In October, I traveled to Italy with great excitement to participate in Nino Negri’s 120th Anniversary celebration. As I drove through the historic wine region of Valtellina, I was captivated by its breathtaking beauty and eager to participate in this year’s wine harvest. Valtellina is a serene valley at the foot of the Lombardy Alps, on the Italian-Swiss border. The “vine”, the heart of this difficult mountainous terrain, has found perfect growing conditions here. The vineyards are protected by two high mountain chains, the Retiche Alps and the Orobie Pre-Alps. Exposure to the sun at high altitude, as well as a significant […]
Food & Wine Pairing
What are Vegan and Vegetarian Wines?
Our guest this evening has been involved in his family winery since he was five years old. After working in the wine production cellar, he became a published songwriter. But despite his love for music, he felt called back to the vineyard and in 2008 became Chief Operations Officer in 2008 then CEO in 2012. Recently he has become a director of the Canadian Vintners Association and Vice-Chair of the British Columbia Wine Institute. And he joins me live now from his winery: Welcome to the Sunday Sipper Club Ezra Cripes of Summerhill Pyramid Winery! What was the exact moment […]
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 […]
Why Do You Like the Wines You Do? Video
In their new book, Passion for Wine, our guests answer that tough question: “Why do I like certain wine styles and not others?” They do it through a simple, but brilliant “Spectrum of Style” and powerful infographics to help you understand this and other wine questions. Marnie Old is an award-winning writer and sommelier. Jean-Charles Boisset is the head of his family’s collection of world-respected wineries in both France and California. And they join me live now from the Buena Vista winery in Napa Valley: Welcome to the Sunday Sipper Club Marnie and Jean-Charles! What was the trigger — the […]
Discovering the Jewel Grape of Austrian Wine
By Alex and Priya, A Vine Romance Austria. The first thing that comes to mind when most people hear this country is The Sound of Music and Julie Andrews singing My Favorite Things! However, this little European country is known for something else that will likely become one of your favourite things, Gruner Veltliner. Read on as Alex sheds light on this versatile grape as well as other wines that are made in Austria. Priya: I don’t even think I knew Austria made wine! Why do you think it’s such a little-known region to non-sommeliers? Alex: For one thing, Austrian […]
What are the Latest Trends in Social Media and Wine (Video)?
You won’t want to miss our live video chat with Julien Miquel, talking about the Latest Trends in Social Media and Wine! Join us Sunday, March 11 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 Julien’s story about becoming an International Wine Expert – Winemaker. Watch previous episodes of the Sunday Sipper Club (SSC) and find out who’s coming up next. Julien Miquel After a 10-year winemaking career […]
Austrian Wine is more than Gruner: Embrace the Unique
By Mymi Myriam Mozart, the Alps, Baroque architecture and Schnitzels are some of the things that spring to mind when thinking of Austria. This alpine country is sadly not often first associated with wine, but when it is, the perception is that it produces mainly sweet wines. That’s quite odd for a country that has been making wine for over four centuries, whose value of recent exports has grown by an impressive € 6 million, amounting to an outstanding sales record of € 145 million (according to the 2014 Austrian Wine Statistics report). Austria ranks at #19 as a wine […]
Video: How do you Pair Wine & Charcuterie?
Our guest this evening is the author of five books that have made the New York Times list of top cookbooks: Fat, Bitter, Bones, Odd Bits and Les Os. She’s also won four James Beard awards. Australian by birth, she left behind a degree in economics and politics to work as a chef, before becoming a writer based in Toronto. … and that’s where she joins me now live from her home: Welcome to the Sunday Sipper Club Jennifer McLagan! P.S. Tune in here for our next Live Video Wine Tasting: www.nataliemaclean.com/live Click on the “Follow” and “Like” […]
Wine + Chocolate Killer Combos: Valentine’s Day Video
In our second video chat above, Master Chocolatier Derrick Tu Tan Pho reveals more of his secrets for pairing wine and chocolate, especially for Valentine’s Day. He’s also designed some lovely chocolate creations, and suggests rosemary-infused chocolate with habanero sea salt as an aprodisiac that pairs amazingly well with prosciutto and cheese (and a bear skin rug in front of a blazing fireplace) … What are your tips on pairing solid chocolate with wine? How about chocolate with raspberry or blackberry filling? How about Valentine’s Day? Anything special for the chocolate versus chocolate we enjoy at other times […]
Video: Valentine’s Day Wine and Chocolate Pairings
In the video chat above, Master Chocolatier Derrick Tu Tan Pho shares his tips for pairing wine and chocolate for Valentine’s Day and any other time of the year when you want to indulge. He knows his sweet stuff having won gold at the Culinary Olympics in the categories of sugar, chocolate, wedding cakes and dessert presentation. How did you train for the culinary Olympics? Your secrets to making great chocolate? What is the strangest chocolate sculpture you’ve created? Tell me about some of your specialized tools for making chocolate: induction burners, ganache frames, guitars, robot-coupes, heat guns and […]
