to truly enjoy and behold.

Purpleball Domaines Barons de Rothschild(Lafite)

Oz Clarke notes that Château Lafite Rothschild "possibly, even probably, the most famous red wine in the world". This First Growth Pauillac of 222 acres create a wonderful claret with hints of cedarwood and blackcurrant, mingled with tobacco and kitchen spice. At the present time this site is only in french with an english version due shortly. A Must See Site!

Purpleball Domaine Vincent Sauvestre

Vincent's paternal family has been firmly established in Meursault since the 18th Century. His father and grandfather were both "Maîtres de Chais" for one of the most prestigious Wine Houses in the heart of Meursault. Vincent's father, Roger, created his own Company in the early fifties with the acquisition of a Wine Merchant founded in 1891. He handed over the running of the Company to Vincent in 1988.

Purpleball Chateau Le Thil

In 1989, Château Le Thil had no vines but it possessed a real treasure in the form of some twenty hectares situated within the Appellation d’Origine Controlée of Pessac-Léognan. At that time, the de Laitre family considered giving to the estate what it was missing : a vineyard.Jean de Laitre who then was far removed from the world of wine, since he was working as a medical intern in Paris - was attracted by the project. Crafting beautiful reds which are 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvginon and whites which are 50% Sauvignon Blanc and 50% Semillion Chateau Le Thil is a worth while find.

Purpleball Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande

Two châteaux share a splendid 225 acre Pauillac estate which was planted in the 17th century by the same pioneer who planted the Rauzan estate in Margaux. Since 1981 the château has continuously created spectacular vintages. Of note are the 1981, 83, 83, 84, 85, 88, 89, 90, 91, 94, and 95.

Purpleball André Lurton

A dedicated vintner in the Bordeau region Andr&eacute Lurton has been creating exciting wines for the past 50 years. With vines planted in Margaux, Entre Deux-Mers and Pessac Léognan, Andr&eacute has had the opportunity to create stunning Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines.

Purpleball Domaine Prieur Santenay

Domaine Prieur Santenay, established in 1804 produce some of the finest burgandy wines. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are highlighted here.

Purpleball Domaine Henri Rebourseau

Established in 1919 in Gevrey-Chambertin, this burgundian producer has a deep heritage of creating fine Chambertin and Clos de Vougeot.

Purpleball S.A. Jacques & François Lurton

Since 1988, Jacques & François Lurton have been producing many wines throughout the world. France, Spain, Australia, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay have vineyards and wineries overseen by the brothers, the sons of vintner Andr&eacute Lurton. A wonderous array of red and white wines are created, featuring fine Bordeaux, Burgundies, and Chardonnay's from France, Rose from Spain, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon from Argentia are just a few of their prized efforts.


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Wines of Germany



Purpleball Dr.Loosen

One of the finest producers of riesling wines in Germany. The Dr. Loosen estate has been in the same family for over 200 years. When Ernst Loosen (pronounced Low-zen) assumed ownership of the estate in 1988, he soon realized that with ungrafted vines averaging 60 years old, and vineyard sites rated according to his estate-specific classification and the more current Wine Atlas of Germany, he had the raw materials to create stunningly intense, world-class wines.

Purpleball Schloss Johannisberg

Schloss Johannisberg im Rheingau. 900 years of history of the monastery, the wine and the palace

Purpleball Weingut Brennfleck

Located in Lower Franconia, in the Main Valley between Kitzingen and Ochsenfurt, the idilly wine growing village of Sulzfeld with its high surrounding walls, its characteristic watch tower and little lanes and corners has kept its romantic appearance since medieval times.


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Wines of Italy



Purpleball Antinori

The Antinori family has been in the wine business since Giovanni di Piero Antinori joined the Florentine Guild of Vintners in 1385 -- more than 26 generations ago. Throughout the company's long history it has remained family owned and operated, and today it is directed by Marchese Piero Antinori.Though Antinori has played an important role in preserving Italy's enological traditions it is also one of Italy's most dynamic and visionary producers of fine wines, with estates concentrated in the best viticultural areas of Tuscany and Umbria.

Purpleball Biondi Santi

A fine vintner of italian wines. Note:This site is in Italian.

