Organic and Biodynamic Wine with Thomas Bachelder

Introduction Thomas Bachelder is a Canadian winemaking superstar on a mission when it comes to cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. After studying in France and having a successful winemaking career in Canada, Thomas started his own label where not only does he make wine in Ontario, but he also has vineyards in Burgundy and Oregon. The Bachelder project started with the 2009 vintage with the three terroirs series: Three regions; Three wines. As he describes it, the hands, techniques and the palates remain the same, only the terroirs change.   Highlights When did Thomas realize he wanted to make wine? […]

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Blending Humour and Wine in South Africa with Charles Back, Fairview Wine

Introduction Charles Louis Back is the third generation owner of South African wine and cheese producer Fairview, in Paarl in the Western Cape Province. Charles Back studied winemaking at Elsenburg Agricultural College in Stellenbosch. He officially joined his family’s company in 1978 and took over full control in 1995 after the death of his father, Cyril. Today, Charles Back is known as one of the great entrepreneurs and innovators of the wine world – an individual who likes nothing more to swim against the stream. From the start, he has done things differently, introducing Mediterranean grapes such as Viognier, Tempranillo, […]

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Best Summer Wines for Barbecue + Seafood: CTV News

In part two of our regular wine chat, Leanne and I talk about the best wines for summer, whether it’s zesty whites, such as Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc, for seafood; and robust red wines, such as Shiraz, Cabernet and Malbec, for BBQs. All of my wine picks are under $20, including several that scored 90+ points. Stock up now!       Posted with permission of CTV    

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Austrian Wine Pairings for Pasta, Gazpacho and Souvlaki

Sponsored Post by the Wines of Austria The culinary diversity of the Mediterranean kitchen is as popular as ever. And that’s a good reason for the Austrian Wine Marketing Board (AWMB) to deal with the theme Mediterranean Cooking & Austrian Wine. This much loved food goes far beyond pizza and pasta. Also Spanish tapas and gazpacho are experiencing a revival, especially as summer hits. In any case, Mediterranean cooking accompanied by Austrian quality wines – light and fresh, in particular – promises to deliver an array of wonderful culinary experiences. Mediterranean Delectables Paired with Fine Wines In general, dishes such […]

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Recipe: White Fish,
 Potato Gratin, Garlic Braised Baby Spinach, Lemon Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

Crisp cool climate chardonnay and Ontario whitefish is a classic pairing, enhanced by the rich leek and potato gratin. Meet On the Twenty Restaurant’s Chef Romano where he will present more delicious fish dishes at the Fins, Fowl & Flint Luncheon at Cave Spring Cellars on July 21. Tickets on sale at coolchardonnay.org. Serves 4 4 – 6 oz portions Ontario white fish (skin on optional) 4 pounds Yukon potato (peeled) 1 pound leeks (washed and sliced thin) bottoms only 1 liter cream 2 garlic cloves 2 pounds spinach ½ cup Cave Spring Juice 1 lemon 1 tbs poppy seeds […]

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Crab Cakes, Corn, Fennel Recipe with Inniskillin Chardonnay

Crab Cakes with Corn & Fennel A tasty summer dish where the corn and fennel enhances the natural sweetness of the crab. The richness of the crab and the toasted notes from the panko crust is enhanced with the balanced characteristics of cool climate Chardonnay. Explore the versatility of cool climate chardonnay with your favourite summer foods at the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration July 20-22. Tickets on sale at www.coolchardonnay.org. Serves 4   1 lb Jumbo Lump Crab Meat (or Backfin) 2 Tbsp Mayonnaise 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter ½ cup Fresh Corn Kernels (or frozen) ½ cup Fennel, finely […]

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Live Video Wine Tastings: From Sommeliers to Screwcaps

  You won’t want to miss our live video chat with  ! Join us Sunday, January 21 at 6 pm EST right here (click on this link below): www.nataliemaclean.com/live Click on the “Follow” and “Like” buttons on this Facebook page to get notified when we go live. Click on the arrow above to hear her story about obtaining the prestigious title of Master Sommelier. Watch previous episodes of the Sunday Sipper Club (SSC) and find out who’s coming up next.           Upcoming Video Wine Tastings and Topics     Elyse Lambert, MS January 21     […]

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Salmon Dill Crepe Recipe Paired with Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand

Salmon Dill Crepes Paired with Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc By: Shari Goodman When you need a break from the busyness of the holiday season, it’s nice to catch up over a delicious but deceivingly simple make-ahead brunch. I used to think crepes were too difficult to make home. I thought of them as something special to be ordered when dining out. But I’ve discovered that although the first crepe often ends up in the garbage, a batch of crepes is easy to make and impressive to serve guests. You can make the crepes ahead of time and store them layered […]

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The Ancient Greeks Created the Idea of Pairing Wine and Culture

How lucky that wine and culture pair so well together   Let us introduce you to wines made from the Xinomavro (ksee-NOH-mah-vroh) grape.  These are wine lovers wines, for those who want to debate the great statues of ancient Grecian temples, or perhaps the writings of philosophers like Homer. Yes, it was Homer who famously said, “Sorry Marge.  Some wise guy stuck a cork in the bottle.”  (Same Homer, right?) Regarded by many as Greece’s best red wine, Xinomavro has many similarities to Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo producing a wine that has a nice amount of acidity. If you love wines from Burgundy […]

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7 Unusual Food Pairings for Nobilo Wines from New Zealand

Heather Wall Wine Columnist, Huffington Post Canada A big KIA ORA Welcome was on hand for Dave Edmonds as he rolled through Ottawa for another stellar tasting of Nobilo Wines of New Zealand. More specifically, Marlborough, easily becoming one of the great wine-growing regions of the world – just ask Dave! Clean crisp air, oodles of sunshine, cool ocean breezes and volcanic soils cultivates grapes bursting with juicy crispness and zesty, flinty minerality. Dave came armed with Sauvignon Blancs from both the Nobilo Regional Collection and the Nobilo ICON Collection.  Two Pinot Noirs from the ICON Collection and a 2016 […]

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