Round #3 of those wine-soaked sips of wisdom … you’ll find round 1 and round 2 here if you’re thirsting for more. As you can see above, well-dressed, attractive people in a bar somewhere are enjoying them. Cheers, Natalie In beer there’s strength; In wine there’s wisdom; In water there’s bacteria. You haven’t drunk too much wine if you can still lie on the floor without holding on. ~ Dean Martin Nothing makes the future look so rosy as to contemplate it through a glass of Chambertin. ~ Napoleon Gentlemen, in the little moment that remains to us between the […]
Wine Articles
Ritz-Carlton TOCA Sommelier Lorie O’Sullivan on BBQ wines, restaurant wine lists
In this segment of Tasting Notes, I chat with Lorie O’Sullivan, sommelier at the Ritz-Carlton’s TOCA restaurant in Toronto about wines for barbecued meats and veggies. She also shares tips on choosing great bottles from a restaurant wine list. This interview was originally published in the luxury lifestyle magazine Homefront. Where did you study to become a sommelier? In 2006, I took the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers course at Niagara College. The course was held on Sundays, which was great because at the time I had another full time job in another profession. Two years later, I went to […]
Canoe Restaurant Sommelier Will Predhomme Tips for Tasting Wine
In this interview, I chat with William Predhomme, Senior Sommelier Canoe Restaurant + Bar in Toronto about winter wines and pairings. This interview was originally published in the luxury lifestyle magazine Homefront. What’s the best thing about being a sommelier at Canoe? The variety of wines and spirits that I get to sample on a daily basis. I’m fortunate to taste from the weird to the wonderful and everything in between: this is my job every day. I also love the wine regions I’m invited to visit around the world. What’s the most expensive bottle in your collection at the […]
Royal York Sommelier Jimson Bienenstock Shares His Secrets for Enjoying Wine
In this interview, I chat with Jimson Bienenstock, Head Sommelier, The Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto about pairing wine with cheese and other vinous matters. This interview was originally published in the luxury lifestyle magazine Homefront. What was your first memorable wine? In 1990, I went to Paris to become bilingual in French. My first visit to a winery was to the small, artisanal Château Gobinaud in the Listrac Haut Medoc region of Bordeaux. It actually wasn’t a “château” at all—more like a big old shed. We bought one barrel of wine from Jean “Papi” Gobinaud, who then showed […]
Food Lover’s Guide to Wine – Meet the Authors (also What to Drink with What You Eat)
You can meet Karen Page & Andrew Dornenburg at the Ottawa Book Launch of The Food Lover’s Guide to Wine at Play Food and Wine restaurant. Come help celebrate the exciting release of their latest book with the New York-based, two-time James Beard Award Winning Authors. The Food Lover’s Guide to Wine Named “#1 Wine Book of the Year” as chosen by 195 ‘Best Of’ lists (including The Chicago Tribune, LA Weekly, San Francisco Chronicle and The Wall Street Journal) Monday, April 9, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. / $50 per person, plus HST includes: 1 signed copy of the book […]
Buying Wine at the LCBO that’s Worth the Price – Toronto Star
As do many people, I like drinking wine. But I don’t know how to assess which wines are worth the money and which aren’t. One day, I stumbled upon a book at an Indigo store and bought it right away. I liked the cartoons on the cover and the title, Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World’s Best Bargain Wine. I started following author Natalie MacLean, an Ottawa-based sommelier, on Twitter. I found MacLean as bubbly in person as in her videos. In a phone interview, she told me about her free mobile apps for iPhone, Android and Blackberry devices. […]
Jazz and Wine Matching: Ontario Wine Society Toronto March 22
Thursday, March 22, 2012 6:30pm Reception 6:30 7:15pm Jazz and Wine Matching After a year off, our unique Jazz and Wine Matching event is back by popular demand … this time at Casa Loma in partnership with the Kiwanis Club. The live jazz will be performed by Elise Legrow and friends. The wines for the event have been specially selected for this event and include many award winners. Food to match with the jazz and wine will be provided by the Castle’s caterers – Pegasus. 8 different jazz tunes will be matched with 8 different VQA wine types and 8 […]
Wine and Cheese Pairing Awaken your senses in Reif Estate’s Wine Sensory Garden at Canada Blooms
Reif Estate Winery invites you to explore their Wine Sensory Garden at Canada Blooms March 16 through 25 at the Direct Energy Centre, in Toronto. Contemplate the colours, aromas and flavours used to describe wines in a relaxed garden oasis created by Mori Gardens. It is sure to inspire! Reif Estate will share VQA wines that will pair perfectly with cheese samples presented by Dairy Farmers of Canada. Choose from a Riesling or Cabernet Merlot or try our Trend Wines by Steven and Chris. Great giveaways include garden party charms, recipe cards and special offers to visit the winery this […]
California Wine Fair Tastings in Ottawa and Toronto March 30 and April 2
California Wine Fair – OTTAWA City: Ottawa Date: March 30, 2012 Time: 7:00PM – 9:30PM Place: Westin Ottawa, Confederation Ballroom, 11 Colonel By Drive How to Purchase Tickets: California Wine Institute T: 1.800.558.2675 Ticket Form: www.calwine.ca Ticket Price: $70.00/ticket OR $65.00/ticket from wine club members California Wine Fair – TORONTO City: Toronto Date: April 2, 2012 Time: 7:00PM – 9:30PM Place: Fairmont Royal York, Canadian Room, 100 Front St. W How to Purchase Tickets: California Wine Institute T: 1.800.558.2675 Ticket Form: www.calwine.ca Ticket Price: $70.00/ticket OR $65.00/ticket from wine club members
A boldly irreverent approach expertly crafting a pleasing concoction of seamless storytelling and voluptuous food and wine writing – The Globe and Mail
By Kate Parsons In this ambitious and thoroughly entertaining book, Natalie MacLean chronicles her travels to five continents and eight countries in search of quality wines at good prices. Along the way, she meets the quirky personalities behind the wine and picks up a wealth of practical information about where they’re made, what to pair them with and how to find out more on your own. Like some of the winemakers profiled, MacLean is a master blender, expertly crafting a pleasing concoction of seamless storytelling, voluptuous food and wine writing and easy-to-use punch lists. This book is also part personal […]