Purpleball Castello Banfi

Welcome to the CASTELLO BANFI home page, Montalcino's—and Tuscany's—most complete guide to wine, food and travel in Italy's most acclaimed wine region.

Purpleball Castello Di Monterinaldi

A fine producer of Chianti Classico.

Purpleball Cliternia

Tradition italian wines made from Trebbiano,Gray Pinot, Falanghina and Sangiovese grapes are created in the region of Molise.

Purpleball Azienda Agricola Foffani

Located in the eastern friuli region Giovanni and Elisabetta Foffani proudly continue a hertiage of wine making. Wine has been produced in this region since 1789. A wide array of reds and whites can be found here.

Purpleball Podere Castorani

An interesting winery in owned by F1 star Jarno Trulli. The firm, today, consists of thirty hectares: the cultivated vines are mostly “Montepulciano d’Abruzzoâ€. There is also “Trebbiano d’Abruzzoâ€, “Malvasia†and a small area reserved to experimental varieties. The average age of vineyards is over twenty-five years therefore they are very interesting from the oenologic point of view. All the land is cultivated by biological agricultural methods, without the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. We use biological and organic fertilizers.

Purpleball Masi

Based in Verona, here is another of Italy's leading wineries creating three brands:Masi, Serego Alighieri and Masi Tupungato, which is located in Argentina.

Purpleball Michele Chiarlo

Barolo, Barabaresco, Barbera, Gavi and Moscato are a few of the wines created by this winery in Piedmont Our Philosophy is to produce wines whose characteristics faithfully represent that variety of provenance, as well as their terroir, but in which the hints of wood are never underscored; that they be rich, highly elegant and never nauseous wines.

Purpleball The Tuscan Estates of Ruffino

Yet another one of Italy's leading wineries, Ruffino is renown for their Reserve Chianti and Chianti Classico. This site is well wroth exploring. A tour of Tuscany is offered, reviews of their many wines, Wine and Foods, Harvest intormation and so much more.

Purpleball Tinazzi Eugenio & Figli S.r.l.

A passion that spans three generations Tinazzi create fine red and white wines. Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Soave are just a few of the wines they are proud of. Also featured are their Tenuta Valleselle and Ca' Isidora wines.


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Wines of Spain

Purpleball Bodegas y Viñedos Agribergidvm

We have 65 hectares of land covered by vineyards. Our wines are authorisized and have the Bierzo Denomination of Origin. Our wines also have a distinguished place in the national wine production especially in a variety called Mencias, cultivated in the Northwest. of Spain. We also use a white variety of grape called the Godello, which is from our own region and, like the Mencia, mantains a connection with the River Sil Valley.

Purpleball Bodegas Viñas Del Cenit

The winery is located in the small Zamoran town of Villanueva de Campeán, which is the main urban area of the historic Tierra del Vino region which neighbours the DO Toro. It shares with Toro similar soil-types and continental climate, influenced by the nearby river Duero. Viñas del Cénit's vineyards are organised in small parcels of land planted with a substantial amount of old Tempranillo vines, some of which are over a hundred years old and ungrafted. The soil is calcareous, gravel and sand-based, with a layer of red clay underneath.

Purpleball Bodegas y Viñedos Frutos Villar

The beginning of the professional involvement of the Frutos Villar family in the wine market is to be traced back to the dawning of this century, when on a purely local basis we bought up and sold wine from the region of Toro. Well before the officially demarcated wine regions of Spain, the so-called “Denominaciones de Origen†or “DOsâ€, came into being, we set up our first winery at Toro in 1920. True to our ideal of renewal and progress, in 1960 we established our second winery in Cigales.

Purpleball Bodegas Gandia

Found in 1885, Gandia is known for their Chardonnay, Grenache, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Sauvignon Blanc. A long family history has enusred that only the best grapes and methods are used to create a fine line of wines.

Purpleball Bodegas Otero

Don Juan Otero Colino first entered the world of wine in 1906, starting up a small-scale business in the town of Benavente, Spain. Since then we, the Otero family, have adopted to change. We have catered to the preferences of our customers regarding their tastes and habits and have adapted to the technology necessary to create the finest wine possible.

