A new movement is making waves across the country. Put down the devices, get away from the screens and connect with others. Not by text or FaceTime—we’re talking face-to-face, real-time conversation.
Natalie MacLean, editor of Canada’s largest drinks review site at nataliemaclean.com, joins us to talk about Come Over October. Good afternoon!
Let’s talk about the concept of Come Over October…
We see each other less than we once did.
In 1986, nearly half of us saw a friend on any given day. Today, it’s fewer than one in five of us.
Just like birthdays and holidays, Come Over October is a nudge to get together more often.
Invite someone over, open your door, then open a bottle of wine. Ideally in that order.
We are mammals meant for friction-maxing in real life, and yet we’re suffering from an epidemic of loneliness.
Everything goes better with wine, and conversation is no different.
A bottle can be an invitation; an excuse to get together. As in, I have this fabulous wine from the Niagara that I really want to share with you.
The wine just helps us linger a little longer at the table. Less scrolling; more storytelling.
Some bottles have been bookmarks in my life. That’s because smell is wired to memory like no other sense.
I can still remember every detail from years ago, such as bizarrely what everyone was wearing. The wines aged beautifully. Many of my outfits did not.
This campaign also puts a spotlight on Canadian wine. You brought in some of your favourites that are shareworthy.
Canadians choose our own wine only about 30% of the time. The French drink their own 83% of the time.
The French don’t call that patriotism. They call it dinner.
So we have room to grow, starting on the East Coast.
Benjamin Bridge Nova 7
Nova Scotia
I grew up just outside of Halifax, so this one’s close to my heart. Benjamin Bridge sits in the Gaspereau Valley, where the Bay of Fundy tides shape the growing season.
Gerry McConnell and Dara Gordon founded it in 1999. Their twin daughters, Ashley and Devon, now lead the team.
The first release of Nova 7 in 2007 sold out in a matter of hours. That’s not a launch. That’s a province-wide kitchen party we call a ceilidh.
It’s lightly sparkling and just 6.5% alcohol. Can you imagine this with pan-seared scallops?
Your next wine is from Ontario.
The Organized Crime Winery Cuvée Krystyna Sacred Series Chardonnay
Ontario
The Organized Crime Winery sits on the Beamsville Bench in Niagara. The name comes from a feud in the early 1900s between two local Mennonite congregations over a pipe organ.
One congregation felt the other was being prideful by playing an organ during services. So they stole it and threw it down an embankment. It may be the only heist in history committed for the sake of peace and quiet.
Ania runs the family winery with her husband, Edward. This Chardonnay carries the name of her late mother, Krystyna.
The winery has been named one of Canada’s Top 10 Small Wineries six times at the National Wine Awards.
This wine has gorgeous aromas of baked spiced apple and lemon curd.
It’s a splurge-worthy white for a cozy night in. Can you picture it with lobster and drawn butter?
And to finish out west?
Azhadi Vineyards The Pardis
British Columbia
Mike and Janet Azhadi planted their first vines in Kelowna in 2019. The winery opened its doors this year.
When Mike first tasted this blend from the barrel, he said this wine is paradise. So he named it The Pardis, the Farsi word that gave us the English word paradise.
Pardis also means walled garden. It’s made to be shared with close company – friends and family.
And we should point out, Come Over October doesn’t have to be fancy.
Pull up an empty chair at your table or on your porch. No need to cook or be fussy. Put out some Canadian cheeses to keep you away from the oven as I’ve been advised to do repeatedly.
Try a long table. Invite people who’d never otherwise meet: a neighbour, a coworker, a friend of a friend.
Come Over October is for everyone, whether you drink wine or not. Keep some alcohol-free options on hand too.
Morgan and Brad, consider yourselves invited.
Morgan, you’re on entertainment and the playlist. Brad, you’ve got dessert. I’ll get the wine.
Here’s to open doors, open bottles and open hearts!
Love this, thank you, Natalie.
Posted with permission of TMS2. Please drink responsibly.
