The editor of the annual anthology Best Food Writing got in touch yesterday to say that an excerpt from Unquenchable will be published in this year’s edition. The book collects the best food (and occasionally wine) writing of the year from magazines and books, such as Anthony Bourdain (Kitchen Confidential), Ruth Reichl (Gourmet Magazine), Gabrielle Hamilton (Blood, Bones & Butter), Frank Bruni (New York Times), Alan Richman (GQ), Madhur Jaffrey (Indian Cooking), and Colman Andrews (Saveur). It also includes food-related writing from “non-food” writers such as Calvin Trillin (New Yorker), Michael Lewis (Moneyball, Liar’s Poker) and Barbara Kingsolver (Poisonwood Bible). If […]
Wine Writing
Talking Wine with CBC’s John Gushue
On the weekend, we met up with Natalie MacLean, the wine writer; I’ve interviewed her in the past, but not in person. It was great to meet, have a chat and talk about a subject she knows inside out and which I wish I knew a good bit better. On Saturday, we’re publishing my interview (which tees up the Chile and Argentina-focused A Taste of Wine show at the Convention Centre) on cbc.ca/nl … have a look for it. The article includes Natalie’s picks for the top five bargain wines available at the NLC. In the meantime, do check out […]
More Magazine Celebrates Fifth Anniversary with Four Women Leaders
I’ve been an avid reader of More since it first started publishing its classy, smart magazine five years ago. With the fifth anniversary, they did a complete redesign and I was happy to sign on on the wine columnist. On Thursday, I’ll join four women I admire immensely for a panel discussion that’s part of the celebratory activities: Rosey Edeh, ET Canada Host; Lisa LaFlamme, CTV National News Anchor; Suzanne Timmons, The Hudson’s Bay Company Director; and Bev Thompson, Canada AM Host. (I’ll be chatting with Bev earlier that day on her show about wines for Mother’s Day.)
Summer Wines for the Cottage or Beach – Air Miles Magazine
The summer issue of Air Miles’ Inspired Living Magazine has just arrived in Gold Members’ mailboxes loaded with travel ideas, recipes and warm weather wines for its 2 million readers. Close your eyes, feel the sun on your shoulders and take another sip …
How to Host a Wine Tasting – National Magazine Awards Nominee
Just found out that one of my columns in Saltscapes Magazine has been nominated for the National Magazine Awards. The story is how to host an informal wine tasting with friends at home. Needless to say, I enjoyed the research for this one! Congratulations to all the nominees below. Deena Waisberg How Are You Managing? CAmagazine Christine Langlois Honey, I Sunk the Boat Cottage Life Susan Nerberg Hot Spot How-To Cottage Life Kevin Callan, Ryan Stuart Camping 101 Explore Romana King The Ultimate Home Maintenance Guide MoneySense […]
Wine and Food Book Award Nominees – Taste Canada
This news just arrived in my inbox this morning … nice way to start a Friday! Taste Canada hosts the awards ceremony for Canada’s food and wine Oscars every year. I’m delighted that Unquenchable is among such an august list of nominees — congratulations to all the authors!
Wine Quotes: Funny, Philosophical and Philandering
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 […]
Marqués de Murrieta – A Ghost in the Bottle
The longer you spend exploring the subject of fine wine, the more familiar you become with the concept that there are no great wines but only great bottles, and that with every great bottle, comes an even greater story. I have one to share… For my wife Jacquie’s 40th birthday celebration last year, I bought two bottles of the 1970 Marqués de Murrieta, Castillo Ygay, Gran Reserva. The Spanish claim that 1970 was their vintage of the century and those who are fond of this region also recognize that Castillo Ygay is the flagship of Rioja. I have read […]
Welcome to the new site and blog!
After six months of research, development and pinot noir, we’re finally ready with the new site and blog. I hope you find it useful, yet fun. Please let me know what suggestions you have by commenting here or just e-mail me at [email protected]. I raise my glass to you! Natalie
Red, White and Drunk All Over on Mt. Everest
Sometimes, I get the most amazing e-mails … people who’ve been out at sea for months and have read my book, others who decided to changed careers as a result. I’ve always thought of Red, White and Drunk All Over as a light-hearted, diverting read, but these human stories touch me. So I was floored to get the e-mail below a few days ago … From: Hannah Iland Sent: Saturday, March 12, 2011 To: Natalie MacLean Subject: Lukla, Nepal Dear Natalie, I worked at Navarra restaurant for close to two years and had the pleasure of serving you and […]
