Billy's Best Bottles: Billy Munnelly

Billy Munnelly is the champion of good everyday wine.

One of Canada’s most creative wine writers, Billy Munnelly has delivered irreverent, lighthearted and enlightening wine advice for 30 years. Munnelly’s goal has been to remove confusion and intimidation from the wine selection process – taking it back from the snobs.

Before devoting his life to the pursuit of good, affordable wine, the Irish-born bon vivant spent years in the restaurant industry. In 1977 he opened Stratford’s Rundles restaurant with current owner Jim Morris. In 1981 he opened the Rosedale Diner in Toronto. In 1983 Billy switched to drinking full time and 'hasn’t missed a day’s work since'. Munnelly was one of the first to write and publish a wine consumer report. His bi-monthly wine publication, Billy's Best Bottles Wineletter (1983 - 2005) was Canada’s most widely circulated consumer wine report, with subscribers from coast to coast.

In the early 90’s, Billy saw the need for an annual wine buying guide for the wines that are sold across Canada. His wine guidebook, 'Billy's Best Bottles – Wines for 2008' (now in its 18th edition) and has been a Canadian best seller each year since its inception.

Billy has appeared on Canada AM, Christine Cushing Live, Breakfast TV, Hunter's Gathering, The Gardener's Journal and CBC radio. His writing has been showcased in newspapers and publications including The New York Times, Canadian Consumer Report, Wine X and LCBO's Food & Drink magazines. He is a member of the Wine Writer's Circle of Canada and currently writes for newspapers and magazines, including Metro, Toro, Wish and the London Free Press. You can often catch Billy's seminars at wine festivals and wine events, (including Toronto's Gourmet Food & Wine Expo in November and Santé in May).

In addition to writing and publishing, Billy is involved in servicing the wine and hospitality industry via ‘alternative’ wine education and innovative marketing concepts. He and Kato often take their 'show on the road' and conduct their 'Wine my Mood School' in homes and restaurants.

Billy moved from Stratford to Toronto 6 years ago, and now lives close to some of the best downtown bars. He is best reached by email.