About VinoVigilance 

The roots of VinoVigilance were planted in Toronto, in 2009, out of the interest of colleagues that wished to find out about the science behind the art of winemaking (even beer brewing). Furthermore it was a challenge to navigate the seemingly endless and intimidating selection available at their local store. The “Winemaking Uncorked!” and “Brew-science on Tap” seminar series began to flourish, making appearances at local wine clubs, social events and even a Keynote engagement at a Department annual meeting at the University of Toronto.

Since making the move to Ottawa and meeting many new friends, it became apparent that there was a thirst for knowledge of the wines we so enjoy. Even more of a challenge, the selection of fine wine for Ottawa – Gatineau is even more plentiful, with both LCBO and SAQ locations within easy reach.

Now, VinoVigilance has grown into this website with news originating from bi-monthly themed tastings. The evening gatherings make for engaging discussions about wine, appreciation of the craft and its international reach. Most important is the warm company for with wine is meant to be enjoyed.

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About Kevin Donato, PhD

Pleasure to make your acquaintance! My name is Kevin Donato. As you may have guessed, my passion for wine has grown larger than an occasional hobby, it has become a healthy obsession!

Falling in love with wine came in a sort of roundabout way. As a teenager, I often had a small tipple with a meal, but the experience was like a slow dance in school gymnasium – awkward and never followed up with steady dating.

I gathered the guts to approach wine, and winemaking during my undergraduate studies. Suffice it to say, the first date with my backyard Fredonia was a disaster and the goodbye kiss was laden with vinegar. I thought winemaking and I were never meant to be together.

As I progressed through my bachelor and doctoral studies I desired to apply all I had learned to the craft. My curriculum in biochemistry and microbiology along with self-guided training and informative chats with oenologists fueled my ideas for experimentation with different grapes, microbes, and equipment. I continued to learn from my mistakes and began to greatly appreciate the victories. My wine appreciation took yet another broad stroke when I enrolled in courses from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (completing the level 1 to 3 certificates). It was here that I learned about the wine regions of the world, as well as some of the business and service facets of the industry.

My roots don’t end there. I am a member of the Editorial Review Board for WineMaker magazine where I regularly review submissions for scientific accuracy and their writing style so as to translate complex technical knowledge to broad audiences, no matter the readers level of science know-how.

For me (and I hope you will also appreciate), wine represents food, tradition, exploration, hospitality and celebration – part of a lifestyle to be shared with family and friends.

You can also catch even more of my reviews at WineAlign.com