Purpleball Bodegas Torres

One of Spains finest wines.

Purpleball Bodegas Santa Catarina

Located in Mallorca, Bodegas Santa Catarina create wonderful Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvginon and Rose.

Purpleball La Rioja Alta, S.A.

La Rioja, has been producing quality wines since 1890. Three wineries, La Rioja, Torre de Õna and Lagar de Fornelos create a long line of wonderful wines.


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Port, Croatian, South African & South American Wines

Purpleball Dow's Port

Founded in 1798, Dow's is one of the greatest of all Port Houses - dedicated to producing the finest Ports and 100% family owned.

Purpleball Fonseca Guimaraens

One of the finest ports by far. Established in 1822, Fonseca is recongnized for its longevity, quality and finesse.

Purpleball W.J. Graham's

The firm of W & J Graham & Co has its roots in a Glasgow-based textile concern. During the early nineteenth century an office of this trading company was established in Oporto. In 1820 the brothers William and John Graham, who were then managing the office, accepted 27 pipes of Port wine in settlement of a bad debt. Graham's is managed with the personal touch which only a family-run business can offer, and today the international prestige of Graham's has never stood higher.

Purpleball Taylor Fladgate & Yeatman

Port's story is one of the most unusual and romantic of any in the world of wine, and the history of Taylor, Fladgate & Yeatman is in many ways the history of Port. Taylor's is now into its fourth century: one of the very oldest of the Port companies. It is the last totally independent company of the original British Port houses-and is still family owned and managed. It is run today from Oporto by descendants of the Yeatman and Fladgate families, both of which have been partners in the firm since the 1830s.

Purpleball Warre's Port

Founded in 1670, Warre's is the oldest established British port company.

NewLink Wines of Croatia

A new portal bringing details about the wine regions and wineries in Croatia.

NewLink Wines of Croatia: Making Memories, One Glass at a Time

A blog featuring wines, food and culture of Croatia.

Purpleball Zlatan Otok

The family horticulturist company Vitis was formed in early 1986, marking the beginning of our operation. Later on, in 1993, the company changed its name to Zlatan Otok. Under this name, we have been doing business to this day. Our vineyards are located in the south area of the Hvar Island, where Plavac Mali is the predominant variety, and in the Podbiokova area in the Makarsko Vinogorje.

Purpleball Vino Mihalj

Wines from the southern slopes of The Mount Krndija are known for their extreme quality. The most quality wines in Kutjevo are Rizling, Portugizac, Traminer and Rein Rizling. These sorts are successfully grown by Mihalj family, which has proved itself as one of the finest wine producers not only in Kutjevo but also in the Golden Valley, and thus proved her place in Croatia's wine production.

Purpleball Ernie Els Stellenbosch

A new south african winery with famed south african golfer Ernie Els as part owner.

Purpleball Landskroon Estate Wines

Situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands, this family run estate was established in 1874. Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cinsault, Cabernet Franc/Merlot, Cinsault/Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon are some of the fine wines the De Villiers family create.

Purpleball Reyneke Wines

Reyneke wines are produced on Uitzicht Farm, situated in the Polkadraai hills just outside Stellenbosch in the Cape. Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc are the specialties here.

Purpleball Rhebokskloof Estate Wines

Established in 1692, Rhebokskloof Estate Wines is one of the finest creator of wines in South Africa.

Purpleball Andes Wines

A great wine portal to wines from South America

Purpleball Viña Carta Vieja S.A.

One of many prominent Chilean wine makers. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot are just some of the wines created.

Purpleball Viña Santa Rita

Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc are just a few of the fine chilean wines created.

Purpleball Bodega Catena Zapata

The Wines of Nicolás Catena. For 100 years our family has been making wine in the premier grape growing region of Mendoza, Argentina. Our wines are exported to major markets around the world and have received universal acclaim from some of the most prominent wine critics.

Purpleball Finca Flichman

In 1873, in the area of Barrancas, Maipú, province of Mendoza, our first vineyards were planted.Towards the start of 1910, the Flichman family re-inaugurated the property with the name of Finca Flichman. It was Sami Flichman, a visionary pioneer, who developed the first vineyards in a depression formed by the Mendoza River in ancient times.


