As a thirsty Scot, I developed a nose for a bargain early in life. It’s not by chance that the sub-title of my second book, Unquenchable, was “A Tipsy Quest for the World’s Best Bargain Bottles.” That journey has continued on my site and mobile apps as I’m always looking for wines that taste twice as expensive as they cost. Many people have told me that they focus on my Best Value Wine Picks and would like those sent to them. You asked for it: you got it. The wine below was already one of my value picks, but it’s […]
Month: March 2013
Wine + Seafood Pairing Video: Food Network Star Michael Smith
In our second video chat below, Food Network star Michael Smith talks about his take on food and wine pairing, especially with seafood. Michael’s laid-back approach to all things wine and food is part of his success. You’ll note his conversational tone in this video … it’s as though we’re sitting at his kitchen table enjoying a good glass of wine. Find out why Michael is especially keen on wines from B.C.’s Okanagan Valley. What’s your take on pairing food and wine? Which wines pair best with seafood? Which don’t? What’s one of your most memorable wine and […]
Wine & Vegetable Pairing Tips
When it comes to the task of pairing vegetables with wine, an award-winning sommelier and wine writer is up to the challenge. “A lot of us are eating a lot more than meat these days, and even if you haven’t gone completely vegetarian, the move towards more healthy eating means there is a lot more greenery on our plates,” says Natalie MacLean. But she does agree the match between the plate and the glass becomes more challenging when it comes to seeking veggie-friendly wines. Full-bodied red wines should be avoided because they contain tannins, she explains. These are the natural […]
Chef Michael Smith’s Passion for Wine: Video
Michael Smith, one of Canada’s best-known chefs, hosts the Food Network show, Chef Michael’s Kitchen, and is author of six bestselling cookbooks. In the video chat below, he joins me from his home in Prince Edward Island to talk about his passion for food and wine. How did your passion for food and cooking start? What was the first wine you tried? Which wines do you usually drink for pleasure? Why do you buy Canadian wines? Do you have wine with dinner most nights? If you could share a glass of wine with anyone, living or […]
Importing Wine for Pleasure & Profit Seminar
IMPORTING WINE Spirits & Beer FOR PLEASURE & PROFIT Presented by C.S. Trenholme & Associates Saturday June 8, 2013 The Old Mill Inn & Spa – Toronto 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM Learn how to import wines, spirits and beers for your own collection or as a fascinating business opportunity. During this one-day seminar, you will be guided through the process of importing beverage alcohol in a professional, and entertaining manner. This seminar is organized in two parts. The morning session has been prepared especially for those individuals who have little or no knowledge of the wine, spirit and beer […]
Creekside Laura’s White, Tenuta Di Ghizzano Veneroso, Fonseca LBV Port: Best LCBO Wines March 16
Here are my top wine picks from the March 16 Vintages Release. You can also get all 65 of my Best Value Wines and Top Rated Wines for red, white, rose, sparkling and dessert wines that encompass many price points, styles and regions. You can add my wine picks to your shopping list by clicking on the little shopping cart icon. You can also create a custom list just for this release that will be saved in your account. Print a text-only version of the reviews. Here are several of my reviews quoted in the LCBO Vintages Catalogue: Muga […]
Video: Pairing Wine + Fluevog Shoes
Pairing wine with my new @fluevog shoes … not everything has to match ;) Video vine.co/v/bHu9iJvhdHZ — NatalieMacLean (@NatalieMacLean) March 3, 2013 Just for fun … pairing wine with the Canadian shoes I love best: Fluevogs!
Recipe: Homemade Nachos and Cottage Cheese Dip with Chianti
Add some sophistication to your St. Patrick’s Day Celebration St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a Sunday soiree full of good wine and Canadian cheese. When throwing a St.Patty’s Day get-together, I recommend making this fabulous homemade nachos and cottage cheese dip. Made with Canadian Cottage Cheese, guests will swoon over the dip’s soft and creamy texture. Splashes of green chives and cilantro make it perfectly on theme for the occasion. The best part? It only takes about ten minutes to prepare. A great wine to go with the […]
Spring Wine Pairings and Lighter Dishes Video
In this CTV News at Noon chat, we chat about pairing wine with the season as often in the spring and summer, we enjoy lighter wines with seafood and salads. Balthasar Ress Kabinett Hattenheimer Schützenhaus Riesling 2011, Prädikatswein, Rheingau, Germany Love it! Ripe peach and pear edge with lime zest. Medium-bodied and delightful. Pair with just about anything but for starters try seafood, medium curries and spices, Asian dishes. Drink: 2013 – 2019 735241 10% M 750 ml. $17.95 Score: 92/100. Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Spätlese 1999, Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany Sweet with ripe apricot and honeysuckle […]
