The wine knot is the area at the top of the wine trunk where each season the new shoots that will bear grapes emerge - and normally to where these shoots are pruned back each season - the start of the process of wine-making.

Since this is the first column I am writing for the paper, it is best that I introduce myself and provide some basis validity of the comments that I will make below and in future editions.

My name is Hugh Sutherland and I am now a resident of Mono and Orangeville.

For the past 35 years I have been a wine and spirit import agent and wine writer and educator.

Due to the nature of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) system, I will not be reviewing all releases by the LCBO general list, but will instead try to provide educational information on wines, grapes, regions and specific events of interest.

As for restaurant reviews, these will be based on a personal visit, and reviews will not be solicited or influenced by the restaurant management. These reviews will be based on the dcor/ ambiance, (10 points), staff performance, (20 points) wine list (30 points) and food quality (30 points) and an overall impression (10 points) for a rating out of 100.

Obviously all tastes are not the same, nor will we be able to taste everything on the menu but will try to provide the best opinion that we can based on the experience.

We tend in our market to spend a lot of time criticizing the LCBO, and in some respects with validity, as Government is not famous for being the best marketers.

However, here in Ontario we have one of, if not the finest, service and selection of any jurisdiction in the world, and in actual fact most wines are less expensive here than in their lands of production, due to very large local taxes in Europe and other countries.

However, not all products are good value - with over 15,000 products in the LCBO it is possible to source some of the best and most famous wines in the world, but it is also easy to find low-cost, lowvalue wines.

In the LCBO's infinite wisdom, many of the brands offered by the General list are branded products, that means big volumes to big markets, and to maintain market share these branded products must taste the same, year after year, but nature does not do that. Seasons differ, temperature, rainfall and sunlight all affect the grape, so sadly most of the big name products are chemically altered or structured, and this is where the headaches - and often other health problems - can result. So the advice is this: speak to your LCBO salespersons and ask for smaller estate producers they can recommend, avoid the big names and look for better and new tastes. These agents are well trained and love to help you - Enjoy!

Restaurant review Consulate Room, Royal Ambassador Centre, Caledon East

Maybe a bit out of the way and not easy to find, but well worth the trip. Located on Innis Lake Road just south of Old Church Road, not well signed.

The dcor, ambiance and service are outstanding - fine china, silverware and tablecloths in a elegant room with great views of the lake and sunsets.

The food selection was outstanding and well prepared and presented, with variety and some unique dishes offered. Duck Breast and Pear with Stilton Cheese was great, as were the pasta introductions. Main Courses varied and both we had were great (Rabbit and Chicken). Desserts were outstanding.

The Wine list was good but still needs some tweaking to truly match the rest of the experience - good selection of Italy & France.

Overall rating 88 pts. Food 28/30, Wine 21/30, Service 20/20, Ambiance /Dcor 10/10, Overall 9/10.

An event not to miss is the "International Best Values"Wine tasting a the White Truffle restaurant this Friday the 24th at 6.30. Five courses, and wines for $60.00 you would pay $150.00 for this in Toronto reservations 941-7853.

Your comments and thoughts would be welcomed and we would be happy to do wine instruction or tastings for you - Contact Carriage Trade Wines & Spirits at (519 941 8390).