Stave & Steel Wines Aged in Bourbon and Canadian Whisky Barrels

Steve & Steel Winemaker James Foster was raised on a family farm, the historic Roseland Plantation in Eufaula, Alabama, where they farmed peanuts, hay and cotton.   James FosterWinemaker   Although James grew up in Alabama, his father worked in the California wine industry, and James began to follow in his footsteps.           Stave & Steel Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 California, United States             Great pairings include grilled burgers, ribs, steak and charcuterie.           Curious about the winemaking process and inspired to learn more, he […]

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Label Gazing: How to Read a Wine Label

The hosts of CTV’s The Social and I had lots of fun decoding wine labels to find the secret info you can use to buy better wine. Admit it. You’ve probably bought a wine based on nothing more than a beautiful label.     Presentation is a big thing when it comes to wine. When I’m picking out a bottle, I look for a pretty label and pay attention to the name of the wine but that’s about it. Is the aesthetic of the label usually indicative of the taste? Not at all, however, most people do judge a wine […]

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Wildfires in California Wine Country and Cannabis Wines Video

  Why are winemkers wary of cannabis producers? What exactly is minerality in wine? What’s the latest on the Sonoma wildfires? You can watch previous episodes here.     Peter Neilson · 31:32 Our son just messaged us from San Francisco. They just lifted the evacuation orders from Healdsburg to the coast, so most of the wine areas have been spared. Great news! Tom Dean · 43:49 I say I’m a “one glass at dinner” French-Canadian, but my wife seems to drink my last-half of the glass before I notice. That must be my “moderation” plan. Darryn Varey · 25:39 Both a taste and a mouthfeel to me. If […]

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Video Interview with the Visionary Paul Hobbs, aka The Steve Jobs of Wine

You won’t want to miss our live video chat with Paul Hobbs, Join us Sunday, August 25, 2019 at 6 pm EST right here: www.facebook.com/natdecants/videos/ Click on “Get Reminder” on the page above to know when we go live. You can also click on “Follow” and “Like” buttons to know when we make updates. Listen to his stories and experiences as we taste wines together. Plus you can ask him your own wine related questions. Watch previous episodes of the Sunday Sipper Club (SSC) and to find out who’s coming up next.   Paul Hobbs Farmer. Winemaker. Founder. • Raised […]

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Gift Wines: Tips on How Not to Send the Wrong Message in a Bottle

Leanne and I chat about how to find the right gift wine for everyone on your list on CTV News.     Meanwhile, we’re chatting about the same topic with the Associated Press: Wine Gift-Giving Tips for Novice Vinophiles Trendy, tasty and one-size-fits-all, wine is a versatile holiday gift, whether you’re on your way to a house-warming or looking out for something for the in-laws. But navigating the world of wine can be a trial for the novice vinophile. Enter wine experts, who have a few tips on how not to send the wrong message in a bottle. Recon The […]

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Joel Gott Wines Video: California Roots and Gourmet Burgers

In 1996, our guest this evening  purchased a few tons of Zinfandel and with the help of his then-girlfriend (now wife)—and winemaker at Joseph Phelps—Sarah, produced his first vintage of wine. It received wide praise from critics, which was all the encouragement he needed to produce additional varietals. And he joins me live now from Napa,  Joel Gott, Owner & Winemaker at Joel Gott Wines!. How are the regions of Santa Barbara and Napa Valley different, and what should we look for when buying these wines? Why did this fifth-generation winemaker start a wildly popular gourmet burger restaurant? What are his […]

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Deeply Rooted in California Wine History: Winemaker Gina Gallo (Video)

Our guest this evening is a third-generation winegrower from one of America’s most historic winemaking families. At just 10 years old, she tended the gardens with her father and grandfather, and spent her high school summers working alongside her brothers and sisters at the Gallo Family Vineyards. After studying winemaking at the University of California at Davis, she became an apprentice winemaker under the careful guidance of her grandfather Julio Gallo. And she joins me live now from her home in Napa Valley: Welcome to the Sunday Sipper Club Gina Gallo! Note: YouTube has the audio and video out of […]

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Which #Wine to Pair with Your Ugly Christmas Sweater?

  In our second Day in the Life Photo Essay, we’ve assembled our pictorial interpretation of holiday spirit with the classic Ugly Christmas Sweater. Yes, there’s a wine for that. We’re also sharing these photos on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr and LinkedIn. The hashtag is #WineFashion  and @RobertMondavi. You can see our first photo essay here.   Jane Staples Wine Columnist, Ottawa Wedding Magazine           Jon Steeves Accredited Sommelier & Blogger         Matt Steeves Wine Expert, CTV Morning Live           Sean O’Regan Director, National Capital Sommelier Guild   […]

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Video: Winemaker John Williams, Frog’s Leap on Dry Farming (and Humour)

  Our guest this evening is John Williams, Winemaker at Frog’s Leap Winery … join me live now from… Click on the arrow above to watch the video. P.S. Join us Sunday November 26, at 6 pm eastern with Mike Veseth, an author and authority on global wine economics. www.nataliemaclean.com/live Want to know when we go live Monday with Mike Veseth? Click on the Follow and Like buttons on this page to get notified when we go live. We’ll be simultaneously broadcasting on Facebook Live, YouTube Live Stream and Twitter Live Video via Periscope. Watch previous episodes of the Sunday […]

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Mark Oldman: The Wine World’s Greatest Showman Video

What a terrific chat with Mark Oldman author of How to Drink Like a Billionaire! Click on the arrow above to watch the video. Listen to Mark’s stories about adventures in the wine world. Discover more juicy tips that will make you wine smart. Cheers, Natalie   P.S. Join us next Sunday, August 6, at 6 pm eastern right here with Ann Sperling, Winemaker Southbrook Vineyards: www.nataliemaclean.com/live Want to know when we go live next Sunday with Ann Sperling? Click on the Follow and Like buttons on this page to get notified when we go live. We’ll be simultaneously broadcasting […]

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