A Message from Tina Jones

TINA’S FAVES

The experience of walking into a restaurant in Cape Town and discovering that the extensive wine list had only “natural” wines. I was completely out of my comfort zone but with some help from the Sommelier had an amazing experience!

Visiting wineries around the globe and seeing the growing appreciation for low-intervention techniques, with large and small wineries paying closer attention to sustainability and organic farming, with gentler, less intrusive winemaking practices. The wine world is better for it!

a message from tina jones

A common question has circulated around the store—and around this issue—about natural wines: “How do you define ‘natural’ wines?” The short answer is that there is no consensus. The long answer is: this issue!

We are devoting this issue to the study of a wine development that is proving to be not a trend, but an evolution. For example, a few short years ago, wine lovers looked suspiciously at cloudy wines as potentially faulted. Now we know why some winemakers choose not to fine or filter that character from their wines, and we know why it matters. A few years ago, we learned about organic grape growing practices and wine production. Now we are learning how low-intervention approaches to wine growing and winemaking are not only creating interesting and vibrant wine styles, they are contributing to a more environmentally sustainable approach to grape growing. Having lifted the lid on these ideas, there is really no going back.

I invite you to open this issue of The Cellar Door with your natural curiosity alive. You will be as interested as I was to read the interview with dynamic Isabelle Legeron, MW, founder of the RAW WINE fairs and champion of the sustainable practices that produce natural and low-intervention wines. Elsewhere in the issue, Andrea Eby explains the origins, styles, and politics that surround natural wines. Mike Muirhead looks at the wine influencers trending in the wine trade; Gary Hewitt gives us a snapshot of the last 80 years in winemaking; and Sylvia Jansen offers us a glimpse into our own noses and palates. We are also excited that the iconic Doug Stephen of WOW! Hospitality joined us to develop a menu of the best pasta and wine pairings to get us through the winter.

Enjoy!

Tina Jones

CONGRATULATIONS CHARLIE SPIRING 2019 IIAC HALL OF FAME

Charlie Spiring, Founder & Chairman Wellington-Altus Private Wealth

Charlie Spiring has worked in finance, investing, and wealth management for 39 years. He was the founder of Wellington West Holdings Inc., which National Bank of Canada purchased in 2011 for $333 million. From 2011 to 2015, Charlie was Vice-Chair on the Executive Committee of National Bank Financial. He also served as Chair of the Board for the Investment Industry Association of Canada (IIAC).

In April of 2017, Charlie founded Wellington-Altus Private Wealth, one of the fastest growing wealth advisory companies in the country with approximately $8 billion of assets under management and 200 employees to date. Charlie is responsible for all strategic direction and oversight of Wellington-Altus Private Wealth.

In addition to his induction into the IIAC Hall of Fame, Charlie was inducted into the Wealth Professional Hall of Fame and named by Wealth Professional Magazine as one of the Top 50 Advisor’s in all of Canada. In May 2019 Charlie received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Wealth Professional Magazine.

Congratulations on being inducted into the IIAC Hall of Fame. This is an extraordinary accomplishment, and we’re incredibly proud of you!

— Mike and Tina Jones

Congratulations Charlie on your well deserved recognition. In the 35 years we have been together your unending, refreshing enthusiasm and optimism in the markets, golf, and life has always been refreshing.

— Oliver and Gennie Plett

Congratulations Charlie!! This award could not be more well deserved. You have been an amazing partner since 2002.

— Mike Pyle and the Team at Exchange Income Corporation

20 plus years and counting, close friendship and trusted professional relationship. I couldn’t ask for anything more. Thank you and congratulations!

— David Filmon QC, Partner MLT Aikins

Charlie, you are not only my mentor and business partner, but a great friend. No one deserves this honour more than you. Congratulations!

— Shaun Hauser, President, WellingtonAltus Private Wealth

We are all proud to be part of your team. We have no doubt, under your leadership, you will again shoot us out of the park.