An Ode to Wine

Michael Lutzmann and Greg Rinehart, Opimian Managing Directors

According to Nations Online, "Spain is known for its food, Flamenco music and dance, siesta, bullfights, horses, arts and literature, architecture, a Moorish heritage, its islands, Mediterranean beaches, wines, fruits and vegetables, and football (soccer)." Now doesn't that sound civilized?

As a Member of Opimian, you'll have noticed the word wine in the mix. Further, when you open a bottle of Spanish wine from Opimian, those other cultural elements seem to come along with it. Particularly if you serve it alongside a quintessentially Spanish dish like Paella.

You'll notice several new Spanish partners this year. Bodegas de Alto by Giles Cooke, MW, Vina de Belazar by Mauricio Lorca, and, in this Cellar's Online Bottle Shop, Gomez de Segura. Together with your returning favourites, this is an offering rich in Tempranillo and Garnacha, along with several lesser-known varietals to help you expand your cellar and your palate.

Höpler remains Opimian's flag bearer for Austria. Whether it's Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Blaüfrankisch, or Zweigelt you seek, you can find it here. We were even able to snag a small allotment of a wonderfully unusual blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Welschriesling, Pinot Blanc from Vienna, of all places.

We continue to source new and exciting Canadian wines for you. A first from Nova Scotia, check out the award-winning wines of Lightfoot & Wolfville. The Lightfoot family work "in harmony with nature" to produce delicious sparklings and whites.

As we continue to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Canada's wine club, let's all raise a glass to the fabulous winemakers around the world that bring so much joy into our lives.

Cheers from Michael & Greg