The Friday Files: News & Notes From Canada's Wine Scene

In Western Living, Neal McLennan toasts the Okanagan Crush Pad and the future releases of Haywire, including Sauv Blanc, Canyonview Pinot Noir (aged in concrete eggs) and hints at an upcoming orange wine. See what's available now from Haywire on MWC.

The first heavy snowfall blankets the vineyards in the Okanagan and the photos are gorgeous. See images from Tantalus, Le Vieux Pin, Tinhorn Creek, and La Stella.

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I would argue it's way too early to even be discussing this, BUT the holiday gift suggestions are starting to roll in: In The Vancouver Sun, Anthony Gismondi chooses a dozen bottles worth wrapping up and the CTV offers some wine-related gear (please promise me you won't buy anyone a 'wine aging stick').

How about enrolling your special someone in a wine course instead? The Toronto Star examines a few of the options out there for aspiring oenophiles.

Just had a baby and want to buy him or her a bottle of wine? (To drink, in like, twenty years?) The National Post picks a few wines that have the chops to age.

In The Edmonton Journal, Gurvinder Bhatia finds a pairing at Ampersand 27 for a wine I've been wanting to try: Bartier Bros. 2013 Cerqueira Vineyard Semillon.

I don't envy the sommeliers who will someday have to memorize all the Nordic wine regions. From the NY Daily News: Swedish Chardonnay, anyone? Warmer world means more Nordic wines.

This week we also welcome two great additions to My Wine Canada: from Prince Edward County, Keint-he Winery and Vineyards and from The Niagara Escarpment, Kacaba Vineyards.

Jake Skakun is a writer and sommelier from Vancouver, currently living in Toronto. He can be found most days pulling corks and twisting caps at the Black Hoof. He Tweets and Instagrams @jakeskakun.