Introduction How does your perspective change when you start looking at life one vintage at a time, divided into seasons? What does it look like when wine is so deeply connected to a region that it shapes work, landscape, community, and what a culture values most? Why is Languedoc becoming a popular choice for organic, biodynamic, and natural winemaking? What makes a “bon moment” and why is it worth taking seriously? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Steve Hoffman, who has written an award-winning memoir called A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other […]
Taste Wine
What’s It Like Moving Your Family Thousands of Miles to Live in the Wine Region of Languedoc, France? Steve Hoffman Shares Stories
Introduction How can you create a life you don’t need a vacation from? What can we learn from the French about slowing down, savoring meals, and making conversation the heart of gatherings? What’s it like living in the “other southern France”? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Steve Hoffman, who has written an award-winning memoir called A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other Southern France. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of Steve Hoffman’s terrific new book, A Season for […]
Does Mozart or Metallica make wine taste better?
Introduction How does music, even types you dislike, make wine more enjoyable? Can curated playlists in tasting rooms and wine bars influence how customers drink, eat, and experience wine? What happens when you stop overthinking wine and music and just enjoy? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Susan Lin, a Master of Wine and a Master of Fine Arts in Classical Piano and Musicology. You can find the wines we discussed here. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern […]
Is your BBQ missing the secret sauce? It’s these wines …
If you’re firing up the BBQ, you may be wondering which wines to pair with your grilled fare. So who better to lead us through some terrific BBQ bottles than our favourite drinks expert Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s largest wine review site at nataliemaclean.com. Hi Natalie! Hi, great to be back with you! Actually, I never really left—I just went to refill my glass. So we’re going to kick things off with a fun little game. I’ll tell you about the wine and then you tell me which grilled grub pairs best with it. Sounds […]
How Can Music Change the Taste of Your Wine? Susan Lin, MW, Shares Stories and Tips
Introduction Why might a symphony night pair just as well with your wine as a heavy metal ballad? What is “sonic seasoning” and how can music impact the way we experience the taste of wine? How are sensory experiences like music, taste, and atmosphere all connected? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Susan Lin, a Master of Wine and a Master of Fine Arts in Classical Piano and Musicology. You can find the wines we discussed here. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on […]
Which wines and cocktails are perfect for summer sipping?
As the temperature soars, you may be looking for some refreshing summer drinks. Here to help is Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s largest wine review site at nataliemaclean.com. Hi Natalie! Hi Melissa, great to be back with you! Let’s start with the first wine here. Great! What do you have? Folonari Prosecco Veneto, Italy We’re starting with Folonari Prosecco, a crisp, lightly sparkling Italian white with aromas of green apple, white peach, and a touch of lemon sunshine. This is like summer in a glass, pairing beautifully with […]
What Turns A Wine Country Visit Into An Incredibly Memorable Experience? with Amy Wislocki, editor-in-chief of Decanter
Introduction What turns a wine country visit into an incredibly memorable experience? What are the hidden perks of off-peak wine travel? How has digital media transformed the way people plan wine travel? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Amy Wislocki, editor-in-chief of Decanter, the world’s most prestigious wine magazine. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Decanter Magazine’s terrific new book, The Ultimate Wine Lover’s Travel Guide. How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me at [email protected] and […]
Celebrate Summer’s Bounty: Pairing Wine with Farmers’ Market Finds
As we dive into summer entertaining, the farmers’ markets are overflowing with fresh fruit and vegetables, and you may be looking for some wines to pair with these local treasures. Our next guest has you covered! Joining us today is Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s largest wine review site at nataliemaclean.com. Hi Natalie! Great to be back with you, Crystal! We’re diving into a farm-to-glass adventure and focusing on Nova Scotia and Italian wines as both are known for their zesty, garden-friendly styles. Sounds delicious and timely! Let’s start with your first wine. […]
The Ultimate Travel Guide for Wine Lovers with Decanter Magazine’s Editor Amy Wislocki
Introduction Why does wine taste different when you’ve stood in the vineyard it came from? What’s one myth about wine travel that Amy dispels? With Gen Z drinking less wine, how does a 50-year-old wine magazine stay relevant without alienating longtime readers? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Amy Wislocki, editor-in-chief of Decanter, the world’s most prestigious wine magazine. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of her terrific book, The Ultimate Wine Lover’s Travel Guide. How to Win To qualify, all […]
Spritz Up Your Summer with These 3 Cocktails
With the heat rising, nothing beats a refreshing spritz to cool down and impress your guests. And who better to help us than our favorite drinks expert Natalie MacLean. Welcome, Natalie! Tim, I’m bubbling with excitement because these summer spritz cocktails! What makes a spritz cocktail so perfect for summer entertaining? A spritz is summer’s best friend because it’s light and refreshing. The beauty is in its simplicity — usually just three or four ingredients: something sparkling, something sweet or bitter, and a splash of soda water. The spritz is the little black dress of cocktails: effortless, […]
