About Michael Pinkus : Grape Guy

In the spring of 2005 Michael changed career paths, moving from voice work and radio personality to become the head writer and all around Grape Guy of OntarioWineReview.com.  Michael’s love for wine was sparked inadvertently while looking for something to do between plays in Niagara-on-the-Lake.  Over the course of some 20+ years, he has turned his passion for wine into a website devoted to the love and enjoyment of Ontario wines – and by extension, and through his many Blogs, wines of the world.

Michael is an award-winning journalist (Promoting the Promoters Award Cuvee 2010 & Ontario Wine Awards Journalist of the Year 2012) and is also a national and international wine judge (Ontario Wine Awards; All Canadian Wine Championships; Best of Riesling - Germany; Essencia do Vinho "Top Wines of Portugal" - Portugal).

Michael maintains a number of blogs including On the Road with the Grape Guy, Taste it Again, Lost & Found and What I'm Drinking Tonight; and tries most every wine that comes into the province of Ontario via the LCBO's Vintages program.  At the 2009 Tasting Challenge held annually in Toronto, Michael placed a very respectable 4th against 250 amateur and professional winos.  He is also the President of the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada.

Michael is the wine columnist for Ottawa Life and Grand magazine as well as regular contributor to Tidings, Grapevine and WineFox ... his reviews have also appeared in the LCBO Vintages magazine.  He has appeared on Rogers Television as well as returning to his radio roots and appeared on Terry David Mulligan’s radio wine show “The Tasting Room” and produced a Weekly Wine Note segment for CHOK in Sarnia.

Michael provides a variety of wine related services that might be of interest to you and/or your company or organization.  He teaches classes (thru Ryerson and the Toronto District School Board), gives lectures, leads seminars, hosts parties for both corporate and private wine tastings, sets up tours, consults, judges, gives interviews, broadcasts, podcasts and, of course, writes.  His public speaking presentations are interactive, exciting and fun.  His columns are thought provoking, heartfelt and always entertaining.

Whatever he does, it is Michael’s desire to educate, inspire and encourage others to grow their own love and enthusiasm for wine – and to realize that it is their palate that ultimately makes the decision.  Join Michael as he visits wineries and events all around Ontario – and attends tasting from around the world.  You’ll soon learn that Michael Pinkus is the Grapest Guy to know.

Michael invites you to contact him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Michael Pinkus is president of the Wine Writers Circle of Canada. (2010 - present)

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