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Wine Clubs & Retailers

Purpleball NewLink Blue Danube Wine Company

A wine importer available in the eastern United States, who bring wines from Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungray, Montenegro and Slovenia.

Hemispheres Wine Guild

A wine club in Canada offering international fine wines that you can't buy, sourced by your wine expert, delivered to your door, for as low as $100/month.

Purpleball Liffort Wine Agency

Lifford has been serving both private consumers and the hospitality industry in the province of Ontario for 25 years. Lifford has established relationships with producers from France, Portugal, South Africa, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Oregon, Washington and Ontario. In total, Lifford represents more than 50 producers, giving our clients access to some of the world's most prestigious and successful wineries.

NewLink Oenocentric

Boutique Wines From Central Europe, wines from Austria, Croatia and Hungary.

Purpleball The Opimian Society

The Opimian Society is devoted to the appreciation of wine. As a non-profit wine buying cooperative we offer our members a vast selection of wines not available through the government liquor boards.If you enjoy wine, join Opimian as thousands of Canadians have been doing for the last 32 years. Explore our web site and read about the benefits of joining Canada's largest wine club.

Purpleball Pop's Wine & Spirits

An extensive selection of wines and spirits can be found at Pop's. Located in Long Island, New York Pop's has been recognized by Zagats, as one of the finest wine stores on the net. Online ordering available.

Purpleball Sam's Wines and Spirits

A great wine store in Chicago with an interesting electronic catalog to view.

Purpleball The Cuvee

America’s Online Source for Canadian Wines. This site sells a majority of wines from the Niagara, Ontario wine regions.

Purpleball Winery to Home

WineryToHome.com's mission is to be the leading company in Ontario offering the convenient sale and delivery of fine Ontario wines throughout the province. We are also committed to providing assistance to site visitors in selecting those wines that best suit their preferences and tastes – by providing the objective reviews and ratings of Canada's most respected wine reviewers.


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Wine Societies


Purpleball Australian Wine Society of Toronto

The Australian Wine Society (AWS) of Toronto is incorporated as a not-for-profit organization devoted to the enjoyment of the wines of Australia. Through exposure to, and education about the wines and wine regions of Australia, the Society seeks to encourage, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, a greater awareness of the wine varietals, the diversity and the styles of Aussie wines. The opportunity to try a wide range of wines makes it easier for Members to decide what types they might want to purchase through wine agents, the LCBO, Vintages Monthly Releases and the Classics Catalogue.

Purpleball Bacchus Oxford University Wine Society

Welcome to Oxford University Wine Society, one of the largest, most sociable and successful University societies. Our mission is simply to promote the discovery and enjoyment of wine by all. Through weekly tastings, themed dinners and regular beginner's classes we offer members a unique opportunity to learn from famous wine makers and visiting experts. From supermarket own-brands to Premier Cru Classé we aim to cater for - and educate - all our members, whatever their level of interest.

Purpleball German Wine Society

The German Wine Society is dedicated to improving knowledge of German wines and conducting events at which such wines are shared and appreciated. The Society is private, educational and not for profit.

Purpleball Wine Society, The University of Bath

The University of Bath Wine Society exists to promote the appreciation and enjoyment of wine. We hold regular tastings to bring together those who have a common interest in wine, so that they might increase their knowledge and understanding of wine at the same time as making new friendships and generally having a good time!

Purpleball Wine Century Club

A unique organization with a interesting admittance to the club. To join you must have expereinced 100 different grape varieties used in wines. A application listing these grapes can be downloaded. Once you have experinced these 100 varieties a certificate will be issued.

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Oenology and Viticulture Institutes

Purpleball Canadian Vintners Association

The Canadian Vintners Association is Canada's national association of vintners, an organization dedicated to the promotion and well being of Canada's wine sector.

Purpleball The Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute

The Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) at Brock University is a partnership with the Wine Council of Ontario and the Ontario Grape Growers Marketing Board. Since its establishment in 1996, CCOVI has grown rapidly and it is now housed in Inniskillin Hall, a facility dedicated to research in Oenology and Viticulture in cool climate regions.

