Jane Staples

Sherry is Spain’s most famous wine. It is not well known in Canada, where it is associated with grandmothers sipping it as they nibble on cake. But there’s much more to know and to enjoy about it . . . maybe the grandmothers are onto something! It is made in sunny Andalucia, the hottest, [...]

January means reigning in the spending and paying down those pesky credit cards. That can mean less money to spend on indulgences like wine, too. But if you know where to look, there are affordable wines of great quality. January is also a time to try new things, so it’s a good time to discover [...]

I love delicatessens. During the past few years, with travel restrictions making international travel too challenging, I have contented myself with exploring various European delis around town. As an Ottawa foodie, there’s always some new place to discover. Ottawa is lucky to have several great [...]

At this time of year, many of us are making a gift list and checking it twice. Here’s a selection of wines and liqueurs that will surely bring smiles, whether you’re shopping for wine lovers on your gift list or for celebrations at home. Many wine producers bring out special edition bottles [...]

ABOVE: Ottawa winemakers Tom and Janet Moul of Jabulani Vineyards and Winery. (PHOTO: COURTESY JABULANI) Not so long ago, people thought it was too difficult to grow wine grapes in the Ottawa Valley. With ice storms in the winter and hot, humid summers, there are definitely challenges. But where [...]

ABOVE: Patrick tends the bar and provides expert advice at Ottawa’s Montgomery Scotch Lounge. Imagine a casually elegant lounge with comfortable plush chairs, sleek wooden furniture, and a well-stocked bar. Picture yourself sitting back with a glass of single malt Scotch chosen from the nearly [...]

Hallowe’en is an occasion when we all indulge our sweet tooth. It’s not just for kids, either! With stores and bakeries filled to the brim with every sort of sinfully decadent candy and pumpkin-inspired dessert, the temptation is just too much to resist! If you’re handing out treats [...]

Fall cuisine means a return to heartier dishes, with casseroles, stews, roast red meats, and fall vegetables predominating on the menu. With those dishes, we turn to more full-bodied red wines and richer whites. Meanwhile, it’s still barbeque season, too. Fall Favourites to Remember [...]

Fall at Saunders Farm is a whole lot of fun. The popular Fright Fest and Pumpkin Season events offer activities for all ages. An afternoon of exploring the mazes, hay rides, and zip-lining can really work up an appetite! And after being scared by the witches that come out when it gets dark, you might [...]

ABOVE: The welcoming entrance at Hummingbird Chocolate Café in Almonte. (RIGHT) FroCho is a chocolate-lover’s perfect blend of chocolate and ice cream. They say that money can't buy happiness. However, it can definitely buy chocolate, which will put a smile on your face! I recently [...]