There are always interesting Wine Tasting Events throughout Alberta. For this issue we've provided some information and some e-mail links to various sites for you to check out yourself.

In Edmonton, Cristall's is always having great tastings with their knowledgeable staff. Here are some upcoming tastings for you:

Winter & Spring 2003 In-Store Tasting Schedule

Cristall’s Wine Market 5854 – 111 street ph: 455-8888

Tastings are held in the store and start at 7:00 pm. Each event costs between $15.00 and $35.00 per person, depending on the wines being tasted. Approximately 8 -12 wines will be sampled each evening. A small selection of breads, cheeses, etc. will also be served at each tasting. Reservations are Required.

Please call 455-8888 or e-mail us at cristalls@hotmail.com to reserve a glass!

Thursday, February 6th – Wine Spectator Top 100 Sampler
The eagerly awaited Wine Spectator Top 100 List for 2002 has been released! Come and join us as we sample ten wines from this year’s list and see if you agree with the experts!
($25.00 per person)

Thursday, February 20th – Venture Through Veneto
Veneto is a diverse region in North East Italy. Join us as we take a trip through the region with its wines. From refreshing Soave, to muscular Amarone. Come and taste the diversity for yourself!
($20.00 per person)

Thursday, March 6th – The Big Boys of Wine
Don’t think you can tell a $10 bottle from a $100 bottle? Challenge your palate at our “Big Boys” tasting. We will be tasting six red wines from different areas of the wine world that sell for $100 or more per bottle. Register early as this one will fill up fast!
($35.00 per person)

Thursday, March 20th – Pacific Pleasures
Wines from two of the most southerly regions in the world will be sampled. New Zealand and Tasmania will be featured. Both these areas are quite new to viticulture. Come taste the luscious Sauvignon Blancs and silky Pinot Noirs as well as a few varieties that may surprise you!
($20.00 per person)

Thursday, April 3rd – A Shiraz Sampler
Shiraz is Australia’s hallmark grape variety, but Australia is a big country! Come and taste Shiraz from a number of different regions as we try to define regional styles.
($25.00 per person)

Thursday, April 17th – Pinot Party Reprise
This will be a Pinot Party with a twist! Pinot is not only Noir! Come sample the other Pinots… Blanc, Gris, Meunier, Chardonnay and even Pinotage! We’ll even throw in a Pinot Noir or two!
($15.00 per person)

Thursday, May 1st – Riesling Revival
Another episode in our varietal tasting series, we will focus on Riesling from around the world. Just in time for spring and those patio sippers!
($20.00 per person)

Thursday, May 15th – Winemakers Dinner
Come and meet Viv and Chris Thompson, winemakers and owners of Best’s Winery in Victoria, Australia. Fine wine and food will be enjoyed by all in a local restaurant.

(Location and price to be announced… we will e-mail details soon)

Reservations are required for all tastings. Please call 455-8888 to reserve your glass. Cristall’s Wine Market 5854 – 111 Street Edmonton, AB …we know vino…

The Cellar in Calgary is worth checking out:
http://www.cellarwinestore.com

If you are interested in getting to a location in Alberta where William is conducting tastings, keep checking the following sites:

The Faculty Club (Edmonton)
http://www.cs.ualberta.ca/~clubfac

67th Liquor Store (Red Deer)
http://www.67liquor.ab.ca

William also regularly conducts tastings at The Medicine Hat Liquor Store in, you guessed it, Medicine Hat. Telephone (403) 526-2360 for more information.