Purpleball Independant Wine Education Guild

A non profit organization established in 1977 to provide wine education to members of the wine and spirit trade as well as other interested people.

Purpleball The Institute of Masters of Wine.

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) exists to promote the highest level of educational achievement for the wine industry, culminating in the internationally recognised qualification of Master of Wine (MW). As a corporate entity it organises all aspects of the Master of Wine examination and education programme, runs tastings and other events programmes, provides membership services to the 277 MWs world-wide, and information and access to specialist advice for the wine industry in general.

Purpleball International Sommelier Guild

The International Sommelier Guild is the premier wine-knowledge resource center focused on helping you meet your wine and spirit needs through providing tailored expert teaching and consultation.

Purpleball University of California-Davis, Department of Viticulture and Oenology

The V&E Department combines the sciences of viticulture and enology in a single research and teaching unit that encompasses all of the scientific disciplines that impact grape growing and winemaking. For over one hundred years the University of California has maintained an active and productive program in research and education in viticulture and enology. The continuing excellence of the Department has enabled California growers and vintners to develop practices that have allowed the Golden State to achieve its potential and become a premier wine-producing region.

Purpleball Charles Sturt University, Associate Degree in Applied Science (Winegrowing)

CSU’s Associate degree in Applied Science (Winegrowing) is designed to educate and assist vineyard managers and people establishing small vineyards and wineries.

Purpleball Charles Sturt University, Bachelor of Applied Science (Wine Science) / Bachelor of Applied Science (Viticulture)

CSU’s Bachelor of Applied Science (Wine Science) / Bachelor of Applied Science (Viticulture) double degree is designed to develop knowledge and skills in winemaking, wine science, viticulture, vine physiology, wine appraisal, soil science, and water management.

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Wine Accessories

Purpleball International Wine Accessories

A very good site offering a wide variety of accessories. Storage systems, glassware, decanting, books.

Purpleball Metrokane Wine Tools

Welcome to Metrokane Wine Tools, the world's leading line of wine accessories-- including the famous Rabbit Corkscrew. "The Rabbit" has become the best-known bunny since "Bugs." But it's only a part of our complete line of corkscrews and other wine accessories.

Purpleball Riedel Crystal
The Ultimate in Wine Enjoyment! Riedel Crystal is renown for creating the finest crystal stemware to enjoy wine with. Their Sommeliers series is a collection of over 30 different pieces each designed to enjoy a particular wine or spirit. Also highlighted is Riedel's Vinum and Overture series of stemware.

Purpleball The Uncorked Cellar

Until now, wine software for managing your wine collection has been unable to provide instant information for such a wide range of wines, with wine aging recommendations and wine notes provided by the winemaker. Compare your tasting experiences with winemakers notes and record wine reviews of interest to you. The Uncorked Cellar will easily capture, maintain and display your wine inventory complete with all wine-related information. At a glance, you can see which wines require additional aging or are ready to drink now.

Purpleball Winebase for Windows

The Ultimate Cellar Management and Wine Reference Software for the PC.

Purpleball Wine Technologies

The creators of Robert Parker's Wine Advisor and Cellar Management software. Two versions are offered. The Standard version comes with a database consisting of over 8,200 tastings derived from the 1995 and 1996 issues of The Wine Advocate.
The Deluxe version features a database derived from the 1992 through to 1996 issues of The Wine Advocate consisting of over 20,000 tastings.

Purpleball Wine Wall

A quite interesting wine racking system.


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Wine Competitions

Purpleball Chardonnay du Monde

A competition that attracts some of the finest chardonnay wines from around the world.

Purpleball Finger Lakes International Wine Competition

Held in one of New York state's finest wine regions this competiton benefits Camp Good Days and Special Times, a camp for children with cancer.

Purpleball The International Wines and Spirits Competition

Established in 1969 the International Wine and Spirits Competition is the premier competition of its kind in the world.

Purpleball Ontario Wine Awards

Purpleball San Francisco International Wine Competition

Purpleball Vinexpo

Purpleball Vinitaly International Wine and Spirits Exhibition


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