Tasting Pinot Noir, Tips for Writers Wine and Otherwise with Sideways Author

We continue our conversation with the author of the mega-hit wine book and movie Sideways, Rex Pickett, in the video below. Rex shares tips for aspiring writers who want to get published and we taste the famous Hitching Post Pinot Noir from the movie together.     You’ll find part one of our conversion on the Sideways Wine Book and Movie here.         You may also enjoy these video chats: Biodynamic and organic wines: do they taste better? Healthier? We chat with winemaker Ann Sperling, Southbrook Vineyards Social Media & Wine: Part 1 of Vintank’s Paul Mabray […]

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Best Food (and Wine) Writing Story Collection

The editor of the annual anthology Best Food Writing got in touch yesterday to say that an excerpt from Unquenchable will be published in this year’s edition. The book collects the best food (and occasionally wine) writing of the year from magazines and books, such as Anthony Bourdain (Kitchen Confidential), Ruth Reichl (Gourmet Magazine), Gabrielle Hamilton (Blood, Bones & Butter), Frank Bruni (New York Times), Alan Richman (GQ), Madhur Jaffrey (Indian Cooking), and Colman Andrews (Saveur). It also includes food-related writing from “non-food” writers such as Calvin Trillin (New Yorker), Michael Lewis (Moneyball, Liar’s Poker) and Barbara Kingsolver (Poisonwood Bible). If […]

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Sideways Wine Book and Movie: Pinot Noir, Rex Pickett and Yes Merlot

In this exclusive video interview below with Rex Pickett, author of the mega-hit wine book Sideways that was made into an Oscar-award-winning movie, we chat about his journey to publishing the book, how he learned about wine and why he loves pinot noir (not f****** merlot, as his character Miles would shout).   Sideways is more than just a buddy road trip through California wine country with Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church. It touches on themes of love, friendship, career disappointment, loyalty, loss and of course, pinot noir. But before the movie, there was the book. A bestseller, Sideways […]

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Vrede En Lust White Mischief, Valle Andino Syrah, Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon: Best Cellar Wines in LCBO Vintages Release June 23

By Gaby Israel Here’s my best cellar wines list for this release as a shopping list that you can print. Intriguing Wines Under $20 Spain – Rias Baixas – 2010 Nessa Albarino – $15.95 Since I tried this grape about 1-2 years ago, I never miss an opportunity to explore more of the fresh and, in this case, fairly priced Albarino. This is my #1 choice for whites for this release. Try it with anything that comes from the sea. Québec – St-Nicolas Brut Crackling Strong Cider – $16.95 This one is for my lovely wife. She loves Cider and […]

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How are Wine Prices Set? Is Expensive Wine Better? Video Chat: Painted Rock, John Skinner

In this video above, we chat with Painted Rock Winery owner John Skinner about how wine prices are set, if expensive wines taste better than cheaper wines. Also: – can you buy a good wine for under $15? – can big wine producers make good wine? – how much government tax is in the price of each bottle of wine we buy? – what does the B.C. wine industry need to do better? Click on the arrow above to play the video (we’ve since fixed the microphone):   John Skinner   John Skinner had always dreamed of owning a winery, […]

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Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay, Gemma Barolo, Quails’ Gate Rose: Best LCBO Wines Vintages Release June 23

  Here are my top picks from the June 23 Vintages Release. You can also get all 77 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. I’ve also posted my picks for everyday good value wines from the regular list of wines as well as the July 7 Vintages Release. 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 […]

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Free My Grapes Video Interview with Shirley-Ann George

Shirley-Ann George is the President and Founder of the Alliance of Canadian Wine Consumers — a grassroots, non-partisan, volunteer group of wine lovers whose goal is to change the provincial and federal laws so Canadians can purchase and ship wine from Canadian wineries in other provinces. – What prompted you to found this group in 2010? – Last 2 weeks: Bill C-311 has been passed in both the House of Commons and the Senate: tell us what that bill changes – What’s the difference between in-person transportation of wine versus shipping it directly to a consumer? – Is this law […]

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Japanese Grilled Steak Sandwich Recipe with Canadian Havarti & Riesling

According to the calendar, summer officially starts in a week – on June 21. However, I believe that in sun-starved Canada summer starts the moment we see leaves on trees, and that’s why we’ve been enjoying it for more than a month. I suspect that many of you have fired up your barbecues long ago and by now you’ve probably cooked your fair share of burgers and steaks. So I thought you’d appreciate a fun, new idea for a simple and delicious recipe on the barbecue: Japanese-style Steak Sandwich with Canadian Havarti. This steak sandwich recipe features a mouth-watering, exotic […]

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Canadian Wine Deserves More Attention – Occasions Magazine

This interview with columnist Andrew Facey was published in the Newfoundland Liquor Commission magazine Occasions. I interviewed Natalie MacLean, author of the bestselling book: Red, White and Drunk All Over, when she was in St. John’s on tour for her second book: Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World’s Best Bargain Wines. MacLean was named the World’s Best Wine Writer at the World Food Media Awards for the wine picks and pairings she posts on Canada’s largest wine site and mobile smartphone apps at www.nataliemaclean.com. Here are some of the questions I asked and her responses. Andrew: Where is home […]

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