The Victoria Day long weekend is just around the corner. Whether you’re firing up the grill or lounging on a dock, we’ve got drinks to match the mood and the food. Here to help us is Natalie MacLean, editor of Canada’s largest wine review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! I love Victoria Day. We get to celebrate a queen and the official start of patio season. So I’m here for both the crowns and the corks. Let’s start on a refreshing note. What’s a great white wine to serve […]
Wine Picks
Petals & Pinot: What are 5 Wine & Flower Pairings Mom Will Love?
Let’s start by talking about the connection between wine and florals. What is it? We often see floral descriptions of wine and they’re more than poetic fancy or wine geek speak. It’s actually a reflection of the intricate chemistry of grapes and the artistry of winemaking. Grapes, like flowers, are profoundly influenced by their terroir – the unique environment in which they grow. So I’ve brought in five different wines representing very different bouquets today. Today you’ve brought a selection of wines and paired them with flowers that would make beautiful gifts for Mother’s Day this […]
Which Wine Matches Your Mom’s Personality? A Mother’s Day Tasting Guide
Mother’s Day is this Sunday, and what better way to toast these important women than with wines to match their unique personalities? And who better to help us than our favourite drinks expert Natalie MacLean, editor Canada’s largest wine review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you, Dina and Tim! Picking the right wine for your mom is like finding the perfect Mother’s Day card — personal, heartfelt, but not homemade – at least when it comes to wine. If you truly love your mother, please don’t do that! […]
6 Under-the-Radar Trendy Wines You Need to Try Next
Welcome back everybody. We’re all familiar with wines like Chardonnay and Merlot but there are so many lesser-known grapes out there to discover! Here to highlight vineyard vanguards to sip this spring is Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s most popular online food and wine pairing classes. Welcome back, Natalie! Natalie, before we get to the wine, congratulations are in order because you were selected as the 2024 Canada Wine Champion Award! It’s presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, commitment and passion for the advancement of the Canadian wine industry. Today we’re […]
Raise a Glass to Red, White and True North Strong Canadian Wines & Whiskies
American wines and spirits are off liquor store shelves due to the ongoing U.S. tariff disputes. What do you do if you’re missing your favourite California Cabernet or Kentucky Bourbon? Our next guest has you covered. Joining us today is Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s most popular wine review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! I’m excited to share with you some Team Canada picks for red, white and booze! Not only is the quality of these drinks superb, but the industry also injects $20 billion into […]
Uncork Spring Splendour in Your Glass: Rosé All Day!
Is there any happier sign of spring than Rosé in your glass? Here to tell us which ones we should try, is Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s most popular online wine pairing classes at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome back, Natalie. Great to be back with you, Meredith! Okay, on to Rosé! Why is it exploding in popularity? Rosé is packed with flavour and food versatility but not the heavy oak or alcohol of big red wines or even in some whites that have you falling asleep on the sofa at 7 pm. It’s time to lighten up our […]
6 Best Spring Wines for Sipping and Drinking (Video)
Mel As the weather warms up, it’s not just our wardrobes that need a seasonal update, our taste buds crave change too. So cast off those woolly-sweater wines and sip on something light, fresh and new. Here with the wine trends to look out for this spring is Natalie MacLean, who offers Canada’s most popular online wine classes. • Natalie Hello Lainey We’re starting with a trend that I’m really excited about, Pink Prosecco. Why are they so popular right now? Natalie • Take two already trendy wines—rosé and prosecco—and combine them for a mashup of this season’s […]
6 Sensational Wines to Toast National Drink Wine Day
Canada may have been built on beer and whisky, but on National Drink Wine Day, let’s raise a glass to wine. It’s become the drink of choice for many, so we’re going to uncork some fascinating facts about this ancient beverage that dates back more than 8,000 years. Joining us today is Natalie MacLean, editor Canada’s most popular wine review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! Natalie, you’re going to put me to the test today. For each wine we taste, you’ll share a fact or fiction about wine generally. […]
CTV National News Update on the Dry January Trend
On CTV’s National News, we discuss the growing trend called Dry-ish January for those who want to either moderate or eliminate their alcohol consumption. Joining us today is Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s most popular online wine classes at nataliemaclean.com. How big is this trend? Market research shows that 46% of Gen Z participated in Dry January last year, with Millennials and Gen X at about 20%. Even more are choosing “Dry-ish” or “Damp” January with low alcohol wines. A whopping 94% of those who buy alcohol-free wines also buy traditional wines. This category […]
Vines with Values: Wines That Taste Good and Do Good
On The Social, Canada’s largest daytime show, we chat about how we, as consumers can make an impact with our wine purchases. If wine is on your gift list, you can shop with intention since many wineries are prioritizing sustainability and community support. Here to highlight wines that taste good and do good is Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s most popular online wine classes! Welcome back to the show! Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! I think of these wines as drinking with a conscience — we get to feel virtuous and tipsy at the […]
