Best Wines by the Glass
Where to order a glass of the best vintages (instead of a whole bottle)
Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar
Image credit: Liz Sullivan
Cava
Cava is less formal than Avalon, Chris McDonald’s previous restaurant. But this casual, midtown eatery has retained its predecessor’s blue-chip wine cellar, and made it more accessible: 21 wines are available by the glass. The robust, food-friendly potions focus on Spain, Southern France and Italy, and go well with the sunny flavours on the tapas menu.
Crush Wine Bar
Renowned for its superb wine selection, this friendly bistro offers 30 varieties by the glass, in servings of three or five ounces. Highlights range from classic standards (a medium-weight Italian Barbera d’Alba Bricco Maiolica) to such rarities as the refreshing Savennières Clos de Saint-Yves by Domaine des Baumard. Wines are paired with fine Gallic fare. Wine tasting courses available by request.
Il Mulino
It may be Forest Hill’s local Italian, but Il Mulino is known around the
city for its strong wine list, a medley of greats from Niagara, Italy and France. There’s a house policy to “open anything at all,” says owner Mike Pagliaro. With more than 475 bottles to choose from, you can embark
on a world tour of wines, one crystal goblet at a time.
Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar
A staple for serious oenophiles, Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar carries rare varietals and pairs them with seasonally inspired menus. Every day of the week, 23 wines by the glass are available. The eclectic, ever-changing
list keeps the pros on their toes, according to sommelier Jamie Drummond. Fine Canadian wines are a forte: stellar rieslings and pinot noir by Niagara’s Tawse Winery are regularly available.
Niagara Street Café
This pretty little café has a small but dazzling wine list. Owner Anton Potvin describes it as “a little esoteric.” But don’t be shy: ask about the obscure appellations (a Cassis Clos Ste. Magdeleine from Provence) and tongue-twisting varietals (the Fiano Irpinia Tric a Ballac from Tomas & Giesen in southern Italy). If you are willing to commit to two glasses, Potvin will open most bottles; if you give 48 hours’ notice, a tasting menu can be arranged to match your preferred wines.
TEST Originally published January 2007
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